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O'KELLY, JAMES – Disappeared 1909 Brother of John O'Kelly Died Aug 1909 (approximately) James, proprietor of the American House Bar at Telluride, disappeared from there the night of August 14, 1909. Before leaving for the night he had placed a large sum of money in his pockets and told a friend he would be in late the next morning. The only other trace of him was at Placerville the following Monday. It was feared he was demented and wandering in the mountains. A jovial big-hearted Irishman, he had operated Kelly's Place, a saloon in Silverton, until May of 1908. At that time he sold his saloon to his brother, John O'Kelly, and was talking of returning to County Carlow, Ireland.
About the middle of September 1909, soon after Jim's disappearance, his wife, who lived in Telluride, drove to Silverton in a buggy. She reported the wagon road on the Silverton side in a most awful condition. Recent heavy rains had softened the road in places, cut great gullies in it, the grades had sloughed off, and it was indeed a perilous road to travel. She took care of her Silverton business affairs then returned to Telluride to again take up the search for her missing husband. She made an incessant search for him, never gave up and made many trips seeking possible clues.
More than two years later, in late October 1911, Jim's remains were found on a Saturday morning in a gulch near High Bridge over Pleasant Valley Creek, between Dallas Divide and Ridgway. The body was found by John F. Lupper about 400 yards south of the old abandoned bridge. It was believed the body had been placed there long after death occurred. His bank book, keys, watch, chain and prayer book were found in his clothing, and identified him beyond any doubt. A search for money was fruitless.
Until the body was found, his wife had lived in constant hope he would be found alive and well. It was a most sorrowful and heart-rending scene when she saw her husband's remains. Her grief was pitiful as she fully realized the terrible manner in which he met his death. It was believed James had suffered from a temporary aberration, became ill and was unable to make his way to where he could get help.
The funeral was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Silverton on a Sunday, with Rev. Father Brunner officiating. The bier was a mass of flowers and the remains were followed to the cemetery by a large number of friends. His survivors included his faithful wife and three children. No other information was recorded.
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God is our refuge and strength, An ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 |