Duke,

Three sources for your ancestor: The first is from Eakin & Hale's 1993 "Branded As Rebels," publ. by Wee Print, Independence, page 248, which states for John D. Kelly: "A Lieutenant in R. H. Williams Company organized at Nevada, Missouri in December 1861." [I think the actual source said December 1860, which I suspect if an error based on information below]

The second is from Peterson, Richard C., McGhee, James E., Lindberg, Kip A., and Daleen, Keith I, "Sterling Price's Lieutenants: A Guide to the Officers and Organization of the Missouri State Guard, 1861-1865," Shawnee Mission, KS: Two Trails Publ. 1995 on pages 267-8 about the 7th Missouri Cavalry Regiment of the 8th Division, Missouri State Guard under regimental commander COL DeWitt C. Hunter in Captain Reuben H. William's Company A from Vernon County which lists as Third Lieutenant John D. Kelty [or Kelly] whose compiled service record says "he was elected [probably by his men] on 26 November 1861" and cites as source Carolyn Bartels' "The Forgotten Men," same publisher, 1995 which states

as the third source: "Kelty, John D. 2nd LT, Co. A, 7th Regt Cavalry 8th Div, ref: Roll of 2nd Lt's of 8th Division, elected 26 November 1861, aged 32 years, born MO, PO Box Nevada, Vernon County, MO."

Now, regarding guerrilla hanging of victims, are you still interested in what I have on this, or would I be wasting my time in providing any information? You seem skeptical, or did I read two much into your reply on that topic?

I hope this helps in your quest.
Bruce Nichols