John Kelly (U.S. politician)

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For other persons named John Kelly, see John Kelly (disambiguation).

John Kelly (1822 – 1886) of New York City was U.S. Representative from New York from 1855 to 1858.

Kelly was born in New York City to Hugh Kelly and Sarah Donnelly Kelly. He was a Democrat and a leader of Tammany Hall. He received a public school education, was apprenticed to the mason's trade, and engaged in business for himself at the age of twenty-four. He married Ann McIlhargy, to whom a son and two daughters were born. In 1854 he was elected an alderman, and from this time until his death he was active as a Democratic politician. In 1855 and 1857 he was elected to Congress, serving as the only Catholic at that period of Know-Nothing ascendency. During his last term was elected Sheriff of the County of New York. By 1872 his wife and children had died; he subsequently married Ann Theresa Mullen, the niece of New York's Cardinal McCloskey; a son and a daugher were born of that marriage. In 1876 he succeeded Andrew H. Green, by appointment, as comptroller. In 1871 he aided Charles O'Conor, Samuel J. Tilden, and their associates in the struggle against the Tweed ring. Known as "Honest John" Kelly, he was the leader of Tammany Hall and active in politics until his death