The National tribune., 1891-07-23
CEN. KELLEY DEAD.



Gen Benjamin Franklin Kelley, who raised
the FIRST regiment Of loyal troops south Of Ma
son and DiX0us line during the war Of the re-
bcilinn, died az his home, near Oakland, Nd,
on Thursday evening, July rs.
Gen. Kelley was born ina New HAMPSHIRE in
1907, and when l9 years Of age settled in
Wheeling, w Va. whore he lived until the
breaking out Of the war. lie became promi-
nent in the affairs Of the State and did much
to save West Virginia TO the Union. Having
had some military experience as the COM
mander OF local military organization, when
the FIRST call Ion troops was made he immedi-
ately recruited the LIST Va. Of which regiment
he was commissioned Colonel May % 1861
Two days later be left with his regiment for
Grafton, which town was then in possession Of
the rebels, under Col. POrterGold who. on the
approach Of Col. Kelley and his command, re-
treated TO Philippi At Philippi early on the
morning Of June Col. Kelley attacked Porter
fields forces aud after q short engagement
won the FIRST battle Of the war.
During the fight Col. Kelley received a
severe wound in the breast. which at the time
was thought 20 be mortal. That same day Gen.
Mcclellan telegraphcd Gen. Morris from Gin
cinuati. o.;
81 Say to Col Kelley That cannot yet believe
I il possible that one who has opened his career
80 brilliantly can be mOrtaiy wounded Ia
. the name of the country thank him for his
conduct, which has been the most brilliant
I episode Of The war ihus far"
Ills wound, however, proved less severe than
was feared, and az the end Of CD days De was
able 10 assume command Of the Railroad Di-
vision, 10 which be WIS assigned by Gen Nc
/ Ccllan, having been appointed a Brigadier-
General during his couyalescence, by President
Lincoln.
He fought the battle OF Romncy Oct %. and
was again compiimenied by President Lincoln
aud Gen. Scott Tor gallant conduct. Gen. Kcl-
I icy served with distinction during the remain
iug years Of The war, and ia recognition Of bis
/ gallant services 20 Cumberland aud New Creek
he was brcycttcd Major General.
il Is said Of him that from the beginning "a
the end Of tho war, in all the battles he fought
be was never once defeated. After hostilities
ceased be served for a term as Collector Of In
terna Revenue Of West Virginia, aud later wa
appointed by President Hayes Superintendent
Of the Hot Springs 10 Arkansas. He was AZ
hun0red aud respected citizen. aud was beloved
by the soldiers be commanded 80 long aud well
The body Of the General was brought from
his residence, Swan Meadows" on Saturda'
20 Oakland, Nd, by delegation OF Crook Post
% Of Oakland, and placed in St. Matthew
Episcopal Church, aud the dead Generals fac
was viewed by thousands Of friends. lie wa
drc- ed in q full Maior-Gcneral's uniform
/ Funeral services were held Sunday morning
after which The remains were taken TO a specia
train aud brought 10 Washington, committe
OF Grand Army men from the Department 0
the Potomac acting as an escort.
The train was met 40 the Baltimore q Obi
Depot by escort Of the Sons OF Veteran
and tie Old Guard. IL was tho intention d
have the body lie ia state at GAR. Han, bu
tho lateness Of The arrival If tho train, wh!cl
had been delayed, rendered this impossibl,
The procession was joined 10y the "a aud a.
; battali0us Of the District Militia, under con
! maud Of Licrt-Co Urcli, aud the cortcg,
! proceeded 20 Arlington. The GAL r. Posts al
largest seen in Washington Tor many month
Aqucduct Bridge.
The services al The grave, conducted by X
Carson Post, were necessarily brief owing I
the lateuCss OF the hour. but were very iu
. pressiye. firing party was detailed from th
! old Guard. aud taps were sounded by buglc
+ The site Oi the last resting place Of the "Ol
Hero 81 Philippi' is near the grave OF Gel
, Sheridan.
D COMMANDER Graham, IT, s. Navy, command
4 ing the moAiJor feet which is anchored in III
James River a few miles below Richmond, Va
is dissatisfied with their loo lion, and has askc
. permission 10 remove them 10 some other plae
E The monitors were sent up the river iui
i fresh water, which ii not SO injurious TO thcI
) as is salt water. Commander Graham complain
that the people OF Richmond are using N
vessels for show, thousands coming down froi
the city 20 visit them merely 20 crafty cur
{ Osty, and that They Oyerrun the vessels au
make life aboard them uucndurable.