This family originated in Scotland. The name was a place name and a chaulk hill in Scotland. Some of the various spellings are: Kelso, Kelsoe, Kellsay, Kelsay, Kelsey, etc. The most ancient spelling is Kelso, which is found in records dating back to 1295 and beyond in Scotland. Our branch of the family and has always spelled the name Kelsay.
Research in Northern Ireland showed that the Kelsay family had moved from Scotland to Northern Ireland in the 17th century. The Kelsay family was known as Scots/Irish in America, but were called, Ulster/Scots in Ireland.
First of all I will deal with facts, and then perhaps a little conjecture. Rev. Morgan Edwards came from England and wrote a book about the Baptists in New Jersey in the 18th century. It was published in 1793, and I saw a copy in the rare book section of the New York Public Library in 1976. Rev. Edwards had written to all of the Baptist Ministers in New Jersey prior to that time, and asked them send him some background information about themselves.
Rev. Robert Kelsay was the Minister at the Cohansey Baptist Church in Cumberland County, New Jersey, and he responded to Rev. Edwards with a letter about himself and his family. He wrote that he had been born in the year 1711 near Drummore, Ireland, and came to the Port in Maryland in 1734. He arrived in Cohansey (south New Jersey) in 1738. The spelling of "Drummore" was an ancient spelling of the present day town of Dromore, which is located in County Down, Northern Ireland. Rev. Robert Kelsay also stated in his letter to Rev. Edwards, that he had thirty-three grandchildren at that time, and his children had married into the families of: Sheppards, Bowens, Dares, Heatons, Reeves, Smiths, and Pagets. The forgoing are indisputable facts that were written by Rev. Robert Kelsay�s own hand.
Now we will have to use a little conjecture. Research in Northern Ireland showed that the Kelsay family had moved from Scotland to Northern Ireland in the 17th century. The bulk of the immigrants from Scotland to Northern Ireland were of the Presbyterian religion.
The Scots in those days used a "naming pattern" for their children, and this pattern was also adhered to by the Ulster/Scots in Northern Ireland. The pattern went like this: 1st son after father�s father; 2nd son after mother�s father; 3rd son after father; lst daughter after mother�s mother; 2nd daughter after father�s mother; and 3rd daughter after mother. The pattern continued on down, but this is the beginning of it. I don�t know if Rev. Robert followed this pattern faithfully or not in the naming of his children, but feel sure that he named his first born son, William after his father, which would have followed the naming pattern.
The records in Northern Ireland show that William Kellsay was of Ballycross, a portion of the Hamilton Estates in 1711. This is the year that Robert Kelsay was born, and I feel certain that this William Kellsay of Ballycross was his father. Ballycross (city of the cross) is a small town in County Down that is not far from the larger town of Dromore. The "Thrifts Index of Wills" in Northern Ireland show William Kellsay, Ballycross, 1771. I believe this to be one of Robert Kelsay�s older brothers, but could not locate the Will he had left in 1771. It might have been destroyed in the fire of 1922, when the Public Record Office in Dublin was burned down. Wills was supposed to be sent to Dublin prior to the fire, but not everybody sent them. This Will might be helpful if it could be located.
Now, you are probably asking: "Who was William Kellsay�s father?" Again, I must use conjecture, but I think the evidence points strongly to Gawin Kellsay/Kelso of Holywood, County Down, who obtained leases of lands in Coleraine and Londonderry in 1617.
Kelsays, Kelseys and Kelsos were among immigrants to New England about 1720, the majority of whom were from the Londonderry area. Even today, these names are still to be found on the Londonderry/Donegal Border.
The Assignment, dated December 1617 (T640 Page 14) from Robert MacClelland of Bombie (later Lord Kirdcudbright) is to Gawin Kelso of Holywood, and at that date Holywood was a portion of the estates of Sir James Hamilton, lst Lord Clandeboye, who received the Grant on November 5, 1606.
Lease, December 1617 (T640 P14): Sir Robert MacClelland of Bombie to my well beloved Gawin Kelso of Holywood. Five score of acres of land of the Haberdashers lying upon the water of Roe. Forty acres of land of the Clothworkers proportion . . . to the town of Coleraine.
   Dated Edinburgh the (?) day of December 1617.The lease from Sir Robert MacClelland states Gawin Kelso of Holywood. Does this mean that Gawin was already living in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland in 1617, or did he sign the lease in Edinburgh, Scotland and immediately move to Holywood in 1617?
Note � Sir Robert MacClelland was created Lord Kirkcudbright in 1633.
The Haberdashers and the Clothworkers were two of the London Companies granted land in Coleraine and Londonderry. History of Holywood by McNamee: Grant, dated November 5, 1606 to Sir James Hamilton, lst Lord Clandeboye of Holywood etc.
The following is a note from Mrs. Joan L. Petticrew of Northern Ireland:
   "I noticed Gawen (also Gawin, Gawn, and Gowan, variant spelling) in the records. I would like to advise you that when the "Planters" (Scots/Irish to you and Ulster/Scots to us) first came to County Down, they came in by the Ards Peninsula where Holywood Parish is situated. The great landlord who came with the "Planters", and who built the wealthy town of Newtownards, was Sir Montgomery from Scotland. The original grant to Sir Montgomery was in 1606. This area to the present day is a very wealthy farming area specializing in potatoes and vegetables, which are famous in Europe. The Comber "spud" is known throughout the British Isles.With them, the Scots Planters brought the Christian names, Gawn and Hans, which are usually found in the Ards Peninsula area. These two names died out about one hundred years ago. From the Ards Peninsula, many families who came with the Planters fanned out to areas in County Down. . ."
The "Plantation" of Ulster in Northern Ireland was started about 1607, and continued for many years. Gawn Kellsay/Kelso was reportedly born in Ayr, Scotland and leased land in Holywood, Northern Ireland in 1617 or before. The "Rent Roll, Antrim County, Northern Ireland, page 8 & 9", shows Gowen Kellsay leasing land in 1641.
The Kelso family was an old family in Ayr, Scotland, and Gawn Kelso would have been born there about 1595 or before, as he was an adult farmer when he leased land in 1617. The Irish population was in an almost constant state of rebellion between 1610 and 1650, and some researchers believe that Gawn/Gowen Kellsay/Kelso was killed in battle in Antrim County about 1641 or shortly after.
Most Kelsay researchers of today, seem to think that Gawn Kellsay/Kelso was the father of William Kellsay, who was living near Ballycross, County Down in 1711, and was leasing land that was a portion of the Sir James Hamilton Estates. We know for a fact that Gawn Kellsay/Kelso moved from Scotland to Northern Ireland, but we don�t know who might have came with him. Families were usually large in those days, and Gawn probably had many brothers and sisters. The "Prerogative Will Index, 1536-1810" in Northern Ireland, shows a George Kelsaie, native of Scotland. The Will was dated 1640. A George Kelsay migrated to New Jersey, and was living in Cumberland County when Rev. Robert Kelsay was there. George was a name that was used in the Kelsay family in New Jersey and Ohio, so it is very likely that Gawn and George Kellsay in Northern Ireland were related in some manner, very possibly they were brothers, as they appeared to be close in their ages.
The Index to Irish Wills, Volume IV (Dromore, Newry, Mourne) by Thomas M Blagg, F.S.A., shows, Kellsay, William, Ballycross, County Down (Northern Ireland) on page 69. The Will was probated in 1771, but I have not been able to locate it. This William Kellsay was very likely the son of the William Kellsay that was living there in 1711, and an older brother to Robert Kelsay of New Jersey.
Without a Will, we may never know for sure how many children William Kellsay Sr. had. We are sure of William Kellsay Jr., John Kelsay and Robert Kelsay, but would have to speculate on other names. I think, Edward, Samuel, Joseph, Daniel, David and George would be some names that would likely be bestowed on brothers to William, John and Robert Kelsay. There is no way at present to ascertain the size of William Kellsay Sr.�s family. However, the families were usually large in those days. The only birth control back then, was when a woman either reached menopause or died . . . which ever came first!
John Kelsay was older then Robert and migrated to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania sometime in the 1720�s. John resided there with his wife, Margaret, and they had many children together. Robert stated in his letter to Rev. Edwards, that he landed at the Port in Maryland in 1734, and went to Cohansey, New Jersey in 1738. We don�t know where Robert spent that four years before he showed up in New Jersey, but a good guess would be with his brother John in Pennsylvania. There were probably other family members that came over with John and Robert, and there may have been some more brothers with them. However, all of the "say" spelling of the Kelsay name in America today trace back to either John in Pennsylvania, or Robert in New Jersey. If there was any other Kelsay brothers that came over with John and Robert, their line must have died out, because we have not found any of their descendants living today. At least, not yet anyway.
The early immigrates were often involved with the naming of new Townships in the Counties they inhabited. Reportedly, John Kelso/Kelsay was an early settler in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and very well might have had influence with new names. You don�t suppose Drumore Township in Lancaster County could have been named after the present day, Dromore, Northern, Ireland, do you? It was a common practice in those days to use names from former places of residence.
In 1977, I sent a fee to the ULSTER HISTORICAL FOUNDATION in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and asked them to conduct a search of the Kelsay family there. On May 24, 1977, the Secretary of UHF, Mrs. Kathreen Neill mailed me the results of their search. She stated "that records for the 17th and 18th centuries are very few and far between here in Ireland." Mrs. Neill also said, "We realise that you asked us to concentrate on Kelsay/Kelsey and disregard Kelso. However, this was not easy as the names keep cropping up together as you will see from our report."
The report was five or six pages long, and the information concerning Gawin Kelso/Kellsay of Holywood and William Kellsay of Ballycross, was included in it. I discussed some of that earlier. The UHF researcher discussed the surname: "I know from my personal experience that spelling of names even within the same generation varied considerably in the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries so I have worked on the presumption that KELSO � KELSOE � KELSAY � KELLSAY and KELSEY are of the same family. I believe this to be borne out by the entries in the Black Book of the Rebellion of 1798 (DOD272) where in the tiny area of Drumbridge we find both JOHN KELSOE and JAMES KELSEY (Drumbridge is in the area of Drumbeg and lies on the edge of the River Lagan). It will also be noted that in some cases the spelling is varied within one document."
The UHF researcher continued,
   "In 1797/98 John Kelso and James Kelsey were in "Drumbridge which according to the Chancery Bill of 1680 (T808/14559) was also the property of Sir James Hamilton, lst Lord Clandeboye and had been leased to James Maxwell prior to 1677 � probably James Maxwell of Drumbeg who died c 1681/2 (T808/9913).It appears that the Kelsay/Kelso family leased land from the estate of Sir James Hamilton for many years in County Down. As late as 1804, a William Kelsey married Jane Jennings in Dromore, County Down, Northern Ireland. She was the widow of the late Mr. McMullen at remarriage.
As you can see by the several variant spellings of the Kelsay surname above, the name has had many spellings through the centuries. It was most certainly derived from the surname of "Kelso" in Scotland. George Robertson�s account of the Principal Families in Ayrshire, Scotland (1824); "wherein it is stated that the family of Kelso of Kelsoland is said to have originally come from Normandy into England in 1066 with William the Conqueror. Robertson adds that this tradition derives some weight from the circumstances that QUELSOE was still, in his day, a surname to be met with in that province of France." Very few of the names of the companions of William the Conqueror are known, and it would be impossible to establish if Robertson was correct in speculating on the family coming from Normandy in 1066. I noticed that all of the early Kelso�s of Kelsoland had a "de" in their name though. Such as "Hugo de Kelso, son of John, Dominus de Kelsoland, signed fealty to Edward I of England in July of 1296. Hugo�s name appears in the "Ragman Roll" in 1296.
The genealogy of Kelsoland states: "Hugo de Kelso�s name appears among those of the Baroness Majors slain at the battle of Falkirke. He married Aleanore, daughter of Patric, Earl of March." The surname was spelled with several variants prior to Hugo de Kelso � such as John de Kelsou, 1289; Peter de Kelsou, 1263; Richard de Kelchou, 1233; and on back to Vinget de Chalchou in 1094. The "de" was used in the name up to John de Kelcho in 1403, and then was not used anymore. The webster�s dictionary states that "de" indicates place of origin in French family names. So, in other words, Hugo de Kelso means "Hugo from Kelso."
It appears there is a strong French connection, and it�s possible that George Robertson was correct in his assessment that the family came from Normandy, France in 1066 with William the Conqueror.
We do know that Kelso was a "place name", and appears in King David�s foundation charter as such. According to Morton "(Monastic Annals of Teviotdale) the name is evidently derived from Chalkheugh, a remarkable cliff overhanging the Tweed, on the summit of which part of the town is built. Chalkheugh is locally pronounced Cawkheuch. Calc, in the ancient British language, and cealc in the Anglo-Saxon, like the Latin calx, signify chalk. How, in Anglo-Saxon and Scots, and Heugh in modern Scots, a hill or height (Chalmer�s Caledonia). This etymology may be distinctly traced in the various forms in which the name appears in ancient records, where it is written KALKOW, KELQUEU, CALCO, CALCHEU, CALCHOOWE and KELLESEWE. The earliest mention of it is stated by Morton to be at the time of the founding of the Monastery in 1128, when it appears from the Charter of its royal founder, David I, that there was a church called "the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the banks of the river Tuede in the place which is called Calkou". I think what Morton was trying to say, is that "Kelso" was named after a remarkable chalk hill overhanging the river Tweed.
In October 1938, Mrs. Utterson Kelso died at her home at Gilling west, near Richmond, Yorkshire. Among various documents referring to the Kelso family that were in her possession at the time of her death was the following note on paper watermarked 1827:
   "All Antiquarians agree that the most ancient surnames are local with a "de" before them and have been assumed by the proprietors when fixed appellations became hereditary. Thus the earliest possessors of the lands of Kelsoland in the Bailiary of Cunningham and Sheriffdom of Ayr, took a surname from their own lands according to the common custom of others amongst us, etc. etc.."An old pedigree dated 1758, records that the lands of Kelsoland in Ayrshire were erected into a free Barony by charter in 1256. The pedigree starts out with Vinget Calso in 1022, and Vinget de Chalchou in 1094 and continues on to Hugh Andrew Kelso in 1917.
However, George Robertson ignores the early pedigree and gives Hugo de Kelso (who appears in Ragman Roll in 1296) as the first of the name to appear in any public record in Scotland and he thinks to be the ancestor of the Kelsos of Kelsoland. Kelsoland remained in the hands of the family until about 1624 or 32, when it was sold to one Patrick Shaw, either by Robert Kelso (according to Robertson) or by his father David (according to both Burke and James Patterson�s History of the county of Ayrshire, 1852).
Some fifteen or twenty years later the estates were re-purchased by Robert Kelso of Halrig, but in 1688, his son John Kelso finally disposed of Kelsoland to John Brisbane of Bishoptoun, who changed the name of the house to "Brisbane House", by which name it was known until it was destroyed by Commandos in a training exercise during World War II � in the 1940�s.
The following story was recorded in the "Account of the Family of Kelso of Kelsoland", which the Ulster Historical Foundation in Belfast has a copy of:
   Brisbane has its ghosts. In the house itself a winding stone staircase that leads to the attics has never been finished, the workmen employed upon it being too scared to complete the work. Strange tales are told about it. A friend of the Brisbane family who knew the place intimately � Miss Fairlie of fairlie in Ayrshire � has recorded a curious experience of her own at Brisbane House that happened during a Christmas party in the last Mrs. Brisbane�s time. In her own words � "suddenly there was an electric current as if bells were being rung, and a sharp whining sound � after which a dead silence. No one spoke until Miss Low said quietly, �I must have leaned on the bell push�. Afterwards I spoke to Mrs. Brisbane (a very saintly woman) who said smiling, �There are no bells in the house� . . "Another lady, a Miss Dyer, who was looking over the house with her sister and brother-in-law, suddenly found herself quietly sliding down the staircase. She said that she felt as though some one had got hold of her ankles and pulled her down. The Kelso Glen � still so called � that adjoins the property is said to be haunted by a Kelso ghost; and there is a legend to the effect that when a Kelso shall again sleep in Brisbane House, the estates will return to the Kelso family. The late Lieut. Colonel Archibald Kelso was once given a general invitation to shoot at Brisbane and mentioned this to his cousin, Capt. Barrington Kelso, R.N. the latter at once replied, "I bet that you will never go � Brisbane will put you off". Sure enough, though the invitation was not canceled, it was never renewed."
The Brisbane family acquired some other lands in Ayr besides Kelsoland, and extended the estate to upwards of 8500 acres. It was erected into the Barony of Brisbane by Charter in 1695. Apparently the Brisbane family died out in the late 1920�s or early 1930�s. The last laird left the estate to his widow and from her it descended to her niece, a Miss St. Aubyn.
From the "�Account of Kelsoland:
   "On this subject a certain Mr. Fullarton-James � I presume to be connected with the family of Fullarton of Rosemount, Symington � was in correspondence with Colonel Archibald Kelso�s widow about the year 1935. On the 27th of May of that year he wrote as follows: "Brisbane, as now called, was my grandfather�s tenancy and my mother was brought up there in the thirties. The Brisbane�s were relatives of his. The story of Miss St. Aubyn is quite correct. She was working in the east end of London when her relative, the last Brisbane, died and left her the property, which was little more than the empty, but very lovely house. She came and lived there � I imagine without any servants; for when I went to call and asked to be allowed to see over the place because of my mother�s childhood spent there, I could not get in or get any attention, even from a dog! I wrote that night but had no acknowledgment. This was perhaps ten or fifteen years ago. She died in 1932."Again on the 12th of January 1936, Mr. Fullarton-James wrote:
   "I visited Brisbane a few months ago and found it quite empty, with much charm of tree and burn and bird, but new buildings to within quite a short distance. All that quarter of Largs is now built up . . "I exchanged several letters with Rev. H. Kelso, who resided in County Down, Northern Ireland, in the 1970�s. On May 10, 1976, Rev. Kelso sent me several pages of information about the Kelso family and also enclosed a Xerox copy of a photograph of Brisbane House. It was reportedly one of the last photographs taken of the estate before being demolished during training by the Commandos in the 1940�s. The main house was quite large, and was four stories tall. I could not tell what the house was constructed from, but it appeared to be some sort of stone. There was a smaller building to the left of the main house, and two buildings to the right. There was many trees and shrubbery showing in the picture.
So, it appears that Miss St. Aubyn was the last inhabitant of Brisbane House, and it set empty after her death in 1932, until being demolished by commandos in the 1940�s. It is not known for certain what year the Kelso family acquired Kelsoland. An old pedigree dated 1758 records that the lands were erected into a free Barony by charter in 1256. George Robertson gives Hugo de Kelso as the ancestor of the Kelso�s of Kelsoland in 1296. We know that Kelsoland was owned by the Kelso family for about four hundred years anyway, before selling it to John Brisbane, and they may have owned it much farther back then the 1200 time period. We just don�t know for sure because of the shortage of records. It appears the Brisbane family owned Kelsoland for about 250 years before it was abandoned and demolished in the 1940�s.
In 1693, the home and lands of Dankeith were acquired by William Kelso. Dankeith is situated in the parish of Symington, Ayrshire. The estate remained in Kelso hands until 1865, when on the death of Miss Eleanora Kelso, it passed to the Utterson family and was afterwards sold. Dankeith was destroyed by fire and then completely rebuilt.
Theories from other Kelsay researchers:
   A book entitled "The Origin of English Surnames" by Reaney, mentions de Kelesey, Kellesey and de Keleseie as names encountered in London in the period between 1147 and 1375. Reaney observes that by the end of the 1300�s, the prevalent spelling in Lincolnshire, along the East Coast north of London, was Kelsey. A village called South Kelsey in that county still appears on today�s maps.In The New Dictionary of American Family Names by Elsdon C. Smith, Kelsey or Kelsie is given as an English name that can usually be traced back to the Lincolnshire village of Kelsey. Kelso is mentioned as being strictly Scottish. Smith associates the meaning of the name with words describing "chalk heights."
All of these theories concerning the origin�s of the surname of Kelsay, are probably beginning to confuse you by now. Here is my theory: I believe the family originated in Normandy, France, and went to England with William the Conqueror in 1066. After the Battle of Hastings, some of the family stayed in England, and some went to Scotland and settled in Ayrshire.
By 1296, Hugo de Kelso was spelling the surname as "Kelso", and the Scottish Kelso�s would use that spelling until the Plantation of Ulster began in the 1600�s in Northern Ireland. At some point in time, and I don�t know if it was Gowan Kelso/Kellsay, or his son, William Kellsay, a decision was made to always use the "a" in our surname to distinguish us from the other branches of the family, e.g. Kelso, Kelsey, Kelsoe, etc. William Kellsay in County Down, Northern Ireland used the "say" spelling, and Rev. Robert Kelsay, my 5th great grandfather, signed his own Will in 1789 in Cumberland County, New Jersey with the "say" spelling, and his grave stone was spelled "Kelsay" on it. I will admit, it has been a constant battle through-out my life, in trying to make people spell my name with "say" instead of "sey". We "say" Kelsay�s have used that spelling since the 18th century, and are proud of our branch and will continue to prevail over the misspelling of our surname!
My grandfather, Thomas D. Kelsay, was seriously ill with prostate cancer in the Marion General Hospital in Marion, Indiana, when the nurse came in with his chart to record his name. Even though it was a struggle, he raised up on one elbow and instructed the nurse in a firm voice, "That is Kelsay with an �a�!" So kinsmen keep the faith, the battle of the "say" spelling can be won! Don�t give up! (from Billie Lee Smith-�My family always said the same thing.�
You may wonder what behooved our Kelsay ancestors to move from Northern Ireland in the early 18th century to the colonies in North America. I believe it was mostly due to two reasons. First there was the "Test Act" of 1704, which required office holders to take all three Sacraments of the Church of Ireland (Anglican or �state church�). Presbyterians and others could not join the army, the militia, educate their children or pass on land, worship within five miles of a town or own a horse over 5 dollars, if they did not obey the three sacraments of the state church i.e. baptism, marriage and burial.
Then a long and severe drought set in during the "teen" years of the 1700�s, and was the last straw for these yeoman farmers. Ruined crops, which included flax, meant that farmers, weavers and townspeople had their lifestyle ruined! Then, in 1716, if matters were not already bad enough for the farmers, the sheep were infected with "sheep rot", (a disease of the feet) and wiped out all of the flocks of sheep. On top of all of this, the Absentee English landlords, who lived in England kept increasing the rents on the land!
What had began as a trickle in 1702, turned into a torrent in 1717 of Ulster Planters to the Colonies of North America. The bulk of these immigrants were Presbyterians, and this is probably the religion that the Kelsay family was associated with in Northern Ireland.
John Kelsay probably made the move to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania between 1717 and 1720, and Robert Kelsay went over in 1734. There, was of course, many other Kelsay�s that also joined the migration. As they had learned in Scotland and Ireland, the Kelsay�s continued to be mostly farmers in the New World. Robert became a Baptist minister, but he owned farmland in New Jersey and lived on the Cohansey Church�s farm. I am sure he worked in the fields with his sons and taught them the farming trade, as they continued to farm for many generations. I, myself, would probably have stayed on the farm in Indiana, if my father, Dale Kelsay, had not died from a corn picker accident in 1945. All of my ancestors before me were farmers.
I hope the above information gives you a better understanding of the origins of the Kelsay family.
William Kellsay (Kelso), was born in 1580, in Scotland, died 1641/5 in Ayrshire, Scotland
Gowan Kelso, was born in 1595, in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was killed in Atrim, Ireland, 1641, in the Battle of Atrim, between the Irish Catholics and the Scottish Protestants.
Children:
William Kelsay I, son of Gowan Kelso, was born about 1640 in Northern Ireland. He died in 1676.
Children:
William Kelsay II, son of William Kelsay I and Miriam Smith, was born in 1676-1680, and died in 1773 in Ballycross, County Down, Northern Ireland.
He was married 2 April 1704, in Pennsylvania, to Mary Dunlop, who was born in 1690, in Dromore, County Down, Northern Ireland.
He leased lands from the Hamilton estate. He had at least 4 sons.
Mary died in 1767; William died in 1773, in Ballycross, Northern Ireland.
Children:
John Kelsay
Family Group "A"
John Kelsay, son of William Kelsay II and Mary Dunlop, was born in 1708, in Ballycross, Northern Ireland, and died in 1771. He came to America between 1717-1720. He was a farmer and resided in Chester County, Pennsylvania, by 1729. He signed a petition for a new county to be formed. As a result, Lancaster County came into being that year.
He was married in 1748, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Margaret Campbell, who was born about 1715, in Ireland, or in Botetourt, Virginia, and died there in 1771, the daughter of John Campbell and Grissel Hay.
Campbell Family
Andrew Campbell, was born in 1623 in Inverary, Argyllshire, Scotland, died in 1708. He was married 17 December 1657, to Mary Rich, who was born in 1636, in Kensington, London, Middlesex, England, and died 8 February 1666, in Glenorchy, Scotland.
Mary was the daughter of Henry Rich, 1st Earl Holland, born 1590 in Poplar, London, Middlesex, England, died 9 March 1649 in London,
Henry's wife was Isabel Cope, who was born 1598 in Kensington, London, England, and died 30 August 1655, also in Kesington.
Henry Rich was the son of Robert Rich, born 1564, died 24 March 1619, msrried 1581 in London, to Penelope Devereux, who was born in 1563 in Chartley, Staffordshire, England, England.
Duncan Campbell, son of Andrew Campbell and Mary Rich, was born in 1645, in Drumboden, Kilmachrenan, Donegalabama, Ireland, and died in 1727, in Ulster, Ireland. He was married in 1650, in Ireland, to Mary McCoy, who was born in 1649, in Ireland, and died in 1689, in Ireland.
John Campbell, son of Duncan Campbell and Mary McCoy, was born in 1685, in Drumboden, Londonderry, Ireland, and died in Fincastle, Boteourt, Virginia. He was married in 1695, in Londondery, Ireland, to Grissel Hay, who was born in 1678, in Ulster, Antrim, Ireland, and died 14 February 1741, in Augusta, Virginia.
Child:
John had become a resident of Lancaster County, and was listed as John Kelso when he was warranted 200 acres of land in Lancaster County on 4 September 1774. Then Lancaster County was divided and John's land became part of York County, Pennsylvania. In 1762, John and his 2 eldest sons, William and Moses, were listed on tax records as residents of Manallen Township, York County.
The date of acquiring the land needs to be proved, because the source, �Funes-Carney Family History," says that the family moved to Botetourt, Virginia, in the latter 1760's. Botetourt County became Rockbridge County, in 1778.
John sold his estate on 1 February 1779, and was the last of his family to leave Pennsylvania. By December 1781 he is listed as a resident of Rockbridge County, Virginia. By 1787 he has again moved, this time settling in Washington County, Tennessee (which at this period is called the Northwest Territory of North Carolina) where he is listed on a tax list as owning 300 acres of land. His farm was on Big Limestone Creek. In 1793, Major William Kelsay was appointed to partrol Sullivan County, Tennessee. Both John and Margaret are presumed to have died there.
Children:
William Kelsay IV, the son of John Kelsay and Margaret Campbell, was born in 1739 in Allenwood Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and died in May 1805, in Washington County, Tennessee.
William served as 1st Lieutenant in Company 1 of the 1st York County, Battalion in the Revolutionary War, from 1776 through 1779. This company was made up of men form Manallen Township in York county. William became the last of his family to leave Pennsylvania, on 1 February 1779 when he sold his York county Estate. By December 1781 he is listed as a resident of settling in Washington County, Tennessee. Where he is listed on a tax list as owning 300 acres of Land. His farm was on Big Limestone Creek in Washington County Tennessee. In 1793 Major William Kelsay was appointed to parole Sullivan County, Tennessee.
He was married 2 April 1764, in Allenwood, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, to Nancy Agnes Goudy (Gowdy), who was called Agnes, Nancy, and Ann in various records. She was the daughter of William Goudy and Susannah Boyd, who also had children William Goudy, John Goudy, and Elizabeth Goudy.
William was the last of his family to leave Pennsylvania. He sold his York County land 1 February 1779. By 1787, he moved again settling in Washington County, Tennessee, (which at this period was Northwest Territory of North Carolina) He is listed on tax records as owning 300 acres of land. His farm was on big Limestone Creek. In 1793, Major William Kelsay was appointed to parole Sullivan County, Tennessee. He died in May 1806, in Washington County, Tennessee
Children:
A Moses Kelsay, son of John Kelsay and Margaret Campbell, was born 28/9 October 1741, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
He was married 29 February 1764, in Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, to Jeanette or Janette or Jane Smith, who was born about 1745 in Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania.
Janet died before 1810: Moses died 30 December 1812, both in Barren County, Kentucky.
Children:
Sources:
1. Author: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Title: Ancestral File (R)
John A Kelsay, son of John Kelsay & Margaret Campbell, was born 25 January 1745, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and died 29 October 1830, Cooper County, Missouri.
He was married/1 on 4 March 1773, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Sarah Harris, who died 31 January 1774 the probable daughter of James Harris.
John lived on his 190 acres Dry Run, in the forks of the James River, in Virginia. He volunteered 4 September 1774 in Botetourt County, Virginia, for service in the Revolutionary War. He was a member of John Murray's Company. He took part in the Battle of Point Pleasant, a fierce conflict against the British backed Indians, where many Americans, including Captain Murray, were killed.
The portion of Botetourt County, where he resided became Rockbridge County. He was married/2 on 23 March 1780, in Rockbridge County, NW Territory, North Carolina, to Mary Anderson, the daughter of Elizabeth (Gowdy) Anderson.
On the 15 March 1786, he sold his 190 acres, and on 5 May 1789, he purchased 640 of land lying on the waters of the Plum and Churn Camp Creek, in Greene County, Tennessee, where Mary died 27 July 1794, in Greene County
In 1813, he then moved to Campbell County, Tennessee, and in 1816 to Wayne County, Kentucky. 13 years later he accompanied his son Alexander to Cooper, Missouri, and settled on the upper reaches of Burras Creek.
He is buried at the Kelsay Family Cemetery, near Versailles, Missouri. A Daughters of the American Revolution marker has been placed next to his tombstone.
Children:
Margaret Kelsay, daughter of John Kelsay and Margaret Campbell, was born in 1747, in Pennsylvania, probably in either Lancaster County, or Chester County.
She was married about 1768 in Rockbridge County, Virginia, to Nathan Peoples who was born about 1743 in Cumberland, Pennsylvania, died in 1808, son of Nathan Peoples, according to �Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia 1745-1800"
"Margaret and her husband Nathan purchased 210 acres in Augusta County. Nathan was listed on the tax rolls in Rockbridge, northwest territory of North Carolina, Indiana 1782.
On October 4, 1779 they sold their land and purchased 400 acres in Sullivan County, Tennessee on horse creek on November 29. 1792. This area is near long island now Kingsport; this later became known as Peoples Precient. One of their grandchildren would move all the way west to Sonoma, California,"
Information from Sheila Funes' data base on
Children:
Anna Kelsay, daughter of John Kelsay and Margaret Campbell, was born either in York County, Pennsylvania, or Botetourt County, Virginia.
She married about 1786 in Washington County, Northwest Territory of North Carolina (later Tennessee,) to Henry Nelson IV, who was born 2 August 1745, in Overwharton, Stafford County, Virginia, son of Henry Nelson (III) and Jane Goodwin. He was a ruling elder of the Old Salem Presbyterian Church in Washington County, Tennessee
Nelson Family
See: Nelson's All In One Family Tree Nelson Family
Mr. Nelson, born 1541, England - Mrs. Nelson, born 1543, England
Richard Nelson, born 1568, England, died 28 April 1617, Kirkby Malham, York, England; married 1591, Yorkshire, England, to Margaret Marie ___, born 1570, England
George Nelson, son of Richard, born 1602, Carlton Kirby, Yorkshire, England; married 17 April 1621, in Kirby Malham, Yorkshire, England, to Alice Boucker, born 1604, Carton Kirby, Yorkshire, England
Henry Nelson I, son of George, was born about 26 December in 1634, in Kirkby, Yorkshire, England, died 1745, Stafford County, Virginia, married 1665, in Yorkshire, England, to Lettice Hodgshon (Hodgson), who was born 1630, in Yorkshire, England.
Henry Nelson II, son of Henry I, born 1673, in Lancaster, England, died 28 February 1749, Stafford County, Virginia, buried Overwharton, Stafford County; married to about 1720, to Sarah __, born 1692, in Lancaster, England, died after 1750
Henry Nelson III, son of Henry II, was born in 1725, in Virginia, died about 1785 in Washington County, Tennessee; married 18 October 1742, Overwharton, Stafford County, Virginia, to Jane Goodwin, who died in 1807, Washington County, Tennessee. See: Nelson Family
Henry Nelson IV, son of Henry III, was born 2 August 1745, in Overwharton, Stafford County, Virginia
It was written of Anna that she was "Scotch of the Scotch, tall and fine looking and all her sons were tall and handsome. A very distinguished woman both for her intellect and her faith."
Henry died 4 February 1825; Anna's death date is not known, although it is said they both died in Washington County, Tennessee.
Perhaps she is the woman in the 1830 census living with her daughter Julia. If so, she would be seventy to eighty years of age at this time.
Children:
David Kelsey (1), son of John Kelsay and Margaret Campbell, was born 1754, in York County, Pennsylvania.
He changed the spelling of his name in York County. He raised and grew Hemp with his brothers. In 1779, he moved to Kentucky and settled in Lincoln County. In 1782-1783, David served in the War of Independence, in aiding to repel the invasion of enemy Indiana, and helped buid a fort at the Falls of the Ohio.
David later returned to Rockbridge County, virgiia, where he married Jean Kinkade, who was born 1773 in Virginia. They later moved to Washington County, Tennessee. On 28 September 1807, David purchased 80 acres in Barren County, Kentucky. He moved by the 1830's to Rives County, (now St. Clair County) Missouri, where he resided as a man betwee 80 and 90 years.
He died between 1840 and 1850, in Rives County, Missouri. Jean died in 1856, in San Jose, California
It is believed that he had at least 3 sons. He was the grandfather of the famous Kelsey brothers of early California History, Ben, Andy, and Sam
Children:
John Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Nancy Agnes Goudy, was born about 1776, probably in Greene County, Tennessee.
He married Mary McCracken, daughter of John McCracken Sr and Margaret Patton.
Children:
Anne Kelsay, daughter of William Kelsay III and Agnes (Nancy) Goudy, who was born 13 February 1778, in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Or Yori?
She was married 8 August 1799, Washington County, Tennessee, same day as her brother John married Mary McCracken. She married John McCracken Jr., who was born 10 December 1775 in Pennsylvania, and Christened 24 May 1778 Upper West Conococheague Presbyterian Church Marcers-burg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. His parents were John McCracken, born about 1750 in Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and Margaret Patton (See above)
John died 10 December 1856; Anne died 19 December 1856, both in Jonesborough, Washington County, Tennessee, and buried New Salem Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Children:
David Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Nancy Agnes Goudy, was born between 1750-1760, in York County, Pennsylvania. They moved to Botetourt County, Virginia, where he raised and sold hemp. In 1779 he moved to Kentucky, settling in Lincoln County. In 1782-83 David served in the War of Independence in aiding to repel the invasion of enemy Indians and in helping to build a fort at the Falls of the Ohio.
David later returned to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he was married in August 1791, to Jean Kinkade, born about 1773, daughter of Andrew and Jean Kinkade.
They moved to Tennessee, where on a land grant dated November 17, 1792 in Sullivan County, Tennessee, it states that Joseph Crockett, assign of David Kelsey, was obtaining acreage there along Beaver Creek. They later moved to Washington County, Tennessee, where the only evidence of his residence there is when his name appeared on a jury list.
On 28 September 1807, David purchased 90 acres in Barren County, Kentucky. David may have moved by the 1830's (if not earlier) to Rives County, Missouri where a man in the household of David Kelsey is listed as between 80 and 90 years of age. If this is he, then he died by 1850.
Another story is that David died in Barren County, Kentucky, when his son David was young, and then raised by Moses Kelsay. If this is so, then the elderly man in Missouri was an older inhabitant of the David Kelsey household (David possibly being his son). It is believed he may have had a son named Andrew, and definitely a son named David (the father of Ben, Andrew and Sam Kelsey for whom Kelseyville, Lake County, California was named) who took part in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812, and later crossed the plains to Oregon in 1843.
Children:
Anna Kelsay, daughter of William Kelsay and Nancy Agnes Goudy, was born 1715, in York County, Pennsylvania.
She was married about 1786 in Washington County, NW Territory of North Carolina (Tennessee) to Henry Nelson, who was born 2 August 1745, in Stafford, Stafford County, Virginia, son of Henry and Jane Nelson
Henry was the ruling elder of the Salem Presbyterian Church in Washington County. It is written that Ann was "a very distinguished woman, both for her intellect and her faith."
Children:
John Kelsay, son oof Moses Kelsay and Janet Smith, was born about 1770 in Botetourt County, Virginia.
John died 9 December 1834 in Sangamon County, Illinois.
Children:
James Kelsay, the son of Moses Kelsay and Jeanette, Janette or Jane Smith, was born 1770, Botetourt, Virginia.
He was married/1 on 4/5 August 1793, in Greene County, Northwest Territory, North Carolina, to Jane Hamilton Hursha, who was born in 1770 in Greene County, and died in Barren County Kentucky in 1814.
He was married again very soon, to Jane ____.
James died in Morgan County Missouri 24 March 1849, and as buried in unmarked grave in the Kelsay Family Cemetery in Morgan County, Missouri, near Hopewell Church.
Children:
Elizabeth (Betsy) Kelsay, daughter of Moses Kelsay and Jeanette or Janette or Jane Smith, was born about 1772, in Botetourt Virginia.
    (Evidence that she was born in Greene County, Tennessee in 1796 conflicts).
1850 Census Morgan County, Missouri.
   Elizabeth Kelsay, on August 23, 1809, in Barren County, Kentucky, married as "Besty" Kelsay to John Wilson, and heirship reliquishment on June 26, 1821 definitely establishes the fact that "Betsy" and Elizabeth were one and the same person, as a resident of Monroe County Kentucky. Elizabeth and her sister Anna were privately examined, apart from their husbands, by two Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Barren and each saith, under oath, that they are the daughters of Moses Kelsay and signed sactions as a free act and deed.
She was married to John H Wilson, who was born in 1786 in Greene, Tennessee
Children:
Alexander James Davis Kelsay, son of John A Kelsay and Mary Anderson, was born 3 October 1783 in Virginia, and died 10 September 1842 in Morgan County, Missouri.
He was married to 20 February 1816, Wayne County, Kentucky, to Jane Kelly.
