The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-12-20
was not as great as it would have been

was not as great as it would have been
otherwise.
As soon as the news of his death was re-
ceived here the clearinghouse of Donohoe,
Kelly 81 Co. (now incorporated), of which
hs was ono of the founders, placed crepe
upon the doors.
In business sense. Mr.. Kelly was a
specimen of the self-made man. Like
Alexander T. Stewart and many others
who came 10 American shores compare
lively poor and friendless, he. by untiring
energy and natural ability, rose first to
prominence as a business man of stand
ing, aud then became a prominent figure
in the financial world as a banker of uu-
usual shrewdness and capacity. AS such
he rose above the ordinary reverses of
fortune which come to all men of large
business affairs, and by his indomitable
energy, combined with his native force of
character, not only held his own. but ele-
waited himself to the position of distinction
and wealth which he occupied when
stricken by death at the ripe age of 81
years.
Mr.. Kelly was born In Frellick, County
Tyrone, Ireland. and was only 20 years
old when he came to America. His first
ventures in life were In the East, and then
he began to move westward, bued with
that instructive spirit of enterprise which
marked his endeavors through life BE
was at various times engaged in business
in Louisville, KY, and ST. Louis. When
the gold excitement broke out in Califor-
MIA and the news spread far and wide, Mr..
Kelly was one of the first to wend his way
westward. 1t was early in the fifties
when be arrived here, and with what capt.
tai he then possessed he started the dry
goods house of Eugene Kelly 81 Co, Their
place Of business was on the northwest
corner of Clay and Montgomery streets.
He remained here looking after his bust
ness interests until about 1857, when he
went to New York to reside, although he
retained his interest in the mercantile
house which he had founded for several
years afterward. Just about the time the
Civil War broke out in 1861 William c.
Ralston aud Joseph Donohoe founded the
banking house of Donohoe. Ralston & Co.
in this city, and arrangements were made
whereby Mr.. Kelly became the New York
partner. The Eastern branch of the firm
was known as Eugene Kelly g. Co.
Three years later Mr.. Ralston withdrew
from the firm and connected hims elf with
the Bank of California. The San Fran
cisco banking firm then organized under
the name of Donohoe, Kelly & Co., with
Messrs. Donohoe and Kelly as partners.
1t continued in business under this name
until 1891, when 1t was incorporated under
the name Of the Donohoe-Kelly Banking
Company. Mr.. Kelly's interest in the
bank was represented by shares of the
stock which he held. His business inter-
ests were not confined to the bank. how
ever. He had many business interests in
New York which he looked after with
that particular aitent ton which was one
of his distinguishing features.
Like many other shrewd men of affairs
who had capital at their command in the
early days when this city was in its in
fancy, as it were. Mr.. Kelly invested in
real estate. and his ventures proved to be
very profitable ones, and with the growth
of the city and increase in values they
formed a considerable part of the large
fortune which he left.
AS man Mr.. Kelly was held in the
highest esteem by all who knew him. He
was the soul of honor and probity in all
his business relations, and 10 private life
he was noted for his admirable qualities
and fine traits Of character. He was de-