Background
James T. Kelley was born Roxbury (now a part of Boston), United States.
James T. Kelley was born Roxbury (now a part of Boston), United States.
He started work as office boy and student in the office of Sturgis & Brigham, in Boston. He made rapid progress, taking advantage of every opportunity to study and soon became head draftsman for the firm. During the mid 1880's Mr Kelley opened an office in his home at #75 Pinckney Street, later bought from the Adams family the fine old Colonial house at No. 57 Mount Vernon Street and while living there occupied the library as his office.
In 1910 Mr. Kelley formed a partnership with Harold S. Graves, but mainly carried on his work alone. He was also deeply interested in the history and art of Italy and had been abroad many times. In his practice he designed the Lynn Institute for Savings, Swampscott Public Library, Peter Faneuil school in Boston, and both town and country residences.