Children:
"Kelsay, Col. John�
    In all animate life there are grades of intelligence so plainly marked that the difference is evident at a glance. Between this, gradation is so distinguishable and universal that attention has only to be called to the fact to secure its unquestioned recognition. Among the Australian bushmen, or in the court circle of kings, the genius of a few men lead while the many follow. These are but truisms, facts old as the human family; still, it is not out of place to call attention to them, and the additional truth that it is not infrequent for many, who follow some distance in the rear, to forget, when the smoke of battle has passed, that they were not in the van. Nature designs some men for active service, and for such to fall short of becoming an important element in the progressive operations of whatever sphere circumstances place them, would be something they could not do. It would be impossible for comprehensive minds to dwell upon that which failed to possess the charm of intricacy or magnitude, something beyond the ordinary; and those possessing such faculties move off in the advance, plan and execute, where others hesitate and fail to act. Every community has within it characters of this kind, more or less marked who are termed the leading men or minds. West of the Cascades there are a few of this class, who stand so far in the van of progress that their names have but to be mentioned to elicit universal approval of the assertion from all except their personal enemies or the envious, whose opinions are of little value.
    We now refer to Judge Kelsay, as there are but few names in Oregon that stand out with more prominence than the one at the head of this sketch. He was born in Wayne County, Kentucky, 23 October 1819, of Scotch-Irish parentage, and is the son of Alexander and Jane (KELLEY) Kelsay. At the age of ten years in 1829 his parents moved to Cooper, subsequently Morgan County, Missouri. He lived in that country when scholastic education was one of the most difficult things for a youth to obtain; but his mother being a woman of rare attainments, added to a fund of comprehensive and practical sense, he gained his first knowledge of books from her. To that mother's early teachings, molding of life's aims and character, the Judge owes much of the favorable results crowning the efforts of his after life. At the age of 21 years he began the study of law, and in July 1845, was admitted and licensed in Missouri, where he practiced until 1853.
At the age of 18 he was commissioned a Captain of Militia and 2 years later promoted to Major. In 1844 he was elected to the State Legislature of Missouri.
On December 23, 1846, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha C. Monroe, who was born in 1846, the daughter of General Monroe, a leading citizen of the above state, and in 1853 crossed the plains to Oregon, arriving in Benton County in September, and immediately began the practice of his profession in Corvallis.
On the breaking out of the Rogue River War, Col. Kelsay organized a company with which he went south, where he took an active part against the Indians, accounts of which well be found in the history of the Indian wars in this work. In 1857 he served as chairman of the Military Committee in forming the State.
In 1868, was elected Judge of the Supreme Court of the State. We have only mentioned in this brief way, the more important transactions of this man in the country, that readers might know that we have not improperly denominated him as one of those whom nature created to lead among his fellows. Judge Kelsay stands today in the front rank of Oregon's best men. He is broad and liberal in his views, strong in his convictions, and thoroughly in earnest in whatever he undertakes. His is a mind well and richly stored with the golden cream of literature, and his library at his home in Corvallis is a marvelous collection of the choicest works of the world, besides the large law library he possesses.
November 20, 1854, at her home in Corvallis, Mrs. Kelsay passed away with that dread disease, consumption. On 5 January 1864, Col. Kelsay was married a second time to Miss Cornelia Corintner, (who was born in 1864) by which union they have 2 children, Annie and Lyman P." John died 19 January 1899, in Oregon
    Source: HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY, Oregon
    Pub. By: David D. Fagan: Portland, Oregon, 1885
Children:
John Kelsay, son of John A Kelsay and Mary Anderson, was born 8 April 1788 in Greene County, Tennessee (also known as Greene County, Northwest Territory of North Carolina (Tennessee)
He was married 20 February 1809 in Greene County, Tennessee, to Nancy Niel.
They moved to Wayne County, Kentucky, about 1815, and then settled in Cartwrite, Clinton County, Kentucky. He was a gunsmith by trade.
Nancy died in Kentucky before 1850. John died between 1850 and 1860 in Clinton County, Kentucky. Both were buried by the Davis Chapel, in Clinton County, Kentucky.
Children:
Elizabeth Anderson Kelsay, daughter of John A Kelsay, and Mary Anderson, was born 21 May 1786, in Greene County, Tennessee, and died prior to 1848 in Lawrence County, Indiana.
She was married 24 April 1803 in Greene County, to Zacharia Loveall, who was born 1779 in Huntington, Pennsylvania. Zacharia was married/2 Martha "Patsy" Carroll.
From �Keller Family Tree" by Angela Felker 2004
    Elizabeth Anderson Kelsay married Zachariah Loveall at the age of 16. They were married in Greene County, Northwest Territory of North Carolina, April 24, 1802. It later became the state of Tennessee. They removed to Wayne, Adair and Pulaski Counties in Kentucky. In 1816, Zachariah was witness to his brother in law's marriage, William Kelsay to Barthena Harmon.
About 1829 or early 1830's, they removed to Indiana and resided in Lawrence County and Greene County. Our great grandfather, Isaiah F. Loveall, was born in Lawrence County, Indiana.
Zachariah had two brothers that removed with him, one settling near Brazil, Indiana and one going on to Minnesota. Descendants of Elizabeth say that she had red hair and was Irish. Zachariah and Martha Loveall deeded land to Isaiah Loveall in April 1854.
We found these first land entries in Indian Creek Township in Lawrence County, Indiana.
Section 6 ----- Zachariah Loveall - October 10, 1836 Nebraska-SW 37.45 acres
Section 6 ---- James Manis Loveall -- July 11, 1837 SE-SW 37.45 acres
Section 33 --- Zachariah Loveall - November 2, 1838 SW-SE 40 Acres---near Fayetteville, Indiana
Children:
Sources:
1. Title: Marriage Bond # 806
William Kelsay, son of John A Kelsay and Mary Anderson, was born 2 June 1792, in Greene County, Northwest Territory, North Carolina.
A gunsmith, he was married, to Barthenia Harmon who was born about 1800 in Greene County, Tennessee. They moved west with the Harriman Wagon train Party, in 1861.
Children:
Children:
John Peoples, son of Margaret Kelsay and Nathan Peoples, was born 9 July 1776, in Rockbridge County, Virginia, and died about 1842 in Sullivan County, Tennessee.
He was married about 1810 in Sullivan County, Tennessee, to Frances Murrell, who was born in 1785, probably Sullivan County, Tennessee
Children:
Ann Peoples, the daughter of Margaret Kelsay and Nathan Peoples, was born 3 October 1778 in Rockbridge County, Virginia.
She was married in 1798 in Sullivan County, Tennessee to Nathan Bachman, who was born 13 September 1773 in Saucon Township, Pennsylvania.
Ann died 31 March 1834 and Nathan died in 1859, both buried in Clover Bottom, in Sullivan County, Tennessee.
The children were all born there.
Children:
Sources: Repository, Family History Library
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150, www.familysearch.org
Samuel Kelsay Nelson, son of Anna Kelsay and Henry Nelson, was born 9 October 1787, in Jonesborough, Washington County, Tennessee.
He was married10 March 1811, in Lincoln County, Kentucky, to Nancy Shelby, who was born 23 December 1792, in Lincoln County, the daughter of Isaac Shelby and Susan Hart. Nancy died 25 August 1815, in Lincoln County, and was buried in Traveler's Rest cemetery, Lincoln County.
He was married/2 25 Februaary 1817, in Washington County, Kentucky, to Maria Martha Reed, who was born about 1796, daughter of John Reid of Springfield, Clerk of Washington County, Kentucky.
Maria died 15 Septemner 1817, in Washington County, Kentucky, buried in Reed Station Cemetery, Washington County. Samuel died 7 May 1827, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida.
The following Biography is from: �Brief History of the Synod of Tennessee, 1890."
    �Samuel Kelsey Nelson was the oldest child of a family, which produced two remarkable men. He was born in Washington County, Tenn., and was six years older than his brother, Dr. David Nelson. His parents were Henry and Anna Kelsey Nelson.
�He graduated at Washington College, Tenn., in 1803, at the early age of sixteen. He commenced reading law, in Kentucky, with bright prospects in the legal profession, but soon renounced these under a conviction that he was called to preach the gospel. Having returned to Tennessee, and having studied theology under Dr. Doak, he was licensed by Abingdon Presbytery, in 1807.
After preaching some time in South Carolina and Tennessee, he resolved to use his energies in conflict with the infidelity and irreligion then prevalent in the larger towns, and among the higher classes of Kentucky. Soon after, the Presbyterian Church of Danville gave him a unanimous call, and he was installed pastor in 1809. In this relation he remained till death, a period of twenty years, highly respected and honored as an able minister and an active and public-spirited citizen.
The earlier part of his ministry at Danville was during a period of great spiritual dearth generally prevalent; but, in 1826, a precious revival greatly encouraged him with fifty members added to his church. He is honored as the principal founder of the Danville College. 'For it he labored with consummate skill and untiring assiduity.'
    �To him also is ascribed the chief agency in obtaining an act of the legislature of Kentucky which placed the college under the control of a Board of Trustees, appointed by the Synod of Kentucky. The concession was granted on condition that the Synod should pay $20,000 into the treasury. The ministers raised it by giving their individual bonds for the amount. Mr. Nelson headed the subscription with $800.
    �Another enterprise in which he evinced both public spirit and a deep interest in relieving the sufferings and misfortunes of his fellow-men was the founding and cherishing of the Kentucky asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, which was established within the bounds of his congregation. In its behalf his labors were self-sacrificing. When very much worn down, he went, by appointment of the Trustees, to negotiate some business in Tallahassee, Fla., in which the Asylum was deeply interested. While there he was one day in the act of pouring out a tumbler of water when he was suddenly seized with sickness, probably heart disease, and was dead in twenty minutes. He spent his last minutes in affectionately exhorting those around him to prepare for death, adding his hope that they would find as little to disturb or terrify them in the last hour as he did. 'The news of his death overwhelmed his congregation with surprise and distress, and the impression throughout the state was that a public benefactor had fallen. He died May 7, 1827. He was succeeded in the pastorate at Danville by his brother, David, the author of "The Cause and Cure of Infidelity.'
    �Soon after going to Kentucky, Samuel K. Nelson married a daughter of the Honorable Isaac Shelby, early an actor in the stirring movements in East Tennessee, one of the heroes of Kings Mountain, and afterwards Governor of Kentucky. After her death, he married Maria, daughter of John Reid of Springfield, Clerk of Washington County, Ky. He had two children by each wife, but his family has become extinct.The Hon. C. S. Todd, who married another daughter of Governor Shelby, describes Mr. Nelson as a man of stout-built frame, admirably proportioned, a fine large head, and a countenance expressive of benignity and decision; his hair sandy, and his eyes intensely blue. His discernment of human character and of men's motives was remarkable and seemed to be intuitive. It was rarely, if ever, at fault. He was so easy and graceful in his manners that he would pass in any society as a well-bred and accomplished gentleman. Social, genial, and able to adapt himself to all classes in society, he could not be otherwise than popular. Though neither learned nor very eloquent, he was an edifying and impressive preacher. He abounded in apt illustrations, drawn from the familiar walks of life, and uttered no sentence which was not easily understood by people of the humblest capacity."
Children:
John Kelsay Nelson, son of Anna Kelsay and Henry Nelson, was born about 1792, in Jonesbourgh, Washington County, Tennessee.
He was married in the mid-1830's to Catherine Douglass, born about 1806 in Virginia. John owned an extensive cotton farm and had many slaves. It is written that he "is a rather eccentric but very good man."
They were residing in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1850. John died sometime between 1852-57. There is a land deed dated July 15, 1857 stating 400 acres of land in Lewis County, Missouri, was sold to Jeter Hicks by John Nelson, deceased, and his wife Catherine. His three children were also listed on the document.
Children:
Dr. David Nelson, son of Anna Kelsay and Henry Nelson, was born 24 September 1793, in Jonesbourgh, Washington County, Tennessee. This family line was furnished by Craig Hubbard, in Descendants of George Hubbard (1601-1685) of Middletown, CT and Related Lines. See: Nelson Family
A well-known Minister, he graduated Washington College, Virginia. In 1809; he received his Medical degree from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While a student, he imbibed Infidel sentiments. In the War of 1812, he was a surgeon in the Kentucky Regiment, once on a military expedition to Canada.
He was married 15 May 1816, to Amanda Deadrerick, who was born 30 August 1798, in Jonesville, Washington County, Tennessee. Amanda was disowned by her parents, Margaretta Anderson and David Deaderick, who considered him a dissolute young man. They were later reconciled. See: Deaderick Family
However, David Nelson could never forget his religious education and upbringing. In 1823, he gave up medicine for the Ministry, and was ordained in 1825 in Rogerville, Tennessee. He founded many labor colleges.
He moved to Quincy, Adams County, Illinois because of anti-slavery views; he was President of Presbyterian Theological Seminary at Quincy, and founded the Calvanistic Magazine. The Census of 1830 found him in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky. In 1830 [s/b 1836], he fled from mob violence, which threatened his life, in Missouri on account of the free expression of his anti-slavery sentiments, moving to Illinois. In 1840, they were in Quincy again. At that time they had five free black people in their household.
He paid almost no attention, either to get, or to keep anything, for his own support or that of his family. Many anecdotes are told to show how remarkably their wants were providentially supplied. One day, the barrel of meal and his own purse being empty, he went out, doubting whether the miller would trust him, when a little girl handed him a note folding a piece of gold. Though he might have enriched himself and had received a portion of a considerable estate, left him by his brother's son, in Danville, yet he lived and died poor, because he would withhold nothing from objects of charity, or from enterprises for the advancement of the Church. This same characteristic was the cause of his eccentric and remarkable neglect of his dress and personal appearance. Though his raiment was not of camel's hair, and though he did not have a leather girdle about his loins, yet he would wear a seedy, brown coat, linsey pantaloons, old hat and shoes to suit, and fitting was of no account. In such a dress, and with a red bandana handkerchief instead of a cravat around his neck, he would enter the pulpit and preach to the most fashionable churches in the cities East or West. But beneath this rough exterior existed one of the most refined and gentle spirits, and one of the noblest and most powerful intellects ever belonging to man.
In the neighborhood of Quincy, he established a seminary for the education of young men designed for missionaries. Here, having exhausted his means, and being worn out with labors, and especially being prostrated by epilepsy, he died, saying, "All is well," David died 17 October 1844, in Oakland, Adams County, Illiois, and buried in Woodland Cemetery, at Quincy. Amanda died 3 December 1886.
Amanda Frances Deaderick was said to be an athletic girl full of pranks, climbing trees and running barefoot around the wainscoting of the dining-room when her parents were absent. Idolized by her father, he sent her to boarding school in Salem, North Carolina, but she, resenting the strict rules, persuaded him to bring her home. It is reported that she excelled in botany, at that time the only science taught to women. While studying music and art in Washington City, it is said that her dramatic vivacity made her popular. Originally called Frances, while in Washington City, she reportedly was rechristened with the name Amanda. It is said that this scandalized her older relatives.
May 15, 1816, at the age of sixteen, Amanda Frances Deaderick eloped with Dr. David Nelson, a brilliant young surgeon of Jonesborough. It is reported that she did this without her parents approval, resulting in estrangement with her father. Upon hearing of her marriage it is said that her father fainted and refused to allow her to come home. Reconciliation was achieved later. A record of her marriage is yet to be found. One source has her married in Sullivan County, Tennessee and another source has her married in Greenville, Pitt County, North Carolina. The latter source implies that she and her friends rode through the night from Washington City, North Carolina so that she could marry in Greenville.
February 16, 1847, an act for the benefit of the heirs of David Nelson, deceased, is enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, that empowers Amanda Frances D. Nelson to sell land in Marion County, Missouri, owned by David Nelson, as follows:
Amanda Frances D. Nelson, the mother and natural guardian of Eliza R. J. Nelson, Laura M. Nelson, Frederick A. Nelson, Eliza Frances Nelson, Mary Emma Nelson, Flora Adelia Nelson and Eugene Lafon Nelson, minor heirs of David Nelson, deceased, shall have power to sell and convey the right, title, claim, share and interest of said minor heirs, in and to the following real estate: the southeast quarter of section one, in township fifty-eight, of range 8 west, containing one hundred and sixty acres; the west half of the northwest quarter of section thirty-one, in township fifty-nine north, of range one west, containing seventy-nine acres and seventy and a-half hundredths of an acre; the east quarter of the northwest quarter of section twenty-four, in township fifty-eight, of range eight west, containing forty acres, which land descended to said heirs from their father David Nelson, and all situated in Marion county; such sales may be made at public or private sale, for cash or on credit, as may be deemed most advantageous to said heirs; and the deed of said guardian, made in conformity to this act, shall be effectual to convey to the purchaser all the right, title, claim, share and interest of said heirs, in and to the real estate above described.
In the 1850 Census for Illinois, Adams County, Melrose Twp, Amanda F. Nelson (52) is listed as a head of household of a farm valued at $5000. Enumerated with her are 9 others, 7 proven to be her children by the preceding document; David D. (30) farmer, Henry (26) farmer, Augustus (20) farmer, Laura M. (18), Frances E. (15), Emma M. (14), Flora (12), Eugene (10), and Rose E. (21). Also enumerated in this household are 2 African-American servants; Nancy (16) and Sarah (14), both born in Kentucky, surnames not given, but possibly Shelton, as will be seen in the following 1870 Census enumeration. Perhaps another son William (25) and wife Sarah (23) are residing nearby. Daughter Margaret A. is probably already married to William W. Barnes. They may have left for California by this time for their daughter Laura A. Barnes was born 1854 in California. Her place of birth is supported by the 1870 census and her death certificate.
1860 Census, Illinois, Adams County, Melrose Twp, page 799, Mrs. Amanda D. Nelson, 61, value of real estate 12,000, value of personal estate 700, David D. 40, b TN; Margaret 26, b TN; Rose 24, b TN; Flora 22, b IL; Laura 5, b CA; Eugene 4, b CA; Laura E. Williams 2, b IL.
In the 1870 census for Illinois, Adams County, Melrose Twp, page 295, A.F.D Nelson 72, farmer, real estate $25,000, personal estate $1200, b TN. Her sex is mistakenly listed in this census as male. Enumerated with her are: Margaret Barns 48, b TN; Rose Clapp 43, b TN; Emma Williams 33, b TN; Eugene Nelson 28, b IL; Gust Nelson 40, b TN; Laura Bonds 15, b CA; George Williams 14, b IA; Lilly Williams 12, b IL. Also enumerated in this household are two African-American servants; Nancy Shelton 42; Mary Shelton 12, both born in Kentucky.
The Laura Bonds listed in the above 1860 and 1870 census is actually Laura Aurelia Barnes and her mother Margaret Barnes is listed in the same household. The father William W. Barnes is yet to be found in the census.
It is possible that William and Margaret Barnes went to California in pursuit of gold. It is commendable that he took Margaret with him as it was a common practice for gold seekers to leave their families behind. Their daughter Laura (b. 1854) and son Eugene (b. 1856-58) are both born in California, possibly San Francisco. Perhaps Margaret became disillusioned with life in the Golden State or perhaps her husband, William Barnes, died. She returned with children Laura and Eugene to her Mother's large family in Adams County, Illinois.
Listed in the 1880 Census for Tennessee, Washington Co, District 10, page 537A, FHL Film 1255284, NA Film T9-1284, are Amanda F. Nelson, (81), widow, and daughter Rosi N. Clapp (53). Apparently they went back to their place of origin to reside near or visit another daughter Florette. Enumerated in the preceding household is; David Deadrick (45), wife Florette O. (42), dau. B.V. (9), son Ernest (7), dau Ina E. (1), and African-American servant, Melvina Hughes (30) born in Tennessee. They returned to Quincy, Illinois for both Flora and her mother are buried in the family plot in Woodland Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois.
In 1856, Socrates Hubbard moved his family from Philadelphia to Quincy, Adams County, Illinois, where they appear on the 1860 census, Quincy district 2 west, page 82. On the census, Socrates' name is spelled phonetically as "Sacratis." He is found in the 1866 Quincy city directory listed as a dentist practicing at 478 Sixth St, and residing on the east side of Ninth St, 2nd door south of Oak St.
The Nelson family resided in nearby Melrose township. It is possible that the families were acquainted. Perhaps Snowden Hubbard and Laura Barnes are sweethearts. Sometime before 1877 the Hubbard family moved to Texas. Laura Barnes, and probably her mother Margaret (Nelson) Barnes, migrated to Texas at this time. Snowden Hubbard and Laura Barnes, were married 3 July 1877, in Sherman, Grayson County, Texas. They later settled near Bowie, Montague County, Texas. Later they migrated to Comanche County, Oklahoma and by 1920 they were in California.
Margaret (Nelson) Barnes is residing with her daughter Laura and son-in-law Snowden Hubbard, in the 1880 census for Bowie, Montague Co, Texas.
After the death of her husband, Amanda Frances Deaderick Nelson continued to make her home, Oakland, available as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The home had a secret room behind the fireplace and a tunnel leading away from the house. Amanda was known as a salty tongued woman who so severely tongue-lashed a mob who came to get Dr. Nelson, that they sheepishly crawled off into the tall weeds.
Quincy Whig, page 3, 5 Dec 1886.
DEATH OF MRS. NELSON
    Mrs. Nelson, widow of the late Dr. David Nelson died at 9 o'clock on Friday at her home four miles east of Quincy, at the ripe old age of 88 years. Mrs. Nelson was numbered with the very earliest of settlers of Adams County and was a member of a family which was very prominent in Quincy many years ago. The older citizens will remember her husband as having been very active in public affairs when he was in the prime of his existence. The old building known as the "Institute," which stood for a number of years on Twenty-fifth street was built under his supervision and was conducted by him as an educational institution. Nelson's court, on the west side of Third street, between York and Kentucky, received its name from Dr. Nelson.
    Mrs. Nelson, who has now followed her husband, was highly respected for her many noble qualities and her departure will be sincerely mourned. She came to Quincy in 1835, and was therefore well known by all of the pioneers.
    The funeral will take place at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning from her old home, four miles in the country on the road leading out from State street, and it is expected that many friends of the family will be in attendance.
St. Louis Globe-Democrat (MO), 6 Dec 1886, page 3, issue 197, col. F.
    On account of his radical Abolition sentiments he was in constant danger of his life from Missouri fire-eaters, who tried numerous schemes to kidnap him and take him across the river where Judge Lynch would have made short work of him. On one occasion, while delivering a lecture in a public hall in this city, a mob of pro-slavery Missourians was present, and but for the heroism of the late Gov. John Wood, who was then Mayor of this city, they would have taken Nelson from the hall. Gov. Wood was on the stage, and when the movement to take Nelson began, he stepped before Dr. Nelson and informed the mob that if they took Dr. Nelson from that hall it woulld be over his (Wood's) dead body. They did not take him. Old citizens tell the story of Gov. Wood's grand heroism that night, and all agree that his bravery then prevented fearful bloodshed in the streets of Quicy. Dr. Nelson died some years before the war. Tomorrow the remains of his widow will be placed besides his in Woodland Cemetery.
There were six sons and six daughters, eleven of whom, with their mother, survived him.
Children:
Julia D Nelson, daughter of Anna Kelsay and Henry Nelson, was born in 1801, in Washington County, Tennessee.
She was married 21 July 1819, in Washington County, to Jeter Hicks, who was born in 1797, in Georgia.
In 1830, Jeter and Julia Hicks were residing in Washington County, Tennessee and were the parents of two sons and two daughters. In 1836 or 1837 they moved to Missouri, settling in the region of Round Grove Township in Marion County. Jeter operated a gristmill in that county in 1837 on the South Fabius River, which enterprise he continued over the years as well as that of a farmer. Jeter died near Philadelphia, Marion County, Missouri in June of 1863. He left a will that named his wife and his two sons (John and Samuel) and three daughters (Martha, Catherine and Julia Ann). It is not known what became of Julia after the death of her husband.
1860 Census, Missouri, Marion, Round Grove Twp, page 932.
Jeter died in June 1863, in Philadelhia, Marion County, Missouri.
Children:
David Kelsay (2), son of David Kelsey (1) and Jean Kinkade, was born about 1792, in Northwest Territory of North Carolina.
He was married in Barre County, Kentucky, to Susan Jane Cozzart, who was born about 1794, the daughter of Elizabeth Walker and Jesse Cozzart. See: Cozzart Family
David was one of the famous Kentuckian Rifles who came to the aid of General Andrew Jackson at the battle of New Orleans, 8 January 1841.
The following May, 5 of his children, Benjamin, Samuel, Eliabeth, Andrew and Isaiah left with the Bartleson-Bidwell party, settling in Oregon, except for Benjamin, who went on to Californis. David and the rest of his family went west with the Hastings party of 30th May 1843, also settling in Oregon. A short tie later, David, Susan, and 3 daughters, America, Mary Francis and Josehine, along with David's son Samuel and Samuel's family went to California settling in the San Joaquin Valley.
David died of smallpox, between 1844 and 1846, in French Camp, California. Susan, too, became ill. Although she survived, she was left blind. She died 16 August 1856, in Oregon. She was 65 years old.
Children:
Samuel Kelsay, son of John Kelsay and Mary McCracken, was born between 1807-1808, in Washington County, Tennessee.
He was married 24 December 1827, in Washington County, to Mary McCleary, who was born about 1809 in Tennessee
Children:
Robert Kelsay, son of John Kelsay and Mary McCracken, was born about 1812, in Washington County, Tennessee, and was living in Greene County, Tennessee on the 1870 Census.
He was married 25 August 1835, in Washington County, Tennessee to Rachel Ball, who was born in 1814, in Tennessee
Children:
David N Kelsay, son of John Kelsay & Mary McCracken, was born 1815 in White County, Tennessee (Doyle or Sparta area).
He was married 15 January 1836, to Catherine McCracken.
Children:
William Kelsey McCracken, son of Anne Kelsay and John McCracken, Jr., was born in 1807 in Jonesborough, Washington County, Tennessee.
He was married to Jane (or Ann) Patton, who was born 1813-1816, in Washington County, Tennessee.
Jane died in 1870; William died about 1875-1880, both in Greenmount, Laurel County, Kentucky.
Her father, Thomas Clingan Patton was born 29 November 1783 in Washington County, Tennessee, the son of John Patton (born 1760 York, Pennsylvania) and Elizabeth Clingan (born 1762)
Her mother was born 22 March 1788 in Washington County, Tennessee, the daughter of William Cloyd (born 1751 Ireland) and Jeanette Barr (born Ireland)
Children:
David Kelsay Jr, son of David Kelsay Sr. and Jean Kinkade, was born about 1792.
He was married about 1812 to Susan Jane Cozart, who was born about 1794. In 1843, he went to California in the Kelsey party of 1844 with his wife, 3 daughters, and perhaps a son.
In 1844 a David Kelsey, brother (or possibly father) of Andrew Kelsay and Benjamin Kelsay came to Oregon.
Note: Ancestry.com "California Pioneers, 1542-1848"
    He settled at French Camp, but died at Stockton in '45 of small-pox, from the effects of which disease Mrs K. became blind. v. 674.
One daughter married Willard Buzzell.
Children:
Hugh Band Kelsay, son of John Kesay, was born 4 April 1791, in NW Territory, Tennessee.
He was married 17 September 1810 in Barren County, Kentucy to Julia Ann Wilson, who was born 27 December 1793, in Northwest Territory, the daughter of William Wilson and his first wife.
Hugh died 9 February 1867; Julia died 5 April 1878, both were buried in Ivy Cemetery, in Morgan County, Missouri.
The children were all born in Barren County, Kentucky.
Children:
William Kelsay, son of James Kelsay and Jane Hamilton Hursha, was born 29 February 1796, in Greene County, NW Territory, North Carolina.
A blacksmith, he was married about 1822, in Barren County, Kentucky, to Jane Bailey, who was born 25 December 1807, in Tennessee, daughter of Claudius Bailey (born 1779 possibly in Scotland,) and Margaret Johnston, (born about 1770, Orange County, North Carolina)
Jane died 23 January 1863; William died, 2 days later, on 31 January 1863, both in Moniteau, Missouri.
Children:
Samuel Kelsay, son of James Kelsay and Jane Huresha, was born about 1794 in Greene County, Northwest Territory, North Carolina, and died before 1830, in Cooper County, Missouri.
He was married about 1821 in Barren County, Kentucky, to Margaret Bailey, who was born about 1804 in Tennessee.
Margaret was the daughter of Claudius Bailey (born 1779 possibly in Scotland) & Margaret Johnston born about 1770 Orange County, North Carolina.Children:
Mary "Polly" Kelsay, daughter of James and Jane Hamilton Hursha Kelsay, was born 3 March 1814 in Barren County, Kentucky.
She was married 20 August 1833 in Morgan County, Missouri, to William Love.
Source:
NOTE: This obituary was in a Church Newspaper from 1907 called The Methodist Protestant. The original Newspaper is in the possession of Lloyd and Yvonne Morgan of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and was inherited by them from Liddie Morgan who was a granddaughter of William and Mary "Polly" Tow.
I have to add that "Aunt Polly" as she was called was actually born in Barren County, Kentucky a daughter of James and Jane Kelsay. She has been listed on many sites as Mary Jane Kelsay. She had a sister Jane Kelsay; but had no middle name that I am aware of. There is a Mary J. Tow buried in Tow cemetery who was the wife of William H. Tow and a daughter-in-law of Wilson Tow and I think her stone and "Aunt Pollys'" stone have been confused.
    Carl Martin
From The Methodist Protestant Newspaper:
TOW-Sister Mary Tow was born in Morgan County, Missouri March 3, 1814 and died at Tow, Llano County, Texas, August 2, 1907 aged 93 years, 7 months and 29 days.
She was married to William Tow at the age of 16 in State and County of birth. Her husband died 18 years ago. She was converted in Missouri when only 18 years old and joined the Presbyterian Church.
They moved to east Texas and from there to Tow, Llano County where she joined the Methodist Protestant Church in 1859 and remained in it until she died. She was a member of the church over 75 years and her Bible and Hymn Book were her constant companions and she was always full of religion and glad to have her Pastor come and talk and pray with her.
The writer was always glad to visit her and came back feeling that a hoary head is a Crown of Glory if it is found in the way of righteousness.
God grant that our young people may be like her when they get old. She had 13 children; five have preceded her and eight are left behind. Her remains were laid to rest in Tow cemetery beside her husband. People will not soon forget "Aunt Polly" as she was commonly called.
By A. Low, pastor, Lone Grove, Texas Aug. 5, 1907
Isabelle Kelsay, daughter of James Kelsay and Jane Hamilton Hursha, was born about 1811-12 in Barren County, Kentucky, and died about 1849.
She was married 26 December 1839 in Morgan County, Missouri, to Reuben Burnett.
Children:
Hugh B Kelsay, son of James Kelsay and his 2nd wife, Jane __, was born 13 January 1816, in Barren County, Kentucky, and died 11 December 1890 in Morgan County, Missouri, buried in the Kelsay Family Cemetery.
He was married/1 in Morgan County, 13 January 1848, to Hannah Ratcliff, who was born 17 July 1824, in Eagle Township, Hocking County, Ohio, and died 5 January 1854, buried in the Kelsay Family Cemetery, Moniteau County, Missouri. Hugh served 3 terms as Justice of the Peace Morgan County, 1857, 1863, & 1867
He was married/2 19 September 1854 in Cole County, Missouri, to Sarah Gray Campbell, who was born 5 July 1822 in Kentucky, and died 6 February 1894, buried in Kelsay Family Cemetery.
Children:
Sources: Title:
John Kelsay, son of Alexander James Davis Kelsay and Jane Kelly, was born 23 October 1819, in Wayne County, Kentucky. He moved with his parents to Cooper, Missouri in 1829. He educated himself. At the age of 18, he was commissioned a captain of the Militia, and 2 years later, promoted to Major.
At the age of 21, he began the study of law, and in July of 1845, was admitted and licensed in Missouri, where he practiced until 1853. He crossed the plains to Oregon, arriving in Benton County, in September and immediately began practicing his profession in Corvallis, Oregon, when the Rogue River War (Indian war) broke out, Col. Kelsay organized a company with which he went south, where he took an active part against the Indians.
In 1857, he served as chairman of the Military Committee in forming the State Constitution, and in 1868, was elected Judge to the Supreme Court of Oregon.
His wife was Martha C Monroe, daughter of General Monroe, a leading citizen of Missouri.
William Kelsay, son of John Kelsay and Nancy Niel, was born in 1810 in Greene County, Tennessee, and died about 1870 in Russell County, Kentucky.
He was married to Artemasiah Coonis Coffey, who was born in 1817 in Wayne County, Kentucky
Children:
Isaiah F Loveall, son of Elizabeth Anderson Kelsay and Zacharia Loveall, may have been born about 1830, in Pulaski County, Tennessee. He was married to May Mary Waggoner.
One night, as Isaiah was returning home from the mill with a bag of cornmeal, a panther started following him. He kept throwing out cornmeal to delay the panther and managed to get home.
After a short illness, he died, Sunday August 12 1888. On this same night his grandson William Aaron Loveall was born. Isaiah is buried n Hickory Grove Cemetery in Dubois County. It is located near the Martin and Dubois County line but at the time it was in Martin County. It is in the vicinity of William Roberts farm near Shoals, Indiana.
Children:
George W Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Barthena Harmon, was born 13 May 1817, raised in Wayne County, died 11 March 1859, Ray County, Missouri.
He was married to Permelia (Millie) Catherine Gipson (born 19 August 1919 Wayne Co) daughter of Lark & Elizabeth Gipson.
His farm was valued at $120.00 in 1850; In 1851, The family joined other Kelsays to St. Louis, Missouri, by boat on rivers Mississippi and Missouri, to Ray County, Missouri. Most members of the family became afflicted with malaria in Ray County; it is not known if this was cause of George's death there 6 December 1878.
The clan eventually reached California, settled in Lake County, California. Millie took up a farm near the present day Finley, where she remained until her death, 2 July 1902.
John (Jack) Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Bartheba Harmon, was born 17 January 1819, in Wayne County, Kentucky. He was a gunsmith, and moved to Tennessee.
He was married to Cathrine Jones, who was born 4 February 1817, in Tennessee. They resided in Marion County, Tennessee. By 1843, they moved west to Ray County, Missouri; on 27 September 1844 they bought a tract of land near Knoxville, in Ray County, Missouri.
His family moved west to California in 1861 and John & Emma (2/wife or nickname?) moved to Richmond, in Ray County.
During the Civil War, he worked for the government repairing rifles & pistols for the Union Army. In 1866, he was elected to Office of the Treasurer, in Ray Co; In 1873, John & Emma, son William moved to California, and settled near his parents in Kelseyville. 4 children; son John Kelsey, a Lake County, Supervisor 24 yrs. Emma died 14 March 1899, Jack died 18 September 1908, both in Kelseyville.
Nancy Kelsay, daughter of William Kelsay and Bartheba Harmon, was born 4 January 1819, in Greene County, Tennessee. She married Robert Alexander Rankin, who was born 27 October 1823 Kentucky, the son of Arthur Rankin & Jane McCutcheon.
They did not migrate when the other families did. They resided in Wayne County, Kentucky until about 1872, moved to Lake County, California, reside there about 9 years, moved to Piolt Rock, Umatila County, Oregon, where Robert became a sheepherder.
He died 13 January 1893, Piolt Rock; she died 28 December 1901, Pendleton, Oregon, at home of her daughter.
Cornelius (Kile) Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Bartheba Harmon, was born December 29, 1822 in Wayne County, Kentucky. Kile also became a gunsmith like his brother John, and moved to Ray County, Missouri; he purchased 80 acres for seventy dollars on August 29, 1845.
He moved back to Wayne County where he was married 31 October 1850, to Deniza Shearer, who was born 14 August 1833, in Wayne County, Kentucky, the daughter of Jacob Shearer.
In 1851 he again moved to Missouri and settled in Haynesville, Clinton County. During the Civil War, with his brother Alexander, Kile served with the union army. He enlisted on August 18, 1862 and served as a private in Company H of the 48th regiment, enrolled Missouri Militia under Captain Bigelow. He was relieved of duty on January 15, 1863 by Brigadier Vaughn, at which time he returned to his farm in Clinton County.
Sometime later he moved to Lathrop, in the same county, where he remained until his death, 1 April 1882. Denzia died 15 January 1894, in Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, in the home of her son William
Nathaniel Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Barthena Harmon, was born 8 January 1825 in Wayne County Kentucky.
He was married/1 to Angeletta J. Frost, on August 27, 1848. By 1850 Nathaniel had joined his two older brothers in Ray County, Missouri and was also a gunsmith. His wife died sometime between 1852-1856.
He was married/2 to Martha Elizabeth Lamb. In 1861, Nathan joined the Harriman wagon train with his parents and family members. They settled in Kelseyville, Lake County, California, until he sold his land in 1867 to his brother-in-law James Tyron. At this time they moved east to Mount Konocti. On November 9, 1869, Nathan divorced his wife who had run off with a close friend named Rankin.
The next year Nathan is living with his children on a farm in neighboring Yolo County along Cache Creek. In 1874, Nathan sold his land and moved north to Wasco County, Oregon and went into the sheep business with three of his brothers. In 1884, Nathan sold his land in Wasco County, to Polk Mays, his niece's husband and moved east to Westfall, Malhur County, Oregon where he continued in the sheep business. He died there in 1899.
Susan Kelsay, daughter of William Kelsay and Barthena Harmon, was born 8 March 1828, in Wayne County Kentucky.
She was married 10 May 1850, in Wayne County, to Arthur Rankin, who was born in November 1823, Paisley, Scotland, the son of Robert Rankin and Janet Stephenson, who left Liverpool, England, 20 August 1846, on the ship Swaatara, which arrived in New Orleans, Louisianna. From there the family walked to Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. Robert became a US citizen in 1951.
The same year Susan and Arthur packed up all their belongings and went by wagon to St. Louis Missouri, where they changed over to river travel and went to Ray County, Missouri.
In 1854 they returned to Wayne County, Kentucky, where he went into business with his brother Thomas. They bought a gristmill on Fall Creek, and a sawmill, country store, and blacksmith ship. During the Civil War, the mill worked to full capacity. All the produce was paid for by confederate money, but by the end of the war he wisely had exchanged most of it for US currency.
Because of his ill health in 1880, he sold all his holdings. They lived a short time with their son and then decided to have their own farm so they purchased an adjoining farm. He died 14 October 1895, in Fall Creek, Wayne County, Kentucky, and she died 26 Apt 1813, in Mill Spring, Wayne County, Kentucky; they are buried in the Steubenville Baptist Church cemetery.
Alexander Martin Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Barthena Harmon, was born 20 May 1829, in Wayne County, Kentucky. He was married 3 December 1850 in Wayne County to Louise Emaline Shearer, who was born 2 August 1831, in Wayne County, daughter of Jacob Shearer.
Alexander and Louise moved to Ray County, Missouri. In 1860 they moved to Clinton County, Missouri, settling near his brother Cornelius at Haynesville. On August 18, 1862 he enrolled in the 48th Regiment of the Missouri Militia, and was ordered into active service the same day, being in the Union army in the Civil War. He served until he was released 15 January 1863.
During the early 1870's, Alex moved to Lake County, California, where he had a farm. Louise died here of childbirth, 21 February 1874. After his wife's death he took his family north to Antelope, Wasco County, Oregon. He and his brothers Nathan, William and Burton all ran sheep together. Alex joined the Masonic Order Lodge 89 at Fossil, Oregon, 3 January 1891. He died 8 July 1900, in Antelope, Wasco County, Oregon.
