Where did he go?

admin · Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:13 pm Post subject: Where did he go?

Three years after he was acquitted of the Villisca murders, Kelly and his wife Laura show up in the 1920 census in North Dearborn, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. He's 41 and she's 49. He still claims ministry as his profession and his wife is a clerk. Kelly also listed his field or industry as educational.

By the time the 1930 Census rolled around, Kelly and his wife were back New York City, NY. He is listed as 55 year old minister. Her age is also listed as 55 and she is employed as a building laborer. It appears that on April 11 of 1930, however, Kelly was incarcerated at the Willard State Mental Hospital in Seneca, New York.

Willard has an interesting and not so inviting history. As a matter of fact, the vast majority of the people who entered never left. The Willard records are currently housed in the New York Archives, I'm hoping someone from NYC will read this and get in touch with me - we'd love to know more.

In 1945, Kelly gives an address in the Bowery in New York City. In the 1920's and 1930's, this area of New York City was “infamous as a place of squalor, alcoholism, and wretchedness”. He listed his occupation on his draft card as the pastor of the Bowery Mission Church Day Services. I contacted the Bowery and they do have an archive but again - somebody has to visit to look at the documents.

Kelly was still married to Laura and gave his address as 271 W. 11th Street, NYC, NY. The building is still standing. This is where we've lost him... if anyone has any other information and would like to share please send it on.

Juliet72 · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 16