Jasper County Biographies

Jasper County Biographies

The Kelly Family of Jasper County, Georgia

The following is transcribed by Suzanne Forte (suzanneforte@bellsouth.net) from the book

"The Kellys of Jasper County, Georgia, Descendants of the Revolutionary Soldier Jacob Kelly and wife Susanna Allen"

by Dorothy Kelly MacDowell, 1984

Surnames Contained in this Document:

Aaron, Abrams, Allen, Banks, Barnes, Barron, Baynes, Benton, Blackwell, Boyd, Braswell, Bruton, Cabaniss, Carroll, Coleman, Cornwell, Dearing, Digby, Downs, Dozier, Duke, Ezell, Faver, Fish, Freeman, Goddard, Gray Greene, Greer, Hanner, Hodnett, Hutcheson, Jones, Kelly, Kilpatrick, Kirk, Lancaster, Lester, Little, Malone, Marks, McClendon, McMichael, Perry, Persons, Petrie, Peurifoy, Phillips, Pittard, Redd, Reese, Riggins, Robinson, Shaw, Sikes, Smith, Spears, Talmadge, Thomason, Thompson, Tuggle, Turner, Whitten

JOSEPH KELLY, will dated January 1, 1795, mentions his wife, ELIZABETH and children, Mary, Jemina, William and Jacob. In 1758, Joseph Kelly was in Edgecombe County, N.C. (Abstract of North Carolina Wills, Olds). His executors were Joshua Sikes and Jacob Kelly. Witnesses were Joshua Sikes and Alexander Carroll. Joseph Kelly's will is in Clinton, North Carolina.

Children of Joseph and Elizabeth Kelly:

1. Mary

2. Jemina

3. William

4. Jacob, born Sampson, or Robeson County, N.C., March 4, 1755, died November 11, 1835 in Jasper County, Georgia, married (1) ca. 1775, Susanna(h) Allen, born ca 1756 in North Carolina, who died Aug 1835, Jasper County. He married (2) Jane Hanner. Jacob was a Private in 1779 under Col. Elijah Clarke in the Georgia Troops, Revolutionary war. He moved from Washington County, Georgia to Jasper County, Georgia, and is buried in Jasper County in the Allen Kelly Cemetery (later residence of Eaton Harvey Kelly, in the northwestern part of Jasper County). Graves were marked by E. Harvey Kelly July 22, 1959) Jacob was granted headrights by the Colonial and State Governments in Washington County, Georgia. He was granted 287 1/2 acres May 17, 1784, for Revolutionary War service. He was one of the early settlers of that county. Washington County was created in 1784 from lands ceded in 1773 between the Oconee River and the former temporary line. Parts of the county were later made into Greene, Hancock, Montgomery, Oglethorpe, Tattnall, Baldwin and Emanuel counties. Washington was one of the headright counties. In 1807 Jasper County was Randolph County, in 1812 the name was changed to Jasper. It was formed from Baldwin County.

Children of Jacob and Susanna Allen Kelly:

1. Drewry

2. Allen, born July 22, 1777, Wilkes County, Georgia., died October 16 1858, Jasper County, Georgia, married December 6 1803, Mary (Polly) Riggins (Regan) who was born March 9 1787, Robeson County, North Caroline, died March 1870, Jasper County, Georgia. Some records say she died November 20, 1869 or July 22, 1857 in Wilkes County. (See (2A) below for Allen Kelly issue)

3. William Loid (Loyd, Law).

4. Nancy

5. Syntha. Perhaps the Cynthia Kelly who married Benjamin S. Dearing, December 9 1815 in Randolph County, Georgia (marriage Records, Jasper County, 1808-1820)

6. Jacob, Jr.

7.. Suckey, married a McAlpine

8. Polly

9. Mary who married a Roberts (according to DAR application of Mrs. Orville Abrams)

(2A). ALLEN KELLY, 1777-1858, married December 6 1803, Mary (Polly) Riggins, granddaughter of Ralph Riggins who died 1795 in Robeson County, N.C., and wife, Ann, who died 1796 in Robeson County, and daughter of Richard and Catharine Riggins of Robeson County. Ralph Riggin's will in 1795 mentions Richard and none other children -- Joseph, Samuel, Daniel, Millie, Sarah, Nancy, Martha, Powers and Olive (Abstracts of North Carolina Wills, Olds)

Allen and wife moved and lived in different counties in Georgia. They came to Jasper County in the early 1800's, reared four boys and five girls to be grown and married and all lived at one time in Jasper County.

