Jennie Lewis was born July 26, 1865, the first child of Robert and Minerva Oshel Lewis.  Little is known of her early life.  She grew up on the farm helping with farm and home chores, and attained an elementary school education.

At a young age she married the preacher Bartley Kelley, son of Mordiciah Kelley.  A daughter Olive was born to them.  Olive died in infancy, and Jennie died Oct 14, 1885, about the same time.  They are buried together at Joyner Cemetery.