Clinton Kelly

Reverend Clinton Kelly (June 15, 1808 – June 19, 1875) was an early pioneer of what became the U.S. state of Oregon.

Kelly was born on June 15, 1808, in Pulaski County, Kentucky, the son of Samuel and Nancy Kelly.

In January 1827, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and became a pastor. (by which time Oregon had become a U.S. territory). They initially stayed in a cabin on James B. Stephens' claim. He died on June 19, 1875, at the age of 67. Kelly married Mary Baston, and together they had five boys: Plympton, Hampton, Archon, Calmet and Benjal. Moriah died on January 30, 1863.

The eldest of Clinton and Moriah's children was Sarah Margaret Kelly, who later became the wife of Captain John W. Kern. Three of Clinton and Moriah's children died in childhood. Albert Kelly Park in Portland is named after Rev. Albert Kelly, Clinton Kelly's brother.

Kelly's family figures prominently in the history of the Mt. Tabor area of Portland. Kelly's son Plympton may have influenced the naming of Mt. Tabor after Mount Tabor in Palestine.

Kelly Butte was on a portion of Plympton Kelly's land claim.