James B Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Barthena Harmon, was born 11 November 1830, in Wayne County, Kentucky. James accompanied his parents overland to St. Louis, Missouri, and on to Ray County, Kentucky.
He traveled with his younger sister Elizabeth and her husband James Allen to New Orleans, Louisianna, from where they sailed to the east coast of Panama, and then crossed the Isthmus by burro. Everyone became ill; fortunately they reached the Pacific Ocean and took a ship to San Francisco.
After his arrival here his movements are unknown until he settled in Kelseyville, Lake County, California. Here James opened and operated the first butcher shop in the town.
He was married 10 May 1871, to Florence Loretta (Retta) Barker, who was born 31 August 1852, in New York, the daughter of Chesley and Susan Barker. James lived the rest of his life in Kelseyville. He is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery, Kelseyville, California. Loretta was married/2, 1 October 1882, to James Rolly Allison, a widower.
Children:
William (Billy) Wesley Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Barthenia Harmon, was born 11 June 1831, in Wayne County, Kentucky, known as pappy to his children and grandchildren. He went with his parents to Ray County, Missouri. In 1853 he crossed the plains by ox-team to Oregon. He took a claim in Lane County, Oregon, on 17 October 1853 and settling it on 3 March 1855.
He was married 1 November 1858, in Creswell, Lane County, Oregon, to Lucy Margaret Saylor, who was born 9 September 1843, in Iowa, daughter of Sydney Saylor and Levisa Ragsdale. They had come to Oregon on the same ox-team train.
They moved after 1860 to the seacoast and resided in the town of Cloverdale, later moved to Wasco County, Oregon, back to Creswell then finally settled in Shaniko, Wasco County, Oregon. Here he built a large home, ran sheep and pursued his craft as a gunsmith.
William became blind due to pieces of steel that got into his eyes from gun smithing, and died of an infection in his eyes. He is buried in the Kelsay family plot near his brother Alexander, in Woodsmen of the World Cemetery, at Antelope, Wasco County, Oregon. One source from Dr. Michael M McGreer says he died in Kelsayville, California
Children:
Burton (Burt) Sylvester Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Barthena Harmon, was born 15 September 1833, in Wayne County, Kentucky. He accompanied his parents to Ray County, Missouri, crossing the plain by wagon and ox team and after A six month journey, settled near Creswell, Lane County, Oregon. Burt took up donation land grant of 320 acres in this vicinity.
He was married near Eugene, Oregon, to Euphrasia (Frazie) Ann Gillis, who was born 19 November 1839, in Warren County, Missouri, the daughter of George Gillis and Frances Eaton.
Burt sold his 320 acres about 1863 to his mother-in-law, and they moved to Kelseyville, California where his parents had moved to two years earlier. Here he engaged in general farming and owned a livery stable, where the town of Finley now stands.
On 15 August 1874, Burt sold his (Lake County?) land and returned to Lane County Oregon, where he farmed until 1878. At this time they moved to Umatilla County, Oregon, where he engaged in the sheep business with great success. About 1890, Burt and Frazie retired to Fossil, Wheeler County Oregon, and remained there for the rest of their days.
The courthouse in Fossil sits on land that was donated by Burt for that purpose. On 11 January 1905 a large golden wedding anniversary was held in their honor. He died in August 1916; she died 11 January 1935, both in Fossil, Wheeler County, Oregon, and buried there in the I00F cemetery.
They had eight children; one son was named Burton.
Lucinda (Cindy) Hubbard Kelsay, daughter of William Kelsay and Barthena Harmon, was born 24 May 1835, in Wayne County, Missouri.
She moved with her parents to Ray County, Missouri, where she was married 28 June 1855, to Samuel Finley Sylar, who was born 29 September 1932, in Knox County, Tennessee, the son of George Sylar and Adaline Finley.
Samuel served in the Union Army during the Civil War, the Missouri Militia, from 1862 to 1864. Lucinda and Samuel lived in Taitville, Ray County, Missouri, until 1880, when they took up land near Highland Springs in Lake County, California.
Later they moved to nearby Kelseyville, where Sam became the constable, a position he held until an injury and old age forced him to retire. His nickname was Uncle Sam. The farm community of Finley, California, is named in his honor. He died 29 September 1916; she died 10 April 1920, both in Kelseyville, California, and buried in the I00F cemetery there. Birth order of the children is uncertain.
Children:
Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Kelsay, the daughter of William Kelsay and Barthena Harmon, was born 24 February 1837, in Wayne County, Kentucky.
Soon after moving to Ray County, Missouri, with her parents, she married at the age of fourteen, 26 June 1851, to James Ethan Allen, who was born 31 September 1799, in Knox or Hawkins County, Tennessee.
James was known as Horse or Old Man, horse because he weighed about 300 pounds. It is said that he is related to Ethan Allen, the revolutionary hero. As a young man James had moved to Kentucky where he was a wealthy slave owner.
Before the gold rush of 1849 he went west to California, settling near Sacramento. In 1850, a war began between the citizens of Sacramento and squatters. James became involved and sided with the squatters. After riots and violence the sheriff sent a posse to arrest the squatters at James's inn. James killed the sheriff in the ensuing fight. James' first wife, who was ill by fever, died because of the excitement of the attack. James was wounded, escaped and made his way to Placerville, California. After he was recovered he made his way east to Missouri, where he met and married Betsy.
In 1853 with her husband James, her small daughter and brother, James Kelsay, Betsy went to New Orleans, Louisianna, from there they sailed on the grand prairie to Cuba. From Cuba they sailed on �The Falcon" to Panama. They then traveled by burro through swamps and jungles of the Isthmus of Panama finally reaching the Pacific Ocean. They then sailed on the steamer �John I Stephens" to San Francisco, California. The entire trip took over sixty days. From San Francisco, they journeyed to Lane County, Oregon.
James took out a donation land grant in November 1853. They later lost the claim as they moved near Sacramento, California. In 1856 they moved to a ranch near Winters where they lived until 1859 they moved to Kelseyville, about where James bought a large farm. It is said he had a large chest of gold buried on his land.
After James died, Betsy married John Lamb, a ranch hand who had seen where James had buried the money. They were married about 1872. Sometime after the marriage, both Lamb and the treasure chest disappeared.
She died 4 April 1931, and is buried in Hartley Cemetery, Lakeport, California.
Their third child Nancy Allen married John Shirley
Sarah Jane Kelsay, the daughter of William Kelsay and Barthena Harmon, was born 25 December 1841, in Wayne County, Kentucky. When Sarah was nine years old she moved with her parents to Ray County, Missouri, and ten years later traveled with her parents to California.
She was married 25 September 1862, in Lake County, California, to James Tryon, who was born 25 January 1830, in Madison County, New York.
About 1880 Sarah and James moved to Fairfield Spokane County, Washington Territory. James died 28 February 1906, in Fairfield, Spokane County, Washington; Sarah died 3 October 1928, in Pendelton, Umatilla County, Oregon.
Children:
George Samuel Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Artemasiah Coonis Coffey, was born 14 January 1855, in Russell County, Kentucky.
He was married about 1878, in Kentucky, to Frances Elizabeth Dunbar, who was born 17 May 1860 in Russell County, and died 10 January 1900, in Russell County, the daughter of Jasper Dunbar (born 18 August 1838, Russell Co) and Nancy Ellen Woolridge (born about 1841 Russell Co)
He was married/2 on 12 July 1900, in Jamestown, Russell County, Kentucky, to Martha Hurt, born Kentucky
George died 6 February 1915, in Russell County.
Children:
Henry Aurelius Nelson, son of David Nelson and Amanda Dearerick, was born 20 September 1818, in Tennessee.
He was married 20 March 1860, in Marion County, Missouri, to Olive M Porter, teacher, who was born in August 1835, in Massachusetts
Henry died before 1900.
The children were all born in Marion County, Missouri.
Children:
Margaret Ann Nelson, daughter of David Nelson and Amanda Dearerick, was born 20 September 1818, in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.
She was married before 1854, to William W Barnes.
William died before 1880 in San Francisco (?), California; Margaret died before 1900, in Montague County, Texas.
Children:
William David Nelson, son of David Nelson and Amanda Dearerick, was born 13 September 1824, in Jonesborough, Washington County, Tennessee.
A physician and farmer, he was married 19 December 1850, in Independence, Fulton County, Illinois, to Elizabeth Saunders, who was born 6 May 1833, in Rushville, Yates County, New York, the daughter of Christopher Saunders of New York and Aurelia Putney.
�I was born in Jonesboro, East Tenn., 1824. My father, Rev. David Nelson, M.D., moved into Danville, Kentucky when I was an infant, and from there to Missouri, 12 miles west of Palmyra, Missouri, and founded Marion College after the name of the county. I was about 5 years of age at that time. I can only approximate dates. Father moved from Mo. to Quincy, Ill. when I was about 11 years of age, and started 3 colleges to educate poor young men for the ministry; one of them 2 miles west of Quincy, and one where we finally lived, and one north of our home. Father's college and home was 5 miles east of Quincy. I attended Father's college while he lived, and one term at Ill. college, Jacksonville, Ill.
�After father died [1844] I was in Danville, Ky., and mother wrote me not to come home, but to wait for her as she was going to Tenn. to visit her brothers and sister. Mother, after several months visit, bought a span of horses and carriage, and I drove back from Jonesboro to our home near Quincy, Ill.
�I then went with brother Aurelius [Henry?] to father's Mo. land of 400 A., in order to improve it, and when brother Aurelius wanted to run mother in debt, he and I had a hard fight, and he being 4 years older than I, he gave me a bad whipping, and your old dad was so insulted that he took a steamboat and went to Galena [Jo Davis county, IL], and from there into Wisconsin lead mines.
�We stopped on the road to Louisville, Ky. at Dr. L.P. Yandels, who was Professor of Chemistry, and a very influential man in the college. Also his wife was mother's cousin, and mother made arrangements with the doctor to help me through the medical department of the college. A short time after I arrived home, I went below St. Louis into Perry's Land [lead] mines [Perry's Diggings, Washington county, MO] about 10 miles west of St. Genieve [Ste. Genevieve], in order to raise money to go to colleges. But while there mother received a letter from Dr. Yandell that he had a note on a man in northwestern Mo. for a hundred dollars and if I could collect it for him he would put me through my second term free. I jumped at the offer; as I have never made only bare expenses at Galena or Perry's mines.
�I was in what was then called Hardscrabble Mines, and it fathered its name. It was near Vinegar Hill, and Skaburg [probably Shullsburg, Lafayette county, WI]. I roomed with a miner several months named Mr. Clark. He was good at heart but drank and had run through several fortunes made with digging lead. I went to digging for lead, but had not obtained a partner, so I dug a shaft hole and 7 feet deep, and as I had no windlass it tickled the miners so they nicknamed me �Windless Bill."
�Digging lead is like a lottery, many dig to old age, a few get rich. While at Perry's Mines a man crazy drunk killed his wife in a most horrible and cruel manner; too horrid to state the manner. It enraged the people so that the officers of the law could not get help to enforce the law; so the people set a day to burn him at the post. It was about 40 mi. west of Perry's Mines, and a number of the miners that worked in the shaft I did tried to get me to go with them to see the man burned to death; but I told them that it would be no pleasure for me to see the man suffer. They chained the man to a tree or post, I forget which, and formed a circle around the post, and marched around with a fife and drum playing, while the poor fellow was screaming with agony. I was glad I did not go to see it. The people's excuse for violating the law was that hanging was entirely too good for such a devil.
�But I w1ll go back for before I went into the mines at Galena or below St. Louis I went into the pineries at the falls or Black River, 90 mi. above Prairie SuChien [Prairie Du Chien, WI] and ran out a raft of pine lumber to the mouth of the river, and there met a man named Robert Wood, a relation of Gov. John Wood of Quincy, Ill. who persuaded me to leave my raft at Prairie Du Chien and go back to the falls, which was 90 mi., and help him run out his raft, and we could join our rafts and run down to Quincy together, which we did. Bob hired a Mormon named Paw-Cat, and as we got a chance to take us across the lake and I sat in the stern of the canoe and steered while Bob and Paw-Cat pulled it.
�Bob and I made fun of the Mormons, and their prophet Jo Smith, and as I said something exceedingly mean and vulgar about Smith, Paw-Cat raised his pole in great anger to break my skull, but before he could strike, Bob grabbed the pole and his collar with his other hand and cursed him and told him to sit down or we would drown him immediately. He saw that he could not beat us both, and he sat down as ordered. But it angered Bob so he made me help him to torment Paw-Cat every day so that he left us before we got to the falls of Black River, and I think Bob did it in order to get rid of him, for he did not seem to care one cent about it.
�A short distance from the falls as we got a keelboat and as I stood on the stern platform and steered, and Bob pulled, I saw a flock of ducks and I being excited let go of the handle of the oar, and the handle took me across the breast and threw me out and into the river, and I swam ashore. I had a shotgun in the boat, but the current of the river prevented me from using it. When 1 came to the surface I saw Bob down in the boat pulling off his shoes, and with his coat and vest off. But when he saw me swimming he fell flat in the boat and laughed until he had to quit. I helped Bob put his raft together and run it down to the mouth of Black River, and found half of my raft stolen. We ran down to Quincy, and as we passed Prairie DuChien there was a beautiful canoe at the shore which the Indians had left there while they were in the grogshop, and Bob stole it and run it under the raft.
�I tried hard to keep Bob from stealing it, but I could not as he could have whipped two like me. I was a boy and he was a tail grown man. The Indians followed us down the river for miles, and as we feared then we ran until after dark and camped on an island. After we had ran below the falls I saw the two men that stole part of my raft in a skiff, and I jumped into Bob's canoe and chased them with all my power but they soon left me out of sight.
�We kept our raft in the middle of the river and had nothing to do only at the falls above Keokuk or when we landed at a town. We had nothing to do but cook and eat and keep the raft in the middle of the river. When we tired of laying around, we got in Bob's canoe and paddled back 2 or 3 hundred yards, and counted 3 and jumped out of the canoe, and swam to the raft in order to see which could get to the raft first. Bob beat me about half of the time, but we were well matched. I was an expert swimmer for a boy.
�When I landed at Quincy, Father was about starting after me as I was near 3 months on the trip, and Mother was very uneasy about me. I paid $7 per thousand for clear stuff at the falls of Black River, and sold it at Quincy for $12. When I attended my second course of lectures at the University of Louisville, Kentucky I started home in a steamboat, and when I landed at Cairo, there was a gorge of ice in the Mississippi River, and it was several days before boats could pass it. While the boat was detained several days a man whose name was Sewel and I strolled over the hills near the river, and he took a great liking to your old dad. For the officers of the boat put up a notice in large letters stating that all passengers would be charged one dollar per day until the ice let the boat pass. It scared me for I only had 50 cents left after paying my fare to St. Louis, so I got my satchel with my clothes and walked the plank to shore and started up the hill, but Sewel was on top of the boat and he yelled at me to stop as he wished to talk a little with me. So I waited for him to come ashore, and when he came to me he wanted to know where I was going, and I told him that I only had 50 cents and was going into the country to work for money to take me home. But Sewel said you are not going afoot, and he said it with emphasis. But I told him that I did not want any trouble with the officers of the boat, and when he saw that I was determined to go, he said come back to the boat for I want to show you something before you to. So I want back and he took me into his stateroom and showed me $3,000 and said; "Don't you think that will take us through?" I saw that he surely was a true friend, and I stayed with him, and I hated to leave him when I did. The boats for several days steamed to the gorge and butted the ice to start it down. The boat that I was on steamed up to gorge and butted one day, and while butting unshipped the rudder and swung around and drove the yawl that was tied up to the stern into the ladies' cabin, and the ladies screamed, and the boat got on the edge of a big cake of ice and tipped over until the water came near flowing into the boat. The women screamed, and the men rushed to the top of the boat; but they soon got the rudder righted and the boat tied up at the shore, and there was a very large man stretched out on the long ladder, and bawled like a calf, and declared that we were all going to the bottom for sure, but the men told him that we were tied up to the shore, and out of danger. But they could not quiet him, and they let him bawl it out. After the ice opened in the current, the boats steamed for St. Louis and when in sight of the city, the clerk called all the passengers to his office to settle for their board during the ice gorge, and when my turn cane, I told the clerk that 50 cents was all the money I had, and then he took my satchel of clothes, and said he would take it for the rest of bill. Then Sewel walked up to him, and said loud: �No, you won't." but he declared he would. Then 10 or more men walked up to him and said loud: �Not by a damned sight will you." Then he argued with them, and they got angry and threatened him until he gave me my satchel. Sewel has posted the men, and I did not know it, for I thought my satchel and clothes were gone sure. We then landed at St. Louis, and I did not know a soul in the city, and Sewel wanted to give me money to take me home but I would not take it. The I went up and down the wharf looking in the faces of streams of people, trying to find some one Iknew, but failed. So I went several blocks back from the river,and tried for hours, and failed. The I started to the steamboat thinking to work my passage to Quincy, but when I got in a few rods of the boat, I met an old friend of my Father's, and I was a very happy boy just then. Mr. Ray was his name, and all I had to do was to tell him what I wanted, and he grinned, and handed me the money. After I attended my second term at the University of Louisville, Ky. I located at Kingston, a very small and new town 20 mi. east of Quincy and practiced medicine there about a year and moved from there to what was called Independence, 5 mi. southwest of Canton, Ill. Judge Henry L. Bryant, then lived in Ind., and I practiced medicine for about 3 yrs. after marrying Elizabeth Saunders the daughter of Christopher Saunders, and moved to Troy, Davis County, Iowa and practiced medicine there for 2 yrs. I then moved back to Indep. � I moved to Troy about the year 1853; I again moved to Ramsey Co., South Dakota near Devil's Lake, and stayed there 2 yrs. With the exception of 8 mo. I have lived in Fulton Co., Ill. Judge Bryant wrote me a very encouraging letter, which caused me to locate in Independence. I boarded with Judge Bryant about a year and a half before I was married. The prairie north of Inde. was not settled when I first came the re. Only 2 houses between Independence and Canton.
�For several years after I came I killed many wild turkeys. I have had many good friends in old Fulton Co., but the Civil War made many enemies also; but war is of the devil whether people believe it or not. During the war of the rebellion, the rebel sympathizers and the Union men hated each other worse than they did the devil. If it had not been for Judge Bryant, they would have butchered each other by scores. The rebs called the Union men �Black Republicans" and the Union men called them �Copperheads," and �dog fennel rangers." Old friends would not speak when they met. The rebs finally got to harboring deserters from the Army, and declared none should be taken back, and the Government sent a company of 80 men who came in the night and captured several deserters, and about 400 rebs collected at the fair grounds and sent a committee to the captain of the company and informed him that if he did not give up the deserters they would fight for them, but the captain swore that was just what he came for. About the time Hue Lamaster, once sheriff of Fulton Co., came to my house and brought his gun, and told me to get mine, as the rebs were going to fight the Government company that day. So I got my gun and went with Lamaster to Louistown expecting to go right into battle. Like about all the Union men in the Co. we would have fought to death or victory, for we were all furious made. The captain sent word to all Union men to rally around the 12 bb cannon, and keep the rebs off from it. He said that was all he wanted to do, as he and his company would do the rest. We were to surround the brass 12 bb cannon at the first boom of the cannon. But Judge Bryant put a quitus on all the expectations of both the union men and the rebs, for he went to the fair grounds and made a speech to the rebs and plead with them earnestly and informed that the Government troops had improved arms, and a 12 bb brass cannon, and would shoot down many of them before they could get near enough to do any execution with their shotguns and rifles. All that was the genuine truth. Judge Bryant should have a premium for that speech, for he did save many lives of both rebs and union men. Judge Bryant was a man of much influence those days.
�After the birth of the oldest daughter Frances Olivia (Ruth Brehmer's mother), our parents moved from Independence, Illinois to the Stell place, and from there to Troy, Iowa. They were forced to leave this place because of smallpox. Mother being worn out in so much practice, they came to Illinois, where mother and children stayed at her mother's while father went to Memphis to obtain a commission as surgeon in the Army. Major Herring told him he was badly needed, and if he'd go he would surely get one.
�After a week waiting for an audience, which was promised daily, he finally came home. It was then Mr. Herring told him that if he'd offered $50., he would have been at no delay and got the commission. They traveled by wagon to Bloomington to buy a piece of land, and as this was during the war it was a very exciting time.
�When they stopped in town, some young people were singing about the flag and made fun of father. He got mad and swore at them and traveled on. They camped by a large tree near a house on the outskirts of the town and the owner refused to sell hay for the team. After they had gone to bed a mob of 8 men came with a rope to hang father for cursing the flag. They thought he did this when he cursed at the folks who made fun of him. He called them cowards and told them he was as loyal as any man and that if they attacked him and his family, he and mother would get several of them first. He gave mother a shot gun and was armed himself so they finally left, and the man came out of the house and got hay for the team.
�He then drove back to Iowa, to Bremen, now known as Lovilia. It was here little Henry died of membranous croup. Mother would not stay any longer, so father brought her back.
�When they first went to Lovilia, they could have bought 240 acres north of Albia for $1600. After reaching Illinois again, they bought the Bill Oriatt place, and after several years sold it to Howard Martin, and bought of Joshua Banks the old homestead, now owned by William Miller. Little Jesse died here at 6 years of age.
While residing on this place, he rented it to the oldest son David for two years, while he moved to North Dakota. Winters were so cold they came back, and after several years rented the farm at Bryant. Just before the move to Bryant, Nan died, (Zenanna, the twin of Aunt Nell, and Lola's mother), the wife of Ed McBroom.
�In a few years, being unable to keep house any longer, they moved to Canton, where they had rooms with the youngest daughter Sybil Connor. Father died the same year and mother followed three years later.
�William died 18 June 18 June 1912, in Canton Fulton County, Illinois, buried in Shield's Chaplel Cemetery in Buckheart Township, in Fulton, Illinois.
Children:
Mr. Danford; left 5 grandchildren & 3 great grandchildren
Frances Eliza Nelson, son of David Nelson and Amanda Dearerick, was born about 1835, in Illinois.
She was married 25 January 1859, in Quicey, Adams County, Illinois, to Peter Randall Woodman, who was born 7 February 1828, in Lyndon, Caledonia County, Vermont, said to be at that time a lumberman, a resident of Columbia, Toulumme County, California. Later he was a candle manufacturer.
Frances died 18 October 1866 in San Francisco, San Francisco, California from childbirth complications after the death of her son P. R. Woodman on 15 October 1866. Peter was married/2 about 1871, to Margaret ___, born about 1843.
Children:
Florette (Flora) Adelia Nelson, daughter of David Nelson and Amanda Dearerick, was born 10 February 1837, in Quincy, Adams County, Illiois.
He was married
Mary Emma Nelson, daughter of David Nelson and Amanda Dearerick, was born February 1939, in Tennessee.
He was married
Eugene Lafon Nelson, son of David Nelson and Amanda Dearerick, was born 20 June 1840, in Quncy, Adams County, Illinois.
He was married ###
John Nelson Hicks, so of Julia A D Nelson and Jeter Hicks, was born 13 November 1835, in Tennessee. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
He was married 20 October 1864, in Marion County, Missouri, to Jane Catherine Cassell, born 26 December 1833, who had moved with her parents in 1848, from Baltimore, Maryland, to Marion County.
young couple moved the following year to the west, settling by 1870 in Elko County, Nevada. They moved to Shelby County, Tennessee in 1876, and afterwards to Bellvue, Idaho, where they were until at least 1885.
Both of the areas in Nevada and Idaho were involved in gold and silver mining during the times they resided there and may be the reason for their locating in those areas, although John carried on his living as a farmer.
By 1890 they resided in Napa, California where Jane died from cancer 14 April 1893. John was murdered 22 August 1900 in Mardis, Elko, Nevada. Both are buried in a local cemetery in Napa, California.
Children:
America Kelsey, daughter of David Kelsey II and Susan Jane Cozzart, was born 6 June 1832, St. Clare, Missouri. She was, age 11/12, when she went west with her parents, She was the 1st white child other than Spanish, to live in Stockton. California
She married 7 August 1846, age 14, by General John Sutter, in Sutter's Fort, Santa Clara, California, to George Francis Wyman, who was born 13 August 1818, Oswego, New York.
When George first met America, he was a fur trapper. It was the next day after her father had died of smallpox. He and his friend, Joseph Buzzell, had camped near the cabin where the Kelseys lived. They had ventured into California's interior, after hearing of the vast trapping opportunities, from Jedediah Smith.
At first they did not want to help America bury her father, because they were deathly afraid of contracting the disease, for which there was no cure. Feeling sorry for America, they finally agreed to help. The trappers would forever be changed by te experience. George married America. Joseph married her sister, Mary Francis. After his marriage, George settled down to do a little farming. He eventually became a constable of Santa Clara County.
George died 14 February 1893; America died 8 May 1916, both in Palo Alto, California.
Children:
Mary M (Sarah) Kelsay, daughter of Robert Kelsay and Rachel Ball, was born about 1843, in Washington County, Tennessee.
She was married 21 July 1861 in Roane County, Tennessee, to James Knox Polk Yates, who was born 17 April 1842, in Roane County, Tennessee.
�Polk's father, Miles Yates, was maybe born in England. In October of 1998 I was told by Toby Yates, son of Truman (who lives in Meigs County, Tennessee), that there is a stone on the Massey farm in Meigs County that has either the initials or name Miles Yates on it. Truman has told me that his Uncle Frank Yates used to tell him that Miles Yates was from England and that he was buried in Meigs County. I don't know if Miles was actually from England though, since I have found no other trace of him except the marriage record for him and Debby Holmes, who was born in 1825, probably in Tennessee. They were divorced about 1846
Mary M Kelsay may have died of Tuberculosis, and or she may have been divorced. After the war, Polk was a singing master (picture included in book) at the Ponders Old Time Gospel Church near Midway, Tennessee. He was a farmer, later an invalid.
From death Certificate:
    Polk Yates was in the Confederate Army. He was a Private in County D, 16th Tennessee Cavalry Regiment (CSA) He applied for a state Confederate Veteran's pension. He is listed as J.K.P. Yates, application # S4309.
Children:
William Franklin Bird Kelsay, son of David N Kelsay and Catherine McCracken, was born 19 February 1850 in Washington County, Tennessee.
He was married/1 1 July 1874 in Roane County, Tennessee, to Martha C Dean, who was born in 1858.
He was married/2 25 July 1879, in White County, Tennessee, to Susan Fronia Herd, who was born 1855.
William died 1925 in White County, Tennessee, in the Doyle or Sparta area.
Children:
John Jerome "J.J." McCracken, son of William Kelsey and Jane Patton, was born 29 January 1860 in Laurel County, Kentucky, and died 4 September 1939 Laurel County, Kentucky.
He was married/1 to Elizabeth Pinkston, and married/2 in 1894 to Eliza McWhorter, who was born 12 July 1874 in Kentucky, and died 2 January 1964 in Laurel County, Kentucky
"1880 census in Laurel County, Kentucky.
    �Census records has Eliza's middle name initial as 'F.'. Eliza's first name could have been Elizabeth. The family called her "Granny McCracken". The story in the family is that Eliza smoked from a pipe.
    �I heard from one of Eliza's granddaughters that Eliza went to Midway College For Women in Midway, Kentucky. She became a Methodist preacher. I have a studio photograph of Eliza and her sister, Lucinda when they were young women on a home movie videotape (on VHS and DVD). Eliza's son, Perry McCracken married Barbara Parsley. Barbara was the sister of Beulah Parsley, who married Perry's nephew, Versell Tuttle (Lula McCracken's son)."
Source: My Family Tree 02/24/2002, by Pamela R ___--�
Children:
Benjamin Kelsay, son of David Kelsay Jr and Susan Jane Cozart, was born 8 October 1813, in Barren County, Kentucky.
He was married 25 October 1838 in Henry County, Missouri, to Nancy Roberts, who was born 1 August 1823, in Barren County, Kentucky. She married Benjamin L. Kelsey when she was fifteen.
�She had fallen in love with his restless, adventurous spirit, and from the day the two exchanged vows she could not imagine her life without him. At the age of seventeen, Nancy agreed to follow Benjamin to a strange new land rumored to be a place where a "poor man could prosper."
�Nancy Kelsey stood on the porch of her rustic home in Jackson County, Missouri, watching her husband load their belongings onto a covered wagon. Soon, the young couple and their one-year-old daughter would be on the way to California. She hated leaving her family behind and she knew the trip west would be difficult. Nancy, Benjamin, and their daughter, Ann, arrived in Spalding Grove, Kansas, just in time to join the first organized group of American settlers traveling to California by land. The train was organized and led by John Bidwell, a New York schoolteacher, and John Bartleson, a land speculator and wagon master.
"Where my husband goes I can go. I can better stand the hardships of the journey than the anxieties for an absent husband." With those words Nancy Kelsey began a journey across country no white woman had ever made. With her baby on her hip, Nancy, who had just turned 18 a few days earlier, became the first woman, other than Native Americans, to walk on Utah soil. The year was 1841 and the Kelsey clan, often on the move, once again had itching feet.
A letter from a Dr. Marsh in California praising the new land excited many Missourians yearning for a great adventure. However, when spring came only a small group gathered at Sapling Grove near Weston, Missouri, to actually make the trip. Among them were several members of the extended Kelsey family, including Nancy, her husband Ben, and their daughter Martha Ann. Known as the Bartleson-Bidwell Company, this group followed dim traces of the new Oregon Trail. Tom "Broken-Hand" Fitzpatrick, famous mountain man, was their guide as far as Soda Springs, Idaho.
Then they were on their own. Seven long, weary months would pass before they arrived at Sutter's Fort in California. Nancy would also earn the distinction of being the first white woman to cross the Sierra Nevada.
After crossing South Pass in Wyoming, some families in the company began to worry about going to California. No one knew the route, and wagon trains had never gone there before. Oregon, at the end of a known road and more settled every year, sounded safer. By the time they reached Soda Springs, all the families had decided to abandon the California dream; all that is, but Ben and Nancy.
Nancy bid farewell to her in-laws and became the only woman among the 31 men who turned south into the unknown country that was to eventually become Utah. Surely it was rash for a woman to venture on so perilous a journey, but that did not seem to occur to Nancy. Most of the young men were adventurous and willing to take risks, but this was no ordinary lark for a young woman in 1841.
The travelers knew absolutely nothing of the terrain ahead. In fact, they were so ignorant of western geography that some had brought boat-building equipment so that when they came upon the Great Salt Lake they could build a boat and float down its outlet to the ocean! The advice they got from Fort Hall, where some of the men had gone for provisions, was no better than their own strange notions. No one knew the territory well enough to be their guide. The people at the post could only tell them to be careful not to turn west too soon or they would become lost and perhaps perish in the canyons and chasms below the Snake River and not to go too far south or they would perish of thirst on the salty desert.
The small party continued south along the Bear River. They had heard from mountain men about Cache Valley and hoped to stop and hunt there, but somehow they went right through it without realizing where they were. They continued on through the "gates" of the Bear River and then had to take a long detour to find a place to cross the salty, undrinkable Malad River whose banks were impossibly steep for wagons.
After finally reaching a place to ford, they again turned south toward the Great Salt Lake. They could see nothing before them "but extensive arid plains, glimmering with heat and salt," wrote John Bidwell. They were desperate for water. As Nancy and the men skirted the northern end of the Great Salt Lake, the only feed for the animals was coated with salt, and water at the few springs was also somewhat salty. In their search for good water, they camped on a hill on August 23 and got their first full view of the Great Salt Lake to the south. The location offered little water, however, and their animals strayed off in search of something to drink and had to be rounded up.
On August 24 they camped near numerous springs, a bit salty, but drinkable. The salt clung in lumps to the grass, and the travelers gathered lumps ranging from the size of a pea to a hen's egg. Following an old Indian trail they hoped would lead to water, they fought their way through sage and wormwood but found no water, though they searched until ten o'clock at night.
In the morning light, they continued on toward a green spot five miles away in a small canyon. To Nancy's great joy the water and grass were excellent. For 10 days the immigrants rested there while scouts tried to locate a route to the Humboldt River.
Friendly Native Americans came to this campsite to trade. Although the scouts had not yet returned, the party moved on because their oxen had eaten all the grass. Slowly they moved southwest around the northern end of the Great Salt Lake. It was early September, but the weather had turned very cold with ice freezing in their water buckets. At last, on September 9, the scouts rode into camp with word that Mary's River, now called the Humboldt, was only five days away.
The Kelseys' oxen, weaker by the day, had difficulty pulling the wagons. The weather warmed, and Ben decided the wagons must be left. At what was likely Owl Spring, about eight miles west of Lucin, Nancy parted with her wagon home. Ben fashioned packs for the horses to carry food and other necessities, and the young couple trudged on. They camped on Pilot Creek and on September 14 passed out of Utah's domain around the southern end of the Pilot Range and into Nevada.
Nancy's adventurous journey continued across Nevada and over the Sierra Nevada. Hunger dogged every step, and the specter of winter loomed over the mountains. Tattered, exhausted, and with nothing but their lives, they at last arrived at Sutter's Fort in December.
Fellow traveler Joseph Chiles later wrote of the indomitable Nancy: "Her cheerful nature and kind heart brought many a ray of sunshine through clouds that gathered round a company of so many weary travelers. She bore the fatigue of the journey with so much heroism, patience and kindness that there still exists a warmth in every heart for the mother and child, that were always forming silvery linings for every dark cloud that assailed them."
Sources:
Charles Kelly, Salt Desert Trails (Salt Lake City: Western Epics, 1969);
Dale L. Morgan, The Great Salt Lake (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1975);
Doyce B. Nunis, Jr., ed., The Bidwell-Bartleson Party: 1841 California Emigrant
Adventure (Santa Cruz, California: Western Tanager Press, 1991).
Note 1:
http://historytogo.utah.gov/kelsey.html
Note 2: another site with Kelsey info
http://www.oregonpioneers.com/1841.htm
Note 3:
http://ceres.ca.gov/geo_area/counties/Napa/landmarks.html
Note 4:
NO. 686 SITE OF KELSEY HOUSE, California - Nancy Kelsey arrived in California in 1841 with the Bidwell-Bartleson party and settled with her family south of present-day Calistoga. Now the hearthstone is all that can be seen of the house. The property is owned by the Rockstrohs.
Note 5:
Location: 500 ft NW of intersection of State Hwy 29 and Diamond Mtn Rd, 1.1 mi S of Calistoga
Note 6: source: With Great Hope, Women of the California Gold Rush by JoAnn Chartier and Chris Enis
    �We followed the Indian, and he led us along shelves of rock high in the Sierras, which overhung vast precipices. We all went on foot, leading our animals. Once, I remember, when I was struggling along trying to keep my horse from going over, I looked back and saw Missus Ben Kelsey a link way behind me, with her child in her arms, barefooted, I think, and leading a horse .-..a sight I shall never forget."
Note: Nancy's recollections of some of the other members of the     Bidwell-Bartleson party and the apprehension she felt about the trip were recorded in the San Francisco Examiner in 1893. She described what it was like when the wagon train first set out on its way on May 12, 1841: "A man by the name of Fitzpatrick was our pilot, and we had a priest with us who was bound for the northwest coast to teach the Flathead Indians. We numbered thirty-three all told and I was the only woman. I had a baby to take care of, too."
Nancy was worried for her baby and hoped that she would be able to keep her healthy and out of harm's way. She was terrified that the wagon train might get lost in the wilderness and that everyone might die of starvation.
No one in the party was really sure what lay ahead for them. They had no guide and no compass. One pioneer with the train told them he had seen a map showing a great lake with two rivers running out of it clear to the Pacific Ocean. "All we need to do is find the lake and follow the rivers to the sea," he said, "and we'll run into California."
By July, the emigrant party had made it to Fort Laramie, in Wyoming. The party experienced little trouble on the first twelve hundred miles of the trip, but according to Nancy's interview in the San Francisco Examiner, the difficulties they had on the trip from Wyoming to California more than made up for it.
Our first mishap was on the Platte River, where a young man named Dawson was captured by Indians and stripped of his clothing. They let him go then and then followed him so that, without his knowing it, he acted as their guide to our camp. The redskins surrounded our camp and remained all night, but when daylight showed them our strength they went away.
Nancy was frightened by the Indians and stayed close to her husband. Whenever she wanted to turn back, Benjamin would urge her on by quoting the notices about California that he had read in the Western Emigration Society paper. They called California "a land of perennial spring and boundless fertility." Nancy's daydreams about the life they would have there sustained her for a time but eventually her worst fears were realized.
By August, the Bidwell-Bartleson party was completely lost. They knew they were supposed to be near the Humboldt River, but it was nowhere in sight. Food was getting scarce, and the animals became too exhausted to pull the wagons. Still, the party pushed west, abandoning their wagons one by one and slaughtering their oxen for food. Through it all, Nancy never forgot that the Indians were a constant threat:
We left our wagons and finished our journey on horse-back and drove our cattle. I carried my baby in front of me on the horse. At one place the Indians surrounded us, armed with their bows and arrows, but my husband leveled his gun at the chief and made him order his Indians out of arrow range.
On September 7, 1841, the weary group located the Humboldt River, but then could not find the road that would lead from there to the Truckee River. Nancy held her daughter tightly in her arms and desperately tried to shade her from the sun. Her baby was hungry and cried to be fed, but food was again running short. In October, the party killed the last of their oxen. The weather turned cold, and Nancy longed to go back home, but the party continued on until they came face to face with several high peaks
Later, Nancy recalled the struggle through the jagged mountains that appeared to be "capped with snow, perhaps of a thousand years." We crossed the Sierra Nevadas at the headwaters of the San Joaquin River. We camped on the summit. It was my eighteenth birthday. We had difficult time to find a way down the mountains. At one time I was left alone for nearly half a day, and as I was afraid of Indians, I sat all the while with my baby on my lap. It seemed to me while I was there alone that the moaning of the winds through the pines was the loneliest sound I had ever heard.
After exploring the mountainside, Nancy's husband, along with fellow traveler Josiah Beldon, found a place where the party could descend. Benjamin led the party along the steep cliffs and over rough rocks. Nancy remembered the trek as dangerous and one where she almost lost the love of her life. At one place four pack animals fell over a bluff, and they went so far that we never attempted to recover the packs.
We were then out of provisions, having killed and eaten all our cattle. I walked barefooted until my feet were blistered, and lived on roasted acorns for two days. My husband came very near dying with the cramps, and it was suggested to leave him, but I said I never would do that, and we ate a horse and remained over till the next day, when he was able to travel.
Nancy was an inspiration to her fellow travelers. Many of them kept journals in which they wrote about her bravery and made mention of the fact that her baby was never sick a day of the trip.
In 1842, Joseph Chiles, one of the members of the party wrote about Nancy's courage and strength: "She bore the fatigues of the journey with so much heroism, patience, and kindness that there still exists a warmth in every heart for the mother and her child."
Nancy Kelsey's pioneering days did not end once she made it over the Sierra Nevada range. She had hoped Benjamin would settle down and build a life for her and daughter Ann, but after five months of being in California, he decided to move the family to Oregon. Nancy didn't want to go, but she was dedicated to her husband. She recalled that the trip to Oregon proved to be even more harrowing than their initial journey west.