Children of Allen and Mary Riggins Kelly:

1. Harris, born Washington County, Georgia, November 24, 1804

2. Jarrett Burton, born Clarke County, Georgia, August 16, 1806, died November 21, 1891 in Jasper County., married December 22, 1829, Permelia Scott Banks, September 24, 1810 - December 24, 1889. (See 2B below for issue of Jarrett Burton Kelly)

3. John Riggins, born Clark County, April 18, 1808, died June 6, 1887, married April 19, 1832, Jasper County to Rebecca Ann Whitten Smith, September 20, 180 - June 18 1887, sister of Wyatt Smith. (See below for more on John R. and Rebecca Whitten Smith Kelly)

4. Nancy, born Clark County, October 5, 1810, married a Mr. Boyd and had Julius who married a Marks and Mary M. Boyd who married a Mr. Aaron.

5. Matilda, born Jan 8 1812, Putnam County, Georgia, married (1) Joel A. McClendon and had issue. She married (2) a Mr. Redd and had Beverly, Queen and Mary Jane, who married a Mr. Duke and had Estelle Duke who married Loy P. Goddard, Newton County, Georgia

6. Serena (Sareney) born Jan 5 1814, Jasper County, died 1872, married 1830 Nathan Calvin Fish and had issue.

7. Bethaney (Bethana) born Jasper County, Jan 7 1816, married a Mr. Turner.

8. Beverly Allen, born April 29 1818, Jasper County, died May 3 1884, married Feb 24, 1840 Jasper County, Gilly Anne or Gillian Banks, born April 25 1822, Jasper County, died March 3 1885, Jasper County, daughter of Eaton Banks and second wife, Nancy Boyd. (See below for more information of Beverly Allen Kelly)

9. Polly, born March 14 1820, Jasper County, married a Mr. Smith and had Allen Smith who married a Miss Davis and Emil Smith who married a Mr. Cunnard.

10. Frances Elizabeth, born May 6 1821, Jasper County

11. William M., born March 14, 1823, Jasper County, married Miss Banks.

12. Son, Not named, born Jasper County, May 11, 1825.

2 (B) JARRETT BURTON KELLY, (1806-1891), married Permelia Scott Banks (1810-1889) daughter of Eaton Banks, born ca. 1780, died December 24, 1842 or 1849, who married (1), December 3 1806, Sally Hodnett, who died 1813. Eaton was son of John Banks who died ca. 1831 in Jasper County.

Jarrett Burton Kelly's will in Jasper County, Georgia., "of old age" mentions wife, Permelia, house and 45 acres next to John R. Kelly and Mrs. Emily Kelly's. Also leaves his wife $100 yearly, 2 bedsteads, all of her bed clothing six of the best chairs and two low chairs, one chest, one trunk, looking stand, kettle, safe, cupboard, etc. and my family bible and Hymn book". Eaton H. Kelly and grandsons B. C. Kelly and Thomas S. Malone, Jr., executors. Will dated July 6 1887, recorded December 7, 1891. The will also has a map with it showing the land of J. Burton Kelly. In the 1870 census, Burton J. (sic) Kelly, household #1571-1523, in Fishers 291 District, Monticello, was age 63, farmer, $3000 - $1800, family all born in Georgia. Permelia was age 56, housekeeper. Also mentioned in the household was John C. Kelly, age 26, overseer.

