Benjamin Franklin Kelley (1807-1891) was born in New Hampshire and moved to Wheeling, Virginia (today, West Virginia), at 19, where he initially engaged in merchandising before working as a freight agent for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Kelley was working for the B&O in Philadelphia as the Civil War loomed.
In early 1861, Virginia unionists requested Kelley return to Wheeling to take command of the 1st Virginia (Loyal) Infantry Regiment. He led the initial military incursion into northwestern Virginia and was seriously wounded at Philippi. Following this, he was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers on August 5, 1861, with the promotion backdated to May. Kelley led successful operations at Romney and Blue’s Gap (Hanging Rocks Pass) and later commanded a division in the Department of Harper’s Ferry.
Kelley’s military strategy and leadership were evident in his ability to mobilize and command his regiment under challenging conditions, including a lack of essential supplies and equipment. His success at Philippi significantly bolstered Union morale.
After the war, Kelley served in several public service roles, including as an internal revenue collector starting in 1866 and later as the head of the Hot Springs, Arkansas, Military Reservation. In 1883, he was appointed as an examiner of pensions by President Chester A. Arthur. Kelley passed away in Oakland, Maryland in 1891 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Reports and Letters
Updated: 10 March 2025
Created: 12 February 2024
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