We went up the east side of the Sacramento River for about forty miles where we crossed over by swimming our horse and cattle. It was there I witnessed the killing of an Indian. The men were all out trying to drive the stock into the river and I was left alone in the camp, when several nude Indians came in and as I thought they intended to steal I stepped to a tree where the guns were. As they approached me I warned them away. My husband saw from where he was that Indians were in camp and sent one of the men, whom we called Bear Dawson, to protect me. He was a reckless young man, and as he rode up he ordered the Indians to go, but they drew their bows on him and reversed the order. Then he drew his pistol and killed one of them and the rest fled. The Indian fell within six feet of me.
Benjamin continued his nomadic ways. He and Nancy traveled next from Oregon to the Napa Valley, the San Joaquin plains, and Mendocino. Benjamin left Nancy alone in 1848 to see if there was any truth to the gold rumors. He was gone ten days and brought back one thousand dollars. The next time he went to the mines he took a flock of sheep up for mutton and brought back sixteen thousand dollars. He used the money to buy Nancy, and by this time their two daughters, a lake ranch in a town the couple had helped build called Kelseyville.
Nancy was finally living the good life her husband had promised her, but it was short-lived. Benjamin sold the lake ranch after a few months and took his family down the Humboldt River to be among the first settlers of Eureka and Arcata. Just when Nancy thought they would finally stay put, Benjamin came down with tuberculosis, and they were compelled to travel to a dryer location for his health. Nancy later told the San Francisco Examiner about their stay in Texas and the trouble that they encountered:
In 1861, we were attacked by Comanche Indians. The men were out hunting turkeys, and a neighboring woman and her children and I and mine were there alone. I discovered the Indians approaching our camp, which was situated in a brushy place. I loaded the guns we had and suggested that all hide themselves. The two oldest girls ran and hid and a sixteen year-old boy went along to a hiding-place. The women and the smaller children secreted ourselves in a small cave. They succeeded in catching my girl because her dress got tangled in the brush. She was twelve years old. We found her the next day, but oh, the anxiety I felt during that long night. Yes, we found her, and my anguish was horrible when I discovered that she had been scalped and was partially deranged. My husband and seventeen men followed the Indians three hundred miles, but never caught up with them.
In 1864, Nancy followed Benjamin back to California. He built her a cabin high up in the Cuyama Mountains in San Diego. He died in Los Angeles in 1888. Her daughter who was scalped died in Fresno at the age of eighteen as a result of her earlier injuries. Nancy died of cancer in 1896.
History records that she was the first white woman to cross the Sierra Nevada, but she remembered many more eventful experiences: "I have enjoyed riches and suffered the pangs of poverty. I have seen U.S. Grant when he was little known; I have baked bread for General Fremont and talked to Kit Carson. I have run from bear and killed most all other kinds of smaller game."
    Nancy Kelsey's grave in Santa Barbara is marked by a rock. The simple inscription on it reads, Kelsey.
Note: Data on this family partially from Ancestry.com, records of Jean Caruthers [email protected].
Kelsey (Benj.), 1841, brother of Andrew, and one of the Bartleson party, accomp. by his wife, Nancy A., the 1st woman who came to Cal. by the direct overland route. iv. 270, 272, 275, 279. What has been said of Andrew above may be applied to Benj., except what relates to the former's death. iv. 390, 444-5; v. 110, 148. The brothers called Napa Val. their home from '45, and though they worked sometimes at N. Helv, they preferred the adventurous life of hunters. They were rough men, often in trouble with the authorities.
Though one of the owners, Benj. did not live at the Clear Lake establishment, but his treatment of Indians carried practically as slaves to the mines did much to provoke the killing of his brother. The family lived in Oregon again '51-5, later in Texas, and at various points of southern Cal. in '60-78 or later. There were 2 children in '45, and the scalping of a daughter on the way to Texas is mentioned. Ellen K., said to have been born at N.Helv. Aug. 2, '45, may have been his daughter.
(The narrative above does not mention any other children beside the baby. The information about their birthplaces and birthdates of the other children appears to be somewhat in conflict)
Children:
I cannot help but doubt the accuracy of the above list of children. It doesn't seem to agree with what Nancy Kelsey wrote about her trip. And it appears that Benjamin's father and father made the same trip, but Nancy is given the honor of being the only woman on the trip. Perhaps there was a second group later on.
I cannot decide who the following Andrew Kelsey really is. According to what I found Benjamin Sr had a brother Andrew, and a son Andrew. Maybe someone else can straighten this out.
Kelsey (Andrew), 1841, overland. immigrant. of the Bartleson party. iv. 270, 275, 279; went to Oregon. in '43 with his brothers, but returned in '44 with the party bearing his name. iv. 390, 444-5. He prob. served under Capt. Gantt in the Micheltorena campaign of '44-5. iv. 486; and took part in the Bear revolt. [p.206] v. 110; perhaps joining the Cal. Bat., though I find no definite record of his name. In '47 he and his brother with others bought live-stock of Salvador Vallejo and obtained the privilege of grazing their cattle near Clear Lake. Andrew and a man named Stone went to live at the place where Kelseyville-so named for him-now stands, thus becoming the 1st settlers of Lake County The natives were numerous, and under oppression became hostile; K. and S. were men who scorned to use conciliatory methods with 'Injuns and such varmint;' and they were both killed, as they well deserved to be, in '49; but soon a force was sent to butcher hundreds of the Indians in vengeance.
Note: Ancestry.com "California Pioneers, 1542-1848"
Isabelle Kelsay, daughter of Hugh Band Kelsay and Julia Ann Wilson, was born 24 October 1818, in Kentucky.
She was married 19 May 1842, to John Sutherland Madole, who was born 14 September 1821, in Kentucky. He was the son of Samuel Madole and Sarah Ross. See: Madole Family
Isabelle died 19 December 1879, and was buried in Ivy Cemetery, in Morgan County, Missouri. John was married again to Cynthia Langford. He died 18 September 1905, in Oklahoma, buried in Beardon Cemetery, Okemah, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma.
Children:
James Johnson Kelsay, son William Kelsay and Jane Bailey, was born 10 September 1824 in Barren County, Kentucky, and died 15 March 1880 in Monteau County, Missouri.
A mechanic, he was married 28 June 1849 in Moniteau County, Missouri, to Lucinda Jane Hale, who was born in 1830 in Kentucky, and died 27 November 1884 in Moniteau County, Missouri. Both are buried in the Kelsay Family Cemetery, Moniteau County. She was the daughter of Bird B Hale (born 1787 Virginia) and Nancy Lackey (born about 1785 Kentucky)
Jaunce and Lucinda were early settlers of central Missouri. James Kelsay was one of five Kelsay men who came to the Moniteau/Morgan counties area and settled in the late 1820's and early 30's. Hugh Kelsay Sr., perhaps the father of the other four men, was in the area in 1825 (per Goodspeed's 1889 History) They settled on Moreau creek about 6 miles east of present-day Versailles and the area became known as the "Kelsay Settlement". James was a farmer, a gunsmith, and blacksmith by trade. It is reputed that he built some of the first wagons that crossed the American desert in the westward movement.
By 1880, Lucinda Jane Kelsay was a widow and was living in Miller County in Equality township near the families of Lawson, Birdsong, Walker, Scott, Dobson, Brockman, Burris and Goodrich.
Children:
Samuel Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Jane Bailey, was born 19 April 1826 in Cooper County, Missouri.
He was married 14 September 1854, to his cousin, Roseanna Kelsay, who was born 12 October 1829, in Kentucky, daughter of Hugh Band Kelsay and Julia Ann Wilson.
Sam died 30 January 1863. in Moniteau County, Missouri, buried Kelsay Family Cemetery; Roseanna died in 1909 in Ringgold, Montague County, Texas.
Children:
James Kelsay, son of Samuel Kelsay and Margaret Bailey, was born 19 March 1826, in Missouri, and died 11 October 1910, Pilot Grove, Moniteau, Missouri.
He was married to Grace Leslie, who was born 1 March 1835, in Kentucky, and died 29 September 1928, in Pilot Grove, Moniteau County, Missouri.
Grace's father was William Leslie, who was born in 1796, in South Carolina, and died in 1871. Her mother, Margaret Simpson, was born in 1801, in Tennessee, and died 25 August 1852Children:
Isabelle Burnett, daughter of Isabelle Kelsay and Reuben Burnett, was born 4 June 1849, in Missouri, probably Morgan County.
She was married/1 in Morgan County, Missouri, 31 March 1864, to David Dutcher, who was born in 1840 in Ohio.
She was married/2 22 January 1871 in Moniteau Township, Morgan County, Missouri, to William Ratcliff, who was born 16 November 1827 in Eagle Township, Hocking County, Ohio.
On the 1910 of the Morgan County, Census, she was a widow, age 60, born in Missouri, mother of 3 living children, and a cousin as head of household, Thomas B Thompkins.
Children:
Hannah Ratcliff Kelsay, daughter of Hugh B Kelsay and Hannah Ratcliff, was born 28 December 1853, in Morgan County, Missouri.
She was married 12 December 1875, in Morgan County to James Abraham Campbell, who was born 28 February 1847 in Cole County, Missouri.
Hannah died 12 October 1922, Cole County, Missouri, buried in Enloe Cemetery.
Children:
Source: Title
    by Ann (Jobe) Brown
James Robert Kelsay, son of Hugh B Kelsay and Hannah Ratcliff, was born 12 January 1849, in Morgan County, Missouri.
He was married/1 Amanda Francis Simon, who was born 30 January 1849(?) in Morgan County, Missouri, and died 27 December 1879, Moniteau County, Missouri.
He was married/2 to Amanda M. Winget, who was born 30 January 1849(?), in Morgan County, Missouri, and died in Moniteau County, Missouri.
James died 4 April 1909, in Missouri.
Children:
William C Kelsay, son of Hugh B Kelsay and Hannah Ratcliff, was born 18 July 1855, probably in Cole County, Missouri.
He was married 7 February 1875 in Morgan County, Missouri, to Sarah Jane Colvin, who was born 6 March 1858 in Missouri. On the 1880 Census, they lived next door to his father.
William died 3 August 1921, in Moniteau County, Missouri.
Children:
Sophia Gray Kelsay, daughter of Hugh born Kelsay and Sarah Gray Campbell, was born 24 June 1858 in Missouri.
She was married 24 March 1886, to William Butler Crutchfield, who was born 17 June 1863 in Calloway County, Missouri.
Sophia died 3 April 1913, in Morgan County, Missouri.
Children:
John Alexander Kelsay, son of Hugh born Kelsay Kelsay and Sarah Gray Campbell, was born 13 May 1855, in Maniteau County, Missouri, and died 6 March 1924.
He was married/1 20 March 1888 in Morgan County, Missouri, to Theodocia Mae Colvin, who was born 25 April 1869 in Missouri.
Children:
John Stephen Loveall, son of Zacharia Loveall Sr and May Mary Waggoner, was born 6 September 1861 in Martin County, Indiana.
He was married 3 February 1887 in Martin County, Indiana, to Vina Caroline Roberts, who was born in 1862 in Martin County, Indiana, She was the daughter of Jonathan Roberts and Sarah Mitchell.
The couple took care of her parents until their death. They were given the Roberts homeplace, one hundred and sixty acres, near French Lick, Indiana.
Later they gave Aaron Roberts what was known as the "Loveall Forty." When Jonathan Roberts died, his son in law, John Loveall, placed his casket upon a jolt wagon and with his son, William Aaron Loveall, (Joathans' grandson) who was nine years old, drove his remains to Anderson Cemetery. The roads were terrible, due to spring rains. Mud was axle deep and the horses could hardly pull the wagon through the muddy roads.
Vina died 1924; John died 4 January 1934 both in Knox County, Indiana, and buried in Mt Zion Cemetery, in Knox County. Mt. Zion Cemetery is located about two miles west of Monroe City, Indiana on Hwy 61. The tombstone is located near the edge of the cemetery by the woods (east side.)
Children:
Lavicy Ann Kelsay, daughter of William Wesley Kelsay and Lucy Margaret Saylor, was born about 1859-60 in Kelsay Crossing, Oregon.
She was married/1 to George Moorhead; and married/2 in Bend, Oregon, to John Dougherty. Lavicy died in Bend, Oregon.
Children:
Josiah Pierce Kelsay, son of William Wesley Kelsay and Lucy Margaret Saylor, was born 18 May 1870, in Creswell, Lane County, Oregon.
A lumberman, he was married 26 October 1907 in Douglas County, Oregon, to Tennessee Sellers, who was born 15 October 1884, in Mineral wells, Parker County, Texas, and died 20 September 1980 in Wallowa County, Oregon, the daughter of Cornelius Sellers and Melvina �Nen" Hedrick, both born in Dillard, Crawford County, Missouri.
They appear on the 1900, & 1910 Census of Myrtle Creek, Douglas County, Oregon, and the 1930 Census of Enterprise, Wallowa County, Oregon.
Josiah died 6 May 1950, in Milton, Umatilla County, Oregon, buried in IOOF Cemetery, Milton, Oregon.
Children:
Lucy Mary Tryon, daughter of Sarah Jane Kelsay and James Tryon, was born 26 March 1874 in Kelseyville, Lake County, California.
She was married 17 December 1890, to Eugene Abner Newell, who was born 2 August 1866, in Rochester, Olmstead County, Minnesota, the son of Abner Payne Newell (born 1846 in Almond, New York), & Zeruah Doolittle (born 28 May 1844 in Canadaiqua, Ontario County, New York)
Lucy died 22 November 1915 in Tonasket, Okanogan County, Washington; Eugene died 5 November 1942 in Wenatchee, Chelan County, Washington.
Children:
William Thomas Kelsay, son of George Samuel Kelsay and Frances Elizabeth Dunbar, was born 14 May 1879 in Russell County, Kentucky.
He was married to Bessie Franklin Ashley, who was born 6 November 1886, in Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky.
William died 1945 in Jamestown, Russell County, Kentucky; Bessie died 1 April 1952, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.
Children:
James Elmer Kelsay, son of George Samuel Kelsay and Frances Elizabeth Dunbar, was born 24 November 1883, in Russell County, Kentucky.
He was married 20 June 1909, in the Methodist church parsonage, Jamestown, Russell County, Kentucky, to 19 year old Tina Emma Woolbridge, who was born in Russell County, Kentucky, daughter of G W Woolbridge and S E Kinnett, both born Russell County, Kentucky.
James died 14 January 1967, Indianapolis, Indiana.
The children were all born in Jamestown, Russell County, Kentucky.
Children:
Eugene I Nelson, son of Henry Aureoius Melson and Olive M Porter, was born about 1863, in Marion County, Missouri.
He was married about 1906, in Missouri, to Elizabeth (Deda) Vandelia I Colburn, who was born 29 April 1882, in Missouri.
She was the daughter of Luther Coburn and Elizabeth ___. Luther was born in April 1849, in Michigan. Elizabeth was born about 1844, in New York, and died before 1900On the 1810 Census, they lived in Salt River Township, Knox County, Missouri. In 1920, they lived in Modesto Ward 5, Stanislaus County, Callifornia, where he worked in a lumber yard. On the 1930 Census, they were in Long Beach, District 1146, Los Angeles, California. He worked in an oil refinery then.
Eugene died 26 February 1935: Deda died 5 February 1943, both in Sam Joaquin County, California.
Children:
Laura Aurelia Barnes, daughter of Margaret Ann Nelson and William W Barnes, was born 4 November 1854, in San Francisco County, California.
She was married 3 July 1877, in the Baptist Church Parsonage, in Sherman, Grayson County, Texas, to Snowden Hubert Hubbard, a house painter, who was born about 1822, in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
Socrates Hubbbard, born 18 March 1825, Broome Township, Schoharie County, New York, married 13 November 1851, Philadelphia, to
Sophia Ritter Snowden, born 4 Februaary 1829, Philadelphia, Philadephia County, Pennsylvania See: Hubbard Family
September 17, 1901
   Snowden Hubbard bought 160 acres of land for $14.00 in Comanche County, Oklahoma, township 4 north, range 8 west. The land was patented February 9, 1906. This record is found in the Oklahoma Federal Tract books, Vol 49, page 65, on file in the Oklahoma State Historical Society Library, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
In the 1910 census, Snowden Hubbard is listed as living alone in Willits Town, Mendocino County California. His daughter Norma also gave Willits as her address when she married a second time in 1910, to Edmund R. Steele.
In the 1920 Census Snowden and his family are residing at 8240 E. 14th St., Oakland, California. In 1919, they were in San Jose, California.
1930 Census, California, Santa Clara, Willow Glen, 1140 Delmas Ave, page 52B, 12 Apr 1930. Snowden and Laura are residing in the household of their daughter and son-in-law, Lily M. and Arthur Edmans. In June of 1931, Snowden Hubbard was reported missing by his family.
From the "History of Montague County Rural Schools, 1871 - 1958," published by the Montague County Commission, 1938, page 52, we learn that Laura Hubbard was teaching school in the Lone Star district #32, 1877-79; page 54, she was teaching in the Rock Springs School District #33, 1880-81.
After an illness of 16 months, Laura died of a stroke, on 10 May 1932, in Santa Cruz, California. She was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Block 9, Division D, Grave 33
When he had been retired for 10 years, on 23 October 1940, Snowden Hubbard stepped off a Pacific Greyhound Lines bus in Salinas, California, and was injured by the bus as it drove away. He died in the Salinas Valley Hospital two weeks later of myocardial necrosis due to coronary artery disease. However, a wrongful death claim was filed and settled for $725. Snowden had no will and the only part of his estate that was probated was the wrongful death claim.
Grandaughter Laura described Snowden as tall, erect, bright, and vital. He was nearing his 88th birthday.
Children:
Ernest D Woodman, son of Frances Eliza Nelson and Peter Randall Woodman, was born in September 1862, in California.
He was married in 1884, in San Francisco, California, to Eva Parker, who was born in July 1863, in California, died September 1939, in Los Angeles County, California.
Children:
Fredrick Benjamin Wyman, son of America Kelsey and George Francis Wyman, was born 1 January 1855, in Purissimma, California.
Ben was married 25 August 1888, in Watsonville, California, to Constancia Maria Espinosa, who was born 4 July 1871, in Watsonville. She went by the name �Stancie" and �Connie." She Americanized her name to Constance. She was the daughter of Leonardo Espinosa and Maria Castro, directly related to the historic Castro family of California. See: Espinosa Family
Ben was the sheriff of Santa Clara, California, and at one time the constable. After their children were raised, they lived in Palo Alto
Ben died 16 April 1936, in Palo Alto, California. He was cremated and his ashes scattered. Connie died 8 July 1945, in Palo Alto, buried at the Alta Mesa Cemetery, Palo Alto.
Children:
James William Milburn Yates, son of James Knox Polk Yates and Mary M (Sarah) Kelsay, was born 27 September 1862 in Roane County, Tennessee.
A farmer, he was married 20 August 1885, in West Plains, Howell County, Missouri, to Cerilda Eller Breedlove, who was born 16 November 1867 in Salem, Dent County, Missouri, daughter of John Wyatt Breedlove and Elizabeth Jane Wright
James Yates and Cerilda Breedlove met at church and shared the same songbook. They later walked home with a group of young folks. "And that was how they met and fell in love" -Aunt Martha Yates Scott
They were married at the residence of J. W, Breedlove by J. W. Ritchey, an Ordained Preacher of the Gospel at 8:15 AM(not PM) (Wonder what the rush was? Catching a train?)
RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project 44826 Files of Carol Wilkerson
John Wyatt Breedlove, a farmer, born 15 November 1841, St Francois County, Missouri, died of Brights Disease & Nephritis, 15 December 1908, Potterville, Howell County, Missouri, a Civil War Vet, son of William Mankin (Martin) Breedlove and Hannah Scott Dawson.
His w/2, married 17 September 1865, Osage, Crawford County, Missouri, Elizabeth Jane Wright, born 4 February 1842, Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky, died Influenza 17 November 1911, Pottersville, Howell County, Missouri, daughter of Asa Samuel Wright and Sarah Medford Dawson
Cerilda, who had a beautiful singing voice, died of childbed fever, at 10 a m, 2 January 1901 in Salem, Dent County, Missouri. She had 9 children, 40 grandchildren, and 50 great grandchildren.
James was married/2 20 February 1907 in West Plains, Missouri to Mary Elizabeth Pentecost, who was born 20 June 1854 in Celina, Clay County, Tennessee. One of the witnesses for the wedding was Gideon P. Morrison, half brother of Jim Yates.
James William Milburn Yates, died 11 August 1938 in Olympia, Thurston County, Washington, of Heart attack, and buried in Masonic Cemetery, Tumwater Washington
There is a memoir, written by James' daughter Martha Jane, in which she descibes the 80-acre farm that James Yates had near Chapin, Missouri. Carol Wilkerson has a copy of this memoir, generously given to her by her granddaughter, Marilyn Scott Tank.
Jim Yates' daughter Martha said that he had a beautiful tenor voice.
After the death of Mary Elizabeth, his second wife (the mother of Minnie Yates), Jim moved out to Washington State to be with his children. He was living with his daughter, Martha Scott, when he died. At various times he lived with his son Will and daughter Rhoda too.
Jim did not like to ride in a car. He was used to riding in wagons, or on the train. His grandson Wally said that he thought that the reason Jim didn't like to ride in a car is because he chewed tobacco, and that he would go to spit out the window and it would be into the wind and he wasn't prepared for the consequences. Wally said that one time when he was in the car in Washington, Jim spit out the window and his spit came back at him, and his hat flew off, and Wally said that Jim just about flew out the window with it.
Wally also said that Jim would rather walk somewhere than ride in a car. He said that when Jim moved out to Washington to be near his kids, that his daughter Martha had moved to a "ranch" in the Tumwater area, and Jim would walk from Bordeaux to Martha's and it would take him all day to get there. People would stop and offer him a ride and he wouldn't take it because he didn't want to get in the car!
On December 8, 1997 in a phone call with Allene Chapin, she told me that the reason Jim Yates didn't like to ride in a car was because he had owned a Model T truck and had been driving it one time and went over an embankment (in Missouri) and it scared him so much that he refused to drive any more.
Children:
Thomas Ethan Bird Kelsay, son of William Franklin Kelsay and Martha C Dean, was born 1875 Tennessee, possibly Washington County, and died 1920 in White County, Tennessee, in the Doyle or Sparta area.
He was married in White County, Tennessee, (Doyle or Sparta area) to Jennie Morgan Rogers, who was born 3 March 1890 in Tennessee.
Children:
Lula Frances McCracken, daughter of John Jerome McCracken and Eliza McWhorter, was born 11 July 1901 in Laurel County, Kentucky, and died 19 March 1991.
She was married/1 to Charles Tuttle, born 12 July 1974, Lauren County, Kentucky, died 4 June 1984, Ohio, son of William Tuttle (born October 1865 Kauren County, Kentucky) and Louisa Jones (born about 1871 Kentucky)
Charles was married/2 to Edna Brown and had more children.
Lula was married/2 to ____ Cornett
Children:
Sarah Ann Madole, daughter of Isabelle Kelsay and John Sutherland Madole, was born in 1843, in Richland, Morgan County, Missouri.
She was married 18 January 1866, in Morgan County, to William R Hensley, who was born in Illinois, and died in 1876. Sarah was married again in 1871, in Camden, Missouri.
Sarah died in 1890, in Young, Texas, and was buried in Crystal Falls, Stephens County, Texas.
Children:
Harmon R Kelsay, son of James Johnson Kelsay and Lucinda Jane Hale was born 18 August 1850 in Moniteau County, Missouri.
He was married 25 March 1875 in Miller County, Missouri, to Nancy Louisa Swanson, who was born 14 February 1855, in Miller County, the daughter of William and Eliza Swanson.
They lived upriver from Tuscumbia in 1880. Harman Kelsay operated his ice cream shop in Tuscumbia. On the 1920 Census Nancy was living with her son Clarence's family in Kansas.
Harmon died 1 January 1903 in Kansas City, Wyandotte County, Kansas; Nancy died November 1928 in Kansas City, Kansas, buried in Miller County.
Children:
Frank Kelsay, son of James Johnson Kelsay and Lucinda Jane Hale, was born 29 October 1851, in Moniteau County, Missouri.
He was married 1 January 1885, in Miller County, Missouri to Luvica Della Bowlin, who was born November 1866 in Missouri.
He died 13 February 1908 in Bagnell, Miller County, Missouri, and buried Camden County, Missouri. Family found on 1900 Missouri Census.
Children:
George W Kelsay, son of James Johnson "Jaunce" Kelsay and Lucinda Jane Hale, was born 17 August 1853 in Moniteau County, Missouri.
He was married 17 November 1878 in Eldon, Miller County, Missouri, to Mildred V Taylor, who was born 24 November 1854 in Morgan County, Missouri, the daughter of Melon Taylor and Nancy Bliss.
Mildred died 4 May 1923 in Eldon County, Missouri; George died 19 March 1925.
Children:
Bird Kelsay, son of James Johnson "Jaunce" Kelsay and Lucinda Jane Hale, was born 27 March 1855 near High Point, in Moniteau County, Missouri.
He married on 3 June 1883 in Miller County, Missouri to Rosetta Alice Jones, who was born in November 1866, in Marion County, Illinois. Their marriage ceremony was performed by William H. Payne, Minister of the Gospel.
She was the daughter of Adolphus Jones and Betharbra Dobson. Her paternal grand-parents were Alfred and Sarah Jones, natives of Virginia. Aldolphus and Bethabra had least 6 children, all born in Illinois.
Children:
After Bird married Rosetta, they lived in the Bear Creek area where he became a blacksmith. Over the years he continued his profession in Tuscumbia, Bagnell, and Eldon. Bird became a Baptist deacon at the age of 28 years in 1883 and was one of the members of the original board of deacons of the Eldon Baptist Church.
Bird died 19 July 1940 in Miller County, Missouri, buried in Eldon, Miller County, Missouri where several other members of the Kelsay family are buried.
Children:
William Kelsay, son of James Johnson "Jaunce" Kelsay and Lucinda Jane Hale, was born 23 June 1859 Moniteau County, Missouri. 1857. His first wife is unknown.
He was married/2 7 September 1884 to Martha Washington Livingston, who was born June 1861 in Miller County Missouri.
William died 13 December 1903, buried in Hickory Point Cemetery, Miller County, Missouri.
Children:
I just found this site and it looks very interesting. I would like to know more about my family. My name is Bill my father's name is John. His brother is Sam. Their father was Henry and his brother was John. We all live in central Missouri with the exception of my great uncle John who lived in KC Missouri. From there it gets a little fuzy on where everybody came from or where they are now. Here is what I know. My grandfathers father was Billy Kelsay and he is burried in a local cemetary in Iberia, Missouri. He had four brothers Bird, Herman, Rubin and George. He had two sisters that married Nany or Nancy McComb and Jenny Pane. If anybody has any information on where these Kelsay families are today or if your related or if you can trace back any further I'd appreciate it. This is all new to me. You can e-mail me at [email protected]
Nancy Ann Kelsay, daughter of James Johnson Kelsay and Lucinda Jane Hale, was born 29 March 1863 in Moniteau County, Missouri, died 29 June 1949 Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, buried Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. (The 1880 census looks like it says "Nooma", maybe a nickname?)
She was married 21 August 1884 in Miller County, Missouri, to Absolom Evans McComb, who was born 22 January 1852, in Tennessee, the son of Jacob Evans McComb (born 10 December 1808 Tennessee) and Mary "Polly" Degraffenreid (born 12 March 1812/1815 in Tennessee)
�The Miller County Vinditor," May, 1881
"Absolom McComb died 30 (or 3) December 1940 at the age of 80 years (born 1850). He had been a minister since 1876 and was one of the oldest ministers to have served the county. He established six churches during his ministry. He was also a teacher for 31 years and served the county as a school commissioner.
He married Miss Nannie Kelsey of Miller County who survives him. Also surviving him were five children: Anna (Johnson), Mary Ann, J.J., John and Perry. He was living in the old Watkins community at death. His services were held at the Hictory Point Baptist Church on January 1, 1941, by Rev. William WIlliams, pastor of the Brumley Baptist Church, with burial at the Hickory Point Cemetery."
Children:
John L Kelsay, son of James Johnson Kelsay and Lucinda Jane Hale, was born 11 June 1871, in Moniteau County, Missouri, and died 26 March 1964 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He was married/1 on 3 March 1901, to Martha Ellen Pollock, born 1871. He was married/2 to Clora McGorder (born 1894)
Maria Austellar Campbell, daughter of Hannah Ratcliff Kelsay and James Abraham Campbell, was born 27 October 1879, in Cole County, Missouri.
She was married to John Simpson Leslie, who was born 22 December 1870, in Cole County, Missouri.
Maria died 15 June 1961 in Cole County, buried in Enloe Cemetery.
Children:
Sources: Title:
James Monroe Campbell, son of Hannah Ratcliff and James Abraham Campbell, was born 24 March 1887, in Morgan County, Missouri, and died 20 August 1968, buried in Enloe Cemetery, Cole County, Missouri.
He was married 31 January 1911, Moniteau County, Missouri to Lusetta Wetzel who was born 9 February 1888 in Cole County, Missouri
Children:
Sarah Leona Campbell, daughter of Hannah Ratcliff and James Abraham Campbell, was born in 1876 in Cole County, Missouri.
She was married 28 March 1900, Moniteau County, Missouri, to Joseph Cordell Leslie, who was born 10 April 1869.
Children:
Agnes Orella Kelsay, daughter of James Kelsay and Grace Leslie, was born 25 October 1874, and died 2 January 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri.
She was married 21 March 1901, in Moniteau County, to John (Edgar?) Hale, who was born 9 October 1873, in Missouri, died in Monteau County, both buried in the Union Christian Cemetery in Moniteau County, Missouri.
Gabriel P Hale, born 28 October 1846, Missouri
Elizabeth Ratcliff, born 2 November 1846, in High Point, Moniteau County, Missouri
John died 29 November 1932; she died 2 January 1955, both in Moniteau County, Missouri, and buried in Union Christian Cemetery.
Children:
Stella Mae Kelsay, daughter of James Robert Kelsay and Amanda Francis Sims, was born 29 September 1875 in Moniteau County, Missouri.
She was married 3 March 1897 in Bushnell, Barton County, Missouri, to Charles Alonzo Wood, who was born 5 June 1867 in Greenfield, Rush County, Indiana.
She died 7 April 1940 in Paden, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma, and buried in the Moorehead Cemetery in Lamar, Barton County, Missouri.
Children:
George Washington Kelsay, son of William C Kelsay and Sarah Jane Colvin, was born 20 October 1877, in Morgan County, Missouri.
A fireman, he was married/1 12 April 1898, in Missouri, to Nora Rebecca Hodges, who was born 1877 in Cole County, Missouri.
He was married/2 after 1925, to Blanch ___. He was married/3 after 1926, to Mable Holman, born 31 May 1896.
George died 7 April 1955, in Corona, California, and buried in Sunnyslope Cemetery.
Children:
Source: Title: Edna Vinson Davis.FTW
Author: Ann (Jobe) Brown [email protected]
Hugh Denver Kelsay, son of William C Kelsay and Sarah Jane Colvin, was born in 1879, in Mississippi.
He was married 4 October 1904 in Morgan County, Missouri, to Gertrude I Tompkin, who was born in Missouri.
On 1920 census they were in Moreau, Morgan County, Missouri. On 1930 census they were in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. At that time their daughter Carrie & husband Lenzie Bennett, granddaughter, and also a daughter-in-law, Florence L, were living with them.
The children were all born in Missouri
Children:
Source: Title: Edna Vinson Davis.FTW
Author: Ann (Jobe) Brown
Mary Jane Kelsay, daughter of Samuel Kelsay and Roseanna Kelsay, was born 8 June 1853, in Missouri.
She was married 8 June 1873, in Morgan County, Missouri, to Thomas Benton Stout, who was born 30 May in Missouri.
Children:
Lucy Dougherty, daughter of Lavicy Ann Kelsay and John Dougherty, was born 20 May 1887 in Willamette Valley, in Lane County, Oregon.
She was married 20 September 1902 to Edwin Ernest McGreer, who was born 1 November 1879, in Antelope, Wasco County, Oregon, and died 7 August 1966 in Seattle, Washington, son of Thomas Henry McGreer and Ella Josephine (Josie) Murphy.
Children:
Leta Mary Newell, daughter of Lucy Mary Tryon and Eugene Abner Newell, was born 30 August 1902 in Havilla, Okanogan County, Washington.
Owner of an egg ranch and an apartment owner, she died 18 May 1989 in Mara, British Columbia, Canada, cremated & buried in Havilla Washington.
She was married/1 on 20 November 1920 in Omak, Washington, and divorced 1928, from Dover Hamilton Perry, who was born 2 August 1900, Franklin County, Kentucky, and died 4 November 1979, Mesa, Arizona, and buried Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
She was married/2 on 8 June 1930 to Art Irwin.
Children:
Rosalee (Rola) Nelson, daughter of Eugene I Nelson and Elizabeth Vandelia l Coburn, was born 22 April 1912, in Novelty, Knox County, Missouri
She was married/1 about 1928 in California, to David St. Clare Brown, born 9 September 1907, Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina; on the 1930 Census he was an inmate at the US Navy Prison at Mare island, Vallejo, Solono, California; died 1957, in Illinois.
Rosalee died 30 May 1984, French Camp, San Joaquin County, California, buried in Parkview Cemetery, Manteca, San Joaquin County. In the California State Death Index, her name is recorded as Rosalie Lee Nelson.
In one source, Rosalee has a daughter, named Irene (Renee) Ball, who was born 2 September 1928, in Stanislaus County, California. Irene cannot be born to Rosalee, if her birirthday is correct
Children:
Walter Nelson Hubbard, son ofLaura Aurelia Barnes and Snowden Hubert Hubbard, was born 8 December 1884, Bowie, Montague County, Texas.
On 12 September 1918, Walter Nelson Hubbard, 33, completed a World War One Registration Card, in Oakland, California providing the following information: residing with his mother Laura Hubbard at 8240 E. 14th, Oakland, Alameda, California, born 8 December 1884, employed by United Canning Company, short height, medium build, brown eyes, brown hair.
He was married about 1924, in California, to Mary Fumagalli, who was born about 1902.
Antone Fumagalli, born in March in Switzerland, married about 1892 to
Giovanna (Jennie) Garganti, born in June 1874, in Switzerland, both died in San Jose, Santa Clara, California
In the 1929 San Jose city directory, Walter N., painter and wife Mary are residing at 1064 E. Santa Clara.
1930 Census, California, Santa Clara, San Jose, 1024 Delmas Ave, page 196A, 14 Apri; 1930. Walter Hubbard, head, 45, first married 39, born Texas, painter, Mary, wife, 27, first married 21, born California, father born Switzerland, mother born Switzerland, Walter J., son, 3, Paul, son, 5/12.
In 1932 they are residing at 1024 Delmas. His father Snowden is residing with them. Walter died 24 December 1937, of exhaustion, acute mental disease, in Agnews State Hospital, Santa Clara, California. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, San Jose, Santa Clara County, California.
Walter Nelson Hubbard's death certificate was amended 9 January 1970 to include the name of his spouse. His children Paul Peter Hubbard and Lucy Mary Silveria signed the amendment 29 December 1969. Paul was living at 262 Cameo Drive, Danville, California, and Lucy was living at 3529 Camby Road, Antioch County, California.
After Walter Hubbard died, Mary was married after 1937, to Joe De Silva and was married to him for approximately 20 years. She died of cancer.
Children:
Clyde Huntoon Hubbard, son of Snowden Hubbard and Laura Aurelia Barnes, was born 5 February 1890, Bowie, Montague County, Texas.
He enlisted in the US Army 28 July 1908, at Fort McDowell, California, stating that he is a resident of San Francisco, born in Bowie, Texas, occupation painter, and is 21 years and 6 months of age. His physical description is given as 5 feet 7 � inches, blue #9 eyes, dark brown hair, ruddy complexion, and a star tattoo on his right forearm. He received $29.13 worth of clothing.
On August 26, 1908, he was transferred to the 5th Cavalry at Fort Wingate in New Mexico, and was assigned to Troop I, 5th Cavalry. Deserted December 8, 1908, apprehended September 21, 1909, dishonorably discharged October 30, 1909 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
He was married/1 on 25 July 1913, in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California, to Ruth Ilene Steele, who was born 16 January 1898, in Daviess County, Missouri
On 4 June 1917, he was 27, lived in Pasadena, California, a painting contractor, with a wife and three children. He was medium height, medium build, blue eyes, black hair. In 1920 Census, they resided with his father.
In 1918 Clyde Hubbard moved his family to Winston, Daviess Co, Missouri, to claim a small piece of property his wife Ruth had been given, possibly a legacy from her grandmother Celestia D. Johnson who had died July 1916, Daviess County, Missouri. In 1920, they lived with his father in Oakland, California.
Soon after, Clyde left Ruth, with four small children and in 1921 Ruth moved her family to Kansas City, Missouri. Ruth and the children were residing at 2400 Cherry St, Kansas City, Missouri, in August 1924.
At that time Clyde was residing at 530 East 45th St, Oakland, California. It is questionable that Clyde divorced his first wife, Ruth Steele, or that she divorced him. Clyde Huntoon Hubbard married a second time 9 Dec 1927, in San Jose to Iwa (Eva) Delle Tompkins. They had one child Laura Laverne Hubbard and divorced about 1932.
He died at age 50 in the Santa Cruz County Hospital of a peptic ulcer and bowel hemorrhage.
Ruth was married/2 1923, in Jackson or Daviess County, Missouri, to Charles Samuel Amsler, who was born 3 September 1876, in Washington, Tazewell, Illinois. Charles Amsler raised Ruth's children as his own and was much loved by them. The children used his surname while young, but he did not legally adopt them. Clyde was the only child that continued to use the Amsler name into adulthood and his descendants carry the Amsler surname.
Charles Amsler told Ruth that he would kill himself when all her children completed high school and he did so by taking strychnine. He died 28 November 1937, in Marshall, Saline County, Missouri, buried in Ridge Park Cemetery.
She was married/3, after November 1937, in Saline County, Missouri, to George Roy Beaty, who was born 5 April 1894, in Saline County, Missouri.
Ruth died 1 September 1964, in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California. George died 15 June 1970 in Los Angelles County, California. Both were buried in Forrest Lawn, in Glendale, California.
Children:
Howard Carolton Hubbard Sr., son of Snowden Hubbard and Laura Aurelia Barnes, was born 14 December 1896, in Bowie, Montague County, Texas.
He was married 12 June 1921, in Calaveras County, California, 3rd husband, to Ethel Ann Tierney, who was born 4 October 1883, in New Zealand, and came to the US in 1904.
Children:
Thomas John Tierney was born about 1820, in England, and died in 1898 in New Zealand, and married in 1876, in New Zealand, to Luisa Falle.