Children of Jarrett Burton and Permelia Scott Banks Kelly

1. John R., born 1830

2. Sarah Ann, born April 4, 1831, married March 7, 1850, in Jasper County, Thomas S. Malone, 1830-1896, Jasper County.

3. Eaton Harris, born November 14, 1832, died December 29, 1900, when he was killed by Lee Tuggle, married January 13, 1859, Margaret Jane Greer (8-20-1840 - 9/18/1883) He was buried B. G. Malone place. Marriage Record, Jasper County, License gives Eaton H. Kelly to Margaret Jane Grier, January 11, 1859, near Hillsboro, Georgia. They were married by J. Gilstrap, JIC. Newspaper announcement of wedding gives, Mr. Eaton H. Kelly married Miss Margaret Jane Greer. All of Jasper County. (See below for more information on Eaton Harris Kelly)

4. Seaborn Clark, 12/10/1836 - 2/7/1872, married January 15, 1855, Jasper County, Emily Digby, 1835-1925, both buried Buford Malone Cemetery. He was killed at the same time as his brother John C. Kelly by Clinton Digby. (See below for more information on Seaborn Clark Kelly)

5. John Caffee, 6/31/1844 - 2/7/1872, married (1) Miss McMichael and married (2), June 8, 1871, Mattie Lou Malone. They had a son John R. Kelly, born after John C. was killed who died young. Mattie Lou married (2) Allen McGee Malone and had 6 children.

6. Permelia Indiana Scott, born June 30, 1849, married 1865, Dr. George Richard Dozier.

JOHN R. KELLY married REBECCA ANN WHITTEN SMITH in 1831. His will dated June 16 1878, recorded June 4, 1887, mentions his wife, Rebecca, to whom he gives 525 acres of land and the homeplace, household and kitchen furniture, mare mule, horse, buggy, harness. His son Lucius is to live with his mother. His daughter Harriet Banks "account for a negro girl received at $300, $100 received in place of a horse, one bedstead, furniture, cow and calf and all else. To daughter Mary Persons the same as Harriet - $500 aggregate. To son Irbin H., who is married, $320. To daughter Robertine Malone, $875, aggregate. To daughter Elmira Fish, $200. Son Lucius is to get money, shotgun, gin and house, press and everything that belongs to the gin house. The will also mentions children of Irbin H. Kelly and sons in law, William P. Persons, William F. Malone and Nathan C. Fish.

Children of John R. and Rebecca Ann Whitten Smith Kelly:

1. Irbin Herschel, Sept 9, 1852 - Jan 14, 1941, married Anna Robinson, sister to Mellie Julia Robinson, born 1899, who married John Thomas Allen Kelly. His father's will mentions children of Irbin but not by name. Both buried Prospect Methodist Church Cemetery. Eugene Wesley Kelly of Monticello and Atlanta is a grandson of this family.

2. Lucius Smith (Ludy), born November 4, 1857, married December 16, 1879, Mary Lou Phillips. (See below for more information on Lucius and Mary Lou Phillips Kelly)

3. Harriet Elizabeth, April 4, 1833 - June 28, 1907, married April 1 1855, Henry Dunstan Banks.

4. Mary Ann, born March 25, 1835, married William Pinkney (Pink) Persons.

5. Elmira Frances, born November 16, 1839, married Nathan Calvin Fish, her first cousins.

6. Robatine, November 30, 1849 - Sept 7 1913, married William Franklin Malone of Monticello, Ga.

7. John A, August 11, 1837 - November 27 1840.

8. Wyatt R., Feb 22, 1842 - June 11, 1843

9. Jarrett Burton, June 15, 1844 - July 4 1862, wounded in Battle of Gaines Mill, June 27, 1862, in the head.

10. William Alexander, August 12, 1847 - July 28 1856

11. Nathan Prophitt, June 22 1855 - June 8, 1857

BEVERLY ALLEN KELLY, 1818-1884, married 1840, GILLIAN BANKS. Both buried First Methodist Church yard, Monticello, Ga.

