A Trip Back to Ottawa, Illinois
On March 25, 2008, I had the pleasure to go back to Ottawa, Illiniois, the birthplace of my grandmother, Laura Kelly Walsh. It also was the birthplace of her father, Henry, and her grandfather, Martin. My sister Colleen and my mom, Ann Walsh, also joined my family as we took the 90 minute drive from Colleen's place in Chicago. I was thrilled that my dad's cousin, Bob Kelly, and his son, Robert Jr. could also make it up from Chatham, Illinois. Bob's father, Larry Kelly, was just a year younger than Laura and they were always very close. I hadn't been to Ottawa for ten years, but Colleen had made the journey many times. -- Kevin Walsh
Washington Park, in the center of Ottawa, was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate, in 1858. You can see the statues erected to honor the event as well as a mural on a nearby wall.
Henry's Uncle John, was an observer at the famous debate in 1858.
On a war veterans memorial wall, Harry Kelly's name is engraved (as "Henry Kelly," his actual name) for his service in World War I. Harry lost his leg in a battle and while governor of Michigan (1942-46) was always a staunch supporter of veterans' rights.
Thanks to the current resident of this house, Randy Brewer, who found us online and sent along this photo - 9/1/09.
1900 Ottawa Directory listing
In 1895, the same year as their twins Harry and Marie were born, Henry and Mollie Kelly, Laura and Larry's parents, built this home at 834 Congress St. in East Ottawa. (We knocked on the door, but no one was home.) The Kellys lived here until around 1916 when they built "Eastwood" just around the block on Pearl Street. Ironically, Eastwood is no longer standing but this house seems as tough as ever.
Three doors down is 806 Congress, where Henry's parents lived--Martin and Ellen Kelly. Martin was born in Ottawa in 1840.. Martin's father, James, came with his wife Margaret from Ireland in 1830 to work in Buffalo on the Erie Canal, then to Ottawa with many other Irish to work the Illinois-Michigan canal to connect the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River.
Their home hosted the reception of their daughter Mary's wedding to John Golden. For a visit to the account of "Mae" and John's wedding, their home in Chicago and their graves at Mt. Olivet Cemetery click here.
This side lot hosted the wedding reception in 1894.
Bob Kelly, Larry and Olga Kelly's second child, stands outside Ottawa Township High School with his son Robert Jr.
The nearly 100 year old hallways are beautifully adorned with memorabilia and paintings from alumni. The students were on spring break, but we found a bookkeeper who was kind enough to give us a tour.
In the halls of Ottawa Township High School, the Hall of Fame is on display. The inaugural ceremony of 2007 saw Henry's eldest son Harry inducted.
Bob Kelly and his Uncle Harry.
A smaller version of this plaque was sent to Harry's family and is on display at their Lake Horicon cabin, near Gaylord Michigan.
Henry and his sons, Harry and Emmett, ran Kelly, Kelly and Kelly from 506 in the Central Life Building, which still stands. In 1923, Henry moved his firm to Detroit after General Motors asked the firm to represent it.
The hallways of the Central Life Building haven't changed much since it was built.
The elevators and old postal box.
Marble stairs worn by 100 years of use.
From the corner of the Central Life Building, looking north, the Kelly's parish, St. Columba, can be seen.
In 1882 the fourth and final church was built for the growing Catholic community of Irish immigrants.
The church is currently holding a fund drive to restore its 1882 beauty. If you would like to contribute click here.
Kevin Walsh, his mother Ann Walsh, Bob Kelly, Robert Kelly Jr., Colleen Walsh and her son, Danny.
Seven of the nine children of Henry and Mollie Kelly were baptised in this church (Harry and Marie were baptised in St. Patrick's church in LaSalle.).
Melville Kelly's funeral was held here in 1917 after his tragic death of asphyxiation while working on the family car at the age of 17 years. The below-ground garage at Eastwood didn't allow enough ventilation for the 18-year-old who had just graduated from high school. He is buried in the family plot at nearby St. Columba Cemetery.
St. Columba Cemetery
One can appreciate how sudden the family's move to Detroit in 1923 really was, since the family plot had every intention of holding the remains of all of Henry and Mollie's children. Henry and Mollie purchased a family plot in the new Detroit-area Catholic Cemetery of Holy Sepulchre, in Southfield.
Click here for a view.
Melville was buried here in 1917, but when the family moved out of state, the rest of the graves were donated to the church and used as resting places for nuns.
Melville's death was a tragedy that came just as Harry was about to ship abroad for World War I. Henry was out of town and couldn't be reached right away. For newspaper articles please click on Melville's page.
Abby Walsh and Bob Kelly examine the nearby graves on Henry's plot.
Just up the hill from Henry's plot is the plot of Henry's parents, Martin and Ellen (Meagher). It was interesting to tell my students that when Ellen was born, Jefferson and Adams had only been dead for 12 years!
Frank died when he was only 15 years (cause unkown) and his sister born after him lived less than one year. Martin and Ellen had two other boys (George and Henry) and four other daughters (Margaret, Catherine, Mary, and Flora)
The great, great, great grandchildren of Martin and Ellen enjoyed their day learning about their family. (Aidan, Danny, Abby)
Bob and Kevin