Louisa Falle, was born in Jersey, Channel Islands, England, and died in New Zealand.
Howard Sr. was a gun merchant for 15 years and worked in a gun shop called, "The Guns". He resided in Santa Clara for 40 years.
Ethel died 8 May 1961, of lung cancer, in Grant Convalescent Home in Los Gatos, Santa Clara County, California. Howard wrote his will on 18 February 1964, and died of pneumonia, on 6 October 1969, in Mission Convalescent hospital, in Santa Clara, California. Both were buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California.
Children:
Theresa (Tessie) Isabella Wyman, daughter of Fredrick Benjamin Wyman and Constancia Maria Espiosa, was born 11 November 1897, in Half Moon Bay, California.
She was married 23 September 1915, in San Francisco, California, to newspaperman Peter John George Stanley Sorg, who was born 30 October 1889, San Francisco.
Tessie worked at different jobs. From Alvarado, California, they moved to Oakland Califoria. Semi-retired, they lived in San Leandro, California, where he worked as a custodian and then as apartment managers. They were married almost 55 years.
Peter died 29 June 1970; Tessie died 31 July 1987, both in San Leandro, California
Children:
Lemuel Wyatt Yates, son of James William Milburn Yates and Cerilda Eller Breedlove, was born 23 July 1887, in Alton, Oregon County, Missouri. A locomotive engineer, he was married about 1910 in Howell County, Missouri, to Della Baughman, who was born 29 September 1887 in West Plains, Howell County, Missouri
   Source: Files of Carol Wilkerson
Around 1912, Lem and his brother Will went all over Woming, Montana, Idaho and into Washington, stringing telegraph wires.
Lem was a railroad train engineer, taking logs to the mills in Bordeaux and then also to Malone, Washington; he lost his job in Malone and then moved near Moclips, Washington. The trains were taking logs to the mills. [This info from Maurice Barnett, Shelton, Washington-1999]
From Volume 2, page 207:
    "Post Offices, Postmasters and their Communties" by Gerald Groves, 913 N. Walnut, Willow Springs, Missouri 65793---
"Lem Yates and Cleve Tune [neighbor to the Yateses] young men residing in the extreme southeastern part of the county, were before Squire Wiseman, charged with malicious tresspass. They torn down a fence for Thomas Rideout, a farmer, and he had them arrested. It cost each $1 and the trimmings."
From the same book, page 80:
   " W. R. Robinson's team of John H. and W. H. Beaty, with L. W. Yates as helper, was winner of the contest. This was a timber clearing contest on the White Ranch to clear land, a scheme that was thought up by Col. J. L. Torrey, and took place 26 February 1909]. Taking second place was the team of Captain J. T. Evans, Robert Stuart and Fred Evans, with Hallan Evans as helper."
Children:
Myra Elizabeth Yates, daughter of James William Milburn Yates and Cerilda Eller Breedlove, was born 28 September 1888, in Thomasville, Oregon County, Missouri.
She was married 30 December 1908 in West Plains, Howell County, Missouri, to Joseph Prantl, who was born 10 October 1881 in Brandsville, Howell County, Missouri.
She died 23 November 1940 in Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.
Children:
Source: Title: Yates FAMILY MEMOIRS-1977
William Knox Yates, son of James William Milburn Yates and Cerilda Eller Breedlove, was born 14 March 1892, Chapin, Howell County, Missouri. He was a mill worker and a WW 1 vet of Military Unit Private, Battalion D, 339th Field Artillery.
He was married/1 29 June 1917 in West Plains, Howell County, Missouri, to Minnie Caroline Smith, who was born 14 June 1894 in Chaplin, Howell County, died of food poisoning 13 April 1932, in Olympia, Thurston County, Washington, the daughter of Harvey Lawson Smith and Mary Elizabeth Pentecost
Will was married/2 on 12 August 1936 in Olympia, Thurston County, Washington, to Josie M. McVey, who was born 9 March 1899 in Forsythe, Taney County, Missouri.
William died of Pneumonia, 20 March 1984 in Olympia, Thurston County, buried in the Masonic Cemetery, Tumwater Washington.
[ From Martha Yates Scott Memoirs, page 6]
�Will had been working in Washington, but went back to Missouri to see his father and told him that he had come home with the intention of taking him to see Jim Yates' father in Tennessee. Martha said that her Grandpa was living with his youngest son Walter at that time.
[ �In an audio tape Will's son Gale made in 1982, Will said that he had gone to the World's Fair in California. This must have been the Panama Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco. Will got a little confused during the interview, but he did say that he came back on a ship to Washington. He didn't say where he docked, but he did talk about crossing the mouth of the Columbia river, and that it was quite rough.
[ �As a young man, Will worked one summer in Tarkio, Atkinson County, Missouri, in a mine. ( don't lnow what kind of mine, could have been lead or tin.)
[ �Will worked at the sawmill in Bordeaux as a "setter". That is the person that sets the blade of the saw to determine the thickness of the wood to be cut. He worked at the mill at Union Mills in Lacey, Washingtonafter the mill at Bordeaux closed in 1941.
[ �Will and Josie (his second wife) moved back to Olympia and lived on First Street before moving to their last home on Steele Street. This home on Steele was on a dead end street and it had two bedrooms. The floors were all hardwood, later to be covered by carpet. Josie always had her furniture arms and backs covered with crocheted antimacassars (just for the reader: macassar is a kind of oil men used on their hair, so the covers on chairs were called "anti" macassar for that reason) that she had made.
[ �Will always had a garden and when we grandchildren were young, the garden spanned the whole width of the back yard and as close to the house as behind the clothes lines. There was also a black walnut tree in the back yard that Will brought back from one of their visits to Missouri. It was cut down sometime in the 1980's. Some of the things Will grew in the garden were: carrots, corn, green onions, green beans, beets, and rows of blackberries and maybe one of raspberries. He was always happy for us to go out and pull up a carrot or onion and rinse it off and eat it right out there in the garden.
�Will and Josie always had good, simple meals and they would eat at the drop leaf table in the kitchen. [Carol has this table-1997] Josie always called Will "Daddy". Josie would usually say the grace at meals. On special holidays like Christmas Will would say it though, and everyone would eat at the big table in the dining area. It was tradition that sometime during the meal grandma would let out a squeal and say "Now Daddy, you stop that!". He would delight in grabbing her knee just so she would do that. I think it really embarassed her, but she would laugh a little too. Grandpa enjoyed it immensely, and would get that little twinkle in his eye.
�In the 1950's Will would play Santa at the local Montgomery Ward store. One year my parents took me to see "Santa". They thought they had put one over on me, but I knew it was my Grandpa and just went along with the deception so not to spoil it for the other kids. [I thought it was neat that MY Grandpa was playing Santa. And he had the right physique for it, at least the tummy.]
�Will had many talents that his family wasn't always aware of. They knew from going on car camping trips with him that he could whittle a wonderful whistle out of a willow stick; and he could make a really neat water wheel in the creek. When he got older, and Gale and Joan were living with him, one summer day he was sitting outside in the front yard watching the birds. Joan would check on him now and then, and she thought the birds were being particularly melodious. On closer observation, she discovered that it was Grandpa calling the birds!"
Children:
Frances (Fannie) Elizabeth Hensley, daughter of Sarah Ann Madole and William R Hensley was born 25 July 1868, in Sedalia, Perris County, Missouri.
She was married 18 February 1889, in Cooke, Texas, to John Canon Ramsey, who was born in June 1864, in Cherokee, Georgia. John was a farmer.
William Ramsey, born Apr. 27, 1812, died Feb. 25, 1886. Sarah C. (Brown) Ramsey, born June 17, 1826, died Sept. 3, 1905.
William Ramsey married Sarah C. Brown Apr. 27, 1848.Erected by Betty Ramsey
On the Census of 1910, they had 10 children, 7 of whom were living.
John died 4 September 1929, in Pike, Love County, Oklahoma; Frannie died 4 August 1944, in Burneyville, and both were buried in Burneyville, Cemetery, in Love County.
At least two of the brothers had measles, and developed pneumonia, died (all three within four days) (actually, it's believed that five brothers died that week)
Children:
Lora B Kelsay, son of Harmon R Kelsay and Nancy Louisa Swanson, was born 18 March 1881 in Tuscumbia, MillerCounty, Missouri, and died 1 September 1952, in Jefferson City, Cole County, Missouri.
He was married 17 March 1907 in Miller County, Missouri, to Sarah Adeline Conner, who was born 27 June 1882, in Miller County, Missouri, the daughter of John William Conner (born 19 January 1860 Arkansas) & Eliza Jane Bunch (born 28 October 1863, Tuscumbia, Miller County, Missouri)
Sarah's Obituary
Sarah Adaline Conner, daughter of John and Eliza Conner, was born June 27, 1882, and departed this life November 23, 1941, at the age of 59 years, 4 months and 26 days. She was preceded in death by her mother and two sisters: Mrs. J. W. Stark, and Mrs. Everett Cotten.
She was united in marriage to Lora B. Kelsay, March 17 1907, and to this union 8 children were born: Margie Hees, Rocky Mount, Missouri; Ellen Hibdon, Eldon, Missouri; Alma Wyrick, Los Angeles, Calif.; Gladys Raines, Los Angeles, California; Lois McBroom, Latham, Missouri; Leeland, Pauline, and Kenneth of the home.
Besides her husband and children, she leaves to mourn her passing, her aged father, two brothers, Frank and Lafe Conner, 13 grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.
Mrs. L. B. Kelsay passed away at the home of her father, John Conner, Nov. 23. Mrs. and Mrs. Kelsay had come from their home north of Versailles to spend the day with her father, Nov. 16, and were getting ready to start home in the evening when she had a stroke and lived just one week. Her two children in Kansas City were notified and came at once and Mr. and Mrs. Red Wyrick and children and Mrs. Herbert Rains and two children from California got here on the 20th.
She leaves to mourn her passing six girls and two boys, husband and father and two brothers. She was born and raised in the home where she died and lived close to the old home place until 1933 when the Kelsays moved north of Versailles. She attended Sunday school every Sunday and was a Sunday school teacher for a number of years while she lived in this community.
Funeral services were conducted Nov. 26 at Blue Springs by Bro. Hickey and burial was in the Dooley Cemetery.
Lora's Obituary
He died at St. Marys hospital September 1st, at Jefferson City, at the age of 71.
In 1906 he was married to Sarah Conner, who preceded him in death in 1941. To this union eight children were born, all of whom survive. They are Mrs. Margie Hees of Jameston, Mrs. Ellen Hibdon of Eldon, Mrs. Alma Wyrick of Arlington, California, Mrs. Gladys Rains of Compton, California, Mrs. Lois McBroom of Latham, Missouri, Leland Kelsay of Versailles, Mrs. Pauline Norris of Maywood Calif., and Kenneth Kelsay, who was in the Air Force in Tokyo, Japan.
In 1948 he was married to Mrs. Lena (Lena Alice Scott, born 28 January 1884 Tuscumbia, Missouri) Hinkley who with his eight children survive. He also leaves 26 grand children, 4 great grandchildren, 4 step children, 8 step grandchildren, one sister Mrs. Hattie Crum of Linwood, Kan., and one brother Paul of Holton, Kansas
Children:
Hattie Kelsay, daughter of Harmon R Kelsay and Nancy Louisa Swanson, was born 19 December 1892, in Tuscumbia, Missouri, and died 31 March 1962 in Valide Falls, Kansas.
She was married 14 May 1909 in Eldon, Missouri, to Roy Albert Crum, who was born 5 July 1892 in Eldon Missouri, died 22 April 1974, Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Wilbert Crum (born 1870) & Sara Alice McKay.
Children:
Barcia E Kelsay, daughter of George Washington Kelsay and Nora Rebecca Hodges, was born 23 November 1901, in Versailles, Morgan County, Missouri, and died 30 January 1985, in Marion County, Missouri.
She was married in Missouri to Joseph R �Joe" Vaughn, who was born 1901, in Missouri, and died 2 May 1999, St Louis Missouri, buried in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.
Children:
Robert Edwin Lee Greer, son of Lucy Doughrty and Edwin Ernest McGreer, was born 24 February 1914, in Antelope, Wasco County, Oregon. He died 9 January 1998 in Twin Falls, Idaho, and was cremated 11 January 1998 White Mortuary, Twin Falls, Idaho, and buried in Antelope.
He was a Livestock producer and buyer between 1944 and 1962 in California, Idaho, Washington, Arizona, Utah and Oregon.
Memorial to my Dad
delivered at his burial on March 7, 1998, in Antelope, Oregon.
"My father is, and will always be with me. He will never be gone from me. He is, as always, just establishing the path that I will one day follow.
Everything I am. All that I stand for. Everything that I express. All this, and much more, I learned from him.
But I will never have his strength of character and ability to triumph over hardship and difficulty. My life has been easy and comfortable. Because of him I never wanted for anything. And neither did my wife, or my mother, or my brother, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
As a young married couple, it was Dad who saw to our comforts when money was tight and work and school kept me busy. Our daughter, Tami, was his first granddaughter and he watched over her and taught her about honesty and how to care.
Our son has much of my father in him. I see it in his gentleness and concern for others and in him I see many things that I imagine my father to have been when he was that age.
All this, and more, he gave to us so that we would not suffer any hardship. We did not have the difficulty of living on a land not often kind to humans, livestock, crops or him. We never wanted for care. We lived in safe places, fine neighborhoods and we were always surrounded by good people and fine things.
The man who became my father went to War. And when my time came, he discouraged me to do the same. Yet he would have supported a choice to go, just as he did with my brother. War, however, was not in his nature and his War haunted him for many years thereafter.
He was born here and wanted to return here. But he know that if his son was to grow up healthy and strong it must be somewhere else. He did not speak ill of this place, nor of his days on this land. Yet, it was not where he wanted to raise his family.
There was never any doubt that he respected the values of marriage, and regretted often the estrangement of his daughter which was brought on by a difficult first marriage entered into much too early and too soon.
His marriage to my mother, was always the first in his heart and lasted for more then fifty years. And as children, my brother and I never doubted for a single moment that his wife, his two sons and hisd aughter, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren were the most important people in his life.
My father and my mother grew up to adulthood in this area. He brought me here and he told stories of the old days. Of Thomas Henry, Papa, Art, Willie, Hugh, of the Murphys, and the McDonalds, and Scotts, and of characters like Farguhar McRae, and the Silvertooths.
And sheep, always sheep. I spent many a day with him, loading them on trucks and trains. In California, Idaho, Nevada, and other places we sent the wool to become cloths or the meat to adorn the tables of those who understood what real lamb was like.
He wanted to return here, to be with those who came and went before. I stood with my father at this very site when my grandmother was laid to rest. And I stand with him once more.
His military service: from 27 December 1941 until 29 June 1944. His Army serial number was 19 005 524. He was a staff sergeant with an Army Specialty of Radio Operator and gunner. He served in European-African and Middle Eastern Campaign between 15 June 1943 and 7 April 1944. He served with the 565 Bomb Sq, 389 Bomb Gp (H). He was a Turret-Ball gunner and photographer with the crew of the Sweet Adeline, a model B-24D with long range fuel tanks. He participated in the Polesti Air raid, on 1Aug. 1943. Their target was the Steaua Romana (Red Target) refinery at Campina, 18 miles north of Polesti. He continued to fly bombing runs over Germany from the European Theater. He was returned to the United States on 7 April 1944 for treatment of maleria and flight fatigue. He was discharged on 29 June 1944, but would forever after suffer from the maleria and post war syndromes. He received Campaign medals for his action in each Theater. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal."
He was married/1 about 1934, to Margaret Brewster.
He was married/2 28 April 1942 or 3 in Vancouver, Washington, to
Glenda Francis Stephenson, who was born 2 July 1922 in Spray, Oregon, the daughter of Milton H Stephenson & Ethel Chloe Wright.
Children:
Clyde Roland Hubbard Amsler, son of Clyde Huntoon Hubbard and Ruth Ilene Steele, was born 23 June 1914, in Berkley, Alameda County, California. When a young man, Clyde Roland Hubbard began using his stepfather's surname Amsler and continued for the remainder of his life. He moved from Kansas City, Missouri to California in 1941 and in 1963 resided at 147 Mabery Rd, Pacific Palisades, California.
�Clyde Amsler - Musician: clarinet, harmonica, saxophone (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass), Composer, Arranger, Showman, Leader.
�Clyde Amsler, versatile musician and showman, presents an interesting variety of dance tunes and show numbers from Jazz to Classics including Society, Rock, Country-Western, Latin, Waltzes and Dixieland with excitement and verve. Many years in show biz as leader, orchestrator or sideman with Spike Jones, Louis Palange, Hal Grayson, Jimmie Tucker, Little Joe Hart, Slats Randall, Paul Cholet, and the Amsler Brother's Dixieland Orchestra has given him finesse. His enthusiastic performance makes him outstanding as a showman and leader of his dance band or show group.
�As a tool and die maker, instrument maker, gyroscopic engineer-designer (several patents in his name) and recently Production Planning Manager at Lear Enterprises in Reno, Clyde still kept up his musical activities. When he decided to spend full time as a musician, he was ready, and has shown his ability by forming well-received groups and shows. Lois Zener Amsler (Mrs. Clyde) uses her background as artist and advertising manager to help with advertising, display art and music copying.
�Clyde's many fans constantly attest to his obvious love of music and performing and refer to him as a man who really enjoys what he is doing."
Clyde was married/1 on 22 October 1939, in Kansas City, Jackson county, Missouri, to Mary Madelynne Meek, who was born 1 September 1918. They were divorced about 1959. She was married/2 to Mr. Frederick. She died 31 March 2001 in Santa Monica, Los Angelels County, California.
Clyde was married/2 on 9 December 1961, in Los Angeles County, California, to Louise A Wakely, who was born in 1913, and divorced before 1968. He was married/3 in December 1968, in Reno, Nevada, to Lois Delavergne Zener, who was born 19 October 1913.
Clyde died 28 September 1998, in Vancouver, Britich Columbia, Canada
Children:
Ellen Irene Kelsay, daughter of Lora B Kelsay and Sarah Adeline Conner, was born 15 August 1909, Miller County, Missouri, and died 19 September 1986 in Southgate Nursing Center, Jefferson City, Cole County, Missouri; buried Dooley Cemetery, Miller County, Missouri.
She was married 19 October 1929 Miller County, Missouri, to Frank Thomas "Buster" Hibdon, who was born 14 November 1906, died 4 March 1962, Miller County, Missouri, buried Dooley Cemetery, near Eldon, Miller County, Missouri.
He was the son of William Henry Hibdon (born 3 September 1868 Gravois Mills, Missouri) & Maggie Calista Jenkins (born 24 November 1874 California, Moniteau County, Missouri.
Children:
Sarah Hibdon, daughter of Ellen Irene Kelsay and Frank Thomas Hibdon, was born ---.
She was married 8 November 1958 in Huntington Park California, to Homer Vickerman "Buddy" Breckon who was born 23 December 1937, Dodgevile, Wisconsin, and died 28 September 1999 Jefferson City Missouri, buried Dooley Cemetery, son of Fred Strait Breckon & Dorothy Marjorie Vivian.
Children:
Part V � Robert Kelsay
Family Group "C"
Robert Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Mary Dunlop, was born in 1711, near the small town of Dromore in County Down, Northern Ireland.
From Fred Kelsay:
"Rev. Morgan Edwards came from England and wrote a book about the Baptists in New Jersey in the 18th century. It was published in 1793, and I saw a copy in the rare book section of the New York Public Library in 1976. Rev. Edwards had written to all of the Baptist Ministers in New Jersey prior to that time, and asked them send him some background information about themselves."
Rev. Robert Kelsay was the Minister at the Cohansey Baptist Church in Cumberland County, New Jersey, and he responded to Rev. Edwards with a letter about himself and his family. He wrote that he had been born in the year 1711 near Drummore, Ireland, and came to the Port in Maryland in 1734. He arrived in Cohansey (south New Jersey) in 1738. The spelling of "Drummore" was an ancient spelling of the present day town of Dromore, which is located in County Down, Northern Ireland. Rev. Robert Kelsay also stated in his letter to Rev. Edwards, that he had thirty-three grandchildren at that time, and his children had married into the families of: Sheppards, Bowens, Dares, Heatons, Reeves, Smiths, and Pagets. The forgoing are indisputable facts that were written by Rev. Robert Kelsay's own hand.
"Of Scots ancestry, he was probably a 2nd generation Irishman. His grandfather, probably removed from Scotland and settled in Northern Ireland in the middle 1600's. It is speculation that his father was the William Kelsay, who lived in the Dromore area. For one reason, it was customary to name the oldest son after one's father. Their religion was of the Protestant denomination, and most likely Presbyterian.
"In 1734, at the age of 23, Robert decided to migrate to the British colonies in North America. Trouble was brewing between the Irish Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, and Robert probably felt there were more opportunities in the New World. He was young, and the adventure of sailing across thousands of miles of water and settling in the colonies was probably a big factor in his decision."
It seems likely that he came with other members of his family, or they came shortly after. There is evidence of other Kelsays that were no doubt related to Robert, who lived and died in Cumberland County, New Jersey; they were too old to be Robert's descendants.
Keziah Kelsay, born about 1724, likely a sister or niece, was the first wife of Ephraim Sheppard, who was born 21 May 1723, in Cumberland County, (formerly Cohansey County) New Jersey, and died there 8 May 1783. Keziah died shortly after marriage, and Ephraim was married/2 to Sarah Dennis, and 3rd to Rebecca Barrett.
In 1734, Robert disembarked at Maryland from the tall three masted sailing ship where the present seaport of Baltimore is located. His whereabouts from the time he landed, until he settled in Cumberland County, in 1738, is unknown, but no doubt in the same vicinity, possibly Philadelphia. Cumberland County was known at that time as Cohansey. He joined the Cohansey Baptist Church shortly after his arrival, and was soon recognized for his industry and dedication to the church. Possessing a high degree of intelligence, a good sense of humor, and a fervent and sincere desire to help bring his fellow man closer to the ways of the Lord. Robert was baptized by the Church in 1741. In 1743, he was asked by the Church to become a Licentiate, and accepted.
In the same year, the Pittsgrove Mission (then known as Pikesgrove) made application to the mother church at Cohansey for Robert Kelsay to come and live there in order to supply them. The request was granted by the Church, on the condition that he would return when they saw the occasion. Under these conditions, Robert began his ministerial duties, and moved to Pittsgrove, which was located in the Township of Upper Pittsgrove in Salem County, New Jersey, near Daretown.
Robert arrived in Maryland in the year 1734. He disembarked from the tall, three masted sailing ship where the present seaport of Baltimore is located. It normally took about two and one half months to sail from Ireland to the east coast of America in those days. Disease was often rampant on these ships, and many people died on every trip. His whereabouts from the time he landed in Maryland in 1734 until he settled in Cohansey (Later, Cumberland County, New Jersey) in 1738 are unknown. Undoubtedly he spent that four years somewhere in close proximity. Probably in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with his older brother John Kelsay, who had came over from Ireland about 1728. At any rate, Robert was twenty-seven years old when he arrived in Cumberland County, New Jersey, which at that time was called "Cohansey".
Immediately upon his arrival, Robert directed his efforts to having a good and substantial frame meeting-house built, and prepared the Church Covenant, which consisted of ten articles. (This covenant was used until 1867, when, to be in conformity with sister churches, the manual by J. Newton Brown was adopted.) Things were well organized and new members were added.
He was married in early in 1744, to Miriam Smith, who was born in 1723 in Pittsgrove, Salem County, New Jersey.
Robert was ordained in 1750 and was to remain a pastor until his death in 1789. He was well liked and the Church grew. Rev. Robert and members of the Pittsgrove Mission always traveled to the Mother Church at Cohansey for communion services on the first Sunday of each month. This journey required about a two hour ride by horseback, and the winters were rather cold. He worked to see the Pittsgrove Mission become a distinct Church, which it did in 1771.
On 2 June 1754, Rev. Jenkins, who had been preaching at the Mother Church at Cohansey, died. On his death-bed he recommended to the elders of the Church that they call Rev. Robert Kelsay to take his place. This was an exceptional honor, with prestige, and a substantial pay raise from an annual salary of 40 pounds ($160.) to 100 pounds ($400), which was a very generous wage indeed. However, Robert refused the offer, because of his strong friendships with the members of his own congregation. He recommended his good friend and fellow pastor Rev. Job Sheppard. However, fate took a hand. In April 1756, the Kelsay home at Pittsgrove was destroyed by fire. The call from the mother church was renewed, and this time Rev. Robert accepted. He had been living at Pittsgrove for 13 years, and 6 of his children had been born there. He moved on 18 May 1736.
Robert had been keeping all the old records of the Cohansey church in his home in Salem County, and when it burned, they were destroyed. He commenced a new Pastoral Register in 1757. It is a large folio and contains a list of the members at that time, which numbered 106 in 1757. Written in Rev. Robert's own hand, it is still retained by the Cohansey Church in 1976
On 2 March 1757, Robert was shocked and saddened by the death of Rev. Job Sheppard, age 51, with whom he had been close friends since they were young.
On 27 April 1757, a farm of 127 acres was bought by the Church to serve as a parsonage. It was situated at Bowentown in Cumberland County at the intersection of the Greenwich and Garret Run Roadstown in Cumberland County, still has the old communion table that had been used by Rev. Robert at the old Cohansey Church at Lower Hopewell. The front door step is also there.
Rev. Robert Kelsay was a tax ratable in Hopewell Township until 1782. Also he was a witness for several wills during the period of time from 1756 until 1782. On 31 December 1766, in Hopewell, he married Captain Bowen and Sarah Daniel. On 24 May 1782, in Hopewell, he witnessed a will for Elizabeth Bishop. The Kelsay family evidently moved during the summer of 1782 to the nearby township of Stow Creek, for he was a resident of Stow Creek Township on 25 October 1782, when he witnessed a will for Eldad Cook. On 26 November 1785, Rev. Robert and his son, William, were both living in Stow Creek Township and were witnesses for Ananias Sayre.
The records for the Pennsylvania Gazette, dated 13 October 1863, #1816, lists a letter for Rev. Robert Kelsay of Cumberland County, New Jersey, remaining in the Post Office at Philadelphia. Again on 15 March 1764, the Pennsylvaniasylvania Gazette, #1838, listed a letter in the Philadelphia Post Office for Rev. Robert Kelsay of New Jersey. You may ask why Rev. Robert Kelsay was receiving mail at the Philadelphia Post Office in Pennsylvania instead of New Jersey where he resided. The simple reason is, that was the only Post Office at that time. Benjamin Franklin was also the publisher of the Pennsylvaniasylvania Gazette which was listing the information concerning the mail for Rev. Robert Kelsay. As it was a very long and slow process to have a letter delivered by sailing ship to a person in the colonies in those days, the person or persons writing Rev. Robert Kelsay was probably some close kin still residing back in Northern Ireland.
After Rev. Robert became pastor of the Cohansey Church situated in Hopewell, he also began preaching at the courthouse in Bridgeton (Cumberland County Seat.) Ebenezer Elmer recorded in his journal that Rev. Robert preached at the courthouse in Bridgeton on 29 October 1775 and also on 3 December 1775. This practice was continued by his successor, Rev. Henry Smalley, and finally the first Baptist church of Bridgeton was built, owing it's origin to the Cohansey Baptist church and the efforts of Rev. Kelsay and Rev. Smalley.
There were some indications that William might have resided with Rev. Robert at the parsonage in Bowentown after his marriage to Keziah Sheppard in 1766. When the War with England broke out and William became a Captain with the Continental Army and later a Paymaster in the New Jersey Militia, he was busy and gone a lot, so it was likely that his wife and family resided with Rev. Robert then. The Revolutionary War was indeed a trying period of time. The New Jersey colony was a highway for the contending armies, the harbors a refuge of English fleets, and it's seacoast and rivers were patrolled by warships to destroy the commerce.
When Rev. Morgan Edwards, A. M., published his book in 1792 concerning the New Jersey Baptists, he had a letter from Rev. Robert Kelsay that indicated he had returned to Ireland for a visit in 1767. Rev. Robert told Rev. Edwards that the Cohansey Church in New Jersey was founded about 1683, by some Baptists from the County of Tipperary in Ireland. The Mother Church back in Ireland was called "Cleagh Keating" and was still in flourishing condition in 1767 when he visited that country. On 31 March 1838, a letter and hymn-book was sent from Cleagh Keating Church in Ireland to it's daughter Church, Cohansey in Cumberland County, New Jersey. The letter asked about the rise and progress of the Cohansey Church and requested a reply from the Pastor, Rev. Henry Smalley. Sometime after 1838 Cleagh Keating became extinct. It was a Baptist Church located in Southern Ireland, so we might guess what some of the contributing factors might have been.
Miriam, his wife, died 8 January 1785, in Atow Creel, Cumberland Coounty, New Jersey, and was interred at the Cohansey Church Burying Ground in Hopewell Township, New Jersey. Her tombstone with it's engraved inscription was still in good condition in 1976. In all probability, Rev. Robert spent the last years of his life living with his son, William Kelsay, Esquire, and family.
In 1788, the Philadelphia Association of Baptist Churches held a conference in Philadelphia when Rev. Robert Kelsay was 77 years old. He preached at it's session from Acts 8:35 to the young ministers. He advised them:
These extracts were recorded in the minutes of the session, as a memorial to him.
The following year Robert grew ill, and on 23 March 1789, he wrote his will and appointed his eldest son, William, and his youngest son, David, as executors. About 2 months later he died, on 30 May 1889, 78 years old, and was interred beside his beloved wife.
His original hand-written will is located in the State Library at Trenton, New Jersey, in the Archive and History Bureau. Three of his daughters and his son John were not mentioned in the will, perhaps because they had died prior to 1789. William died 3 years later. Rev. Robert left provisions in his will that all of his grandchildren would be presented a Bible from him. This was to include any that had not been born at the time of his death. Two grandsons were mentioned in his will because they had been named Robert after their grandfather.
He had been pastor at the Cohansey Baptist Church for 33 years, and the Mission Branch for 13 years. He had traveled about by buggy and horseback all his life, and had preached for more than 45 years in churches that never had any heat in winter. A stove was installed in the Cohansey Church shortly after his death. The early Baptists had to bundle up good with heavy clothes and bring warming stones with them to church. Throughout his life, Rev. Robert enjoyed good health and a vigorous constitution, and his mental facilities were alert until the time of his death. A life of 78 years was rare, too.
It was said of him:
    "As a man and companion, he was amusing and instructive. As a Christian he was exemplary and animated; as a preacher, he was fervent and truly orthodox. Warmly engaged was he in the service of the sanctuary, to which he repaired without interruption till a few days previous to his death."
    "Mr. Kelsay had the genial qualities of the Irish, to which was added fervent piety and great earnestness in his ministry. He was a man of order and set himself to make up deficiencies."
    "The early records of the Church being lost, the first register of which we have any knowledge was commenced by him in 1757. It is a large folio bound in parchment and contains the earliest statistics extant. Everything pertaining to the general record of the Church was kept with scrupulous exactness."
The Kelsay children married into families of Sheppards, Bowens, Dares, Heatons, Reeves, Smiths, Pagets, and raised him 33 grandchildren, and perhaps others born after his death.
In Robert's burial plot in the old Cohansey Burying Ground, Lower Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, near his and his wife's tombstones, there are five small stones inscribed with initials.
Children:
William Kelsay, Esquire, (Captain, Major) the oldest child of Reverend Robert Kelsay and Miriam Smith, was born 25 December 1744, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
He was married 16 January 1766, by his father, in the home of the bride, to Keziah Sheppard, who was born 25 June 1744, in Cumberland County, New Jersey, daughter of Rev. Job Sheppard (deceased) and Katherine Bowen.
He was made co-executor of his father's will and was described at the time, as of Stowe Creek Township. 9.Keziah Sheppard, born 28 June 1744 died 12 September 1814, and died, both in Cumberland County, New Jersey
David Sheppard I, who came from the County of Tipperary, southern Ireland, was called to the ministry in 1742, at the same time as Rev. Robert Kelsay and they became the best of friends. Job died before 1744.
John Sheppard I, son of David Shepard, was born about 1656, in England, and died 6 October 1710, in Cohansey, New Jersey John was married/1 to Margaret __, who was born 1649, died 1709. John was married/2 to Mary Wade Page, born about 1671, Cohansey, New Jersey, died about 20 April 1714, mother of Samuel Sheppard, born about 1711
Children:
Job Sheppard I, son of John Sheppard I and Margaret, born about 1706, in Cohansey, New Jersey, died 2 March 1757, Cohansey; was married to Katherine Bowen
Rev. Job Shephard II, son of Job and Katherine, was born about 1735 had 13 children, birth order uncertain:
Children:
William was a member of the gentry in Cumberland County, New Jersey. In England, the title Esquire ranked just below a knight, was rarely given, and then only to Gentlemen of high esteem. In 28 May 1778, he was a Tax-ratable, in Stow Creek Township, and a Tax-ratable frp, 1779-1781, in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County.
William was a staunch patriot, and when the troubles grew worse with England, he loyally and zealously supported his country. Highly intelligent and a born leader of men, he was consistently called upon to accept positions of responsibility and authority.
On 12 August 1775, the Provincial Congress ordered a new election for members of that body, and of the county committees. On 21 September, William was chosen to be on the Cumberland County Committee from the town of Stow Creek, Thomas Harris as chairman. On 29 September, the militia met at New England Town in the Presbyterian Church (now called Old Stone Church) to appoint field-officers for the West Battalion. David Potter was appointed Colonel, William Kelsay was 1st Major, and Abijah Holmes Lieutenant.
On 30 September, they applied to the Continental Congress for a supply of powder to defend the county from any British ships, which might enter the bay, foraging for provisions. After the overthrow of the royal authority, the county committees exercised large powers, arresting and imprisoning those hostile to the cause of the patriots, and doing other acts outside of the ordinary processes of law.
During the winter of 1775, the tension and hostility increased until open warfare was eminent. The British were receiving reinforce-ments, and on 14 June 1776, two companies were formed from Cumberland County, and Captain William was in command of one of them. General Washington, unwisely, divided his forces, and in August, William was defending Brooklyn Heights along the south end of Long Island, when the British made a strong surprise attack. William's company narrowly managed to escape. They were sent to Mount Washington, New York, and White Plains, New York; Phillips Manor and back to Newark, New Jersey. They were discharged in December when their enlistment expired. After this, William became a Major in Colonel David Potter's Militia, and served as paymaster. He resigned just prior to 23 June 1780.
William served as Commissioner for Forfeited Estates in Cumberland County, and elected sheriff until 1781. On 3 March 1782, William was baptized by Rev. William Rogers, pastor of 1st Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and joined the Cohansey Baptist Church. In 1784, he was appointed Justice of the Peace (a very distinguished office in those days) and a member of the state legislature.
He died 19 January 1792, and was buried in the old Cohansey Baptist Cemetery near his parents. The site is marked with a small stone inscribed with "Wm K."
On 7 July 1799, Keziah was baptized, joined the Cohansey Baptist Church. She died 12 September 1814, buried on the 13th, in her son-in-law Jacob Richman's lot at Roadstown Baptist church. The information about their children was obtained from a manuscript prepared by Reverend Robert Kelsay. The children were probably all born in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
Children:
Daniel Kelsay, son of William Kelsay, Esquire, and Keziah Sheppard, was born 19 February 1768, probably in Cumberland County, New Jersey. He was married/1 to Grace Bacon, born 1770, Cumberland County, daughter of William Bacon and Tabitha Smith.
Their Children:
He was married/2 on 28 August 1802, to Louisa Mulford, daughter of Jacob Mulford, Jr. and Sarah Peak. She died in June 1811, and buried on the 21st, in husband's family tomb.
He was married/3 28 November 1812, to Hannah B. Sheppard, who was born 9 July 1779,in Hopewell, Cumberland County, New Jersey, daughter of James Sheppard and Keziah Barber. (Hannah was baptized and joined the Cohansey Baptist Church on 4 August 1802) Hannah died 22 June 1855, and buried at Bunker Hill, Illinois. The children were born in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
Children:
Sarah Kelsay, daughter of William Kelsay, Esquire, and Keziah Sheppard, was born 7 February 1776, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
She was married 26 April 1796, in Cumberland County, to Job Sheppard, who was born 9 February 1771, her cousin, son of Job Sheppard and Rachel Mulford.
At the time of his death, Job was in the Army during the War of 1812. He was killed 13 November 1815, in the Battle of Red Bank, Billingsport, New Jersey. Sarah died 21 September 1851, and was buried Greenwich Baptist church, New Jersey. They had a family of 5 sons and 4 daughters.
Children:
Martha Kelsay, daughter of William Kelsay Esquire and Keziah Sheppard, was born 6 October 1779, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
She was married to Jacob Richman, who was born in 1780. She was buried 13 October 1815, and he was buried 23 October 1820, both in Roadstown, in the Cohansey Baptist Church Cemetery, (Lot 137, 25 row, section 3) as are all of their family, except for Mary.
Children:
Tabitha Kelsay, daughter of Daniel Kelsay and Grace Bacon, was born 4 March 1793, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
She was married 10 June 1812 in Cumberland County, to Eli Fitzjarrel, of Scotch-Irish descent, who was born l March 1788 in Cumberland County, son of Ambrose Fitzjarrel and Deborah Barret. Elder Smalley of the Cohansey Baptist Church performed the ceremony.
In his early life, Eli was identified with the old Whig party, but later became a Democrat. He taught school in New Jersey. Throughout his life he was a deeply religious man, and an untiring worker in the cause of temperance.
About 1815, Eli and Tabitha took their family and moved to Warren County, Ohio, where he farmed. About 1830, the family moved to Macoupin County, Illinois.
Eli died there 18 December 1854. Tabitha died 24 October 1856 in Raymond Township, Montgomery County Illinois, and was buried in the Cass Cemetery, in Raymond Township.
Eli and several of his children are buried in a cemetery in the western part of Macoupin County, but we do not know the name. It may be a family burial plot on their old farm. His wife and several of the children are buried in the Cass Cemetery in Raymond, Illinois. They had 14 children, and became a prosperous and honorable family. In 1976 there are still many of their descendants living there.
Children:
Rev. Daniel Kelsay, son of Daniel Kelsay and Louisa Mulford, was born 2 October 1805, near Roadstown, Cumberland County, New Jersey. He was baptized by Rev. Henry Smalley at Roadstown, in January 1829, and preached at Lambertville, New Jersey, for ten years.
He was married about 1840 to Elizabeth ____, who was born in 1812 in Pennsylvania, most likely in the Norristown area. He then served pastorates in Manahawkin, New Jersey; Dividing Creek, New Jersey; Pittsgrove, New Jersey; and in Pennsylvania at Spartansburgh, Brownsville, and Redstone. He spent his last six years with his youngest son in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
Children:
Elizabeth Burgin Kelsay, daughter of Daniel Kelsay and Hannah Sheppard, was born 20 August 1813, in Greenwich Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey.
She was married 11 July 1833, by the Rev. Henry Smalley, to Henry Sheppard, son of Josiah Sheppard and Charlotte Westcott.