Children of Beverly Allen and Gillian Banks Kelly:

1. William Allen, November 18, 1844 - July 22, 1892, married Lizzie Dozier, (Feb 17 1848 - Nov 28, 1888) Buried Methodist Churchyard near P. P. Kelly, J. H. Kelly, etc. They lived in Social Circle, Georgia.

2. John Henry, born November 20, 1846, Jasper County, married (1) November 30, 1869, Louise Cordelia Benton, born November 21, 1847, Jasper County, who died in Monticello, July 21, 1886; married (2) Feb 1, 1887, Sallie Haddie Barron, born May 10 1862, Jones County, Georgia, died March 4 1902 in Monticello of pneumonia; married (3) Sara Kilpatrick born July 9 1868, Godfrey, Georgia in Covington, Georgia in 1907, who died March 19 1909 in Monticello. John Henry died in Monticello, April 6 1912. (See below for more information on John Henry and Louise Cordelia Benton Kelly)

3. Pleasant P., died October 3, 1893, married Kate Peurifoy. (See below for more information on Pleasant and Kate Peurifoy Kelly)

4. Serena Clementine, married Jan 25 1872, James N. L. Shaw.

EATON HARRIS KELLY, married MARGARET JANE GREER.

Children of Eaton Harris and Margaret Jane Greer Kelly:

1. John Burton, Feb 17, 1859 - December 24, 1880, killed by Digby Kelly, unmarried.

2. Crofford Harrison, born October 11, 1861, died July 15, 1936, married Anna Fletcher Thompson (Oct 11, 1867 - Dec 25-1952) Shady Dale, Georgia. Both buried Westview Cemetery, Monticello Ga.

3. Margaret Permelia, buried Westview, married Herbert Talmadge (Apr 9 1861 - Feb 23 1913)

4. John Thomas Allen (Johnny Pat) Jan 27 1867 - March 31, 1931, married Dec 22 1889, Mellie Julia Robinson. (See below for more information on John Thomas Allen Kelly)

5. Willie A. E. (Jan 27, 1869 - May 25, 1967) called Aunt Babe, married Percy (Perce) W. Malone, a cousin (Apr 18 1869 - May 19 1936), both buried Westview Cemetery. No children.

6. Eaton S. July 29 1872, died the day he was to have married Bessie Mixon Spears of typhoid fever, November 5, 1893. She later married (1) Eugene Bartlett Malone and (2) Thomas Burton Persons (1869-1952)

7. "Papa's Lady" died in infancy.

8. Welcome Greer (July 14, 1879 - July 3 1928) fell in well and drowned, Jasper County, married Jan 12 1901, Eula Clyde Malone, both buried Westview Cemetery. (See below for more information on Welcome Greer and Eula Clyde Malone Kelly)

SEABORN CLARK KELLY (1836-1872) MARRIED EMILY DIGBY (1835 - 1925) He was Sheriff of Jasper County for many years. Lived in Monticello where he was killed on the streets "trying to keep peace". Emily Digby was daughter of Berry Tolbert Digby and Jane Hutcherson, daughter of Thomas Hutcherson. She and Seaborn are buried old Malone place, Jasper County.

Children of Seaborn Clark and Emily Digby Kelly:

1. Burton Clark, Jan 6 1858 - July 28 1941, buried Monticello, married (1) Jan 9 1879, Annie A. Smith and married (2) Margaret Serena (Ludie) Fish. Annie Smith was born Jan 15 1863, died March 24, 1881. Ludie or Ludy was born May 5 1859 died December 25 1958. Burton C. Kelly's will in Jasper County, dated Nov 21 1938, recorded July 31 1941, mentions wife Ludy, son Grover Kelly and Daughter Daisy Kelly. (See below for more information on Burton Clark Kelly)

2. Eaton Digby (Apr 5 1856 - Feb 21 1939) married Sallie A. Smith (Apr 27 1863 - Mar 19 1929) both buried Westview. They had Felton Kelly who died 1887.

