He was born in Derry, Ireland (4). He was 38 years old when he was enlisted (4, 5).
He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had a light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair (4).
He was enlisted and mustered into service on 2 December 1861 (1, 4, 5). He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Lieutenant Matlack (4, 5). He was mustered in as a private in company K, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Lieutenant Matlack (1, 4, 5).
He deserted from hospital on 31 May 1863 (1 [31 May 61], 3 [May 63], 5).
On 18 March 1864, he was reported "dropped as a deserter--no record of him in Adjutant General's Office" (2).
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster) (William Kelley)
2 consolidated morning report, 18 March 1864 (Wm Kelly)
3 company K, register of deserters, entry 26 (William Kelley)
4 company K, descriptive roll (William Kelly)
5 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 6 May 2005 (William Kelley; rolls have 'Kelly')