Georgia and Georgians - the Digital Library of Georgia

2840 GEORGIA AND GEORGIANSactivities, and in two months' time he left the place and entered the wholesalegrocery establishment of W. L. Stanton, where he was employed for a year.He then became asspciated with Magee & Maddox, another firm of wholesalegrocers, where he remained about a year. In the two years of his connectionwith these houses Mr. Kelley saved from his small salary about $300. Tothis meager sum he added $700, which he was able to borrow on the strengthof his reputation as an ambitious and well-behaved young man, and with thiscapital he opened a retail grocery store in Atlanta in 1887. During hisfirst year of business activities he cleared about $1,500, and in 1888 hedecided to change the business from a retail to a wholesale one. At thattime the business was located at 67 West Mitchell Street, but in 1890 helocated on Broad Street, near Hunter Street, so as to be centered in thewholesale district. He continued there until 1904, in which year he movedto No. 87 Peters' Street. Meanwhile the enterprise had been steadily expanding, and in 1905 the firm of Kelley Bros. Co. was inporporated. In the sameyear they purchased their present site at No. 72 Peters Street, on a lot containing 14,000 square feet, and in 1911 erected on it their present plant.It is a splendid building, fire proof, and has a floor space of 60,000 square feet.When the business was incorporated in 1905 Charles Harrison Kelley, longthe leading spirit in the concern, was chosen to fill the office of president.'His son, Edward H. Kelley, is secretary and treasurer, while Edgar S.Kelley is vice president, with Kendrick K. as second vice president. HowardA. So well and Claude E. Register serve with them on the board of directors.The business is in excellent shape and each year shows a pleasing increasein volume and profits. It is ably managed and is accounted among theleading wholesale.enterprises in Atlanta.Mr. Kelley has been a member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce fora number of years, and has been an influence for good in that organization.Progressive ideas have characterized all his business activities and he hasmanifested the same wholesome spirit in his connection with public affairsthat has characterized his business life. Like all his family, he is a memberof the Methodist Episcopal Church and is a trustee and steward in St. John'sMethodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta. His politics are democratic, and heis now serving as a member of the Board of Aldermen, having been electedto represent the Second Ward on that body. He is chairman of the board ofdirectors of the Atlanta Freight Bureau, a director in the Atlanta CreditMen's Association, and a director in the Southeastern Fair Association. Inall these positions he has rendered worthy service to Atlanta. Mr. Kelleywas recently a strong candidate for mayor of Atlanta, but withdrew his candidacy in favor of Mr. Candler. His reasons for this act are clearly describedin the following editorial in the Atlanta Journal:"ALDERMAN KELLEY's PATRIOTISM" 'My reason for withdrawing is my belief that Mr. Candler can giveAtlanta better service just now than any man within its borders.'"In these thoughtful and patriotic words, Alderman Charles H. Kelleyannounces his retirement from the Mayoralty race and pledges his supportto the citizen who has responded, at great personal sacrifice, to the community's call for leadership in an hour of crisis and test. Alderman Kelley'sunselfish course raises him higher than ever in public esteem. During hisfive years in the General Council.he has proved himself competent and loyalto the common interests. He has represented not only his immediate constituents but the city as a whole with ability and distinction. But nothing hehas ever done has demonstrated his love of Atlanta and his merit as a manso impressively as this generous subordination of self to the broad welfareof the community.