3. Seaborn Jarrett married March 14 1891, Jasper County, Mattie Downs, born Jasper County 1873, died 1957 buried Conyers, Georgia and had Frances Clyde, Apr 1892 - Aug 1903, buried Kelly Cemetery, Buford Malone place.

5. Pernola Lee, Aug 8 1860 - Jan 21 1930 buried Westview, married Davis Clark Thomason.

6. Mollie India (1864 - 1948) married William C. Jones, (Feb 2 1858 - June 7 1920) buried Prospect Methodist Churchyard. She is mentioned in will of Jarrett Burton Kelly.

7. Emma (Tim) Jan 25, 1867 - Jan 3 1942, married Niles Luther Smith, (Oct 24 1859 - Dec 20 1938) brother of Sallie Smith. She is mentioned in will of Jarrett B. Kelly as the child of his deceased son Seaborn C. Kelly, both buried Westview.

8. Isaac Thomas (Oct 10 1862 - July 15 1931) married Mollie (Molly) Blackwell (1866 - Aug 4 1952. He was born Oct 10 1862 died July 15 1931. Both buried Westview. Mollie is called Mary Kate in Isaac T.'s will. His will, dated June 26 1931, was recorded July 24 1931. His sons Hubert Pelts Kelly of Atlanta and W. Hansell Kelly were executors. Both sons are buried in same plot as their parents in Westview. Hubert F. Kelly married Mahalia Gray, no children. William Hansell Kelly married Ethel and lived in Irwin County in 1931.

LUCIUS SMITH KELLY, (Nov 4 1857 - Feb 11, 1941) will in Jasper County dated Sept 26, 1939, married Dec 16 1879, Mary Lou Phillips (Mollie L. Phillips on marriage record in Jasper County) She was born Jan 1 1858, died Oct 31, 1940. She was daughter of John B. M. Phillips and Catherine B. Freeman, daughter of Bailey Freeman ( 1781-1857) and wife Mary (1787-1857)

Children of Lucius Smith and Mary Lou Phillips Kelly:

1. John William Allen, Oct 25, 1880 - Oct 15 1943) married Lizzie Ione Smith (Jan 28, 1882 - Oct 25 1918)

2. Katye Rebecca married Edgar Harvey Reese of Forsyth, Ga

3. Corrie Elmira born 1885 married Orville Abrams. Her DAR #166248.

4. Mary Lois married Dr. James McCurdy Pittard.

5. Lucius Smith born 1894, died in Winchester England of pneumonia. Private in Co. 8, Camp Gordon, Ga.

6. Lizzie Maude born 1887 married Albert Oscar Greene from Alabama

7. Pauline Phillips married Ben Malone

8. Nina Cornelia born 1891 died 1908

9. Henry Grady, born 1889 died 1951

In this will, Lucius S. Kelly left daughters Lizzie Maudie Greene and Mrs. Pauline Malone, 200 acres, the J. W. Kelly farm; Mrs. Kate Reese, 100 acres at Murder Creek; Mrs. Mary Lois Pittard, 100 acres; son Henry Grady, 155 acres. Henry Grady Kelly was executor. Will also mentions his son Allen Kelly and grandson Orville E. Abrams.

JOHN HENRY KELLY married (1) LOUISE CORDELIA BENTON, Nov 30 1869 in Jasper County, sister of Eugene Benton, L. O. Benton and Clara C. Burney. She was born 1847 died 1886. In the 1870 census, household #164, Monticello it lists John H. Kelly, age 23, dry goods merchant, Louise C., age 21. They were in District 295. All children born in Monticello:

Children of John Henry and Louise Cordelia Benton Kelly:

1. Ina Maud, born 1874 married Dr. Charles Barker Petrie.

2. Troy, born 1873 died 1914, never married.

3. Lizzie Cleo July 1, 1879 - Dec 27 1879

4. Elmo Clyde born 1883 died 1961 married Mattie Ola Little, who died 1964 in Monticello.

JOHN HENRY KELLY married second SALLIE HADDIE BARRON. She was born in Jones County, Georgia, daughter of Harrison Cabiness Barron 1835 - 1862 killed in Confederate War, buried near Richmond Virginia. H. C. Barron married Feb 22, 1857, Sarah J. Brown (1838 - 1911). He was the son of Benjamin Barron and Martha Ann Washington Cabaniss, grandson of Samuel Barron and Joanna Braswell and of Harrison Cabaniss and Sarah Kirk.

