George V. Kelley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George VanStavoren Kelley
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Kelley in 1865
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| Born | March 23, 1843 Massillon, Ohio |
| Died | November 4, 1905 (aged 62) Denver, Colorado |
| Place of burial |
Riverside Cemetery, Denver, Colorado
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit |  Company A, 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
George VanStavoren Kelley (born March 23, 1843 – died November 4, 1905) was a brave soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing courage during the Battle of Franklin in 1864.
Contents
Life and Military Service
Early Life and Joining the War
George Kelley was born and grew up in Massillon, Ohio. When the American Civil War began, President Abraham Lincoln asked for volunteers to join the army. George answered this call. He joined the 104th Ohio Infantry in his hometown on April 22, 1861.
He started his service as a sergeant in Company A. This was a group of soldiers within the larger regiment.
Serving in Kentucky and Tennessee
In September 1862, George's regiment moved to Covington, Kentucky. They were preparing to defend Cincinnati from an attack by Confederate soldiers. These enemy troops were led by General Edmund Kirby Smith. George and his unit were involved in a small fight called the Skirmish at Fort Mitchell in Kentucky.
During 1863, the 104th Ohio Infantry stayed in Kentucky. After that, they moved to East Tennessee until April 1864.
Fighting in Georgia and the Medal of Honor
Later in 1864, George's unit became part of the XXIII Corps. They were sent to fight in Georgia and then back to Tennessee. George was promoted to captain and became the leader of Company A.
In November 1864, during the fierce Battle of Franklin, Captain Kelley showed incredible bravery. He managed to capture a Confederate flag from the enemy. For this heroic act, he was awarded the Medal of Honor a few months later. This is the highest award a soldier can receive for bravery in combat.
After the Battle of Franklin, his regiment served in Washington, D.C. and North Carolina. George Kelley left the army on June 14, 1865, after the war ended.
Life After the War
After his military service, George Kelley went back to Ohio. In 1866, when he was 24, he married Fannie Bliss. After she passed away, he moved to Denver, Colorado. There, he became a rancher, working with animals and land.
In 1890, he married Louisa Talitha Holloway, who was from Denver. George VanStavoren Kelley passed away on November 4, 1905. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
