Jasper County Biographies
L. S. Kelly, Sr.
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
MAXWELL, GEORGIA
Mr. L. S. Kelly, Sr. and family moved to Maxwell in 1887. Aunt Katy was 5 years
old. He moved from "country" because he was tired of farming. He bought out Mr.
John R. DAVIDSON'S interest in the store "Banks-Davidson" then was known as
Banks-Davidson-Kelly. He then bought out the Davidson and BANKS interest about
--- years later. Later he took in Mr. Wiley J. PHILLIPS as partner -
"Kelly-Phillips".
They had a blacksmith shop, wood shop, and gin. Sam EDWARDS was blacksmith. Mr.
FARTHING was in wood shop. Above 20 or 30 wagons at once were waiting with
cotton. Mr. NOLES was the miller. Mill was located right on creek - two stories
high. Blacksmith shop was separate building across road in front of store.
Woodshop was separate building next to blacksmith shop.
Mr. W. T. PHILLIPS lived in Uncle Grady’s house. After PHILLIPS interest was
bought out, he moved to Mr. FISH’S home, above 3 miles from Maxwell. PHILLIPS
then got in telephone business. First telephone in Jasper county was installed
in Maxwell store. Hooked with Smithton and Calvin and Monticello.
L. S. KELLY’S house located across creek where old chimney now stands. House
burned in 1907, in June, early in morning. Was a 7 room house - 5 bedrooms. Had
a smoke house, cook’s house, chicken house and tool house. Killed 35 hogs every
winter. Fed 3 or 4 gin hands every day. Had nurse in addition to cooks - had 3
or 4 negroes all the time.
Grandpa Kelly smoked a pipe. Always had whiskers.
A Mr. HOARD was clerk in store. Mr. PRESTON clerk after Mr. HOARD. About 1890 a
room was built in left front for Dr. COILE to practice medicine. About 5 years
later Dr. COILE went to Monticello. Dr. Adams came to Maxwell Then. Dr. COILE
delivered L. S. Kelly, Jr., - weight 12#.
Ate birds (partridges) a lot - all they wanted.
School house was built by Grandpa Kelly about half way up the hill towards
Monticello on same side of road. About 75 students. First teacher was a man Dr.
-------. Mr. Jim LAYFIELD was a teacher. Hamp KELLY and Annette KELLY taught
about 1897. Heated by wood stove.
Had church in school house once a month. Sunday school was organized by Mr.
NOLES and had services in wood shop. (Wood shop used to be store). Present store
was built after Grandpa Kelly got there. When new store was finished, dance was
held. Had orchestra - used Grandpa’s piano for the dance. After the dance oyster
stew was served - was at night.
Old bridge was located down stream about 1/8 miles from present bridge.
Coffin sold in store were plain wooden boxes. Linings put in when coffin had to
be used.
Maxwell was post office. Mail delivered by Hill JEFFERS - a negro . Grandpa was
postmaster - post office was in right front corner of store. No one allowed in
post office except Grandpa.
Food - sugar, coffee, salt, and pepper only things had to be bought.
Blew cow horn when notice to men in field was wanted. Bell was mounted as store
at one time.
The above was sent to me by E. Thomas Malone, Jacksonville, Ala. Interviewer not
known to me. (Dorothy Kelly MacDowell)
Compilation Copyright © 2004 by Suzanne Forte
All Rights Reserved