Elizabeth lived with her daughter, Harriett, the last few years of her life. Elizabeth died 29 July 1901, and was buried in the Roadstown Baptist Cemetery.
The children were all born in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
Children:
James Sheppard Kelsay, son of Daniel Kelsay and Hannah Sheppard, was born 30 September 1815, in Greenwich Township, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
He was married 21 October 1837, in Cumberland County to Harriett Wescott Sheppard. who was born 19 February 1816, in Cumberland County, daughter of Josiah Sheppard and Charlotte Westcott. Harriett was devout, hard worker, and meticulous housewife.
Between 1848 and 1855, James took his family west to Illinois, and settled at Bunker Hill, Macoupin County, and by 1857 removed to the nearby town of Edwardsville, in Madison County. In 1860, the family moved in a covered wagon to Colorado and settled at Blackhawk, in Gilpin County, later moving to Boulder, Colorado.
James died there 2 February 1877. Harriett died 2 February 1901, in Montrose, Colorado.
When son Henry had his 50th birthday, his mother gave him the family Bible that had belonged to Hannah B (Sheppard) Kelsay. In 1977, this Bible is in the possession of Steven Albert Kelsay of Fresno, California.
The 5 older children were born in Cumberland County, New Jersey
Children:
David Potter Kelsay, son of Daniel Kelsay and Hannah Sheppard, was born 1 April 1819, in Greenwich Township, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
He was married in 1843 in Cumberland County, New Jersey, to Sarah Sheppard, daughter of Joseph Sheppard and Cynthia Smith, residents of Hopewell Township. Sarah died 22 April 1844, the day after her child was stillborn. They are buried in the Roadstown Baptist Church Cemetery, Cumberland County, New Jersey.
David was married/2 on 1 March 1845, in Cumberland County, New Jersey, to Ruth Brown, daughter of John and Mary Brown of Indiana Fields, New Jersey. Ruth died 13 September 1849, also of complications following childbirth.
David was married/3 on 5 September 1850 in Bridgeton, New Jersey, to Sarah Brown Ivins, a niece of Ruth's, who was born 10 January 1832, in Cumberland County.
There are records of several land transactions in the county, the last one being 30 April 1883, when they sold their land in Stow Creek Township. This was probably done by mail, as David and his family were living in Vernon County, Missouri, at this time. He had made his trek "west" in the spring of 1870. They made the trip by flatboat and covered wagon. On 9 June 1870, David bought a farm of 400 acres, in Vernon County, near Dederick, Missouri, which is 14 miles east of Nevado, Missouri. Three generations of Kelsay's lived there.
Sarah died 16 January 1898, in Vernon County. She had driven an old blind horse with buggy, and was crossing the railroad tracks in Nevada, Missouri, when a switch engine hit the horse, injuring Sarah. She later died as a result.
David died 24 January 1894, in Vernon County, Missouri, near Dederick. He is buried in a family burial plot that is located in the old "Turner" Cemetery, located on the present farm (1976) of Jewel (Null) Long and John L. Long. This used to be the old Jim Bigson farm before Jewel and her late husband, Mr. Fleming, bought it. The cemetery is located in a woods about 1/2 mile from the farm house and is pretty much gone. Most of the stones are broken off and the graves are covered with trees and underbrush. The Kelsay plot is enclosed with an old wire fence and are the only stones still standing.
All except the 2 younger children were born in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
Children:
William Kelsay Sheppard, son of Sarah Kelsay and Job Sheppard, was born 21 July 1799, probably in Cumberland County, New Jersey. William had a large farm in Greenwich.
He was married 11 November 1831, to Sarah Ewing Fithian, who was born 2 January 1809, in Greenwich, Cumberland, New Jersey, the daughter Charles Beatty Fithian and Mary Ewing. See: Fithian Family
Sarah died in August 1903.
Elizabeth Beatty was daughter of Charles Beatty and Ann Reading, who was daughter of John Reading, a descendant of one of the earliest Quaker settlers of Burlingtoon, and a granddaughter of John Beatty and Christiana Clinton, a cousin of Governor George Clinton of New York.
Children: Probably all born in Greenwich, Cumberland County, New Jersey
Horatio J. Sheppard, son of and Job Sheppard, was born 14 January 1801, in Camden, New Jersey.
He was married 27 September 1830, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Sophia Bamford.
He was a carpenter by trade and a contractor. He moved to Fairton, New Jersey, and lived there a great many years, and died there.
Children:
William Baker Fitzjarrell, son of Tabitha Kelsay and Eli Fitzjarrell, was born 3 October 1815, in Warren County, Ohio.
He was married 10 November 1836, in Greene County, Illinois, to Elizabeth Courtney, born in Madison County, Illinois, daughter of William Courtney, a native of Kentucky who settled in Madison County in 1809.
William and Elizabeth moved in 1856 from Macoupin County, Illinois, to Zanesville Township in Montgomery County, Illinois, where they had an excellent farm.
William was a Baptist Minister, preaching at Little Flock Primitive Baptist church at Honey bend, Montgomery County, Illinois. All told he preached for better than forty years. He was always active and influential in community affairs and served in local offices. In 1881, Elizabeth and William retired from the farm and moved into Raymond, Illinois.
They had 3 boys and 3 girls; Birth order uncertain.
Children:
Phebe Fitzjarrell, daughter of Tabitha Kelsay and Eli Fitzjarrell, was born 3 November 1816, in Warren County, Ohio.
She was married/1 to Ira Ketchum, who was born 26 February 1816. She was married/2 to Eli Cooper.
Children:
Daniel Kelsay Fitzjarrell, son of Tabitha Kelsay and Eli Fitzjarrell, was born 27 April 1818, in Warren County, Ohio.
He was married 11 March 1841, in Montgomery County, Illinois, to Cathrine Margaret Skeen, born 13 November 1821 in Nashville, Tennessee, daughter of Joseph Anderson Skeen and Judy Brown.
Daniel died 18 June 1866 in Raymond, Illinois, and was buried there in the Cass Cemetery. His will is on file in the Montgomery County Court House, dated 11 May 1866, recorded in Book "B", pages 565 and 566. Four of the children were minors at the time of his death.
Cathrine died 8 November 1897 in Pattonsburg, Davies County, Missouri, and is buried in the Civil Bend Cemetery there.
Children:
Maria H Fitzjarrell, daughter of Tabitha Kelsay and Eli Fitzjarrell, was born 26 July 1820, in Warren County, Ohio. Her name on her tombstone is "Mariah."
She was married 5 October 1837, in Greene County, Illinois, to John Jackson Skeen, born 20 July 1820, Nashville, Tennessee, son of Joseph Anderson Skeen & Judy Brown. They purchased 38.41 acres at $1.25 per acre of Federal land in Macoupin County, Illinois. Maria died 19 November 1859, in Chesterfield, Macoupin County, Illinois, in childbirth.
John was married/2 to Amanda ___ , and died in 1893.
The birth order of the children in uncertain.
Children:
Rev. Rufus B. Kelsay, son of Rev. Daniel Kelsay and Elizabeth, was born 7 August 1842, in Manahawkin, New Jersey.
He was married to Evalina D. Reed. He was a resident of Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, for 21 years and had been pastor of the 6th Avenue Church.
He died 11 June 1896 in Brooklyn. He and his wife were both buried at the Pittsgrove-Daretown Baptist Church Cemetery near Elmer, Salem County, New Jersey.
Children:
Thomas B. Kelsay, son of Rev. Daniel Kelsay and Elizabeth, was born in October 1846, in New Jersey. He was married to Agnes N ___, who was born in September 1846, in Pennsylvania. Her father was born in Ireland.
Children:
Joseph Lafayette Kelsay, son of James Sheppard Kelsay and Harriett Sheppard, was born 10 April 1857, in Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois. He left home as a young man and became a miner and prospector, in Colorado, Utah, and California. He was a quiet, deep-thinking person.
He was married 17 January 1877 in Nampa, Idaho, to Martha Ellen Marcus, who was born 21 April 1861, in Tennessee. They were divorced in 1889, and she later married August Scharf, and had 2 more children. She died 21 April 1954, in Santa Monica, California, and is buried there in the Woodlawn Cemetery.
After his divorce, Joseph worked in a mine in Idaho that was just above a cattle ranch owned by John Turner and Alice Blaylock, who had a sweet little daughter named Nora, who was born 16 January 1875, Mayfield, Elmore County, Idaho.
Joseph and Nora could not get her family to approve their marriage because of his being divorced. They eloped to Nampa, Idaho, 20 miles away, and were married 3 April 1892, and moved into a little house on the Boise River.
The Turner family was very upset and would not speak to them. but about a year later John and Alice had little twin girls get sick and die. They were grieving over their loss, when Joseph came to them and invited them to go on a camping and fishing trip with him for a week to get their minds off of the little girls. Joseph treated them so nice, and they enjoyed the trip so well that they fell in love with "Kelsay." Shortly after the camping trip, Nora gave birth to a baby girl. Alice was also around a few months later when Nora's 2nd child, a son, was born.
The mine closed in the fall of 1894, and they moved to Perl, Idaho. When that mine closed, Joseph took his family to Cannon City, Colorado. While there he met and got to know his son by his first wife, Charley Kelsay. In 1909, Joseph decided to try his luck in California, leaving his family in Boise, Idaho, until he could send for them. He made a claim near Redding, California. In the meantime, Nora had moved to Portland, where she got work as a cook. They finally put down roots, and the Kelsay family was still occupying the place in 1977.
Joseph became a blacksmith. He died of lung trouble 25 September 1925, and was buried in Redding. Nora died of cancer 26 October 1932. Her body was cremated and her ashes placed with her husband.
Children:
William Brown Kelsay, son of David Potter Kelsay and Sarah Brown, was born 3 August 1851, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
He was married in Missouri to Clara A. Leonard, born in 1853. They lived in Indian Territory, when they sold land to Henry S. Kelsay. After that time their address was Mountain Fork, Polk County, Arkansas.
William could not read, and had his minister write his letters for him. Between January 1894 and March 1897, he was accidentally shot hunting wild turkeys. He was buried in Polk County.
On 11 April 1898, his widow, Clara, wrote to Henry S. Kelsay, that she was sorry to hear about the death of Sarah B., whom she called mother. She gave the ages of the children, and asked that he take care of the settlement of their father's estate. She said that she had married again 12 March 1897, to J. W. Parker. This may have ended in divorce, as on 5 February 1903, she signed her name Clara A. Kelsay, and later in 1935, the same.
Big Cedar, Texas, consists of 1 gas station and 1 church, so a lot of these people lived very close together. Bert Kelsay's family is buried at New Home Cemetery and Mary Fields. The Cemeteries are not 5 miles apart.
Children:
Henry Sheppard Kelsay, son of David Potter Kelsay and Sarah Brown, was born 28 August 1858, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
He was married 27 September 1883, in the home of the bride in Vernon County, Missouri, to Matilda Stockton McKinley, who was born in 1862 in St. Paris, Ohio. Henry traveled extensively throughout Vernon County, Missouri, and traded in live-stock for many years.
Henry had an easy and pleasant personality and enjoyed talking to people. He remained in robust physical health until late in life, and won an athletic contest when he was in his fifties that required much running and jumping. Matilda was an attractive woman, with dark hair and eyes. They made a handsome couple. Matilda lost the sight of one eye in an accident, while making lye soap. Henry died 8 February 1943; Matilda died 24 February 1951, both near Dederick, Missouri, and buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Children:
William M Sheppard, son of Horatio J. Sheppard and Sophia Bamford, was born 19 December 1838, in Camden, New Jersey.
He was married in February 1861, to Sarah J. Campbell, who was born in 1842 in Fairton, daughter of Oliver Campbell. William farmed in Fairton, New Jersey, most of his life.
He owned a small farm in Cedarville, New Jersey, where he spent the remainder of his years. He was originally a Republican, but later became a Prohibitionist. He was a member of the township committee, a surveyor, and a member of the school board, member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Cedarville, and of the encampment. He was a member and a deacon in the Baptist Church.
Children:
Keziah R Sheppard, daughter of William Kelsay Sheppard and Sarah Ewing Fithian, was born in 1838, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
She was married 3 September 1856, in Greenwich, Cumberland County, New Jersey, to William Ogden, who was born 10 Cctober 1834, in Stow Creek Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey.
Children: Born in Stow Creek Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey
Joel Fithian Sheppard, son of William Kelsay Sheppard and Sarah Ewing Fithian, was born in 1835, in Greenwich, New Jersey. He was apprenticed to a ship carpenter, went to sea, and became master of a vessel, and followed the sea for fourteen years.
He was married in 1856 to Hannah A. Wallen, who was born in 1838.
During the Civil War, he twice ran the blockade of the Potomac. His brother and first cousins fought under the Stars and Stripes, and several relatives were with the Confederates. In 1869, he went into the coal business, locating in East Braintree, Massachusetts, and later in Quincy, Massachusetts. He was a Republican, and a 1870 Representative to the General Court. He was present of the Co-Operative Bank, past master of Delta Lodge of Free Masons of the Royal Arch Chapter, and South Shore Commandery, Knights Templar, an active member of the Congregational church.
Children:
Cyrus Fitzjarrell was son of William Baker Fitzjarrell and Elizabeth Courtney. He assisted his father in the operation of the family farm in Zanesville Township, Montgomery County, Illinois.
He was married there 12 September 1867, to Elizabeth A. Greenwood, who was born in Kentucky, and raised in Zanesville Township, daughter of Joseph Greenwood.
In 1903, Cyrus put the farm in charge of his son, William, and moved to Raymond, Illinois, where he engaged in the buying and shipping of stock, the business growing extensive and profitable. He helped organize the First National Bank there, and was one of the leading stockholders. In 1905, he was made president.
Children:
Naomi Fitzjarrell, daughter of William Baker Fitzjarrell and Elizabeth Courtney, was born 15 June 1849 in Macoupin County, Illinois. She was married/1 to Mr. McGown.
On 25 February 1874, she became the 2/wife of Isaac Frank Lawler, farmer, born 9 May 1836, in White County, Illinois, son of John T Lawler and Susan Bradbury. Isaac Frank had been constable and Commissioner for several years, independent in politics, a Methodist.
"History of Montgomery County, Illinois-1882"
His son John T Lawler, 3rd son in family of 8 children, was born 22 March 1805, Talladega County, Alabama. John T was a farmer, and in his younger days a pilot on the Wabash and Lower Mississippi Rivers; came to Fayette County, Illinois, in 1831; remained 1 yr, moved to White County for several years; then to Montgomery County, Illinois, where he died 15 August 1863. Two yrs, democrat White County Representative State Legislature. A magistrate, and 18 yrs Colonel of the State Militia. During the Mexican War, he raised and equipped a company of soldiers, of which he was Captain, but not called out.
John T's wife, Susan Bradbury, was born 15 May 1801, Kentucky, died 1 December 1860. She had 4 children.
Isaac Frank, eldest, received a fair education, was for 1 yr, a merchant at Butler, Illinois, where he built the 3rd building used for business. He farmed until 1865, then moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and supplied sand for building purposes for 12 yrs. He returned to Raymond, Illinois, purchased a farm. He was married/1 31 June 1855, to Nancy C Cayce, born 22 February 1838, Sangamon County, Illinois, daughter of Elijah Cayce, (b Kentucky) and Dorcas A Williams, (b 18 May 1806 Virginia); Nancy died 27 April 1871, left 5 children: Juliet; Jehu Henry; John A; Abigail A; James Franklin Lawler.
Children:
Tabitha Ellen Fitzjarrell, daughter of Daniel Kelsay Fitzjarrell and Cathrine Margaret Skeen, was born 11 February 1842, in Macoupin County, Illinois.
She was married 19 January 1859, Macoupin County, to Christopher Columbus Reno. Tabitha died 14 April 1920 in Pattonsburg, Davies County, Missouri.
Children:
Joseph Fitzjarrell, son of Daniel Kelsay Fitzjarrell and Catherine Margaret Skeen, was born 11 April 1849, in Macoupin, County, Illinois.
He was married 12 September 1872, in Montgomery County, Illinois, to Sarah Jane Cole, born 13 December 1857, in Montgomery County, Illinois.
The birth order of the children is uncertain.
Children:
Sarah Fitzjarrell, daughter of Daniel Kelsay Fitzjarrell and Catherine Margaret Skeen, was born 8 October 1853, in Macoupin County, Illinois.
She was married/1 6 March 1873, Montgomery County, Illinois, to John Abner Roach, born in 1853.
She was married/2 10 September 1892, Davies County Missouri, to Elisha S Brown, born 13 May 1858, and died 20 December 1922, Winston, Davies County.
Sarah died 6 April 1931, in Winston, Davies County, Illinois.
Children:
Emma Fitzjarrell, daughter of Daniel Kelsay and Catherine Margaret Skeen, was born 29 August 1861, in Girard, Macoupin County, Illinois.
She was married 31 December 1884, Girard, Macoupin County, Illinois, to Martin Alonzo Miller, born 3 September 1860, in Greenfield, Illinois.
Martin died 16 March 1917, in St Joseph, Missouri; Emma died 3 September 1939, in Pattonsburg, Davies County, Missouri.
Children:
William A Skeen, son of Maria H Fitzjarrell and John Jackson Skeen, was married to Della McCauley.
The birth order of children is uncertain.
Children:
Margaret Ellers Skeen, daughter of Maria H Fitzjarrel and John Jackson, was married to Joshua C/P Mann.
Children:
Laura Ann Ellers Skeen, daughter of Maria Fitzjarrell and John Jackson Skeen, was born 29 October 1844, in Chesterfield, Macoupin County, Illinois.
She was married/1 before 1866 to Mr. Reeves. She was married/2 26 August 1866, Benton, Franklin County, Illinois, to Hiram Weston, who was born 16 October 1836, in Benton.
William Weston, born 1811, North Carolina, died before 1844 and 1850, married 14 May 1829, in Union Illinois, to Jane Duff, born 1811, Illinois, died 4 May 1892, daughter of Margaret Duncan and Phillip Duff, born 1760, Kentucky, died 1840.
She died 24 February 1899, Franklin, Illinois.
Hiram was married/2, on 2 0ctober 1901, in Benton, Franklin County, Illinois, to Sarah Mahalia Davis, who was born in 1862, and died in 1938.
Her child, Edith Versa Weston, born in 1903, in Benton, and died in 2000.
From Hiram's Civil War Papers:
Divorced from his 1/wife, Matilda A Drew, 14 April 1862, only a couple of weeks after his enlistment. They had two children, William A Weston, and Mary A Weston. Enlisted 24 March 1862 at Benton, Illinois for 3 yr, in 36 Reg't Illinois, Inf (This became County, D, 15 Reg't Illinois Cav).
At the time, he was age 25, 5'9" tall, eyes hazel, hair black, occupation Lawyer. He was an Orderly for General Logan, and mustered out 23 March 1865, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
"Source: Beulay Gertrude Rice Lawrence.
Hiram Weston was a strict parent who made most of the decisions in his household, but was loved and respected by his children. Their house was built of logs with a large room, which served as living quarters during the day, and a bedroom for the adults at night. There was a large kitchen where the family cooked and ate, washed and ironed, etc. There was a narrow stairway leading to the attic where the children slept. In winter, when it snowed during the night, the bed covers would have snow on them where it sifted during the night. There was a small shed out back that was known as the 'Pout House,' where the children were taken for punishment, or were sent when they were just out of sorts.
One incident that remained long in the memory of his children was when his neighbor threw an ax at one of Hiram Weston's cows and injured it because it had strayed into the wrong pasture. Hiram stood beside the neighbor with the ax in hand and forced the neighbor to sew up the cow. It is not known if the cow survived.
Occasionally when he was in town, he would drink too much. As he would come out of the saloon, realizing that his horse was in better shape for the trip home than he was, Hiram would get in the buckboard, let out a big 'war whoop,' give the horse full reign and it would head for home at top speed. The family could hear them approaching long before they arrived, and they could tell by the way the horse was running that Hiram had had too much to drink.
Sarah M Davis Bolen was a warm hearted loveable woman, who immediately became 'Aunt Sadie' to her step-children, who were all married by this time. Hiram and Sarah had one child, Edith Weston, born 11 June 1903. -Family History, 1964, author unknown."
"Mom (Emma Carolina Weston Rice) and Dad (William Franklin Rice) had both been born in Benton, and that was 'home' country to all of us for a long time. We would go to Benton sometimes, to Grandpa (Hiram) Weston's and we would visit Uncle Johnny (Mom's brother-in-law John Sanders.) His wife, Mom's sister (Arel Minnie Weston Sanders,) died young and he married again and had another house full of kids. He was a Baptist Preacher.
"Grandpa would always come to the train and meet us with an old white horse named Barney, and he would always be like a whirlwind and when we would start home he would let Barney take to the road, and we would be sitting there scared to death because he was going so fast. We always had a good time out there. He married Aunt Sade some time after Mom married Dad. She was good to us like she was really our grandmother, and I guess we were an aggravation to her. They had a room at the back that used to be Aunt Sade's son's (by a former marriage) who was lost in the war (WW1.) I forget his name. We were away from where Grandpa stayed a lot. He sat on the porch and would rock and sing. He never did any work at all. That boy did the farming and all until he had to go to war."
Hiram lived in Benton, aged 75, when he declared for a pension. He died quite suddenly on New Year's Day 1920. His widow, Sarah, age 57, of West City, Franklin County, applied for a pension, 12 February 1920. Sarah died 9 October 1938.
Children:
Ida May Kelsay, daughter of Joseph Lafayette Kelsay, Sr. and Martha Marcus, was born 8 November 1880, in Pueblo, Colorado.
She was married in 1898 in Pueblo, Colorado, to Franklin B Davies, who was born in 1893 in Baldwin County, Pennsylvania. She died 25 April 1956, in Los Angeles, California, and was buried in Santa Monica Mausoleum. He was buried with her.
Children:
Charles William Kelsay, son of Joseph Lafayette Kelsay, Sr. and Martha Marcus, was born 13 May 1883, in Williamsburg, Colorado. After his parents were divorced, Charley was raised by his Kelsay grandparents. Later he lived with his mother and step-father for a time.
He was married 9 June 1903, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Mary Jane Walpole, who was born 11 September 1881, at St. Louis, Missouri, daughter of Patrick Walpole and Mary Jane O'Neil.
About this time he became acquainted with his father in Cannon City, Colorado. He and his wife took care of Nora at the time his sister Harriett was born. Charley worked many years for Wells Fargo, and later for Armor, where his lungs were gassed.
Mary died suddenly 1 June 1956, at Hayward, California. Charley went to live with his youngest daughter. He died 25 February 1966, in San Francisco. They are both buried in the Holy Sepluchure Cemetery, Hayward, California.
Children:
Bessie Jenny Kelsay, daughter of Joseph Lafayette Kelsay, Sr. and Nora Turner, was born 16 June 1893, in Boise, Idaho.
She was married 29 November 1911, at Medford, Oregon, to Gilbert Clark, who died before 1925.
Bessie then operated a service station and restaurant with her mother, until she was married to George Cates.
Later Bessie had a house moved onto the original Kelsay land about three miles from Redding, California. She was still living there in 1975.
Children:
Joseph Lafayette Kelsay Jr., known as "Bee," son of Joseph Lafayette Kelsay Sr. and Nora Turner, was born 16 September 1894, in Moore's Creek, Elmore County, Idaho.
He was married 21 April 1917, in Redding, California, to Florence Conklin. They were divorced.
Children:
Harriet Kelsay, daughter of Joseph Lafayette Kelsay, Sr. and Nora Turner, was born 16 January 1905, in Cannon City, Colorado. As a young girl she walked 7 miles to school every day with her sister from the old Kelsay home place near Redding, California. She left school at the age of 12 and went to work in a laundry.
Her first husband apparently died about 1925, because when her mother came back to Redding at that time to live on the home place, she stated her husband was dead then and she went to live with her mother, until she married Peter Mantis on 6 July 1926, in Napa, Sonona County, California.
Peter was born in Greece and came to America at the age of 17. He was a finish carpenter and spent much time in his gardens, building several houses as rental property. Harriett's health required her to live on baby food.
They retired in 1965 and moved to one of their favorite houses on 720 Locust Street in Redding. Peter discovered that he had cancer, but surgery and treatments did him no good. He hung himself in June of 1974.
The next year Harriett and her sister Bessie became very close and took several trips together visiting their kinfolk. Harriett was very interested in genealogy and is the source of much of the information about this family.
Harriett became ill and was mistakenly convinced she had cancer like her mother and husband. On 18 February 1976, Harriett closed her garage door and started her car, taking her own life.
Children:
Burton R. Kelsay, son of William Brown Kelsay and Clara A., was born 9 June 1881, in Mountain Fork, Polk County, Arkansas.
He was married 17 February 1903, to 18 yr old Emma Nichols. They were both living in 1935. Their sons Bill and Sog were moonshiners. They were all dead in 1990 except Hazel's wife, Ola.
Children:
Mary Kelsay, daughter of William Brown Kelsay and Clara A. __, was born 20 December 1886.
She was married 17 February 1903, in Polk County, Arkansas, to J. W. Fields. He was 25 and from Mountain Fork also. Mary was living in 1935, in Big Cedar, Texas.
Children:
Rev. Henry Kimbrough Kelsay, son of Henry Sheppard Kelsay and Matilda Stockton McKinley, was born 17 July 1884, in Vernon County, Missouri.
He was married 26 August 1913, in Vernon County, to Anna Pearl Hale. Henry, who was over six foot tall, became an ordained Baptist minister although ill health prevented his preaching for many years before his death.
He died 27 January 1970, at Clinton, Missouri; Anna died 3 July 1987 at Appeton City. Both buried in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery near Dederick, Missouri.
Children:
Alfred G. Sheppard, son of William M Sheppard and Sarah J. Campbell, was born 26 June 1881, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
He married in 1903 to Lucy B. Sheppard, daughter of Philip F. Sheppard and Deborah Lathborn of Cedarville.
He graduated Maryland Medical College at Baltimore, in 1907. The children were all born there. They later resided in Florence, New Jersey. He was a member of the Burlington County Medical Society, State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association, a Baptist, and a democrat.
Children:
Eben Wallen Sheppard, son of Joel Fithian Sheppard and Hannah A. Wallen, was born 7 May 1860, in Greenwich, New Jersey, and raised in Braintree, Massachusetts.
He was married to Fannie M Pratt, daughter of Asa Pratt and Mercy Clapp.
In 1882 he came to Quincy to engage in the retail coal business in partnership with his father and brother. He was a well-known and highly respected business-man of Quincy. A republican, he was Representative from his district in the General Court in 1899, 1900, and 1901. He was a member of the Union Congregational Church of Weymouth, but attended the Bethany Congregational church of Quincy. He was a director of the Quincy C0-operative Bank, Free Masons, Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar, Mystic Shrine.
Children:
William Thomas Kelsay, son of George Samuel Kelsay and Frances Elizabeth Dunbar, was born 14 May 1879 in Russell County, Kentucky, and died 1945, in Jamestown, Russell County, Kentucky.
He was married 12 November 1905, Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky, to Bessie Franklin Ashley (born 6 November 1886, Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky, died 1 April 1952, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana)
Children:
Harvey Nathan Reno, son of Tabitha Ellen Fitzjarrell and Christopher Columbus Reno, was born 23 March 1877, in Civil Bend, Davies County, Missouri.
He was married/1 to Ida Corcorn.
He was married/2, 19 January 1919, in Pattonsburg, Davies County, Missouri, to Mae Yocum who died 18 March 1967. Harvey died 13 March 1971, both in Osburn, Clinton County, or DeKalb County, Missouri. (County borders may have changed.)
Children:
Francis Elbert Miller, son of Emma Fitzjarrell and Martin Alonzo Miller, was born 22 October 1885, in Raymond, Montgomery County, Illinois.
He was married 1 September 1909, in Dalatin, Davies County, Missouri, to Lillie Eunice Williams, who was born 12 August 1888, in Pattonsburg, Davies County, Missouri.
Francis died 21 May 1916, in Coffee, Davies County
Children:
Jeanette Weston, daughter of Laura Ann Ellers Skeen and Hiram Weston, was born 11 September 1868, in Benton, Franklin County, Illinois.
She was married 12 September 1886, in Franklin County, to Henry Malone, born February 1868, in Perry, Illinois. son of Edwin Malone and Minda L Lipe.
Jeanette died 4 November 1903
The children were born in Benton, Franklin County, Illinois.
Children:
Ariel Minnie Weston, daughter of Laura Ann Ellers Skeen and Hiram Weston, was born 10 January 1871, in Benton, Franklin County, Illinois.
She was married 23 December 1893, Franklin County, to John J Sanders, born about 1870, in Williamson County, Illinois. She died 12 December 1904.
Children:
Margaret Elizabeth Weston, daughter of Laura Ann Ellers Skeen and Hiram Weston, was born 4 September 1872, Benton, Franklin County, Illinois, died 23 July 1918.
She was married 20 December 1889, in Franklin County, to Charles Franklin Mosley, who was born 1867, Franklin County, Illinois, son of George B Mosley (born 1838, Tennessee) and Martha Ann Turner, born in Kentucky.
The birth order of the children is uncertain. (The years of the birth of these children cannot be correct, or this is not the right list of children.
Children:
John Edgar/Edward Weston, son of Laura Ann Ellers Skeen and Hiram Weston, was born 15 April 1874, in Benton, Franklin County, Illinois.
He was married 15 November 1894, in Jonesboro, Union County, Illinois, to Anna Otelia Schaffer, who was born 18 April 1870, in Jonesboro. Her father was born in Germany, her mother was born in Illinois. John and Anna were divorced.
Anna was married/2 to Ed Butler. She was age 50 on the 1920 Census; Ed was 45. Her son Cedric, his wife & daughter, were living with them. She died 12 January 1938, in Jonesboro, Union County, Illinois.
A butcher, John was married/2 on 1 August 1900, in Marion, Williamson County, Illinois, to Lula Mae Holland, who was born 18 March 1878, Johnston City, Williamson County They were living in Marion, Williamson County, Illinois, on the 1910 Census. At the time of the 1920 Census, There were 5 roomers listed with them, and their 2 children. John had a livery stable, and Lula liked to have high-stepping horses.
John died suddenly of a heart problem on 6 April 1936, in Carterville, Williamson County Illinois. He was buried at Hill Crest Cemetery, in Carterville. Lula died 22 November 1960, in Marion, Williamson County, Illinois.
Children:
Emma Caroline Weston, daughter of Laura Ann Ellers Skeen and Hiram Weston, was born 11 November 1876, in Benton, Franklin County, Illinois. Emma was the youngest girl, and helped "in the field," quite a bit as a child. She attended a 1-room country school through the 6th grade.
She was married 17 September 1893, in Benton, to William Franklin Rice. After Frank paid the minister, he had one dollar left.
Brooks Rice (died about 1882) and Margaret Bailey, (died about 1884 were both born in Franklin County, Illinois
Brooks' childrenFrank and his sisters were cared for by Taylor Garret and Margaret Summers Garrett. (Aunt Peg?)
There were many chores, but limited food and clothing for the children. Frank had only 1 pair of boots at a time, which, on a growing boy, were most of the time, too small. His boots were hand made with the soles attached with small wooden pegs. When they got wet, by the time the leather dried, they were difficult to wear. Frank went barefoot all summer, until he was grown. He had rabbit traps, which were "run" each morning. During cold weather, he would take hot rocks with him to stand on while he tended each trap. Frank received a 5th grade education, but he read a lot and obtained general knowledge for himself. As soon as he was old enough to make his own way, he worked as a farmhand and any other work he could get.
When Barney and Artie were small, the family moved to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, in a wagon with his sister Rhoda and her husband, who persuaded them that farming was easier there, and more profitable. It was not. The only work Frank could find was cutting railroad ties for a dollar a day. It was necessary to leave the two small boys at home alone parts of some days in order that Emma could assist her husband with some phase of the work. Their house was made of logs, with 1 room, with a pot-bellied stove. The floor was split logs, rough, and not very weather-proof. Emma sewed together burlap bags (then called tow-sacks) for a rug, dyed with poke-berry juice. A year later they returned to Benton, where he worked as a farmer.
In 1902, they moved to Johnston City, Williamson County, Illinois, where Frank worked in a coal mine. It was hard and dangerous work with few safety measures. Frank sustained a serious back injury, and later, a head injury from falling coal. The cloth caps had a bill on which were hooked their lamps. Early, these teakettle shaped lamps burned a wick in wax. The later carbide lamps also used an open flame, which made the men vulnerable to violent explosions.
Entire summers, they were on strikes, with no income. Frank was secretary of the "Local." During one of the periods, the mine managers disregarded the strike action and imported laborers who were mostly uninformed, uneducated, often Italians, who could not speak or understand English. This became known as a "bloody vendetta." Books have been written about this uprising, especially "Bloody Williamson County" Frank worked as a special police during this outbreak.
He served as City Alderman on 2 different occasions, which paid him $25 every 3 months. He also served as County Overseer of the Poor, which was a farm of county welfare. He liked people and had many friends. He made it a practice never to say things against others. He liked to fish and hunt, especially wild squirrels, and would often be in the woods by daylight. The family and their friends would go on overnight fishing trips together. He was active in the Odd Fellows Lodge, and attended the Methodist church.
Their house on Missionary Street, had a large yard, where the neighborhood children congregated to play, at night under a streetlight. They went to the Post Office for their mail.
Frank and Emma belonged to a social club, which gave her a silver thimble with a good band, which she used the rest of her life. She made all the children's clothes, including coats and suits. By sewing weeks in advance, each child had a new outfit to wear to Sunday School at Easter time. She supplemented the income, by sewing for others many years.
As she sewed, she entertained her children by singing all the old songs she knew, and reciting poetry. She memorized poems for theis purpose and to keep her mind agile. She loved to read and encouraged her children to read also, always insisting on good literature.
Early in 1914, Barney enlisted in the Navy; Artie joined the Army in 1917; Harry joined the Navy in 1923, In 1914, the family purchased a house on Holland Stree, which later became the State Highlway. The house had numerous porches, a lawn with large trees, a grape arbor, and fruit trees. A well furnished water, a cistern soft water. A small back shed "the wood house," was used for storage. Heating and cooking was done with coal. Washing, canning, and many activities took place on the back porch. Washing was done on a hand-turned machine, and a washboard. Emma made a large porch swing out of an old bedstead. The large barn housed chickens; its loft, with a trapese, was a play space for the children. In the chicken yard, Frank constructed a "Flying Jenny," a sort of merry-go-round, which attracted all the neighborhood children.
On hot summer evenings, Emma would accompany her own children and others out to a large mine pond for swiming. Parents sat on the bank to oversee the children. Holidays were something special. Even if there was no money for toys and gifrs, there was always something to make Christman special, doll clothes, candy, an orange, or nuts. At Easter, there was always a "nest" with colored eggs. On the fourth of July the family and neighbors would celebrate with fire-works.
About 1920, Emma and Frank separated, but never divorced. He moved to a small community, Hurt-Bush, built for the Bush mine, and joined the Masonic Lodge. In 1928 he went to Mad, a suburb of Chicago, where in worked in a factory, and lived with his daughter, Beulah. In 1934, he bought a house and 90 of farmland in Pope County, southern Illinois. Beulah then lived 3/4 mile across the way. In 1935, his son, Barney, who had tuberculosis, came to live with him, and passed away the following March.
In September 1938, Beulah's husband was killed by lightning, and she moved back to Johnston City. It was an isolated area, Barney lived alone, but his children were able to visit him at least once a month. He was content. He raised chicken, sold eggs, milked cows, walked 3-4 miles to visit friends and help with chores. He had no electricity, but had a battery-powered radio. Except in bad weather, he rode weekly with his neighbors to the little country town of Eddyville, to pick up supplies and mail.
Each succeeding year after the separation became more difficult financially for Emma. All but the two youngest children were grown by then. In April 1919, Emma took Verbal, went to Maywood, a suburb of Chicago, both worked in a factory, but they returned to the family home in September, so Verbal could finish high school. Emma cooked in a restaurant, worked in a rooming house- all for a dollar a day. In 1935, for 5 months she worked as a maid in Maywood. During WWII, she cared for children in various needy homes, sewed in a Community Sewing Room. She made and served hot lunches to teachers (the school was 2 blocks away,) -for 35 cents a person, which supplied just enough cash to pay the electric bill.
In 1939, she was able to stop working outside the home. She painted, varnished, reupholstered, wallpapered, hooked rugs, embroidered, crocheted, kept gardens and chickens, and did her own carpentry. She belonged to the Rebecca Lodge, holding all the offices, attended the Baptist Church, and Tabernacle.
In early 1945, Frank became ill with stomach cancer. The family moved him from the hospital to the family home in Johnston City. He died 23 July 1945, and was buried in the IOOF Cemetery in Benton. The heritage he left his children was one of uncomplaining acceptance and adjustment to life, and great, great courage.
Emma had excellent health till her terminal illness. She suffered from gastric cancer for 1 year, and died 4 May 1947, in Johnston City, and was buried in the IOOF Cemetery in Benton.
Children:
Donald Joseph Kelsay, son of Charles William Kelsay and Mary Jane Walpole, was born 16 January 1904, in Pueblo, Colorado.
He was married April 1924, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Maude Perry, who was born 16 September 1881.
He died in Pueblo 1 July 1935, buried block 29, Roselawn Cemtery. She died 1 January 1973, in Pueblo.
The children were all born in Colorado.
Children:
Hugh Patrick Kelsay, son of Charles William Kelsay and Mary Jane Walpole, was called H. P. by all the family. He was born 8 February 1909, in Cannon City, Colorado.
He was married May 1926, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Leona Conley, daughter of Arthur and Eva Conley. They settled near Modesto, California.
He served with U. S. Army Corp of Engineers during World War II, and was stationed in the Philippines and other places. He worked and lived in North Surrey, British Columbia, for a few years while working on installation of the pipeline across Canada. He had a 40 acre ranch on Monte Vista Road, Ceres County, California where his wife and his daughter and her family still reside. (1997)
Hugh died at Ceres, California, 19 August 1970, and was interned in the cemetery at Turtlock, California.
Children:
Mary Elizabeth Kelsay, daughter of Charles William Kelsay and Mary Jane Walpole, was born 3 December 1919, in Trinidad, Colorado.
She was married 22 November 1941 in Alameda, California, to John Henry Heitman, who was born 21 June 1909 in Berkley, California, the son of Carl Gebhardt Heitman and Sara Rameron.
Henry enlisted U. S. Marine Corp 1925 to 1929. Reenlisted Marine Corp Reserve until 1934. He was a Master Mechanic for Deisel Railroad engines for Western Pacific Railroad, specifically Alameda Belt Line, Alameda, California until time of his death.
He died in St Joseph's Hospital, San Francisco, California and was interned at Holy Septemberulchre Cemetery, Hayward, California.
From Jim Ott:
    "After Henry's death, Betty moved to a duplex in Alameda where she still resides. Address: 1813 Third Street Alameda, California 94501; Telephone still 522-2632
    "She is presently looking for a small senior citizen home or apartment complex so is planning to sell the duplex and move. Her arthritis is getting to a point where she cannot do all the desired and necessary things of life. 9/24/97 received word Betty in hospital past two days. Had Engina Attack."
