kelleyp
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
PATRICK KELLEY. Among the
pioneers of Douglas county there is no more worthy representative than
the gentleman whose name is mentioned above. He met and overcame
all the obstacles to be encountered in settling the frontier country and
has remained here until now. He is one of the well-to-do citizens.
He resides about eight miles northwest of Hartline on land that he took
as a pre-emption at the first and the little log cabin and the smoke-house,
his first improvements, are still in evidence on the estate. Mr.
Kelley has erected a fine two-story residence, large barn and other improvements
which have beautified and made valuable the home place. He does general
farming and raises fine thoroughbred stock having a large herd of cattle
and horses at the present time.
Patrick Kelley was born in Hoboken, New Jersey,
on January 1, 1846, being the son of John and Margaret (Casey) Kelley,
natives of the Emerald Isle. While our subject was but a lad the
family moved to Illinois, and in Jersey county of that state he received
his education from the common schools. He remained in the Prairie
State until he was grown to manhood, then began to work for himself.
He farmed in Madison county until October, 1893 when he came to Cheney,
Washington. He made that town his headquarters but soon was out in
the Big Bend where he selected his place as a pre-emption. He went
to work and has assiduously continued in the same until the present time.
Mr. Kelley has two brothers, John and George, and two sisters, Mrs. Eliza
Cotter, and Mrs. Mary Bell.
It is of interest to note a point in Mr. Kelley's
history. When he arrived in Cheney, he had fifteen hundred dollars
in cash. His first venture was two purchase a team. Shortly
thereafter, his children were taken with a severe type of diphtheria, and
before the long siege was through, his wife was also attacked by the same
dread malady. This necessitated Mr. Kelley leaving his work and attending
to the family. Before the scourge was ended, he had spent all his
money for doctor bills and nursing, and was penniless. He borrowed
forty dollars on his team and landed on the claim in the Big Bend, without
food or comforts for winter. A friend introduced him to a kind storekeeper,
who trusted him with supplies for the winter, and the next spring,
he went to work and paid up all his debts. So, starting with less
than nothing, Mr. Kelley has arisen to his present position by virtue of
his sagacity and industry.
At Marion, Illinois, on June 19, 1873, Mr.
Kelley married Miss Phobe, daughter of John and Lena Troutener, natives
of Germany. Mrs. Kelley has one sister, Mrs. Matilda Bockemuhl.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kelley, the following children have been born, Margaret,
who died in Douglas county, on October 16, 1898; John J., William P., Charles
E., Mary M. and Elizabeth A., twins, and Teresa A. and Emma J., twins.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelley are adherents of the Roman
Catholic church. In addition to general stock raising and farming
Mr. Kelley has done some fine work as an orchardist and in 1892 took the
first prize on apples at the Spokane fair.
BACK