#BlackHistoryMonth
Historic Linden Grove is honored to serve as the final resting place for key Black figures in local history Like:
Benjamin F. Howard
(1860 – 1918) Co-Founder of the African American Elks
Born in Covington B.F. Howard worked to overcome great inequality for the Black community and founded the very first national African American Elks chapters, in Ohio in June 1899 and then in Kentucky a few years later.
The "Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World” first formed in Cincinnati with B. F. Howard as the leader. He would also seek a charter from Kentucky, but was refused because of state segregation and white influence. Howard then went on to establish chapters in Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, elected as “Grand Exalted Ruler.”
In the early 1900's, Howard was finally permitted to organize Ira Lodge No. 37 in Covington by the State of Kentucky. Howard continued to be Grand Exalted Ruler until July 28, 1910 when a new Grand Exalted Ruler was elected. He would leave the organization during this period, but continued his involvement with a new organization called the Fraternal Mutual Benevolent Association.
Howard lived in a few different homes on Lynn Street in Covington from 1908 until his death on May 4, 1918, and would be interred at Linden Grove Cemetery. You might recognize Howard’s name from, BF Howard Park on 11th street in Covington, commemorated in his name.
Source: NKy Views
Dr. Adam D. Kelly
(1860 – 1934) Early African American physician in Covington
Adam Kelly was born in Carthage, North Carolina on July 16, 1860 to John Kelly and Julia Miller Kelly, and would attend public school and remain there until 1880. He would graduate from Bennett College in 1892 in Greensboro, North Carolina, and continue on to Meharry College in Nashville, Tennessee, to study medicine. Working at various resorts during the summer to finance his education, Kelly would graduate in 1896.
In June 1898, Kelly married Nashville native, Mary Wendell, and they would go on to have eight children together. At that time, he worked and resided at 56 E. 3rd Street, but by 1900, would move to 516 Scott Blvd.
In 1919, Dr. Kelly and his youngest son Garland, age 4, were shot in their home while sleeping, and tragically Garland would die from his wounds. The assailant left the firearm that was used in the attack, but was never caught or brought to justice.
Kelly was active in civic affairs in Covington and would serve as a member of the Odd Fellows, Eastern Star, Knights of Pythias, the Elks, the United Brothers of Friendship and a 33rd Degree Mason.
Dr. Adam D. Kelly died on February 26, 1934 at the age of 73, survived by his wife, Mary, and children including Adam D. Kelly Jr, Eichler Kelly, and Coleman Kelly. Funeral services were conducted at the Ninth Street M.E. Church with burial at Linden Grove Cemetery
Source: Kenton County Library
Learn more here about how you can help preserve these important legacies by becoming an Adopt-A-Plot supporter.
To honor and continue learning about Black history all year long, start by following these hashtags for more amazing stories and resources:
#BlackHistoryMonth
#BlackExcellence
#AfricanAmericanHistory
#CincyBuyBlackThursdays