Transcript

of

John Shelly [Obituary]

Trans. Devon. Assoc., vol.  47, (1915), p. 57.

by

Maxwell Adams (Ed.)

Prepared by Michael Steer

The obituary was read at the Association’s July 1915 Exeter meeting. Mr Shelly was elected Mayor for 1882-3.  The Plymouth Guildhall, built in 1874 boasted some remarkable stained glass. These treasures included “The Mayflower Window” designed by John Shelly. It was destroyed in the 1941 Plymouth Blitz.  Mr Shelley’s window is described here. The obituary, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers.

Mr. Shelly, who was born in February, 1840, at Great Yarmouth, was educated at the Edinburgh High School, and came to Plymouth in 1857, when he was articled with Mr. Alfred Rooker, solicitor, afterwards joining the firm. When Mr. Rooker died the partnership of Rooker, Matthews, and Shelly was dissolved, and subsequently Mr. R. B. Johns joined Mr. Shelly.
For a number of years after coming to Plymouth Mr. Shelly was a member of Sherwell Congregational Church. He subsequently joined the Church of England, and for about a quarter of a century he was one of the church-wardens of St. John's. The Church schools of the parish, of which he was secretary and correspondent, received generously from him. He represented the diocese of Exeter in the House of Laymen, was a most valued member of the Three Towns Ruridecanal Conference, and was chairman of the local branch of the E.C.U. for over twenty-five years.
Mr. Shelly took a close interest in local affairs. In 1880 he was elected an alderman of the Council, and two years later he became Mayor. He remained in the Council until 1905, having served for twenty-five years.
Mr. Shelly was identified with practically every philanthropic society in Plymouth, as chairman or ex-chairman. He served twice as chairman of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and he was the oldest member of the Plymouth Institution, of which he was a past-president. He was a fine scholar, an impressive speaker, and the most courteous and chivalrous of gentlemen. He joined the Association in 1879.
Mr. Shelly was twice married, his first wife being the daughter of Colonel Smith, of Plympton, and his children the Rev. John Shelly, Newport, Shropshire, and Mrs. W. L. Munday. His widow is the daughter of Mr. H. H. Shanks, J.P., Plymouth.
He died on 19 March, 1915, at the age of 75.