From: KyArchives [Archives@genrecords.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2005 7:50 AM
To: Ky-Footsteps
Subject: Kelly.William.Unknown-Co.Bourbon.BIOS


William Kelly unknown - unknown
Bourbon County KyArchives Biography

Author: History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, ed. by William Henry Perrin

WILLIAM KELLY, merchant and banker, was a leading citizen of Paris in the early 
years of the town. He was born at High Park Lodge, County Galway, Ireland; and 
when about sixteen years of age, lost an eye from the kick of a colt. Being of 
a very sensitive nature, his mortification at this disfigurement made him 
resolve to leave home, and he ran away and came to America; first stopping in 
the West Indies, and finally landing on the quay in Philadelphia with only a 
few shillings in his pocket. Mr. Kelly, a prominent merchant of that city, 
attracted by his appearance, questioned him, took him to his home and wrote to 
his parents.  The lad refusing ever to return home, Mr. Kelly was requested to 
take charge of him, and money was sent for his expenses. He entered upon a 
mercantile career, and soon after the town of Paris was established, about 1791 
or '92, he came to Kentucky and settled there as a merchant. He made numerous 
trips to Philadelphia for goods, bringing them over the Alleghenies on pack- mules, and from the Ohio to Limestone, now Maysville, on flat boats, about six months being required for the whole journey. He was first associated with the firm of Owings, Langhorne & Co., and afterward formed a partnership with Hugh Brent. The firm of Kelly & Brent was, up to the time of his death, one of the most considerable mercantile establishments in that part of the State, and did the first banking business in Paris. After some years residence in Paris, he married Anna Maria Webb, born Smith, widow of Dr. Edward Webb; there were born to them three children, Thomas, William and Helen; Helen died in childhood, William in 1839, and Thomas in 1862. Mr. Kelly took an active interest in the public affairs of the town; he was a member of the first board of Trustees, organized the first Friday in March 1797; was one of the first Trustees of the Bourbon Academy, established by special act of the legislature, Dec. 22, 1798; a member of the first board of Directors of the Public Library in 1808, and a member of the first Fire Company which was organized in 1810. He was the owner of the first brick house erected in Paris, and died in 1813, in the 50th year of his age, in the house now occupied by the Citizens' Bank, which belonged to him. He was an acute and enterprising business man, and left what was a large fortune for those days. His widow subsequently married Hugh Brent, his partner. Mr. Kelly was of medium height, of very dignified manner and courteous bearing, and noted for extreme neatness and precision in dress. He was fond of literature, a great reader and an energetic friend of education; he had great force of character, and left a decided impress upon the society and business of the town.  


Submitted by: Sandi Gorin http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00002.html#0000404



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