Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

During the World War, 1917-18, Mr.
Kelley served on the five Liberty Loan
drives, also on the charity drives. On one
occasion, when the auctioneer failed to
come, Mr. Kelley stood upon a "tank" and
sold thirty-three thousand dollars worth
of bonds. Three of Mr. Kelley's sons
were in the war. James went over with
the 76th Division from Camp Devens and
was in the service twenty-one months.
John went over with the foresters from
Camp Merritt and was in France one and
one-half years. Francis B. was a student
at Rutgers College, and served with the
organization from that college. He was
ordered to an officers' training camp in
California the day the armistice was
signed.
KELLEY, James J.,
Landscape Gardener.
Among the men who have the interests
of New Canaan, Connecticut, at heart
may be mentioned James J. Kelley, a
landscape gardener of some note, who has
done much in beautifying not only the
grounds around New Canaan homes, but
also those of the surrounding country.
Mr. Kelley is a son of John and Mary
(Gannon) Kelley (q. v.), was born in
New Canaan, May 22, 1864. He was edu-
cated in the public schools of his native
town. He then entered the employ of
Stephen Hoyt's Sons Company, owners of
large nurseries, where his father spent his
lifetime. He was a lad of ten years when
he went there, remaining with this company
until about 1914, the last fifteen
years filling the office of superintendent.
In 1914 Mr. Kelley resigned his position
with the above company to enter the nur-
sery business on his own account, and in
this venture his years of experience have
been of untold value to him. Many of
the beautiful estates in and around New
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330
Canaan show the splendid work done by
Mr. Kelley, and are without doubt some
of the show places of the country.
Mr. Kelley is the owner of some finely
located real estate. His own attractive
house on Harrison avenue is surrounded
by beautifully laid out grounds, to which
Mr. Kelley gives his special care. He is
very fond of outdoor sports, and often
takes part in the local games of baseball
and other sports with the activity of a
much younger man. Local matters which
tend to the improvement of the town receive
much of his attention. He is a Dem-
ocrat in politics, and active in the affairs
of the party.
Mr. Kelley married Catherine Brown, of
New Canaan, and they are the parents of
three children: 1. James J., Jr., who is
associated in business with his father, and
who has taken an active part in the management
of the business ; he enlisted dur-
ing the World War, 1917-18, and served
overseas. He married Knapp, of
New Canaan, and they have a very attractive
residence on Harrison avenue
near the home of his father. 2. Mary. 3.
Pauline.
LIGHT, John Henry,
Jurist, Legislator, Litterateur.
The New York branch of the Light
family, to which Judge John Henry Light
belongs, is stated in the published gen-
ealogy of the family to have come to this
district from the State of Maine, and to
that locality from its English home. This
is the record, in outline, of a distinguished
member of the present day, whose standing
in the law, in the public service, and
in the world of letters reflects high credit
upon an honorable name.
(I) David Light, grandfather of John
Henry Light, was of Carmel, New York,
and it was there that his death occurred.