Joseph J. Kelly
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joseph J. Kelly | |
|---|---|
 Kelley in 1943 | |
| 52nd Mayor of Buffalo | |
| In office 1942–1945 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas L. Holling |
| Succeeded by | Bernard J. Dowd |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 5, 1897 Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Died | July 6, 1963 (aged 66) Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Laura Campbell Stephenson |
| [1] | |
Joseph James Kelly (July 5, 1897 – July 6, 1963) was an American attorney and politician who served as the 52nd mayor of Buffalo, New York. He held the office from 1942 to 1945.
Joseph James Kelly was born in Buffalo, New York, on July 5, 1897. His father was James W. Kelly, the founder of the American Body Company, and a local Democratic politician.
Kelly served with a training unit in World War I and then entered the University at Buffalo Law School, graduating in 1920. He spent several years as a trial lawyer before being endorsed by the Democratic Party for a 1933 run for City Court. He was approached to run for mayor in 1937 but declined in favor of remaining on the bench.
In 1940, Kelly was again approached with a request to run for mayor, this time accepting. The primary election was held on September 16, 1941, and Kelly defeated former Mayor Frank Schwab. William Fisher secured the Republican nomination.