Mr. and Mrs. Dennis M. Kelleher built this home at 701 Crest Avenue in
Snell Place in 1921 and resided there with their family for 26 years.
Kelleher, a prominent Fort Dodge attorney, practiced law here for more
than 60 years and was widely known for his legal activities.
The house, of brick and frame construction, is spacious and has rooms on
first and second floors as well as in the basement. The first floor
includes living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, conservatory,
three bedrooms and bath. There are fireplaces in the living room and
family room. On the second floor are three bedrooms and bath and large
walk-in linen closet. The basement has a drive-in garage and five rooms
including a large recreation room. There is also a screened-in front
porch.
The house has changed ownership only twice since it was built. In 1947
the Kellehers sold the residence to the First Presbyterian Church of
Fort Dodge and it was the home of ministers of the church until 1960. On
May 25, 1960, it was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Maurice E. Stark who presently
occupy it with their family. Stark is a well-known tax attorney.
Kelleher died in 1964 at age 92 after a distinguished legal career here
since 1902. After graduation from the University of Iowa law school in
1893 he began law practice in Des Moines and then went to Pomeroy where
he remained until moving to Fort Dodge.
He was associated with a number of Fort Dodge attorneys including the
Healy brothers, William S. Kenyon, Maurice O’Connor, Richard F. Mitchell
and his son John Kelleher. During World War I Kelleher was appointed to
the War Trade Board in Washington, D. C., by President Woodrow Wilson.
Later he was named solicitor for the Bureau of Internal Revenue and
special assistant to the United States Attorney General in trial of
cases throughout the country.
[Illustration: The Kelleher home
701 Crest Avenue]
Mr. and Mrs. Kelleher were parents of five children—Leo of Fort Dodge;
John of Waukegan, Ill.; Edward and Mrs. John Staff of Milwaukee, Wis.;
and Mrs. James Hart of Highland Park, Ill. Mrs. Kelleher is now a
resident of the Marian Home in Fort Dodge.