Children of John Henry and Sallie Haddie Barron Kelly:

1. John Henry, Jr born 1889 married 1921 in Lexington, Georgia to Virginia Smith and died in Atlanta, Georgia 1956 buried Westview. Virginia died Monticello 1979 buried Westview. She was daughter of Joseph Jacques Smith and Martha Wartley Lester.

2. Harrison Barron, born 1890, married Mary Gladys Lee both buried Fletcher, N.C.

3. Haddie Brown, born 1891 married Samuel Parsons Bruton of Ft Myers, Florida and died there in 1918 buried Westview.

4. Martha Cordelia born 1893 died 1959 buried Westview, never married.

5. Mary Laetitia born 1895 married 1918 in Monticello, Emmett Lee Coleman and died in Barnesville, Georgia 1934. buried there.

PLEASANT P. KELLY born May 23 1848 married Feb 3 1876, KATE E PEURIFOY, probably daughter of Jackson B. Peurifoy (1828 - 1903) who married Virginia A. Hutcheson on Dec 18 1851. 1870 census, Monticello Lists Pleasant Kelly age 21 , dry good merchant, boarder, unmarried

Children of Pleasant P. and Kate Peurifoy Kelly:

1. Rollin Hampton born 1879

2. Sallie Annett born 1880

3. Baby Allen born 1884

4. Delia Kate born 1887 married Merri Ezell. They later lived in Macon and had one child.

WELCOME GREER KELLY married EULA MALONE.

Children of Welcome Greer and Eula Malone Kelly:

1. Hattie Jane born 1903 married James Aubry Lancaster son of Oscar Eugene Lancaster born 1862, Putnam County, Georgia who married 1888, Ida Charity Lancaster, born 1870, Chambers County, Alabama.

2. Ethel Lee married Waldo Earl Priest, lived in Florida.

BURTON CLARK KELLY 1858-1941 married first ANNIE A. SMITH (1863-1881) daughter of Alex Smith in 1879 and married second, Margaret Serena Fish (Ludy) 1859-1958 daughter of William Thomas Fish and Wilmoth Greer.

Children of first marriage:

1. Bessie G. Jan 1 1880 - Feb 1 1880

2. Annie born 1881 married Dr. Henry Merrill Faver, lived in Tampa, Florida

Children of second marriage:

1. Linie (Liney) Emma, married Joseph Davis Cornwell.

2. Minnie Lee born June 27 1884 died same day

3. (twin) Lizzie Lee born 1884 died 1974 married Weyman Wesley Perry, son of Edwin F. Perry. Weyman W. Perry was born 1883 and died 1929.

JOHN THOMAS ALLEN KELLY married MELLIE JULIA ROBINSON (1865-1944) niece of Robert A. Shaw whose will in Jasper County, dated May 29 1913 recorded June 16 1918, mentions Mrs. Mellie Kelly as niece and niece Mrs. Mattie Malone. Robert Shaw's sister, Mrs. Mollie Lewis is also mentioned:

Children of John Thomas Allen and Mellie Julia Robinson Kelly

1. Vera Cornelia 1893-1976 married Eugene Marcus Baynes, Jasper County, Sept 6 1884.

2. Roy Robinson (1891-1944) married Althea Pauline Jordan, daughter of William Fleming Jordan born 1866 who married in 1893, Lena Mae Barnes born 1874. Pauline was born 1897 in Jasper County. (DAR #159145)