General Benjamin Franklin Kelley was born in New Hampshire and moved to Wheeling in 1836. He worked in business and with the B&O Railroad before the Civil War. In 1861, he formed the 1st (West) Virginia Infantry and was promoted to general after being wounded during the Battle of Philippi in June 1861. He spent most of the war protecting railroads from Confederate raids, especially from McNeill’s Rangers. In 1865, he was captured in a surprise raid by the rangers but survived the war. Afterward, he held several government jobs. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.