The New York Times/1895/5/7/James Kelly

James Kelly.

James Kelly, one of the original founders of The Chicago Tribune, and one of the early pioneers of Cook County, Ill., died Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. O. Parker, at Winnetka, Ill. The cause of his death was old age. His health had been comparatively good until two weeks ago.

Mr. Kelly was born in New-York in 1809. At the age of twelve years he accompanied his parents to Ireland, receiving there an education in the higher branches. On returning to New-York a few years later he engaged in the book publishing business.

He went on Chicago in 1838, and started one of the first newspapers in the city. It was a weekly publication, called The Gem of the Prairie. Mr. Kelly continued as its editor for a number of years, when, with the aid of Joseph K. C. Forrest and John E. Wheeler, he established The Chicago Tribune, July 10, 1847.

Mr. Kelly owned a great deal of property in and about Chicago, possessing nearly one hundred acres within six miles of the Cook County Court House, for which he held a Government patent.