Oh, those Jelly’s and they’re mammoth?!?

August 7, 2014 · 0 Comments

Recently the Town of Shelburne proudly acknowledged the community’s founding father, William Jelly, (1835–1900) with a statue in the Jack Downing Park on Shelburne’s Main St.

What many do not know is that the large Jelly family were unique unto themselves and just as diverse in character as in skill and interests.

William Jelly, perhaps known best for his political aspirations was not to be outshone by younger brother, John Jelly (1842-1895).

In 1887, John Jelly made history discovering the bones of a mammoth near Shelburne in a little place you may have heard of, Amaranth. Once the bones were cleaned, John Jelly, a businessman, made use of his skills and sent his exhibit touring all over the world. The New York Times even picked up the story as it was such a rare find.

Some back history that is very interesting will also surprise. John Jelly arrived in 1873, developed Elizabeth St., and John Street is named for him. In keeping with the up coming Fiddle Championships, John Jelly is reportedly the musical one in the family taking part in dance quadrille, and marching band. John Jelly’s life experience is vast as well as surprising. Jelly was the Auditor of Village records, Commissioner of roads, he was the lumber purchaser as well as a building contractor. Perhaps to offset the business side of life, Jelly’s interests extended to not only becoming the owner of the famous Mastodon Bones, but also a displayer of the unorthodox bicycle, gramophone and car. Jelly was responsible for the building of the grandstands in 1887 on the Fairgrounds for Queen Victoria’s 50th, and larger than life, the grandstands did not simply fall apart over time, they stood strong and true until 1992 when a plane crashed into it!

The Dufferin County Museum is the place to visit to find out more, but it’s safe to say that John Jelly brought Shelburne and Amaranth to the world in this discovery. Just another incredible factual story about yet another interesting person in Dufferin County’s rich and “mammoth” history.

Special thanks to Shelburnite, and history buff, Kimberly Evans for providing such great historical information and inspiration.

By Alex Sher