John Kelly : Short Biography

John Kelly's exact birthplace is unknown, however military documents state different locations; Tyrone, Omagh. The first record of him being here in the United States is his military enlistment in New York City. He joined Company K, US 4th Infantry, on July 19, 1859. We also see a Patrick Kelly on this same enlistment document who joined the same day. It is not known if they were brothers. He and his wife Catherine McKenny were married January 1, 1866, in St. Matthews Catholic church, Washington, District of Columbia. They had 11 children, one of whom was Frank B. Kelly, who served in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. He also served many years as a member of the White House Police force until his retirement on April 30, 1931.