John H. Kelly

John Herbert Kelly (March 31, 1840 – September 4, 1864) was, at the time of his promotion, the youngest brigadier general in the Confederate States Army. He became one of the youngest generals to die during the American Civil War, at the age of 24.

Early life and career John Herbert Kelly was born in 1840 to Isham Kelly and Elizabeth Herbert at their home in Carrollton, Alabama. Kelly's father died while in Cuba when John was four, and his mother died three years later.

Civil War service After arriving in Montgomery Kelly joined the Confederate Army with the rank of second lieutenant. He then was assigned to Fort Morgan where he would stay until the fall of 1861. During that time Kelly left Fort Morgan with Brig. Gen. William J. Hardee to Missouri. It was here that he was appointed captain and assistant adjutant general on Hardee's staff. Kelly's brigade was one of the key factors at the Battle of Pickett's Mill that lead to the Confederate victory. Kelly was immediately taken to the Harrison House to be seen by doctors. At the Confederate retreat, he was too badly hurt to be moved and was forced to be left and captured by Union forces on September 3. Kelly died the following day in his bed at the Harrison House.

He was buried in the gardens of the Harrison House just south of Franklin on the day of his death. Local residents bought him a coffin and the new clothing he was buried in, except for the uniform coat which he was wearing when he died. Sons Of Confederate Veterans Camp 1980 Gordo, Alabama Named In His Honor.