Thomas Kennelly was born in Canada. He met Mary Ellen Kane and the two were married in St. Mary's Church in Chicago, IL about 1876.
He came to Mandan from Aberdeen, DT in 1886. His wife and five children followed the next year arriving in Mandan May 1, 1887 in the middle of a spring blizzard. A daughter admitted, "Mother would like to have gone back but she was a real pioneer and made up her mind to stay. The first thing the family did was to pray the Rosary and as protection from the Indians."
Mr. Kennelly operated the "Fair Store" with two others, and was known as a kind hearted man who always found work for new men coming to town. He also supported the area youth in a variety of ways. During his funeral wake, many related the stories of assistance he provided to them as children.
He was also a stong supporter of his parish, St. Joseph's.. As was customary, all communities celebrated the 4th of July with picnics, races, music, and visiting. Kennelly promoted racing amoung the young folks of the day. He charges a small entrance fee. From the money he collected he gave prizes and the balance was given to the Church.
The Kennellys had ten children: William D. born in Chicago and later died in Mandan; James C. born in Chicago in 1881 and died in 1889; Bernie E. born in Aberdeen; Elizabeth, born in Plankinton, SD; Thomas G. C. "Cleve" born in Aberdeen; Agnes Stella (Williams) born in Aberdeen; and the remaining four children Roy Douglas, John Kane, Gertude (Fleck); Margaret Helen (Funden) all born in Mandan.
He and his wife Mary Ellen (Kane) are buried in Union Cemetery, Mandan, ND.