Children:
Catherine Norma Kelsay, daughter of Charles William Kelsay and Mary Jane Walpole, was born 23 June 1923 in Pueblo, Colorado.
She was married 11 July 1942, in Reno, Nevada, to Franklin James Green, who was born 25 June 1920, Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, son of James William Green, born 28 February 1898, Iuka, Illinois, and Catherine K Kuntz, born 10 December 1890, in Germany-Russia.
Franklin Green and his family resides at 510 Washington, Dixon, California. 95620
He is a Veteran of U. S. Navy, World War II, aboard USS Maryland, a battleship tied up in Pearl Harbor during the attack on 7 December 1941. He retired from the Navy as Senior Chief Petty Officer. He worked for Telephone Company after discharge from Navy; he later worked for Voice of America at transmitting station located in Dixon, California. At time of his retirement, was in charge of the Dixon station.
Children:
Dorothy Loraine Kelsay, daughter of Charles William Kelsay and Mary Jane Walpole, was born 7 October 1927, in Pueblo, Colorado.
She was married 1 February 1946 in Alameda, California, to Leo Emerald Ott, who was born 24 May 1924 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of Emerald Ott and Hazel McMillan.
He served for 20 years in the U. S. Navy, but is now an office manager in Hayward, California. All, but their oldest child, were born in Oakland, California
Children:
Bessie Mae Clark, daughter of Bessie Jenny Kelsay and Gilbert Clark, was born 26 August 1912, in Hilt, California.
She was married/1 15 March 1932 to Duke Fishman. She was married/2 to ___Grafton, and m/3 to ____Sharkley.
Children:
Ernest Bee Kelsay, son of Joseph Lafayette Kelsay, Jr. and Florence Conklin, was born 7 March 1918, in Oakland, California.
He was married/1 29 August 1938, in Oakland, to Edith Belle Reeves, and divorced shortly before 1957.
He was married/2 after 1957, to Mrs. Helen (Carlson) Kelsay, the widow of his younger brother, David Arthur.
Ernest and Helen resided in Redding, California.
Bee died of cancer 22 July 1928, in French Gulch, California outside of Redding, and was buried there.
Children:
David Arthur Kelsay, son of Joseph Lafayette Kelsay Jr., and Florence Conklin, was born 6 March 1920, in Seattle, Washington.
He was married 13 September 1944, Reno, Nevada, toHelen Carlson.
He died 14 August 1957, at the Veteran's Hospital in Napa County California, thus giving evidence of prior military service. He was buried at French Gulch near Redding, California. Helen was married/2 to her brother-in-law, Ernest B Kelsay.
Children:
Beulah Love Mantis, daughter of Harriett Kelsay and Peter Mantis, was born 12 May 1927, in Dunsmuir, California.
She met Leslie E. Wilkinson in Oregon while she was attending college. They were married 6 July 1948 in Redding, California.
He had a job in a saw-mill, but she disliked Oregon, and she talked him into moving to Redding. Her father built them a nice home, and he got into the service station business. In 1974, they were living in Orland, California, and in the Credit Business.
Children:
Hubert Fields, son of Mary Kelsay and J. W. Fields, was born in 1908.
He was married to Jewell ____.
He died 8 March 1976. Jewell was living in 1990 in Whiteboro, Oklahoma, next to her daughter Yvonne.
All of the children were living in August 1990.
Children:
Henry Waldo Kelsay, son of Henry Kimbrough Kelsay and Anna Pearl Hale, was born 18 September 1874, near Dederick, in Vernon County, Missouri.
He was married 15 February 1941, to Mary Fern Klopfenstein. In 1976 they operated the Farmer's Elevator business in Urich, and were very helpful in establishing the Kelsay family history. They retired in 1983, and observed their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1991.
Children:
Francis Alonzo Miller, son of Francis Elbert Miller and Lillie Eunice Williams, was born 22 October 1885, in Raymond, Montgomery County, Illinois.
He was married 13 May 1930, in Olatha, Johnson County, Kansas, to Ruby Frances Woodcock, born 22 June 1914, in Rosedale, Wyandotte County, Kansas, and died 8 January 1991. He was married/2 on 15 July 1991.
Children:
Cedric Corbal Weston, son of John Edgar/Edward Weston and Anna Otelia Schaffer, was born 7 December 1894, in Jonesboro, Union County, Illinois.
He was married 22 January 1919, in Jonesboro, to Bertha Irene Wiley, born 16 July 1900, in Pope County?, Illinois. They lived with Cedric's mother and stepfather. Cedric was an electrician at the time of the 1920 Census. Bertha died 11 June 1925, in Jonesboro, of a massive heart attack.
Two months later, Cedric married Madie Hinman. She already had 2 daughters, and would have nothing to do with Cedric's children. Cedric placed his 3 children in an orphanage, and then adopted Madie's girls.
His children remained in the orpanage until the children's Aunt, Clara Schaffer Brown, was able to get them. They stayed with her until they were grown.
He died 27 February 1986, in Sullivan, Moultrie County, Illinois.
Children:
Barney Tilbert Rice, Sr, son of Emma Caroline Weston and William Franklin Rice, was born 30 November 1895, in Benton, Franklin County, Illinois.
He was married 6 August 1918, Baltimore, Maryland, to Lula Grace Norman, born 6 March 1901, Balitmore.
Barney died 15 March 1936, of tuberculosis, at the home of his father in Pope County Illinois; Lula died 25 September 1976.
Children:
Artie Tecumseh Rice, son of Emma Caroline Weston and William Franklin Rice, was born 25 March 1898, in Benton, Franklin County, Illinois.
He was married/1 on 9 September ___? to Stelsa Meyers.
A veteran, (Army WWII) Artie left Johnston City, Illinois in 1935. He was married/2 on 13 June 1937 to Melba Lockler. He was the proprietor of the Center Cafe in Richland Center, Wiconsin. He died there 6 May 1961.
Children:
Beulah Gertrude Rice, daughter of Emma Caroline Weston and William Franklin Rice, was born 17 July 1900, in Benton, Franklin County, Illinois.
She was married on 15 March 1919, to Loy Horace Lawrence, who was struck by lightning, and died 10 September 1938, in Eddyville, Illinois.
Beulah was married/2 on 11 November 1941, to Sidney Loden Tweedy. She was married/3 January 1972, to Charles Hall.
Children:
Verbal Marie Rice, daughter of Emma Caroline Weston and William Franklin Rice, was born 30 January 1908, in Johnston City, Williamson County, Illinois. Verbal had a 10th grade education.
She was married 22 May 1926, in Marion, Williamson County to Frank Lucas, who was born 11 July 1905, in Garnsey, Shelby, or Bibb County, Alabama, son of Ed Lucas and Roxie Davis, both born in Alabama.
Frank worked in the coalmines when young, and mostly as a truck driver later. In 1973/4 they lived in Oregon, Illinois, and in 1986 to Watseka, Iroquois County, Illinois, closer to their son Roger. Not long after they were placed into separate nursing homes.
Frank died 27 December 1990 in Watseka, and buried in Daysville Cemetery, Ogle County, Illinois. Verbal died 13 May 1996, bronchopneumonia after a stroke, while living at Prairieview Lutheran Home, in Danforth, Iroquois County, Illinois.
Children:
Sheila Kelsay, daughter of Hugh P. Kelsay and Leona Conley, was born 1 December 1945, probably in Stanislaus County, California.
She was married/1 to Art Milne in 1962; married/2 to Stan Brooks in 1968.
Children:
Richard Ernest Kelsay, son of Ernest Kelsay and Edith Reives (Reeves), was born 29 April 1941, in Redding, California.
He was married 2 August 1962, in Shasta County, California, to Sandra Leah Fugitt, born 17 August 1943, daughter of Granville Fugitt and Amelia Hansen.
Children:
William Ralph Kelsay, son of Henry Waldo Kelsay and Mary Fern Klopfenstein, was born 21 June 1943, in Clinton, Missouri.
He was married 11 December 1964, to Caroline Jeanne Colson. They live on a farm outside of Urich, Missouri.
Children:
James Ray Kelsay, son of Henry Waldo Kelsay and Mary Fern Klopfenstein, was born 28 May 1944, in Clinton, Missouri.
He was married 19 April 1971, to Linda Louise Grasher. In 1976 they lived on a farm near Urich, Missouri, but moved to Garden City, Missouri in the summer of 1990. The children were born in Kansas City, Missouri.
Children:
David Roland Kelsay, son of Henry Waldo Kelsay and Mary Fern Klopfenstein, was born 25 July 1955, in Clinton, Missouri. He attended the William Jewell Baptist College, in Liberty, Missouri, in 1976.
He was married 22 October 1983, to Joyce Elaine Hoplins Figg, who was born 23 August 1948, in Braymer, Caldwell County, Missouri.
He works for the Kansas City Power and Light at Montrose, Missouri.
Children:
Mary Pauline Weston, daughter of Cedic Corbal Weston and Bertha Irene Wiley, was born 10 November 1919, in Jonesboro, Union County, Illinois, and died 23 September 1945, in Jonesboro, of a massive heart attack.
She was married 15 March 1937, in Cobden, Illinois, to Aloys (Ollie) Behrman, a cannery worker, born 29 January 1903, in Lively Grove, Illinois. He died 8 December 1948, in Rochelle, Illinois, when accidently struck by a train. He is buried at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Lively Grove.
John George, and Frederick remained in St. John's Orphanage, in Belleville, Illinois, until graduation from high school.Children:
Edward Eugene (Jiggs) Weston, Sr., son of Cedric Corbal Weston and Bertha Irene Wiley, was born 10 April 1922, in Jonesboro, Union County, Illinois, and died 12 December 1977, in Nashville, Washington County, Illinois.
He was married 20 March 1947, to Christine Pearl Alred.
Children:
Barney Tilbert Rice, Jr., son of Barney Tilbert Rice, Sr. and Lula Grace Norman, was born 3 October 1919, in Baltimore, Maryland.
He was married to Waunita Mae Kosta, born 30 May 1925.
Children:
Emma Elizabeth Justine Rice, daughter of Artie Tecumseh Rice and Stelsa Meyers, was born 29 October 1922. She was married/1 in 1944, to Leslie Decker. She was married/2 1 January 1954, to Elmer Virgil McGinnis, Sr.
Children:
Harold David Rice, son of Artie Tecumseh Rice and Stelsa Meyers, was born 12 December 1926. He was married 25 December 1947, to Beulah Graham.
Children:
Chester Leon Lawrence, son of Beulah Gertrude Rice and Loy Horace Lawrence, was born 26 October 1921. He was married 6 September 1941, to Harriet Marie Owen, born 14 March 1925.
Children:
Larry Horace Lawrence, son of Beulah Gertrude Rice and Loy Horace Lawrence, was born 10 Feruary 1939, in Johnston City, Williamson County, Illinois.
He was married 30 August 1958 to Carol Jo Herber, born 13 March 1942, in Chicago, Illinois.
Children:
Patricia Mae Lucas, daughter of Verbal Marie Rice and Frank Lucas, was born 12 April 1927, in Johnston City, Williamson County, Illinois, moving to Maywood, Illinois, before her second birthday. She worked at Fannie Mae, Candy County, during WWII.
She was married 25 August 1947, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, to Stanley Irvin Hass, born 15 January 1927, Chicago.
Stan was inducted in 1945, two weeks after high school into the 3rd Army, serving as a tank mechanic and instructor. In 1948, he enrolled in the Elgin (Illinois) Watchmakers' College, then worked in the factory. He later became a salesman, retiring in February 1989.
Pat suffred her 1st mental breakdown 7 months after her marriage while living in California, and had problems the rest of her life. She did exceptional needlework, primarily knitting and needlepoint, and for a few years, about 1974-6, worked part-time at a yarn craft store. She was an active member of a handwork club, and held positions on the board for several years.
In December 1990, they moved to Phoenix, Arkansas. She collapsed suddenly of cardiac failure, and died 3 September 1992. Her body was sent to Mount Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, Illinois for burial. In 1995, Stan sold the house and moved in with his friend, Harriet Miller.
Children:
Roger Jerome Lucas, son of Verbal Marie Rice and Frank Lucas, was born 20 June 1919, in Maywood, Illinois.
He was married 22 May 1954, in Maywood, Cook County, Illinois, to Joan Lorraine Niemans, born 2 February 1933, in Melrose Park, Cook County.
Roger was married/2 11 January 1973, to Wanda Morgan.
Children:
Terry Bernard Lucas, son of Verbal Marie Rice and Frank Lucas, was born 8 February 1932, in Melrose Park, Illinois. He was married 10 November 1951, to Virginia Ann Hill, born 2 February 1928, in Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois, and died 17 August 1987, in Elk Grove, Illinois.
Terry was married/2 before 1981, to Elizabeth Pilkowski. He was married/3 on 22 May 1981, to Janet Mitchelic.
Children:
Janet Lee Lucas, daughter of Verbal Marie Rice and Frank Lucas, was born 5 August 1939 in Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois.
She was married 2 April 1960, in Geneva, Kane County, Illinois, to Gordon Ray Banwart, born 2 April 1939, in Elgin, Kane County.
Children:
Ina Jean Behrman Nold, daughter of Mary Pauline Weston and Aloys (Ollie) Behrman, was born 23 August 1943, Jonesboro, Union County, Illinois.
When her mother died in September 1945, her father put her brothers in an orphanage, and she was adopted by the Nold family.
She was married on 28 August 1962, Belleville, St. Clair County, Illinois, to Kenneth Schaefer, a factory maintenence man, born 1 August 1940, Belleville.
Children:
Melinda Susan Weston, daughter of Edward Eugene West, Sr., and Christine Pearl Alred, was born 5 October 1947.
She was married/1 to Ronald Ray White. She was married/2 to Jimmie Lynn Clanahan.
Children:
Bonita Katherine Rice, daughter of Barney Tilbert Rioe, Jr. and Lula Grace Norman, was born 25 October 1951.
She was married/1 on 26 June 1977, to Dan Michael Lord, born 29 September 1953.
She was married/2 20 August 1983, to Rodney Paul Matter, born 21 August 1957.
Children:
Michael Leon Lawrence, son of Chester Leon Lawrence and Harriet Marie Owen, was born 31 December 1943, in Illinois.
He was married 20 February 1965, to Veronica Lee Renaud, who was born 25 March 1945.
Children:
Marsha Lynn Lawrence, daughter of Chester Leon Lawrence and Harriet Marie Owen was born 1 September 1951, in Illinois.
She was married 9 February 1971, to Keith Golchert, born 17 December 1950.
Children:
Catherine Elizabeth Hass, daughter of Patricia Mae Lucas and Stanley Irvin Hass, was born 27 April 1950, in Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois. A quiet person, she suffered with asthma, which restricted what she could do.
Mr. False was the father of her first child.
She was married/1 on 15 January 1972 to John Oslund; married/2 on 6 April 1976, in Wheaton, DuPage County, Illinois, to Edward Francis Szudarski. Ed's first wife died after a miscarriage.
Ed worked at AT&T Long Lines where he met Catherine. Ed adopted Liz, and Catherine adopted Ed's sons, Eddie, Sam, and Michael.
Ed retired when he was about 51 years old.
Children:
David Weston Hass, son of Patricia Mae Lucas and Stanley Irvin Hass, was born 26 June 1953, in Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois. He was a band manager in High School, playing several musical instruments. He became a computer expert, having attended the College of DuPage, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
He was married 17 August 1974, West Chicago, DuPage County, Illinois, to Norma Langner, born 14 September 1954, Cicero, Illinois, who also attended College of of DuPage, when they began dating.
She held several good computer expert jobs, but the children were sick a great deal, and in 1985 they sought a different climate. Since 1985, they live in Phoenix, Illinois. Norma is a major contributor of The Kelsay Family
Children:
Timothy Weston Banwart, son of Janet Lee Lucas and Gordon Ray Banwart, was born 7 September 1960, in Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois.
He was married 8 April 1981, in Reno Nevada, to Sonja Marie Lucero, born 23 September 1964, San Leandro, Alameda County, California.
Children:
Roxanne Marie Banwart, daughter of Janet Lee Lucas and Gordon Ray Banwart, was born 15 May 1962, in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania.
She was married/1 15 May 1982, to Jeffrey Todd White, born 5 April 1960, Chestnut Hill.
She was married/2 on 1 January 1989, in Tucson, Pima County, Arkansas, to Gary Arthur Cliff.
Children:
Julia Rose Schaefer, daughter of Ina Jean Behrman Nold and Kenneth Schaefer, was born 23 August 1963, in Belleville, St Clair County, Illinois.
She was married to William James Trimble, who was born 28 September 1963, in Mt Carmel, Illinois. He was christened at St Francisville, Illinois.
A Metallurgical Engineer, he received his BS degree from SIU in Carbondale, Illinois. In 1996, he is working on his MBA from Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois. He worked for the Catapillar County, in Peora, Illinois, in 1991
Children:
Jennifer Joan Schaefer, daughter of Ina Jean Behrman Nold and Kenneth Schaefer, was born 6 February 1966, in Belleville, St Clair County, Illinois.
She was married/1 to Cliff Mather. She was married/2 to Mark Raback. She is a Customer Service Representative.
Children:
Miriam Kelsay, daughter of Rev. Robert Kelsay and Miriam Smith, was born about 1746, in Upper Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, New Jersey; baptized November 1782 Cohansey Church; she was about 10, when her parents joined the Cohansey Church in Bowentown in May 1756.
She was married about 1768 Cumberland County, 2nd wife, to Seth Bowen, who was born 21 July 1748, in Cohansey, Cumberland County, New Jersey, and died in Cumberland County, New Jersey, son of Elijah Bowen and Deborah Swinney. Seth served in the Revolutionary War. See: Bowen Family and Bowen Family 2
Miriam died 30 May 1789, in Cumberland County, New Jersey
Children:
Damaris Kelsay, daughter of Rev. Robert Kelsay and Miriam Smith, was born about 1748, in the township of Upper Pittsgrove, Salem County, New Jersey. Damaris was about 8, when the family home in Salem County burned in April 1756. They moved to the Cohansey Baptist Church parsonage at Bowentown, Hopewell Township, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
About 1775, in Cumberland County, she became the 1/wife of Benoni Dare, son of Elkannah and Elizabeth Dare. They lived in Greenwich in Cumberland County She was baptized & joined the Cohansey Baptist church, March 1782. She died about 1788. After the death of Damaris, Benoni Dare married Rachel Sheppard and moved to Philadelphia where Benoni died before 1803. Rachel also had five children.
The progenitor of the Dare family in South Jersey was Capt. William Dare, who emigrated from the county of Dorset or Somerset, in the south of England about 1680 and built the "Blue Anchor" tavern in Philadelphia, which became the headquarters of William Pennsylvania on the occasion of his landing. Capt. Dare removed to Cumberland County about 1695 and bought 100 acres of land in Fairfield township. He bought more land later, and the Dare family became large land-owners. They were well-to-do financially, and leading men in the community. Capt. William Dare held several public offices.
Children:
Elkannah Dare, also known as Cain, son of Damaris Kelsay and Benoni Dare, was born in 1782, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
He was married in May 1804, probably in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Mary S. Phillips.
He died 26 August 1826. Their children were all born in Pennsylvania, probably in Philadelphia.
Children:
George T. Dare, son of Elkanah Dare and Mary S. Phillips, was born 30 November 1806. A doctor, he practiced medicine at Kirkwood, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
He was married 12 April 1837, to Ann Moffit Dickey, of Hopewell, Pennsylvania, born about 1805, daughter of Colonel D. Dickey.
She died 18 March 1879, Oxford, Pennsylvania.
Children:
Anna M. Dare, daughter of Elkanah Dare and Mary S. Phillips, was born 7 March 1812, in Pennsylvania, probably in Philadelphia.
She married Malon Pursey. The children were all born in Pennsylvania.
Children:
Mary C. Dare, daughter of Elkanah Dare and Mary S. Phillips, was born 30 November 1820, in Pennsylvania, probably in Philadelphia.
She was married/1 to William Whiteside, and secondly to Ezra Kimble, who died in 1851.
The children were born in Pennsylvania.
Children:
Francis Dare, son of Elkanah Dare and Mary S. Phillips, was born 23 April 1823, in Pennsylvania, probably in Philadelphia.
He was married 20 June 1851, to Margaret Anna White.
Children:
Elkanah Osborne Dare, son of Elkanah Dare and Mary S. Phillips, was born 3 May 1827, in Pennsylvania, probably in Philadelphia.
He was married 3 February 1850 to Elizabeth Frank, and lived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where their children were born.
Elkannah died 27 June 1899, and Elizabeth died 19 February 1919.
Children:
George Strawbridge Dare, son of Dr. George Dare and Ann Moffitt Dickey, was born 23 August 1843, in Pennsylvania.
He was married 20 January 1869 to Mercy Ann Moore, born 1 March 1842, daughter of William and Hannah Moore.
Dr. George Strawbridge Dare graduated Jefferson Medical school in Philadelphia, and in 1874 was practicing medicine in Rising Sun, Maryland.
He died and was buried in Nottingham Church Cemetery, in Cecil County, Maryland. The children were probably born in Maryland.
Children:
George Lincoln Dare, son of Elkanah Osborne Dare and Elizabeth Frank, was born 13 August 1856, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
He was married 17 February 1879, to Sarah C. Black. They lived in Los Angeles, California. He died 8 April 1930. The children were probably born in Pennsylvania.
Children:
Lawrence Elkanah Dare, son of Elkanah Dare and Elizabeth Frank, was born 12 April 1856.
He was married 25 December 1882 to Mary Finninger. He died in New York.
Children:
Mary Lucretia Dare, daughter of Elkanah Osborne Dare and Elizabeth Frank, was born 10 February 1864, in Harrisburgh, Pennsylvania.
She was married 3 November 1887, to Charles Myers. She died 2 December 1929
Children:
John Kelsay, son of Rev. Robert Kelsay and Miriam Smith, was born about 1752, in Upper Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
He was married to Sarah Paget in Cumberland County, New Jersey between the years 1770 and 1775. They both joined and were baptized in the Cohansey Baptist Church in Cumberland County in November 1782, transferring from Divided Creek Baptist church.
Between the years 1779 and 1781, John Kelsay was a "tax ratable" that owned land in Down Township, Cumberland County. There was some evidence that he might have moved to Cape May County, New Jersey. Not too much is known about this son as he died rather young, 28 March 1788. He is probably buried in Cumberland County. John and Sarah's complete issue is not known. They had at least one son. By a process of elimination we have listed Smith Kelsay as their son.
The 1810 census for Cayuga County, New York, shows John's brother David, and David's two sons, Thomas P and David Jr. Also living near by were John Kelsay II and Thomas (Samuel) Kelsay. These appear most likely to be sons of John.
Children:
William Kelsay, son of John Kelsay and Sarah Paget, was born between the years 1770 and 1775, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
He was married 31 March 1801, in Cumberland County, to Lydia Wright, who was born in 1777 in New Jersey.
Records in Cumberland County, show that William Kelsay purchased some land in Hopewell Township from David Randolph on 13 May 1803. On 10 March 1809, William and Lydia sold some Hopewell land to Henry Rocap.
Shortly after the War of 1812, they moved to Salem Township, Warren County, Ohio. they were living there during the 1820 Ohio census, but about 1825, they bought a farm located in Miami Township, Franklin County, Indiana, and a 80 acre farm located in Bath Township, Franklin County, where they lived until his death, as the 1830 and 1840 Census show.
In 1831, they suffered some embarrassment when one of their daughters had an affair with a man named Hull.
William was a successful farmer, and served as County supervisor of roadwork. In April 1832, William had a new barn raising and his neighbors pitched in with great zeal and helped. He served with great distinction as elected as a School Director in his district in 1832 and 1833.
In 1832, William wrote his will. After 1834, senility began to set in; his mind deteriorated to the point where he was not even aware of his actions. He died in the fall of 1845, in Miami Township, Hamilton County, Ohio. His will was probated 25 February 1846. The original will was destroyed by fire at the Hamilton County Court House on 29 March 1884, but it's contents were preserved in the Court records. The court records are quite lengthy, due to the fact that some of his heirs contested the will on the grounds that he was not of sound mind. It was a long and bitter battle. The will left the farm in Hamilton County, Ohio,, to his eldest son, James, and the farm in Franklin County, Indiana to his youngest son, Joseph. The will misdescribed the location of the farm in Indiana as "Union County." He left a sum of money to his wife and daughters. The daughters were dissatisfied with this and contested the will. However, several witnesses testified that William was of sound mind at the time he wrote his will, and in the end, it's provisions were carried out.
They had at least 6 sons and 2 daughters. On the 1850 Federal Census, Lydia was 73 years old and living with her oldest son, James, in Miami Township, Hamilton County, Ohio. She died in 1855, in Miami Township, Hamilton County, Ohio.
Children:
Smith Kelsay and his wife Lydia Hewit/Huit are found on the 1802 tax list of Downe Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey, later of Hampshire County, Virginia.
Based on indirect evidence, it is most likely that they are the parents of the known brothers and sisters of William. If John was their oldest child, Smith was born probably about 1780, or before. Lydia was a little younger. They would have been married about 1800, but probably a little later, because no marriage record is found for them in the New Jersey marriage records up to 1800, and not in Cumberland County after that.
Lydia may be the daughter of Nathaniel Hewit/Huit, Sr., heir of John Blew. Nathaniel and Charles Hewet/Huit, were listed with Lydia on the deed records of 1804, and were likely her brothers. There was a Rebekah Hewett listed as a member of the Cohansey Church branch at Piles-grove (later Pittsgrove) in Salem County, New Jersey on January 1757. Rev. Robert Kelsay was pastor at the branch in Piles-grove (later Pittsgrove) until he took over the mother Church in Cumberland County on May 18, 1756. There is a strong likely-hood, that Rebecka Hewett was the grandmother of Lydia Hewit, and Rebecka's husband was already deceased in 1757. Smith Kelsay was named after his grandmother's maiden name. (Miriam Smith)
Smith Kelsay and his wife Lydia Hewit/Huit, are found on the 1802 and 1803 tax list of Downe Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey, later of Hampshire County, Virginia
In Cumberland County, we find these deeds:
Smith is found in the 1810 Census of Hampshire County. This county is part of the present day West Virginia.
"Smith Kelsay, pg 12, males, two under 10, one 26-45; females, two under 10, one 16-26" This family structure fits well with the family group sheet of the Kelsay children prepared from the Portage County, Ohio, and subsequent records; the two young males are presumably sons John and Smith, one girl is Jane, leaving one daughter as yet unknown, probably died young.
Smith is in the same location on the 1820 Census.
"Smith Kelsay, page 238, Males, two under 10, two 10-16, one 26-45; Females, three under 10, two 10-16, one 26-45; This leaves three more daughters unaccounted for. One may assume they were born between David in 1814, and 1820. Mary was born in 1823. They moved to Paris Township, Portage County, Nebraska (or Akron, Ohio,) sometime between 1824 when William was born, and 1830.
Smith Kelsay died in Paris Township, Portage County, Ohio 26 February 1836. He left no will.
The probate court records, Case No. 471: 23 February 1836, John Kelsay was appointed administrator of Smith Kelsay, who died leaving a widow and children.
2 April 1836, sale, no Kelsay purchases.
11 August 1841 Lucretia Kelsay mentioned as a receiver of $150. from estate
Smith Kelsay was probably buried in the old cemetery that was located in Paris Township. All of the graves in this old cemetery were dug up and moved to the new, Holly Cemetery, shortly before 1925, in Paris Township. The old graves are in a certain section of Holly Cemetery, but there does not appear to be any stone markers for Smith or Lydia (Hewit) Kelsay. At least their names are not shown on an index of the Holly Cemetery. Sometimes, wooden crosses were placed on graves back in those days, and they rotted away over the years and disappeared. Many times, graves were also marked with a small stone and no inscription on it.
Children:
David Kelsay, farmer, born about 1816, Virginia, was married 2 July 1857, Fremont County, Iowa, to Elizabeth A Blevins, who was born about 1826, in Kentucky.
David was on 1860 Census, Madison Twsp, Fremont County, Iowa; his wife Elizabeth A, was 36; they had a daughter Lavina, age 2, and a daughter Betsy, 2 months old. Their household at that time also included Almeda Blevins, age 11, female, George N Blevins, age 7 male, and Nancy I Blevins, age 7 female. Almeda Blevins was married 21 December 1866, Fremont County, to D. J. Emmerson.
The family appears also on page 7 of the 1870 Census, taken 4 June. All of the children were born in Iowa.
Children:
James Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Lydia Wright, was born in 1805, in Cumberland County, New Jersey. He inherited the family farm located in Miami Township, Hamilton County, Ohio, and spent the rest of his life there.
The 1850 Ohio census shows him, six children, and his first wife, Amelia, who was born in 1810 in New Jersey, and his mother.
The 1860 Census, shows James, age 56, and his second wife, Lydia, aged 42, born in New Jersey. Their post office was Cleves, and there were still 5 children in the household.
On the 1870 Census, James was 65 years old and still farming. His wife at that time was Milac, age 61, born in New Jersey. Their post office was Cleves, and two of James's daughters were still living with him, plus a boy by the named Henry Hagg, 14 yr old. He may have been a stepson, grandson, or hired hand.
James was not on the 1880 Census, evidently dying before that time. He had 7 children, probably all born to his first wife. The only one that could have born to the second wife, was Abigail. However, the record for the 2nd marriage has not been checked. All of the children were born in Hamilton County, Ohio.
Children:
Joseph Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Lydia Wright, was born in 1821, in Ohio, probably in Warren County. Joseph grew up on the family farm in Hamilton County, Ohio.
He was married 21 September 1843 in Hamilton County, to Elizabeth M. Allen, who was born 11 September 1825, in Pennsylvania.
Two years later, with their oldest son, they moved to the 80-acre farm he inherited in Bath Township, Franklin, close to the Ohio state line. Because of the family dispute, he was not able to get clear title to the land until 12 August 1857. He sold this land 5 March 1858, and bought a farm in Fugit Township, Decatur County, Indiana. He lived here 11 years, and here seven more children were born.
In the spring of 1869, he loaded his family and possessions into a covered wagon and headed west to Illinois. However, he did not sell the Indiana farm. His son John D. Kelsay was to return later and live and die there. At age 48, Joseph bought land and settled in Johnson Township, Christian County, Illinois, where he farmed the next 16 years.
After a six day illness, Joseph died on 27 July 1885, from hemorrhaging of the bowels. President U. S. Grant was ill at the same time and died 4 days before Joseph. He was buried on the 28th July, in the Pierce Cemetery in Christian County, which was located on the line dividing the Kelsay and William's farms, and was later to be called the Kelsay-Williams Cemetery. It is located east of Morrisonville, Illinois within a field about 1/3 mile west of the Nokomis road, and is now in deplorable shape. Their son, Daniel M. Kelsay was Administrator of his father's estate. Elizabeth died 22 October 1903, and was buried beside her husband.
Children:
John Kelsay, son of Smith Kelsay and Lydia Hewet (Huit) was born 1802, or 1806, in Cumberland County, New Jersey; A farmer, he was married 22 November 1827 to Sarah Ann Case, who was born about 1797 in Pennsylvania.
On 20 December 1827, in Paris Township, Portage County, Ohio, John contracted to buy property in the Connecticut Western Reserve, 50 acres, for $100. He received the deed 28 May 1836. The next 17 September, he then sold the place to his brother Robert, who received the deed on 20 December 1837. The same 17 September, he sold a 25 acre plot for $1000. Was he getting ready to move? None of the brothers were on the 1840 Census for Indiana.
John and Sarah Ann appear on the 1850 Census of Madison County, Indiana, with the two Wellington children that they took into their home to raise. They lived in Grant County, Indiana; and in 1860 in Fremont County, Iowa. They did not appear in the 1870 Census there.
Children:
Jane Kelsay, daughter of Smith Kelsay and Julia Hewet (Huit), was born in 1807, in Hampshire County, Virginia.
She was married 18 April 1826, to John Gano, who was born about 1800 in Virginia. The family appears on the 1850 Census of Paris Township, Portage County, Ohio, with real estate valued at $3000. At that time Jane's sister Mary (age 27) was with them.
The children were all born in Portage County.
Children:
Hannah Kelsay, daughter Smith Kelsay and Lydia Hewit, was born 12 February 1807, in Hampshire Countyof died 8 April 1889, in Bryon, Williams County, Ohio.
She was married 29 March 1827, to Horatio Calvin, who was born 1 November 1803, in Loudoun, Virginia
David Calvin, born 18 June 1775, Bethleham, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, died l3 January 1854, Williams County, Ohio, son of Joshua Calvin and Sarah Opdyke
and Catherine McDaniel born 15 May 1778, Loudoun, Virginia, died 21 September 1870, Pulski, Williams County, Ohio - 12 children, See: Calvin Family
Hannah and Horatio, both, died 28 April 1854, Williams County, Ohio.
Children:
Robert Kelsay, son of Smith Kelsay and Lydia Hewet (Huit) was born 1812/3, Hampshire County, Virginia, and moved as a child with his family approximately 1827 to Paris Township, Portage County, Ohio.
He was married/1 6 September 1832, to Hannah Lorella Enos (Enoe). The two were divorced, and he granted her Lot 9, in Edinburgh Township, for $1., deed dated 17 September 1836, which she received 8 May 1838. On 17 September 1836, he bought a piece of land from his brother, John, and received title to it 20 December 1837.
He was married/2 24 March 1842, to Hannah Minyoung, who was born about 1820 in Pennsylvania. He bought another property in Paris Township, 19 June 1843. On 17 April 1848, they sold a 50-acre tract in Paris Township, to which his brother William was a witness.
Robert appears on the 1850 Census of Van Buren Township, Madison County, Indiana, as a stone mason. He is still there on the 1860 Census, but is listed as a farmer, with real estate valued at $3000. and personal property at $2000. At that time his nephew Smith Kelsay (stonecutter) was in his household. His four oldest children were recorded as having had one year of school. He died in Madison County
Children:
David Kelsay, son of Smith Kelsay and Lydia Hewet (Huit), was born in 1814, Hampshire County, Virginia, moving as a child with his family approximately 1827, to Paris township, Portage County, Ohio.
He was married 15 September 1833 to Mary (Polly) McDaniel, who was born about 1818 in Ohio. They appear on the 1850 Census of Grant County, Indiana, where he is listed as a stonecutter.
Children:
William Kelsay, son of Smith Kelsay and Lydia Hewet, was born in 1824, in Hampshire County, Pennsylvania, now a part of West Pennsylvania.
William obtained a marriage license on 30 March 1842, and was married 3 April 1842, in Marion, Grant County, Indiana, by acting Justice of the Peace, Soloman Parsons, Esquire, to Mary Ann Edgerton. Parsons recorded the marriage on the 27 April.
William had a brother, John Kelsay, who was a witness at their wedding, who was a resident of Madison Township, Fremont County Iowa, in July 1863, and swore to the above facts, when Mary applied for a widow's pension. Samuel Edgerton, Mary Ann's brother, was also a witness. This marriage was recorded 11 November 1842, Back Creek Monthly Meeting, near Marion. (See Back Creek Monthly Meeting records, Vol. 3. Quaker Encyclopedia) Mary Ann was noted as having married contrary to discipline, because they had been married by a Justice of the Peace, but not that she was dismissed from membership. However, on 16 February 1843, she joined the Methodists, and then the following November she joined another society, and then in January 1844, the Friends dismiss her.
Mary Ann was born in 1824, near Darby Creek Monthly Meeting, Quaker Church, in Logan County, Ohio, daughter of Part II E, Thomas Edgerton and Mary Osborn
The only record of William in Portage County was when he witnessed his brother's sale of a piece of ground in Paris Township on 17 April 1848. William and Mary Ann, and family, appear on the 1850 Census Grant County, Indiana, where is is listed an engraver. They moved to Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa, about 1852, and appear on the 1860 Census there. The homestead filing shows that their property was lots in the city. William was listed on that Census as a lawyer. At that time, they had living with them Mary J. Chapman, age 33, born Pennsylvania; George Chapman, age 17, farmer, born Iowa; Edwin Chapman, age 3, born in Kansas.
From the History of Fremont County, Iowa, page 451, we find:
   Page 451, August Election 1854. "A proposition was submitted to the voters "Wether or not the county of Fremont will aid in the construction of a railroad from Ft. Madison, on the Mississippi river, via Bloomfield and Sidney, to a point on the Missouri river opposite old Fort Kearney." also a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of sheriff. In the abstract of the canvass, For Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney: Wm. Kelsay ... 222; M K Skidmore ... 73.
On page 452, In the election of of 1856, for the State Representative of the 13th District, Wm Kelsay..323, and John McKillop. . .187.
Page 458, William was listed as being 2nd in the history to serve in the office of County Prosocuting Attorney
Page 459, William was 4th to serve as State Representitive.
   William died during the Civil War. He entered the service of the United States, as a volunteer, on or about the 15th day of September 1861, in Omaha, in the Territory of Nebraska, as a First Lieutenant of Company A, commanded by Captain M. Patrick, in the "Nebraska Cavalry," (which said company afterwards became Company A in the Regiment of "Curtis Horse," comamnded by Colonel Lowe) And who was afterwards Captain, and then Major William Kelsay of Company A, "Curtis Horse," He turned up in Fort Henry, Tennessee, on 2 February 1862, and was listed as a member of the 5th Regiment, of Iowa Calvary Volunteers. He died at Fort Heiman, Kentucky, on 28th February 1862; the cause of death was listed as Typhoid Pnuemonia. The present day Fort Heiman is in Calloway County, and partly submerged in Lake Kentucky. It is possible that the graves were moved to Fort Donelson, Tennessee, where there is a National Cemetery. A recent inquiry there did not find his name listed there, but they had many unmarked graves. The government could not give more information.The family tradition, which is in complete error, says that he died at sea, and was buried at sea. It seems strange that none of the family ever had a record of his being an officer, or knowledge of his service. Mary Ann was known to be bitter, likely, because he volunteered for service, and that she was left a widow with a family to raise. It appears that her daughter Amanda died shortly after her father.
In the 1870 Census of Fremont County, Iowa, page 4, line 36, City Fisher, 24 June 1870, we find Mary, age 36, born Ohio, and in her household are her sons, Samuel and John, daughter Mary, and a boy Marcus Kelsay, age 11, born Iowa. He was not a son of Mary, and too old to be a grandson.
In the 1880 Census of Benton Township, of Fremont County, Iowa, Mary Ann was living with her daughter Sarah Ann and family. She sold some land there in 1883, not long before she and Sarah left.
Mary Ann received her last pension check (Pension # 1481, Certificate 33809) of $25., on 4 March 1889. She died shortly thereafter, was then dropped from the rolls. She died at the home of her son Samuel in Norcatur, Norton County, Kansas, just south of the Nebraska border. She is buried in the Norcatur Cemetery, on the County Line toward Clayton. A flat stone says "Mrs. Kelsay 1889." Her Death Certificate records her death as 24 May 1889, that all she possessed was $75., that she had saved from her widow's pension, and that her daughter Sarah Ann was appointed the administrator.
