The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1900-10-08
JOHN M'|MTOSH KELL
Death of Gallant Old Con-
federate Veteran Will
Cause Sorrow

general of the state of Georgia and
among the last survivors of the confed-
crate prvateer 1000" or Alabama. which
did the merchant marine of the United
States great damage during the civil war.
died at his home in Sunnysde. Ga. at
$50 o'clock Friday afternoon. General
Kell had been In declining health for
long time. At the time of his death his
family was gathered around his bedside
and with great sorrow witnessed the
death OF the hero.
Sketch of His Life.
General John Mcintosh Kell is one of
the most striking of the galaxy of illus
trious war figures given by the state of
Georgia to the service of the confederacy
His brilliant career az executive officer
of the confederate battleship Alabama.
commanded by Admiral Semmes. is per-
haps better known to the general public
than the career of any of the famous
survivors now living in Georgia.
General Kell was born I'm Georgia. In
Mcintosh county. on January g. 1923 He
Is of Scotch ancestry. the first OF the
Kells to settle I'm this country being John
Mohr Eell. a noted Scotch chief. who
sailed for the new world In 1885 and Joined
Oglethorpe's settlement on the Georgia
coast the same year. The father of Cen
eral Kell was lawyer of distinction in
south Georgia, the law partner of General
Anthony Wayne. At the age of forty
years General Kills father died. leaving
a family of five children practically de-
pendent on the oldest one of the boys.
John Mcintosh kell began his career In
the navy at the age OF sixteen, when he
secured appointment to Annapolis and
shortly after this was named mid-ship-
man In the United States navy. The call
to arms at the outbreak Of the Mexican
war found n ready response from young
Kell. whose service throughout that
period was characterized by the highest
courage and intelligence. lie was present
when the United States flag was hoisted
over the Notifications at Monterey. cali
and that territory was added to the DO
minion of the union.
John Mcintosh Kelrs promotion to
lieutenancy in the navy came in 1870 and
he retained this rank until January. 1861.
when he abided by the decision of his
state and offered his sword TO the confed-
crate service.
The year following his promotion TO the
rank of lieutenant John Mcintosh ken
was married TO Julia Blanche Monroe, or
Macon. Ga. 1t was during this period OF
his life that young Kel accompanied
Commodore Perry on the famous eXpedi-
ton to Japan when that county was
opened up to commerce and civilization.
Between 1865 and 1851 Lieutenant Kell
remained AT Norfolk and for n time was
on shore duty at Pensacola. Fla.
Career in the Confederacy.
Upon the secession Of Georgia from the
union Lieutenant Kell fastened to tender
III n IN states
and shortly he was assigned to duty on
the converted warship Sumpter. at New
orleans, then commanded by Admiral
Semmes The work of the Sumpter con-
sisted for the most part I'm blockade <'hn2
ming and here 1t was that General Ken
attracted the attention of his superiors.
AS executive officer of the confederate
cruiser Alabama Lieutenant ken became
the fast friend OF Admiral Semmes. who
afterwards declared I'm referring to his
officers that he had never in all his ex-
pcrience seen an executive officer more
fitted FOR his work than was Lieutenant
Keu. After the sinking of the Alabama
Off the coast of France in the fight with
the federal gunboat Kerscarge, John Nc
Intosh Kell was raised to the rank of
commander and placed in charge of the
Richmond Of the James river fleet. On
board this ironc,ad the veteran remained
until the close Of the war when he re-
turned to his home at Sunnyside. in
Spalding county.
IL was during the first ADMINISTRATION
of General Gordon I'm 1856 that General
Ken was appointed TO the office of adju-
tant general of Georgia. He discharged
the duties of this Office personally ana IN
a thorough manner until his health be-
came too feeble for the task
In December. 1897. the legislature pass
ed an act increasing the rank OF adjutant
general from colonel to brigadier gem
eral in honor of General Kell.
He has retained the office nominally.
however up to the present time while
the duties have been performed jointly
by the assistant adjutant general and the
inspector general
In his last message to the general as
semblv Governor Gambler recommended
that I'm view Of the distinguished services
OF General John Mcintosh l<ell that he be
retained up 10 the day of his death as adj
jutant general of the state, receiving the
salary connected with the office.
General Kell has two sons. both of
whom are grown, and eight daughters
General Obear. inspector general. has
charge of the funeral and It is probable
that General Kells remains Will be