The Green County Historical Museum has among its lantern collection one that belonged to pioneer Mordecai Kelly (1808-1891). It was donated in 1938 by the late Frank Shriner of Monroe.
Kelly moved to the area in 1836 from Pike County, Ohio locating his claim about 4 miles west of Monroe. As shown here, the candle lit lantern is constructed of tin and stands about 11 inches tall and 7 inches wide.
The lantern has numerous small slits on the body and top part to emit light. It also has a 4-inch hinged and latched door which was used to get easy access to the candle.
According to E.C. Hamilton's history entitled "The Story of Monroe," Kelly was involved in the tragic shooting of a 12-year old boy in 1871. Apparently, the 12-year-old was killed during a shivaree for a man and his new bride. A "shivaree" is a noisy mock serenade made by banging pots and kettles together to a newly married couple.
The 12-year old, who was a brother to the bride, had driven up to the Kelly homestead with other young men in a sleigh and had awakened Kelly with their racket. When Kelly stepped outside his house and snapped his shotgun, the gun's blast killed the boy. Kelly was indicted for the murder of the boy, but no conviction resulted. Kelly claimed that he didn't think the gun was loaded, and many in the area thought he was being persecuted for an unfortunate accident.
- Submitted by John Glynn of the Green County Historical Society
Kelly moved to the area in 1836 from Pike County, Ohio locating his claim about 4 miles west of Monroe. As shown here, the candle lit lantern is constructed of tin and stands about 11 inches tall and 7 inches wide.
The lantern has numerous small slits on the body and top part to emit light. It also has a 4-inch hinged and latched door which was used to get easy access to the candle.
According to E.C. Hamilton's history entitled "The Story of Monroe," Kelly was involved in the tragic shooting of a 12-year old boy in 1871. Apparently, the 12-year-old was killed during a shivaree for a man and his new bride. A "shivaree" is a noisy mock serenade made by banging pots and kettles together to a newly married couple.
The 12-year old, who was a brother to the bride, had driven up to the Kelly homestead with other young men in a sleigh and had awakened Kelly with their racket. When Kelly stepped outside his house and snapped his shotgun, the gun's blast killed the boy. Kelly was indicted for the murder of the boy, but no conviction resulted. Kelly claimed that he didn't think the gun was loaded, and many in the area thought he was being persecuted for an unfortunate accident.
- Submitted by John Glynn of the Green County Historical Society