User:RT242/George Biddle Kelley/Bibliography
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Comment: There are some technical issues. Most important is the dual reference e scheme. In addition what is the first paragraph for? 🇺🇦 FiddleTimtrent FaddleTalk to me 🇺🇦 17:32, 4 November 2024 (UTC)
George Biddle Kelley | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 28, 1884 |
| Died | May 5, 1962 Troy, New York |
| Education | Civil Engineering, Cornell University, 1908 |
| Organization(s) | Founder of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Founder of Troy Chapter of NAACP |
| Spouse | Harriet Gross (1934–1962) |
George Biddle Kelley (1884 –1962) was an African American civil engineer, known for being New York's first officially registered African American engineer and a founding member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the oldest African American fraternal organization.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Kelley was born in Troy, New York, on July 28, 1884, to Richard Kelley and Matilda Decker Kelley. Kelley's father was a carpenter and formerly enslaved man,[2] who served in the 20th New York State Colored Volunteers during the Civil War.[3] His mother was a homemaker and the daughter of Rev. William H. Decker who was associated with the Underground Railroad. Kelley was one of nine children.[3] As a young boy, he attended Troy Military Academy and was the only African American graduate.[3][2]
After graduating from the academy in September 1898, Kelley continued his education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. At Rensselaer, Kelley was known for his whistle. He also was an orator, who often recited "Curfew Shall Not Ring to Night".[4] In 1905, Kelley enrolled in the College of Civil Engineering at Cornell University. While there, he joined the social studies club for African American students, where his leadership qualities led him to become treasurer. The club also focused on community service, especially with the local African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.[5] He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Cornell University in 1908.[6] Kelley wrote, A Design for a Sewer System for a Portion of the Town of Saugerties, for his senior thesis.[7] On December 4, 1906, Kelley along with six other students formed Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the Cornell University Campus.[2] He became the first president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the first and oldest black Greek fraternal organization in the United States.[7]
Career
[edit]After completing his degree, Kelley moved back to Troy, New York. He registered with the New York State Engineering Board, making history as the state's first officially certified African American engineer.[5] He spent the first half of his career with the New York Engineering Department, working on various projects, including the New York State Barge Canal. Kelley worked as an auditor for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. After 32 years of service, Kelley retired.[8] In the latter part of his career, he shifted to taxation, first working for the state of New York and then as a tax consultant in the private sector.[5]
Later years and death
[edit]Kelley was fifty years old when he married Harriet Gross on May 1934.[1]
While living in Troy, New York, he became ordained as an elder at the Liberty Presbyterian Church. Additionally, he served as a director of Troy's Central YMCA and was the vice chairman of the Troy Council for the New York State Anti-Discrimination Commission[5].
Kelley died on May 5, 1962 at the age 77 at his childhood home.[3] He was buried on May 10, 1962, in the Oakwood Cemetery in Troy, New York. He was subsequently moved to New Mt. Ida Cemetery, near his parent's gravesite.
Accomplishments
[edit]In 1902, when Kelley was18 years old, he founded the first association for the Advancement of Negros in Troy, New York at Liberty Presbyterian Church and had a long-standing membership in Troy's NAACP.[1]
Kelley was also a 32nd-degree Mason in the Prince Hall Masonic Organization.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Sherry, Frank (April 23, 1966). "Troy NAACP Brings History Into Focus". The Times Record. p. 25. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ a b c O'Malley, Christine G. (2019). ""First of All": The Founding of Alpha Phi Alpha and the Search for Fraternal Space at Cornell University, 1905-1920". Buildings & Landscapes: Journal of the Vernacular Architecture Forum. 26 (1): 48–72. doi:10.5749/buildland.26.1.0048. ISSN 1936-0886.
- ^ a b c d "George Biddle Kelley (1884–1962) engineer, Alpha Phi Alpha cofounder, Troy NAACP cofounder". Lansingburgh Historical Society. 2017-02-25. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ Transit. Troy, New York: Troy Times Art Press. 1902. p. 39.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c d e Oglesby, David (2021-12-06). "George Biddle Kelley (1884–1962) •". Black Past. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ "George Biddle Kelley, Civil Engineer, born". African American Registry. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ a b "Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: A Centennial Celebration | George Biddle Kelley, 1881 - 1963". Cornell University Library. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Brother George Biddle Kelley Passes". The Sphinx. 48 (3): 4–5. Fall 1962 – via Issuu.
Further reading
[edit]- Wesley, Charles H. (1981). The History of Alpha Phi Alpha, A Development in College Life (14th ed.). Chicago: Foundation. ASIN: B000ESQ14W.
- Mason, Herman (1999). "The Devoted Jewel—George Biddle Kelley". The Talented Tenth: The Founders and Presidents of Alpha (2nd ed.). Winter Park, Florida: Four-G. ISBN 1-885066-63-5.