Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 January 1890 — HON. WM. D. KELLEY DEAD. [ARTICLE]

HON. WM. D. KELLEY DEAD.

~ William Darrah Kelley, the well-known Pennsylvania Congressman mid "Father of the Honse,” died Thursday evening. Judge Kelley was born in Philadelphia, April 12, 1814. His grandfather, John Kelley, served as an officer in the Revolutionary war. Having tost his father at an early age, he learned the printer’s trade, and later served an apprenticeship to a jeweler in Boston. In 1840 he returned to Philadelphia and began the study of law, and a year later was admitted to the bar, and while practicing his profession devoted much time to literary pursuits. He was elected Attorney-General of Pennsylvania in 1845, and in 1846 was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. In 1860 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention, and in the same year was elected to Congress, where he served continuously ever since. He has been a member of numerous Committees of the House, and Chairman of some of the most important, notably the Committee on Ways and Means. He has served In the Lower House longer than any other member, ud for this reason is oftea called the "Father of the House.” He has for many years been known as “Pig Iron Kelley.” He was at one time a free trader, but later became a protectionist, and wrote several works in opposition to the free trade theory. Among hie works are "Reasons for Abandoning the Theory of Free Trade and Adopting the Principles of Protection to American Industry,” “Letters on Industrial and Financial Questions,” and “The New South.”

The resignation of Mr. Trotter, the colored recorder of deeds for the District, has been receivod at the White House upon s request made by the President It is supposed a new appointment will be made shortly. An inquiry made by Senator Ingalls has developed the fact that the office has paid $46,000 in fees during Mr. Trotter’s incumbency of two years and ten months. A bill is pending in Congress .to the position s salaried one.