The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1914-04-02

was a son of William A. and Martha "A.
(Deloach) Kelly, who were born, respec-
lively, in South Carolina and Georgia,
during 1916 and 1921. They removed dur
ing 1843 from Alabama to Union Parish,
later to what is now Webster Parish, and
during 1856 to the townof Bellevue, where
the subject of this short tribute was reared.
During 1868, while still in his teens, he was
left fatherless, and with many of the bur-
dens of the household to bear. By virtue
of this fact he received but meagre edu-
cuation, and early in life found it necessary
to engage in such pursuits as would give
support to himself and those near and dear
who were partially dependent upon his
labors. For time he adopted sundry
callings. For three or four years following
his sixteenth birthday anniversary he
worked at the case in the Banner office,
after which he clerked and kept books for
eral store and during 1870 and again dur
ing 1886 held the position of Deputy Clerk
of the District Court and during 1894
was Deputy Tax Collector. During 1880 he
engaged in the mercantile business for
himself at Bellevue, which venture he sue
cessfuly conducted for some years. Prior
to that time, during 1872, he was publisher
and manager for the proprietor of this pa
per of the Citizen, established at Coushatta
for the purpose of abetting the fight then
being waged against the carpet baggers
from the North and their negro henchmen.
The Citizen is still published in that town,
and its part and that of it's youthful pub
Usher and manager in the stand for the
right during the dark days of Reconstruct
ton will no doubt be called to mind by a
number who see this in print.
1t will be seen from the above paragraph
that the service of the deceased in public
capacity dates back for many years. Be-
fore he was twenty years of age he entered
the Office of the Clerk of Court as deputy
During 1879 he was elerted Parish Treas
urer, which position he held until 1890,
when be resigned it because of having been
appointed Clerk of Court during 1885,
This position he held until the time of his
death, having six successive times run for
it before the people and received the NOM
ination.
Mr.. Kelly's long incumbency in office
reflects his competency, his steadfastness,
his honesty of purpose, and last, but not
least, his popularity with the masses He
labored hard and with fixed ambition
to achieve success, to we'll and honorably
serve his constituency, and to beautifully
provide for those within his home, where
he was ever devoted and cherished hus-
band and loving, indulgent and protect
ing father. This much cannot always be
said of one taken at random. It is only
the man of worth in whom such traits pre-
dominate and whose character is shaped by
ennobling deeds and desires of heart.
Also, aside from his devotion to his fam
lily circle, he was true to friends, delighting
in their pleasures, abiding strictly by their
wishes, and was ever fearless and uncom-
promising in their support in hours of need.
Trustworthy and often trusted by friends,
he never betrayed their trust. He was
truly of that type of men whose unflinch-
ing endeavor and persistent effort during
''days that tried mems souls" won back
to our proud Southland its never dormant
but once beset spirit of honor, freedom and
glory.
January 10, 1878, he was united in
marriage at Bellevue to Miss Eudocia Fort.
daughter of Judge Benjamin F. Fort and
Virginia (key) Fort, natives of Georgia.
This union has resulted in seven children.
His widow and four children, two sisters
Mrs. Mary Head and Mrs, N. A. Hill
and number of other relatives survive
him. TO these is extended the coincidence
OF the writer and many other lifelong
friends.
The remains were laid to rest Sunday
with Masonic honors.in Greenwood Gene
terry, Shreveport, the last sad rites being
witnessed and participated in by many
relatives and friends from both Bossier and
Caddo Parishes. ADS.