Edward Austin Kelly (April 3, 1892 – August 30, 1969) was an American businessman and politician from Chicago, Illinois. A Democrat, he was most notable for his service in the United States House of Representatives from 1931 to 1943 and 1945 to 1947.
Edward A. Kelly | |
---|---|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 3rd district | |
In office January 3, 1945 – January 3, 1947 | |
Preceded by | Fred E. Busbey |
Succeeded by | Fred E. Busbey |
In office March 4, 1931 – January 3, 1943 | |
Preceded by | Elliott W. Sproul |
Succeeded by | Fred E. Busbey |
Personal details | |
Born | Chicago, Illinois | April 3, 1892
Died | August 30, 1969 Chicago, Illinois | (aged 77)
Resting place | Saint Mary Catholic Cemetery, Evergreen Park, Illinois |
Political party | Democratic |
Kelly was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 3, 1892, the son of John J. and Nellie (O'Connor) Kelly.[1] He attended the public schools of Chicago, including Longfellow School and Lake High School.[2] In 1911, Kelly graduated from Orr's Business College in Chicago.[2] He played semi-professional baseball for teams in Chicago, Normal, Lemont, Aurora, and DeKalb from 1912 to 1916.[3]
From 1916 to 1920, Kelly was employed as an accountant with the Illinois Steel Corporation.[2] During World War I he served in the Battery D, 332nd Field Artillery Regiment, a unit of the 86th Division.[1][4] He was in the United States Army from 1917 to 1919 and attained the rank of sergeant.[4] After his military service, Kelly engaged in the real estate and insurance businesses as the owner and operator of E. A. Kelly Co.[2]
A Democrat, Kelly became active in local politics and was elected president of the 32nd Ward Democratic Association.[2] In 1930, Kelly was elected to the United States House of Representatives.[2] He was reelected five times, and served from March 4, 1931, to January 3, 1943.[2] He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1942.[1] After leaving Congress, Kelly worked as executive assistant to the chief justice of the Chicago municipal court and served as a member of the Chicago Planning Commission.[5]
In 1944, Kelly was again elected to Congress.[5] He served one term, January 3, 1945, to January 3, 1947.[5] He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1946.[5] After the end of his final term, Kelly returned to the real estate business.[5]
Kelly died in Chicago on August 30, 1969.[5] He was interred at Saint Mary Catholic Cemetery in Evergreen Park, Illinois.[5]
In 1922, Kelly married RoseMay R. Eulert.[5] They were married until his death in 1969.[5] They were the parents of two sons and a daughter—Edward A. Kelly Jr., Robert J. Kelly, and Rosemary.[2]