Kelly Township

Kelly Township

This township, from the best information which can be obtained, was settled early in the spring of 1818. The first settlers were John Kelly, William Stephens, James D. Campbell, James Kelly, William J. Kelly, Caperton Kelly, William Jennings, Gen. Charles Woods, Philip E. Davis, Rice Challis, Hugh Morris, Jesse White, Hartley White, Jeptha Billingsley, Joshua Dellis, and William Swearingen.

James Kelly, who w^as one of the first settlers in this township, and the father of the other Kellj^s mentioned above, was a revolutionary soldier, and died in 1840 at an advanced age. John Kelly, Charles Woods, and James D. Campbell served as soldiers in the war of 181 2. The Kellys came from Tennessee, and James D. Campbell from Kentucky.

William Jennings, who was the first preacher in the township, emigrated from Georgia to Cooper county in 1819. He had a large number of slaves, owned a large tract of land and was quite wealthy. He was for many years pastor of "Old Nebo" church, and w^as an honest man in his dealings with his neighbors.

James D. Campbell was an early Justice of the County Court and acted in the capacity of Justice of the Peace for many years. He was a prominent politician, always voting the Democratic ticket.

Gen. Charles Woods was for many years the leading Democrat in his neighborhood. He w^as a man of no ordinary abilit}^ of pleasing address, and a liberal, high-toned gentleman. He died in 1S74, ^^ ^^^ advanced age of 78 years.

Joseph Reavis settled in this township in the year 1823. He, together with his sons, Lewis, William T., Jackson, and Johnston, for many 3'ears carried on the business of manufacturing w^agons. They turned out excellent work, and their trade extended for many miles around ; their wagons even being purchased by the Santa Fe traders.

Of the persons mentioned above, all are now numbered with the dead, except Johnston and William P. Reavis, and they were quite young when their father settled in the township.

The first school within this township of which there is any knowledge, w^as taught by Joseph S. Anderson, who came there about 1824. He was a 3^oung man with more than ordinary education, whose only earthly possessions were a horse, saddle and bridle, and a moderately good suit of clothes. A good school teacher being very much needed, he soon succeeded in making up a large school, and taught with great success until 1828, when he was elected sherift' of Cooper county. In 1830 he was reelected sheriff, and in 1832, he was elected to the Legislature from Cooper county. Previous to his death, he became a large land holder and quite a wealthy man. His residence was on the hill north of Bunceton. The place at which he taught school was near the ground on which Hopewell church is located.

For many years afterwards a school was taught at the same place, by Mr. William Robertson, who was a very successful teacher. He has been for many years a very zealous minister of the Baptist church.

Rice Challis was a prominent Whig, and in respect to his politics stood almost alone in his neighborhood. He was a carpenter by trade, and resided near the present residence of Joseph Reavis. He died a short time ago.

The land of this township is at least three-fourths prairie, which is under fence and in a high state of cultivation. The soil is very productive, and the farmers are generally in good condition, many of them being very wealthy. The Pacific railroad lies a short distance south of the township, and the Osage Valley and Southern Kansas railroad runs eight miles directly through its center, affording the inhabitants easy facilities for the shipping of their productions.

Corn, grasses and oats are the principal productions, the farmers being principally engaged in raising stock, which affords them lucrative profits. It has, within its limits, several good public schools, which are taught from four to ten months in each year.

it was headed by Gen. Jackson to the present day. This township received its name from John Kelly, the first settler within its limits, and was formed from Moniteau and Palestine townships, in the year 1848.