Solomon Kelley was born February 14, 1823, on the farm in Princetown, N. Y., on which he now resides, he being the owner thereof and devoting his energies to its improvement and cultivation. His parents were Solomon and Grace (Wingate) Kelley. His father was born in Rotterdam, N. Y., and his mother in Princetown. His paternal grandfather was William Kelley, a Scotchman, whose occupation was that of a miller and a farmer. He was an early settler in Rotterdam, but afterward resided in Princetown and in Duanesburg; and died in Mariaville.
Solomon Kelley, the elder, learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years. Settling upon new land in Princetown when a young man, he cleared the farm which is now owned by his son, and erected the buildings. An industrious farmer and a citizen of worth, he gained the good will of his neighbors by his many sterling qualities. In politics he voted with the Whig party, and in his religious belief he was a Presbyterian. He was the father of ten children, five of whom are living, namely: Solomon, the subject of this sketch; Robert; John; Samuel; and Grace. The others were: William, Andrew, Sally, Jane, and Mary A.
Solomon Kelley was reared at the homestead and educated in the district schools. He has always resided at his birthplace, and succeeding to its ownership he has made general farming a profitable employment up to the present time. He is still smart and active, with the ability to perform a day's work which would tire many younger men, his early vigor giving no sign of decay, In politics he is a Republican. He attends the Presbyterian church.
When twenty-seven years old Mr. Kelley married for his first wife Evelyn Love. His present wife was before marriage Nancy Gregg. By his first marriage he has one son, William, who is living at home.