User:Anfinson/Michael Kelly, Coal Mine Operator

Michael Kelly was an important coal mining magnate in Danville, Illinois,  during the period 1860 to 1904. He developed many coal mines, and at one time his mines had the largest production of coal in the State of Illinois.

Birth and Early Life. Michael Kelly was born in County Meath, Ireland in October,  1837. He live his early years in Ireland, but emigrated to the United States in 1857,  arriving in New York City on the 24th of July,  1857. Mr. Kelly obtained work as a laborer during a fortification remodeling of Fort Schuyler at Throg's Neck, NY. He worked there until October, 1858,  then moved to Pennsylvania,  where he worked as a laborer for several months. At the end of that time, he was hired as a "stoker" on a train to earn his way to Illinois,  because he had heard that cheap land was available there. Trains at the time were fueled by wood, but the train engineer advised Michael that coal would become the fuel of the future,  and there was a lot of coal in Illinois. Kelly stopped at Danville, Illinois,  in February of 1859,  where he found work in a brickyard.

Danville Years. After working in the brickyard for a time, Kelly noticed coal outcrops along the creeks and road cuts around Danville. He began digging coal from these outcrops and selling it to local residents, using a wheelbarrow to transport it. After a couple of years, he bought the interest in an outcrop from the brickyard owner for $160,  and parlayed that investment into another coal source. He soon discovered a large seam of coal after sinking a shaft about 50 feet deep. This led to a full scale underground mining development in an area a few miles south of Danville. Mr. Kelly obtained a contract from the Chicago and Eastern Railroad for large amounts of coal. Eventually, Kelly built a town around the mine,  as well as a general store,  and the community became known as Kellyville. By 1902, he owned 8,000 acres of coal mine property and employed 2700 miners in the Danville area. In 1900, his mines were the largest producers of coal in Illinois. He sold the mines in 1904 for several million dollars, and spent the remaining few months of his life enjoying golf. He developed and owned the Danville Golf Course.

Family. Michael Kelly married Mary Dunn in 1865, and the union produced six children,  Michael,  Edward(Ned),  Maymie,  Helen(Nellie),  Jane,  and Teresa. Mary Dunn Kelly died in November, 1904.

Micahel Kelly died a wealthy man in February, 1905,  46 years after arriving in Danville with no money or prospects. He was a "rags to riches" entrepreneur in the fullest sense.

References: Chicago Tribune, May 31,  1903 History of Coal Mining in Vermilion County, 1973 History of Westville, Illinois,  1973 U. S. Geological Survey Monograph, Vermilion County,  Illinois,  1900