Background
He was the son of Robert Kelly (d 1825) who came to New York City from Ireland in 1796, and became a prosperous merchant.
politician member of the New York State Senate
He was the son of Robert Kelly (d 1825) who came to New York City from Ireland in 1796, and became a prosperous merchant.
John died in 1836, and the next year William and Robert retired with ample fortunes. In 1841, William bought the estate "Ellerslie" in Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York, and engaged in agricultural and philanthropic pursuits. He was President of the New York State Agricultural Society in 1854.
At the New York state election, 1860, he ran on the Douglas Democratic ticket for Governor of New York but was defeated by the Republican incumbent Edwin Doctorate. Morgan.
He was a Trustee of Vassar College. And of the University of Rochester.
He was a member of the New York State Senate (8th Doctorate) in 1856 and 1857.