OHIO STATEWIDE FILES - And Then They Went West (published 1897) [Part 13]
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by
Darlene E. Kelley
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May 2, 1999
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Historical Collections of Ohio                    
The Kelley Family Book
compiled by Hermon Alfred Kelley  1897    
And Then They Went West by D. Kelley  1998     (Part 13)
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Datus Kelley--"Islander"

Datus Kelley was a
patriarch in the community, upon which he and his descendants have
exercised a lasting influence.  The development of the material
resources of the Island, by clearing its surface of cedar forests, by
the introduction and cultivation of grape and peach, by the
establishment of regular communication with the mainland, by the opening
of limestone quarries, by the building of a hotel and presentation to
the township of a substantial stone townhall and many other enterprising
and public spirited acts, has given greater appropriateness to the name
of Kelley's Island, then the mere original proprietorship could have
done.  To these activities Mr. Kelley added others, which for many years
gave moral and intellectual direction and life to the community. Schools
were established, as we have seen, and , during the earlier days, a
semi-paternal moral supervision was exercised over the character of
settlers to whom lands were sold; so that,until the time of Mr. Kelley's
death when the recent influx of foreigners had to some extent begun, the
island community was one of remarkable peacefulness, intelligence and
good order.  Datus Kelley's work was more than supplimented by that of
his wife,who from her lifelong habit of motherly charity and her
constant attendance to every member of the community, gave pride to all
the family, as well, to all the community.  The later years of his life
were those of a student.  He read much and wrote some articles on
scientific and philosophical subjects for publication. His children have
a distinct memory of this man seated in his room at the Island House
engaged in almost constant study, and of his wife, full of quaint
sayings, the friend of the children, and indeed, of everyone who came
withn her spere of homely activity. On March 21,1864, Sara ( Dean )
Kelley died at the Island House; and on January 24,1866, Datus Kelley
died at the residence of his youngest son, William.  Both lie buried in
the Cemetery on the island, to which they gave their name and the best
part of their lifework.  In the  " ISLANDER" for January 27,1866, we
find the obituary notice by his fellow townsman, the Rev. M.K. Holbrook,
from which the following extact is taken:
" No eulogy is necessary to render permanent the virtues of him who for
such a long time has received the respect and veneration of all who knew
him.  It is perhaps enough to say that few men have been so loved by a
whole community.  A fitting monument has been erected in the hearts not
only by kindred, but of many who for years have looked to him as to a
father. The Island today mourns the founder of its prosperity; it mourns
its Patriarch who has gone to sleep by the side of his beloved wife; it
mourns the benevolent patron of liberal institutions; it mourns the
father and friend from whose lips have fallen so many words of wisdom
and kindness."