Biographical Sketch of William C. Kelso, Pulaski County, Missouri

>From "History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas,
 Pulaski, Phelps & Dent Counties, Missouri, Published 1889, Goodspeed
 Publishing Company.

Transcribed by: Penny Harrell (Incog3678@aol.com)

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William C. Kelson was born in Rockbridge County, VA., May 24, 1825,
and is a son of Joseph and Martha (Allen) Kelso, who were born in 
the same county, the former in January, 1774, and the latter Septem-
ber 25, 1780.  He was a miller and farmer by occupation, and died on
his farm in Virginia in 1867.  His two brothers, James and Hugh, were
soldiers in the Revolutionary War.  Four of his eleven children are 
now living:  Hugh, Ewing, Martha and William.  The following died on
or near the old homestead at Kelso Gap, VA.:  Polly, Jane, Elizabeth
and Sallie.  John A. and Speece died in Missouri, and Walker in 
Florida.  Hugh and Elizabeth (Culton) Kelso, the paternal grandparents
were natives of Ireland and Virginia, respectively, the former coming
to the United States when a young man, and spent the remainder of his
days in Virginia.  John and Jane (Montague) Allen, the maternal grand-
parents, were of Scotch parentage, and natives of Virginia, where they
lived and died.  William C. Kelso, whose name heads this sketch, re-
mained in his native State until eighteen years of age, and while 
there was educated for the Presbyterian ministry, but instead chose
farming as his calling through life.  He assisted his father, when not
in school, until coming west, and after coming to Missouri located in
Lewis County, where he entered land and lived two years.  He then went
to Illinois, where he resided for three years, and again came to Lewis
County, and for thirty-one years was engaged in farming and dealing in
real estate near Monticello.  In 1851 he was wedded to Miss Cordelia L.
Turner, of Kentucky, by whom he became the father of four children:
Martha, Stotira, Mary and Joseph.  The mother of these children died
on July 9, 1864, and Mr. Kelso was then married to Miss Mary B. Carlley
on May 1, 1866.  She was born August 30, 1849, and is the daughter of
Herbert and Leah (Shully) Carlley, who were born in Pennsylvania, and
of German descent.  Mrs. Kelso was born in Adams County, of that State,
and was eight years of age when brought to Missouri.  Mr. Kelso is an
old-time Democrat, and at one time represented Lewis County in the 
State Grange, but has never held any office.  He located in Vernon 
County, MO., in 1881, and the latter part of 1883 came to Pulaski 
County.  He has a good farm of 250 acres, 100 being under cultivation
and in connectiion with his farming gives considerable attention to
stock raising.  He and wife, who is a member of the Baptist Church,
are the parents of three children:  William C., Alexander S. and Lottie.

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