Col. David C. Kelley – The Fighting Parson
Born in Leesville, Tennessee, Colonel Kelley served in all of the major engagements of the war under Forrest’s command. Known as the Fighting Parson, Kelley was a Methodist minister and missionary to China before the war. He also played a key role after the war in the founding of Vanderbilt University. He latter ran unsuccessfully for governor of Tennessee in 1890 on the Prohibitionist ticket. Kelley was one of General Forrest’s most trusted Lieutenants.
Kelley’s Point Battlefield Park is where he fought the United States Navy for almost 2 weeks in December 1864.
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