J.W. Kelly: 100 Men . . .

Welcome to our first entry in the blog/archives section. This is designed to provide additional information not only about J.W. Kelly, but also his company. Today we’ll begin with an article in which J.W. Kelly was included from 1892.

100 Men (now residents) Who Have Done Much for Chattanooga

Chattanooga Daily Times | Thursday, December 8, 1892

J. W. Kelly was born in the city of Waterford, Ireland on February 26, 1844. When he was 8 years old his parents moved to Dublin, where he obtained a business education in the whole sale wine trade. In February, 1863, at the age of 19, he emigrated to New York and a year later removed to Nashville. There he became associated with R. H. Singleton in the book and stationery business, assisting him in compiling the first directory ever published in Nashville.

At the close of the war his intention was to return to New York, returning by the way of Chattanooga in order to collect some money due him here. Failing to get this money, which represented about all his resources, he concluded to remain and await its payment. So as to be engaged in doing something in the meantime, he rented a store for one month from Daniel Kaylor. This was in September 1866, and he has been in business here continuously ever since.

By his energy, enterprise and business eptitude, he has built up one of the most extensive wholesale liquor and cigar business in the entire South. He was for years associated with George W. Davenport, under the firm name of Kelly & Davenport, and in 1889 he became sole proprietor by purchasing Mr. Davenport’s interest.

In 1869, he made a visit to his old home in Ireland. There he renewed his acquaintance with Miss Lizzie J. Short, whom he had not seen since they were children together. When in the following year he revisited Ireland, they were married on September 3, 1870.