ALLEN KELLY

 The following bio was taken from page 267 of the book entitled “Rusk County History” compiled and edited and used with permission of the Rusk County Historical Commission.

 Transcribed by Shirley Koym

Submitted by Gloria Briley Mayfield, Cemeteries of Texas

Our father, Wyatt Kelly, was the son of a slave, born July 28, 1871 to Allen Kelly and Katie Carter Kelly in Rusk County.  Both of his parents were of Indian descent.  His family was one of the early pioneers of the community that came to be known in later years as the Stringtown Community.  Wyatt was one of ten children.

Wyatt married Ella Alexander on December 28, 1894.  Her parents were Francis McCord and Ned Alexander.  Wyatt and Ella had nine children, five boys and four girls.  Our parents purchased a 97-acre farm in the Stringtown Community and Wyatt taught all of his children the art of farming.  The boys had many talents, such as carving and making plow handles, wagon tongues, and axe handles.  They also knew the type of hardwood to use in making these items.  Wyatt also taught his children to dance and was an accomplished fiddler.  The family also enjoyed fishing.  The girls learned housekeeping tasks and became good cooks.  The family attended Mt. Moriah C.M. E. Church.

On November 2, 1931, Wyatt Kelly passed away, leaving his wife and youngsters to continue the farm.  The family united in their efforts and maintained their homestead, which exists today.  Our mother passed away on August 14, 1949.  The deceased children of Wyatt and Ella Kelly are:  Chanie Kelly Lacy, May 10, 1939; Roy Kelly, January 17, 1962; Walter Kelly, November 5, 1975; and Brad Kelly, July 26, 1977.    All deceased family members are buried in Black Jack Cemetery near the homestead. 

Five Kelly children remain today:  Jim Kelly of Midland, Texas; Goffrey Kelly, Fort Worth, Texas; Lourilla Kelly Roberson, Streetman, Texas; Francis Kelly Mallard and Ella Kelly Gupton, Henderson, Texas.

Submitted by Ella Gupton