____________________________________________________________________________
Another Pioneer at Rest
Hon. Elijah Kelley, of Pike county, died a few days ago at his home on Wolf
Creek, in that county, where he settled and became a citizen of the
territory of Arkansas in 1815. It is seldom that it is alloted to any human
being to enjoy what there is of life amid the same scenes and with the same
surroundings &c. And yet, this good old man deserved every blessing which it
pleased God to shed upon him. Not only was he among the pioneers who first
felled the forests in Arkansas, but he was one of the first members of what
is now known as the "Christian Church," who made his home in the wilds. He
was a member of the constitutional convention of 1836, and his death leaves
Gen. Grandison D. Royston, of Hempstead county, the only survivor of that
body. As these ties that bind us to old times in Arkansas are severed by the
hand of death, The Gazette seeks to keep up the mournful record--but always
with a tear and a sigh.
Mr. Kelley served several terms in the legislature, and for a number of
years was sheriff of Pike county. He has gone to his rest; and his many
relatives throughout Southwest Arkansas can know that an entire community
sincerely condole with them in their personal bereavement."
____________________________________________________________________________
Arkansas Gazette, September 12, 1884, page 4, column 2.
____________________________________________________________________________
Death of a Pioneer.
Elijah Kelley, of Pike County, Passes Away, Leaving Gen. Royston
the Sole Surviving Member of the Convention of '36'
Information reached the city yesterday of the death of one of Arkansas'
oldest pioneers -- Elijah Kelley. He died a few days since on his farm, a
beautiful place on Wolf creek, in the interior of Arkansas. The deceased
lived more than man's allotted three score and ten, and his life is an open
volume of good deeds. He retired from active life years ago, and in late
years was entirely unknown in our local political world. Our oldest people,
however, will remember his honored name and his sterling worth. Years ago he
was known about the capital, his opinion was eagerly sought and the careful
statesman gave heed to his advice. He settled at the place of his death in
the spring of 1815, and resided there continously until the last. The
constitutional convention of 1836, one of the chapters in the history of the
state, recognized in him one of its prominent members. His death now leaves
only one surviving member of that memorable organization in our state -- or
in the United States -- Gen. Grandison D. Royston, of Washington, Hempstead
county. The last named gentleman was an intimate friend of Kelley's and most
sincerely mourns his death. One by one the founders of our state are
gathered to the fathers.
____________________________________________________________________________
Arkansas Gazette, September 12, 1884, page 5, column 2.
____________________________________________________________________________
Hon. Elijah Kelley, of Pike county, is dead. He died on Wolf Creek, Pike
County, on the place which he settled in 1815 -- nearly seventy years ago.
He is the last survivor of the Constitutional Convention of 1836, except our
well known and distinguished citizen, Gen. G. D. Royston, of Hempstead. Mr.
Kelley was one of the founders of the Christian church in Arkansas -- a
zealous, faithful and well-beloved minister of that church for many years.
He was a true and good man in every relation of life -- a true follower of
his God and a faithful friend of mankind.
____________________________________________________________________________
Daily Texarkana Independent, September 12, 1884, page 2, column 2.
____________________________________________________________________________
Old uncle Elijah Kelley, of Wolf Creek, Pike county, died last week, at the
age of 84 years. He was one of the framers of the first constitution of the
State, was again elected a member of the Consitutional Convention of 1868;
and three times represented his county in the General Assembly.
____________________________________________________________________________
Nashville News, September 13, 1884, page 8, column 3.
____________________________________________________________________________
Hon. Elijah Kelley died at his home, on Wolf Creek, Pike county, last week.
He died on the same place which he settled in 1815 -- nearly seventy years
ago. He is the last survivor of the Constitutional Convention of 1836,
except Gen. G. D. Royston, of Washington, Hempstead county. Mr. Kelley was
one of the founders of the Christian Church in Arkansas -- a zealous,
faithful and well-beloved minister of that church for many years.
____________________________________________________________________________
Southern Standard, September 13, 1884, page 2, column 1.
____________________________________________________________________________
Hon. Elijah Kelley, of Pike Co., died a few days ago at his home on Wolf
Creek, in that county, where he settled and became a citizen of the
territory of Arkansas in 1815, nearly seventy years ago.
____________________________________________________________________________
Randolph Herald, September 18, 1884, State News.
____________________________________________________________________________
Arkansas Dots,
by J.A.R.
On Wolf Creek in Pike county, I passed near the residence of our venerable
brother, Elijah Kelley. He has been preaching the ancient gospel for over
half a century. His sons informed me that he was sick, and would probably
never recover, and as I returned I found he was gone to his reward. As a
result of his labors in sight of his house stands Antioch church, and nearly
all his neighbors are members thereof. Could a higher tribute of his worth
be paid? Bro. A. Jones is preaching for them at present.
____________________________________________________________________________
The Christian Evangelist, St. Louis, Missouri, October 16, 1884, page 662.
____________________________________________________________________________
HTML file and design by David Kelley, 1997. All rights reserved.