John Kelly (1818-) was an Irishman and a Republican. Born in Dublin, he came to Canada in 1838, and moved to Vermont in 1841. After service in the Mexican War he came to Oregon in 1849, went to California, and returned to Oregon in 1851, settling in Douglas County. He moved to Springfield in 1866. He was register of the Land Office, Roseburg, 1861-1866, and collector of customs, Portland, 1876-1880. He served on the Republican State Central Committee between 1876 and 1884, and was delegate to Republican state conventions, 1860 to 1866. His advice on political affairs was often sought and always given.
From the guide to the John Kelly correspondence, 1855-1889, (Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries)
