 |
|
| Charles W. Kelley, farmer, sec. 3, Millbrook Tp., was born in Canada, Jan. 16, 1845. He had his own fortune to carve, and at the age of 13 commenced the struggle for home and the future. He was employed as a farm laborer, and during the first year received six dollars a month. He passed some years in this manner in Canada, and in the fall of 1864 came to Ionia, Mich., returning three month later to the Dominion. After spending a winter at home he returned to Ionia County, and not long after, in the autumn of 1865, came to Mescota County and bought 160 acres of timbered land in Millbrook Tp. He has made such good use of his energy and labor that he has put 65 acres in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Kelley was married in Millbrook, April 17, 1870, to Mary E., third daughter of James E. and Rosanna (Purceley) Riley, who was born in New York, April 5, 1854. Her parents came from Ireland and settled in the Empire State. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have had six children, five of whom are living: Rosa M., born Feb. 20, 1872, Myrtie I., March 10, 1874, Nora B., Sept. 24, 1876, Ada, March 19, 1877, Eve, Jan 9, 1879. Rosanna died in infancy. Mr. Kelley belongs to the Republican party. He has held important official positions in the affairs of his township, and himself and wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. |