According to the 1915-16 Polk directory, Kelly was a partner with Romeo N. Hoyt in the Horseshoe Bar in Fairbanks. By 1918 when the prohibition law closed Alaska's saloons, he was listed as living on Cowles Street, NW corner of 3rd Ave, but no occupation was given.

Before the Horseshoe Bar partnership operation, the two men operated the Senate Bar until fire destroyed the structure.

Kelly was appointed to the board of trustees of the AACSM to fill the unexpired term of Richard C. Wood, who had resigned. He served until 1921.

He was appointed clerk of the district court for the Fourth Division and served until 1921 when he departed for Tacoma, Washington.

(Fairbanks News-Miner, Nov 25, 1941)
UAA Archives - Alice Wren Collection Photo Album
pg 10. c. Claude Kelly on Beacon Rock, Washington 1930