Fremont County, Iowa, land records Book C, 1. Page 597: filed 29 August 1859, instrument-25 August 1859, recorded 31 August 1859 land purch. by William Kelsay and Mary A. Kelsay
2. Page 658: filed-10 November 1859, instrument-29 October 1859, recorded-10 November 1859 land sold by William Kelsay and Mary A. Kelsay
3. Book E. page 65, filed- 24 April l861, instru-3 December 1860, recorded-25 April 1861 land sold by William Kelsay and Mary Ann Kelsay
4. Mary Ann Kelsay wife of William Kelsay, homestead in Sidney, Iowa, in the absence of William
5, Bk I, pg 539 filed 14 August 1867, instru-14 August 1867, rec.-19 August 1867 Mary A. Kelsay
6. 1883, Mary Ann Kelsay, sold some land, probably the "Homestead"
Children:
James F. Kelsay, son of James and Amelia Kelsay, was born August 1843, in Miami Township, Hamilton County, Ohio. He was married in 1869/70, to Sarah Jane (her surname was probably Pounder), who was born in Ohio in December 1844, daughter of parents who were born in Ohio.
James and Sarah Ann were residing on the Jordan Creek Road, in Miami Township, Hamilton County, Ohio, on the 1870 Census, and had a young man, James Pounder, with them. They were there on the 1880 Census, and had a 22 year old manservant by the name of William W. Reddish. They were still there on the 1900 Census, with John R., Amelia, and Orrie still living at home. The children were all born in Hamilton County.
Children:
Robert Kelsay, son of Joseph Kelsay and Elizabeth M. Allen, was born in 1844, in Hamilton County, Illinois. He grew up on the farm in Bath Township, Franklin County, Indiana. He was married 2 August 1871 in Franklin County, to Mary E. Alford, who was born 17 February 1851, in Indiana, daughter of John Alford and Anna Shoff.
Robert and Mary moved to Johnson County, Illinois, shortly after their marriage. On 29 December 1874, they bought 40 acres in Christian County, Illinois. By the time of the 12 June 1880 Census, they were living in North Okaw Township, Coles County, Illinois.
Robert had a very serious kidney condition and he and his family returned to Christian County. He died 19 October 1881, at Palmer, in Christian County, and is buried in the Pierce Cemetery.
Mary was married/2 to 22 November 1882, at Palmer to Edgar Thomas. She died 21 May 1890, and is buried at Palmer.
Children:
William H. Kelsay, son of Joseph Kelsay and Elizabeth M. Allen, was born 27 June 1847, in Bath Township, Franklin County, Ohio.
He was married/1 on 14 December 1870, in Greensburgh, Decatur County, Indiana, to Sarah E. Lowe, who was born in 1847 (probably in Indiana). She died in childbirth 19 October 1871, in Christian County, Illinois, the baby, Albert, with her. They are buried in the Pierce Cemetery.
William was married/2 on 3 October 1872, in Christian County, to Francis A. Coffey, who born in 1854, in Illinois. William adopted her 3 yr old illegitimate daughter, Josephine.
In 1879, the family went west to Jefferson County, Colorado, where Francis' parents lived. Sometime between 1880 and 1884, Josephine moved into the home of her Coffey grandparents, and Robert moved the rest of his family to Springfield, Missouri.
William was a carpenter and a farmer. He bought land on 19 January 1888, and on 4 March 1890, near Rogersville, Green County, Missouri. William died 3 June 1923, and Francis died in 1931, both in Rogersville, and both buried in the Dodson Cemetery, surrounded by a wire fence, and well cared for. The Kelsay graves are at the front of the Cemetery (2nd row) near the blacktop.
Children:
John D. Kelsay, son of Joseph Kelsay and Elizabeth M. Allen, was born in May 1850, in Bath Township, Franklin County, Ohio. At 19, his parents moved from Decatur County, Indiana, to Johnson Township, Christian County, Illinois.
He was married 13 September 1873, to Octavia Culley, born about 1850 in Illinois, living next door to Joseph and Elizabeth.
Octavia died in 1879, after her last childbirth, and was probably buried near Palmer, Christian County. She had purchased 15 acres in 1876 in Palmer.
On the 1880 Census, John was living with his two surviving daughters in Johnson Township, Christian County. On 9 March 1882, John bought land from the heirs of Elizabeth J. Williams. The Kelsay and Williams families enjoyed a very close relationship, residing on adjoining farms, and thus the cemetery that connected their farms. On 9 August 1890, John bought land from J. S. Williams, in Christian County.
Somewhere between 1891 to 1898, John returned to Decatur County, Indiana. He was married again, to Anna M Coombs, born October 1839, daughter of Jacob Coombs, born March 1817, in Indiana.
On 4 March 1898, John and Annie, daughter Maggie, and daughter Abbie and her husband, Jasper Boling, were living in Fugit Township, Decatur County. On that date, John sold his land in Christian County to his younger sister, Mary Ann Beaman and her husband Henry. On the 1890 Census of Fugit Township, we find John, age 50; Anna, age 60; In the same household were daughter Abbie Boling; daughter Maggie Kelsay; mother Elizabeth; father-in-law Jacob Coombs; sister-in-law June Coombs, age 52, born September 1847, Indiana; and Se August Zeigler, age 21, born April 1879, Indiana.
John died 10 August 1907, probably buried in Decatur County, Indiana. He owned 160 acres of good Indiana farmland.
Anna died in 1927, Decatur County. Her will was probated 17 September 1927, Executor, Joseph Kramer.
"Gives to each of nieces, Lena Buell (formerly Lena Higon) and Lieurissa Shepherd (formerly Lieurissa Higdon), daughters of my sister, Mary Higdon, the sum of $25. Bequeath to step-daughters, Abbie Boling and Maggie Humphrey all the rest of estate providing they care for my sister, June Coombs, if she survives me. My said sister, June Coombs, having means to support herself, my said daughters, Abbie Boling and Maggie Humphrey shall not be charged with her support, but shall only be required to provide comfortable home and personal care and attention." A note filed with the Will stated: "Decedent was 2nd childless wife of John D. Kelsay, who died the owner of the above real estate, leaving children surviving. Decedent was therefore the owner of an undivided 1/3 of said real estate for her natural life and at her death, the same passed to the children of said Kelsay and her interest was of no value at the time of her death." The Court ruled that John's two daughters would inherit all of his real estate regardless of what their step-mother's will said. The girls were all born, Johnson Township, Christian County, Illinois
Children:
Mary Ann Kelsay, daughter of Joseph Kelsay and Elizabeth M. Allen, was born 5 February 1865, in Fugit Township, Decatur County, Indiana.
She was married 22 November 1883, at the home of her parents in Christian County, Illinois, to Henry M Beaman, a farmer who was born 3 October 1861, in Owen County, Indiana, the son of Samuel Beaman and Sinna Hodge.
Henry died 10 January 1921, and Mary Ann died 8 September 1943, both in Christian County, Illinois. Both are buried in the Antioch Cemetery in Morrisonville, Illinois.
The children were all born in Greenwood, Christian County, Illinois.
Children:
David Calvin, son of Hannah Kelsay and Horatio Calvin, was born 10 February 1828 in Portage, County, Ohio.
He was married, to Rebecca McGowan, who was born 20 October 1834, in Portage County, Ohio, who was the daughter of John McGowan (1806-1863) and Charlotte Churchhill (1809-1844)
She died in July 1887, Williams County, Ohio; he died in March 1893, in Washingtonville, Columbiana, Ohio
Children:
John Kelsay (5), son of Robert Kelsay and Hannah Minyoung, was born in 1849 in Madison County, Indiana.
He was married in 1876 shortly before the birth of their oldest child, to Luvenia Winslow, who was born 24 February 1876, daughter of Nixon and Cynthia Winslow.
John was received in membership 18 January 1888, at Fairmount Monthly Meeting. Apparently Luvenia was already a member. Their four oldest children were received 14 January 1891. He died 29 August 1919.
Children:
Sarah Ann Kelsay, daughter of Mary Ann Edgerton and William Kelsay, was born 26 December 1843, in Marion, Grant County, Indiana.
She was married 26 December 1860, in Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa, second wife, to George Bruner Murray, who was born 12 April 1843, Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa, son of William Murray (born Ohio) and Mary J. Johnson (born Virginia)
"When still very young, George went with his parents to Keokuk, Iowa, where he lived until eight years of age. He came to this county in 1855, and located at Civil Bend. He enlisted February 8, 1862, in company F., fifteenth Iowa infantry, at Sidney. He was in the battle of Shiloh, where he was wounded, and in that of Corinth and numerous other engagements."
The family appears on the 1880 Census, of Benton Township, Fremont County, Iowa, including Sarah's mother, Mary Ann Edgerton. George and Sarah were divorced in 1885, and remarried in July 1899. On the 1900 Census, Sarah stated that she had 12 children, none living.
On the same Census, in their home was Ina, adopted daughter. The family says that she was a niece, but do not know of whom. An Ina Collins is buried next to Mary Ann Edgerton Kelsay in Norcature Cemetery, Norton County, Kansas. She was also on some records of land that Sarah left to her children.
Sarah died 5 June 1906, Rhine P.O., Sherman County, Kansas and George died 29 December 1920 in Goodland, Sherman County. His obituary stated that he had a surviving sister, but no name was given.
All children were born in Fremont County, Iowa. A full account of this family is being prepared (1990), by a great great grandson, Troy Leohos (Lee) Murray, 1132 Charles Street, Pampa, Texas 79065, (806) 655-0124.
Children:
Minerva Jane Kelsay, daughter of Mary Ann Edgerton and William Kelsay, was born 4 March 1846, in Marion, Grant County, Indiana. She was six when her family moved to Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa.
She was married there, 4 November 1865 to John G Parsons. John was born 27 August 1840, in Grand Isle County, Vermont; he located in Sidney, Iowa, in 1959, and in 1861, enlisted in County A, 4th Iowa Cavalry, and in 1865, returned to Sidney.
In 1877 the family moved to a farm south of Guide Rock, Nebraska, where Minerva died 11 March 1897, of "lingering consumption." She was a member of the United Brethren church. He died of cancer about a year later. They are buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Guide Rock, Nebraska.
Kelsay (Lamb) Foust Kirk has a book of Poetry that John gave to Minerva before they were married.
Children:
John Kelsay (6), son of Mary Ann Edgerton and William Kelsay, was born 14 January 1850, in Grant County, Indiana.
He was married 18 October 1877, in Webster County, Nebraska, to Melissa C Kendall, (sometimes spelled Kindall) who was born about 1862, in Illinois, daughter of Lafayette Kendall and Wealthy Haskins, who were both born in Iowa. They were married in the presence of Henry H & Jennie Haskins (Hoskins), her aunt and uncle.
He is found on the 1880 Census of Webster County, Guide Rock Precinct, Nebraska, with his wife, Melissa (no children) and a 66 yr woman, Cymantha Haskins, who stated her birthplace as New York, her parents birthplace as New York. It seems likely that Cymantha was Melissa's grandmother.
On the 1870 Census of Fremont County, Iowa, living close to Mary Ann (Edgerton) Kelsay, is listed a J. J. Haskins, age 32, born Indiana, and his wife Nancy J, age 34, (born Indiana) and 5 Children: Hiram-age 13, Eliza-age 11, David-age 10, Laura-age 7, and Sarah (?) age 5. Could this be a related to Wealthy?
John is said to have lived and raised his family in Iowa. This is probably the John Kelsay, who died October 1934, age 84, buried Thurman Cemetery, Fremont County, Iowa.
Children:
Samuel Kelsay (1), son of Mary Ann Edgerton and William Kelsay, was born about 1852, in Grant County, Indiana.
A farmer, he was married 28 December 1870, in Atcheson County, Missouri, to Mary (Mollie) E. Hardy, who was born about 1854, in Atlantic, Cass County, Iowa. Her parents were born in New York.
Sam's family appears on the 1880 Census (Guide Rock Prec.), Webster County, Nebraska. Sam drank, was divorced, and his family scattered. He was listed on the 1900 Census, in the household of his son, John Samuel, at Norton, Kansas. He died September 1932, Northbranch, Kansas.
Children:
Josephine Kelsay, daughter of Francis A. Coffey and adopted by William H. Kelsay, was born 13 June 1869, in Illinois. The fact of her illegitimacy was such a well-kept secret that Josie might not have ever been aware that William was not her natural father.
Josie was married/1 to Chris Young, stagecoach driver, born in 1861, and died in 1905.
She was married/2 in April 1906 to Harry Largely. Josie was a Hotel-keeper, and ran the Grand Hotel in Grand Lake, Colorado, for many years.
Harry died; Josie became senile, and was placed in the Colorado State Hospital 11 January 1944, dying there of pneumonia, 15 May 1952, after a six day illness.
Children:
Edward A. Kelsay, son of William H. Kelsay and Francis A. Coffey, was born 6 June 1873, in Christian County, Illinois.
He married Effie M. ____, who was born 9 November 1887, and died 4 March 1929.
Edward died 8 October 1947, near Rogersville, Missouri. They are buried in the Dodson Cemetery next to their infant daughter and his parents.
Children:
James H. Kelsay, son of William H. Kelsay and Francis A. Coffey, was born 15 July 1875, in Christian County, Illinois.
A farmer and carpenter like his father, he was married 24 October 1897, in Ongo, Christian County, Illinois, to May Kinney, who was born 18 December 1876, Bates County, Missouri, daughter of David Kinney.
James died 1 May 1939; May died 13 March 1955, both in Rogersville, Missouri, and both buried in the Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.
Children:
Maggie Kelsay, daughter of William H. Kelsay and Francis A. Coffey, was born in 1880, in Jefferson County, Colorado.
She was married to David Davis, probably in Missouri.
Children:
Edith Kelsay, daughter of William H. Kelsay and Francis A. Coffey, was born about 1872, probably in Rogersville, Missouri.
She was married 10 September 1911, to James Thomas (Tom) McKinney who was born 7 August 1890.
Joshua Thomas McKinney, born 17 September 1847, Tennessee; died 17 September 1824, Mumford Missouri.
He was married 17 September 1874, to Matilda Frances Hodges, born 7 November 1852, Missouri; died 8 June 1884, Grand County, Missouri, daughter of Andrew Hodges, son of John Hodges.
Children
Children:
Ralph Kelsay, son of William H. Kelsay and Francis A. Coffey, was born 21 October 1884, in Rogersville, Missouri. Ralph attended Auto Mechanics School in Kansas City.
He was married in 1913 in Missouri (probably Rogersville), to Clara N McKinney, who was born 27 February 1886, in Missouri, daughter of Joshua Thomas McKinney and Matilda Frances Hodges.(See CE-1,826. Edith Kelsay above)
Ralph and Clara moved from Springfield, Green County, Missouri, to Fresno County, California in 1918, where he was an oil worker.
Clara died 19 August 1953; Ralph died 6 November 1962, both in Coalinga, Fresno County, and both are buried at Belmont Memorial Park Cemetery.
Children:
Claude Kelsay, son of William H. Kelsay and Francis A. Coffey, was born 27 November 1890, in Galloway, Green County, Missouri.
He was married to Elva Gray, who was born 30 January 1894, daughter of Henry D. Gray and Mandy Paynor (who are buried in the Dobson Cemetery).
Claude and Elva moved to Kern County, California, in 1921, then moved back to Green County, Missouri in 1927.
Claude died 26 February 1948; Elva died 22 May 1972, both buried in the Maple Park Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
Children:
Herbert Kelsay, son of William H. Kelsay and Francis A. Coffey, was born about 1892, in Rogersville, Missouri.
He was married to Carrie Felton, and gave his name to the child she was going to have by a man named Mr. Bishop. They had no other children.
Children:
Lucy Kelsay, daughter of William H. Kelsay and Francis A. Coffey, was born about 1894 in Rogersville, Missouri.
She married William Hollingsworth.
Children:
Marion Eugene Beaman, son of Henry M Beaman and Mary Ann Kelsay, was born 26 July 1884, in Decatur, Macon County, Illinois.
He was married in 1908, to Ruby Jane Berry, who was born 15 February 1881, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Her Grandparents:
William Alexander Berry, born 25 April 1826, South Carolina, died 15 March 1886, Arkansas Mary Jane Norton, born 24 October 1833, Tennessee, died 6 April 1919, in Taylorville, Christian County, Illinois
Her parents:
Her father was James Alexander Berry, born 14 July 1854, in North Carolina, died 29 October 1939, married in 1880, to Mary M Durbin, born October 1857, Kentucky
Marion died 15 February 1970, in Greenwood Township, Christian County, Illinois, buried Graceland Cemetery, Decatur;
Children:
George Murray, son of Sarah Anne Kelsay and George Bruner Murray, was born 3 February 1871, at McPaul, Fremont County, Iowa.
He was married 1 November 1892, in Norton, Norton County, Kansas, to Netta May Wiltfong, born in Poweshiek, Iowa, and died in Spokane, Washington.
George died 24 May 1932, in Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas.
Children:
Leamons (Lee) Green Parsons, son of Minerva Jane Kelsay and John Parsons, was born in 1871, in Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa.
He was married 4 July 1896, in Red Cloud, Webster County, Nebraska, to Mary Elizabeth Harris, who was born 24 August 1876/7 in England, and died 6 November 1909, daughter of John Quincy Harris and Ann Holland. The wedding was witnessed by Fred Harris and Ella E. Roberts.
Lee was living in Red Cloud, Nebraska in 1932. He died in 1935. They are both buried in Marten Cemetery, Webster County, Nebraska.
Children:
Harry Kelsay, son of John Kelsay and Melissa Kendall, was born in 1883, either in Iowa or Webster County, Nebraska.
He was married 10 September 1901, to Margaret Alice Ames, who was born in August 1882 in Percival, Fremont County, Iowa, the daughter of Henry Ames and Mary Jane Howell.
She divorced Harry on 2 September 1915, charging him with cruel and inhuman treatment and habitual drunkenness.
Mary Jane Howell was born in 1869 in Fillmore, Andrew County, Missouri, and died in 1934 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the daughter of James Preston Howell (b 23 October 1828, Howard County, Missouri) & Margaret Sanders Davis (born 24 January 1822 Virginia)
Children:
Amy Ann Kelsay, daughter of Samuel Kelsay and Mary E. Hardy, was born about 1872, in Guide Rock, Nebraska.
She was married to Charles Wiggens. She died in St. Francis, Cheyenne County, Kansas, in May 1952. The birth order of the children is uncertain.
Children:
John Samuel (Tim) Kelsay, son of Samuel Kelsay and Mollie Hardy, was born 18 January 1878, in Guide Rock, Nebraska.
He was married 25 October 1899, in Norton, Kansas, to Hattie Marie Applegate, who was born 31 October 1883, in Frankfort, Kansas.
Tim and Hattie lived in Norton and in Seldon, in northwest Kansas. In their later years they lived in Anaheim, California.
Tim died 1 February 1963, in Anaheim, California; Hattie died 9 September 1975, in Escondido, California. They are both buried in the Anaheim Cemetery.
From Roslyn Kelsay Dozier-
"I don't know a lot about John Sam Kelsay's family (Grandpa went by "Tim") or Grandma Hattie's family. I just know that relatives came from Guide Rock, Nebraska, occasionally to visit. Grandpa never talked a lot and I don't remember him discussing his family. I was away for ten years after I graduated from high school so I didn't get to visit with him much as an adult myself. He died six months after I got married.
"He was a kindly man, small build, and he loved to sit in his rocking chair on the porch and roll his own cigarettes and smoke all day. Grandma used to get real mad at him for sitting around and smoking all day in his twilight years.
"He sure loved me, and all children. I spent hours with him as a child, playing under the avocado trees at his house on Walnut St. in Anaheim, California. I would make mud pies and pretend to serve Grandpa meals as he sat in the shade of those big old trees.
"We laughed and he told me stories. I was about 4-6 years old when we did that. I was the only granddaughter, so, naturally, I was spoiled by my Grandpa and Grandma!! They were very special to me. Grandma was the best cook around and could whip up a huge meal in 30 minutes. She always had cooked rhubarb and apple pies. She made huge oatmeal cookies! I spend many hours with them as my Mother was a teacher and was at school every day. Grandpa and Grandma were my baby-sitters. I loved being with them!"
Children:
Josephine C. Kelsay, daughter of Samuel Kelsay and Mollie E. Hardy, was born in 2 May 1882, in Guide Rock Nebraska.
A fine woman, she was married 26 April 1899, in Nelson, Nebraska, to William E. Lowery, who was born 27 January 1879.
William may be son of Oliver and Dorotha Lowery. He came to Nebraska with his parents in the spring of 1886 and settled in Nuckolls County. He lived there on the farm most of his life. With a brother, he operated a threshing machine for many years.
He served on his local school board, and had the respect of the large number of neighbors and friends. He was long affiliated with the Odd Fellow, and the A. O. U. W. Lodges. They moved into Guide Rock, Nebraska, in 1935.
William died in 1946, and is buried in the Columbia Cemetery, which is southeast of Guide Rock, on a hill in a pasture, overlooking the river. He was survived by one sister, Hattie Warrell, of Aurora, Nebraska.
Josie was married/2 on 1 February 1951, in Guide Rock, to Sherm Shipman, who died in 1959. She died on 16 June 1967, in a nursing home in Inavale, Nebraska. She was buried beside William. Her tombstone, gives the dates (1883-1964), which are in error.
Children:
Josephine Lowery-mother-1883-1964 William E. Lowery-father 1879-1946
Edith-dau-born 16 August 1907, died 27 December 1907
Lowery-born 21 September 1829-died 5 November 1907
Dorotha, wife of Oliver Lowery, born 18 April 1840-died 8 August 1925
Mary Van Doran, born 14 December 1806-died 13 December 1898
Wilbur L, son of C H & E. Lowery, 10 June 1903-20 October 1913
Warren R, son of C. H. and E. Lowery, 2 January 1896-11 March 1896
Arthur, born 26 November 1892, died 12 February 1893
Owen, born 26 December 1891-died 24 January 1892
Harriett "Our Daughter," born 1 June 1900-died 12 April 1935
William Calvin Kelsay, son of James H. Kelsay and May Kinney, was born 3 August 1901, in Douglas County, Missouri.
He was married 5 August 1922, Springfield, Missouri, to Hallie Ardella Dickson, who was born 22 August 1899, Galloway, Green County, Missouri, daughter of George and Lillie Dickson.
William and Hallie lived in California for 3 years during World War II, then returned to Springfield and bought a service station, which he and his wife operated until his retirement. He did refrigeration work on a part-time basis after his retirement till his death. He died 6 May 1971, in Springfield, of a heart attack, and was buried in the Hazelwood Cemetery.
Children:
Frederick Victor Kelsay, son of James H. Kelsay and May Kinney, was born 29 August 1910, Rogersville, Missouri.
He was married/1 (probably in Springfield, Missouri) to Marjorie Pauline Esperman, who was born 7 February 1916, Missouri.
They moved to California by 1941, settling in Stockton and later Bakersfield, and Kern County California. Marjorie died 30 April 1962, in Bakersfield.
Fred was married/2 on 16 December 1966, in Kern County to Erma Johnson, who was born in 1919.
Children:
Ella M. Kelsay, daughter of James H. Kelsay and May Kinney, was born 5 April 1913, Rogersville, Missouri.
She was married to Ralph Bryant. By 1938, they were residing in Taft, Kern County, California, where they were still living in 1975.
Children:
Leonard Kelsay, son of Carrie Felton, and adopted at birth by Herbert Kelsay, was born in April 1907.
He was married/1 about 1925 in Missouri to Dorothy Leigh, daughter of William Davis Leigh and Margaret Elizabeth Cline. She had a 2 yr old son, Charles M Leigh, who when grown went to California, and was never heard from again.
Leonard and Dorothy had five children, 3 stillborn, 2 that lived. They were divorced; Dorothy lives in Green County, Missouri.
In 1976, Leonard was married/2 to ___ Gunn, and divorced. He was married/3 to a lady bartender and moved to Joplin, Missouri.
Children:
Harold Victor Kelsay, son of Harry Kelsay and Alice Ames, was born 2 February 1902, in McCook, Nebraska. His Social Security application states that he was born in Council Bluff, Iowa, but the Census records say he was born in Nebraska.
He was married to Bernice I Davison, who was born 1 November 1902 in Percival, Fremont County, Iowa, the daughter of John Franklin Davison (born 1843 Buchanan County, Missouri) & Viola Kearney.
They were divorced. Berniece died 5 October 1979, in Renton, King County, Washington
Harold Victor Kelsey's death certificate states that he was born 2/23/02 in McCook, Nebraska, on 2/23/02. He died of "acute circulatory failure" due to "coronary insufficiency and thrombosis" due to "arteriosclerosis" i.e., a heart attack on 9 October 1966. He was DOA at Central Receiving Hospital in Los Angeles. He stated that he worked as a truck driver for a motion picture studio (Twentieth Century Fox) and lived in Pacoima, Louisianna County. He was cremated and his ashes lie in Evergreen Cemetery. He had lived in Louisianna County for 36 years. It states that he was divorced. Informant was "Mrs. Woods".
Children:
David Kelsay, Sr., son of Rev. Robert Kelsay and Miriam Smith, was born in 1759, in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey. David was an American Patriot, and served in the New Jersey Militia, from Stow Creek Township, Cumberland County, during the Revolutionary War. (See "New Jersey in 1793" page 69, by James S. Norton)
He was married/1 (between 1777 and 1782, probably at the Dividing Creek Baptist Church) to Sarah (Sally) Heaton, the youngest child of Abbey Tuttle and Rev. Samuel Heaton, who was the pastor of the Dividing Creek Baptist Church in Downe Township (formerly Fairfield Twsp), Cumberland County The Heatons transferred to Cohansey Baptist Church in November 1782. Sarah had apparently had designs on a boy by the surname of Shaw, when she was a teenager, because in her father's will, which was dated 16 September 1777 (10 days before he died) he gave Sarah "the bed and furniture she now uses, on the condition that she not marry into the family of Hezikiah Shaw, or other ways cohabit with any males of his family." Rev. Heaton was known as a strong willed man, and apparently prevailed, because the record shows that David and Sally Kelsay became members of Cohansey Baptist Church in November 1782. It appears that Sally died young, and it is not known whether she had any children.
David was married for the second time, probably in Cumberland County, between 1782 and 1786, to Mary Royal, who was born in 1761, probably in either Cumberland, or Salem County. She may be daughter of either David or John Royal of the Cumberland area. She is certainly the mother of William, and most likely, mother of all the children.
John Royal stayed in Cayuga County New Jersey. The area where he lived became Tompkins County prior to the 1820 Census, which shows John Royal living in Lansing, in Tompkins County. He is still there on the 1830 Census. John Royal was born in 1755, and died 13 September 1834, buried in the Cemetery at East Lansing. Eunice Royal was born 14 January 1764, and died 14 January 1833, buried in the Cemetery at North Lansing. Buried beside Eunice is her daughter, Nancy Royal, who was born 24 January 1797 and died 13 November 1851, and her daughter Mary (Polly) Royal, born 6 November 1800 and died 1 December 1862. John Royal, Jr. was still living in Lansing on the 1840 Census. It is not proven that the Royal family were David's in-laws, but we do know that they lived in Cumberland and Salem Counties, New Jersey, when the Kelsays did, and they lived in the same township in New York. John Royal had a daughter named Mary. David married a Mary. Thomas P Kelsay, son of David, named his oldest son, William Royal Kelsay, He also named a daughter Nancy, and another daughter Mary.
In 1789, David Kelsay inherited from his father -Item 4. "that bed and all the furniture thereunto belonging, whereon I commonly sleep, and also my mare and riding chair and one pair of silver shoe buckles and also my watch, and six silver tea spoons." The 1800 Census, Milton Township, Cayuga County, New York, shows that David Kelsay, John Kelsay, Samuel Kelsay, and John Royal were residents. In 1808, Milton Township was changed to Genoa Township.
David made the following purchases of land:
Cayuga County, New York, Book 1 pg 265, 30 April 1802, 50 acres, Lot 48, from John Beardslee page 284 in Lot 57, Elijah Wilder 366 purchase Everette Beardslee
Unoccupied land in parts of Western New York, including Cayuga County, were declared Military Tracts and were divided into large Lots of up to several hundred acres, given to veterans to pay for their services in the Revolutionary War, since no cash was available. They lived in the area along the present highway leading south from Auburn to Ithaca
The Census for 1810 shows households of David Kelsay, his son David, Jr., his son Thomas P Kelsay, and John Kelsay 2nd, and John Royal. The two John Kelsays are not identified. John Kelsay 2 could be son of John 1 on the earlier census. David, Sr. family at that time listed a son born between 1794-1800, a daughter born between 1794-1800 and two daughters born after 1880.
In April 1811, Deed Book L, Page 29, records the sale of 100 acres of land in Lots 48 and 57 by David to Benjamin Jacobs. On 21 May 1811, page 141 records the sale by David and wife, Mary, of their acreage in Genoa Township. The Kelsay family left New York in the summer of 1811, just before the War of 1812 with England.
David and his family most likely took a flat-boat down the Ohio River and landed at Cincinnati, Ohio, and leased land in Clinton or Warren County. On 3 May 1814, Warren County, Ohio Deed Records show that David Kelsay bought 200 acres of land from Benjamin Blackford for $580. located in the south part of Warren County, near the Clinton County line. This was known as the Virginia Military District. David's land was (VMD) Survey Number 2225, close to the Little Miami River, a location ideal for shipments of farm commodities. The original claim was in 1792, but people had been reluctant to settle there until after the famous Greenville Treaty of 1795. Mad Anthony Wayne had several skirmishes with the Indians and convinced them it was better to have peace.
As son of a Baptist minister, David Kelsay Sr. was always a devout Baptist, and he and Mary joined the Union Baptist Church on Todd's Fork, which had just divided from Todd's Fork Baptist Church, over the subject of slavery. The Union Church was decidedly anti-slavery. None of the Kelsays had ever owned slaves.
On 12 September 1814, Warren County records show that David Kelsay gave his son, Daniel Kelsay, Power/Attorney for the purpose of returning to Cayuga County to collect the money due him from Benjamin Jacobs for the New York land. Apparently, Daniel was successful, for there were no legal actions filed against Benjamin Jacobs in Cayuga County.
On 6 August 1817, when David, Sr. was 58, he sold 133 acres to his son, David Jr., for $600, and 66 acres to his son, William, for $300. This left him with one acre, which probably contained his house where he lived until his death. The 1820 Census shows David Kelsay, Sr. living in Salem Township, Warren County, Ohio. Part of Salem Township was taken into Washington Township when it was organized in 1818.
In the 1830 Census, which was taken shortly before David's death, he and his wife, Mary, and a female between the age of 20-30, were residents of Washington Township, Warren County.
David died 6 May 1830, Mary died 27 October 1833, both in Warren County, both were buried in the Union Church Cemetery, near Blanchester, in Warren County. In 1976 there was still a white frame church that was erected in 1883, attached to the old Union Church Baptist cemetery, where David and several members of his family are buried. It is called "Union Church of God."
David had at least four sons, all born in Cumberland County, New Jersey. According to the 1810 Census for Cayuga County, New York, there were also 3 daughters. Order of birth is not certain.
Children:
Thomas P. Kelsay, son of David Kelsay, Sr. and probably his second wife, Mary, was born about 1786, in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Thomas' middle name was most likely "Potter." Brig. General David Potter was the commander of the Cumberland Militia and David Kelsay, Sr. had served under him. William Kelsay, Esq. had a grandson named David Potter Kelsay.
Thomas P was married in 1808, probably in Cayuga County, New York, to Elizabeth Brown, who was born 13 May 1785, in Connecticut. She may have been daughter of Walter and Avis Brown of Stonington, Connecticut, but this has not been proved. They are found on the 1810 Census living in Genoa Township, of Cayuga, New York.
The Kelsay clan moved to Ohio in 1811. Thomas P owned land at least as early as 1822 when he appeared on the Tax Rolls. He purchased 100 acres of land on 25 May 1825, in Clinton County. The Survey #1506 shows that his property lies exactly on the county line, with half in Warren County and half in Clinton County. So the Ohio born children could have been born in either county.
Thomas died 10 April 1826, at age 40. His estate later paid a bill of $10 to a Dr. Cottle, so we assume he died of illness or injury, and had been under the doctor's care for some time. The estate was closed in October of 1828, and was valued at $230.04.
Two months later, 10 June 1826, Elizabeth, age 41, married William Smalley, age about 66, in a service performed by the groom's son, Freeman. The Smalleys were from southern New Jersey and they knew the Kelsays there, as shown in the records of the old Cohansey Baptist Church where Thomas's grandfather was pastor.
Indians killed William Smalley's father, capturing William at the same time. They bored and lacerated his ears so that they hung in strips for the rest of his life. The Indians held him prisoner for 5 years, during which time he learned their language. He fought in numerous skirmishes against the Indians and was captured a second time. After his escape, he settled on land "which lies in Warren and Clinton Counties. Without doubt he lived near the Kelsay clan.
In April 1827, the 5 younger children were placed under the guardianship of William Smalley. At the August 1829 term of the Court of Common Pleas, Smalley asked for reimbursement of the sum of $1.50 per month for care of the children from 10 April 1826 to 10 April 1829. It would appear that he began to care for them the very day their father died, although for some reason Harriett did not join them until 10 June 1825. This arrangement and marriage of Elizabeth to William only 60 days after Thomas' death would indicate that some planning had been done in anticipation of the need of care for the family.
In a biography of William Smalley, it says that he, Elizabeth, and his five wards moved to Vermillion County, Illinois, in 1832. How long were Elizabeth and her children in Illinois? If in fact they did go there, we do not know, but we know that they were back in Ohio in 1835, when Thornton Nichols was appointed as guardian of the children, replacing Smalley. In 1837 Hugh Wilson was substituted as guardian for the children, again, in a Clinton County proceeding. In 1835, Wilson married Nancy Kelsay. William Smalley died in 1840. His will was probated in Vermillion County, and no mention was made whatever of his wife or his former wards.
Between 1837 and 1840, most of the family seems to have moved to Indiana. On 31 December 1840, Elizabeth bought a lot in the town of Jefferson, Washington Township, Clinton County, Indiana. and we assume she lived there with her remaining unmarried children until she sold the property in December 1844.
Elizabeth spent the rest of her life with one of her children or another. In 1850, she was living with the George B Rash family. She was living in Tippecanoe County with Daniel and Harriett Rash at the time of her death, in 1858. She is buried at Abbott cemetery near Fickle Station, Washington Twsp, near the west line of Clinton County, Indiana. Her stone: "Elizabeth Kelsay, Wife of Thomas P. Kelsay."
The Civil War started 3 years later. Her grandchildren who remained in Indiana served in the Union forces. Her grandchildren who had moved to Texas fought for the Confederacy.
Children:
David Kelsay, Jr., son of David and Mary Kelsay, was born about 1790 in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, New Jersey. He was married in Clinton County, Ohio, December 1814, to Lydia Keenan, who was born 4 February 1794, daughter of Patrick Keenan and Elizabeth Thatcher. The Clinton County old marriage license Vol.1 shows a license being issued on 19 December and returned on 27 December. See CH-3. William Kelsay, below. Lydia was a sister to Betsy.
Lydia died between 1827 and 1830, in Salem Township, Warren County, Ohio, probably of disease or childbirth. David died in the spring of 1836, in Warren County, aged 46. A cholera epidemic had raged through Warren County in 1833, killing 130 people between July to September, and its possible that some disease such as this might have killed him. The place of their burial is not known, but it could have been a family burial plot on the farm.
David's brother, William Kelsay, and Barlow Stevens were the Administrators of his estate. An inventory was made of the goods and chattels of David's estate in 25 March 1836, and appraised at $698.67. This was livestock, grain, farm implements, etc, and a silver watch. William bought the land, 8th April. David and Lydia had at least six children, and likely more. The missing names were probably girls.
Children:
William Kelsay, son of David Kelsay, Sr. and Mary Royal, was born in 1792, in Cumberland County, New Jersey.
He was married between the lst of December and the 12th, of 1816, in Clinton County, Ohio, to Elizabeth (Betsy) Keenan, who was born 18 October 1795, in Campbell County, Kentucky, daughter of Patrick Keenan and Elizabeth Thatcher. Betsy was the sister of Lydia, above, wife of David Jr.
On 6 August 1817, William first bought land from his father, 66 2/3 acres for $300. On 23 May 1818, he bought 60 acres for $600.00 from his brother David. On 13 February 1837, he sold 60 acres for $1050. to John Bliss, and on 8 April 1837, he bought David's remaining land from his heirs. On 15 November 1858, he bought 20 acres for $1000 from his son, Daniel, who then moved to Shelby County, Indiana. On 4 December 1865, he sold 34 acres to Theodore Leowden for $1364. There may have been other transactions.
When he died, he had 88 acres, 1 rood, and 3 perches of land. In his will his widow was assigned a dower of $400 per year, $100 of chattel property, the household furniture, cooking utensils, clothing, 1 cow, 2 hogs, etc. The rest of the estate was divided among Newton J. Kelsay, Harlan Kelsay, Harvey Kelsay, Hannah A. Kelsay, Lucetta M. Kelsay and Elizabeth Osborn. Betsy willed all she had to her niece, Elizabeth Mitchell. William's will is on file in Warren County, and hers is on file in Clinton County. He died 29 February 1868, she died 27 August 1874, both in Salem Township, Warren County, Ohio, both buried in the Union Church Cemetery.
Children:
William Royal Kelsay, son of Thomas P Kelsay and Elisabeth Brown, was born 20 June 1810, in Cayuga County, New York, and died 10 July 1867 in Denton County, Texas.
He was married 13 April 1837, to Eliza Smith, who was born 3 March 1819, in Hamilton County, Ohio, and died 2 April 1900, Fort Worth, Texas, the daughter of Jacob and Atlantic Smith.
Children:
Joseph Kelsay, son of David Kelsay, Jr. and Lydia Keenan, was born in 1817, in Warren County, Ohio.
He was married 17 October 1837, in Warren County, to Mary A Coddington, who was born in 1819, in Ohio.
The 1850, 1860, 1870 Census records show they were residents of Marion Township, Clinton County, Ohio, near the Warren County line. On the 1850 census, Joseph's brother, Keenan, and Mary's brother William, were living with them. Joseph was a farmer and also ran a grocery store in Blanchester, Ohio. On the 1870 Census, Arthur Kelsay, born 1857, Ohio, was living in their household, but was not Joseph's son. He was most likely a nephew or cousin.
Joseph died before the 1890 Census. Probably Mary did, too.
Children:
William Kelsay, son of David Kelsay, Jr. and Lydia Keenan, was born in 1826, in Warren County, Ohio.
He was married about 1847/8 in Ohio, to Rebecca ___, who was born 1832, in Ohio. They were residents of Washington Township, in Warren County
On 22 February 1864, William enrolled in Company "E" 17th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out on 16 July 1865, in Louisville, Kentucky. At the time of his enrollment, he was 38 years old, 5'11" tall, with fair complexion, gray eyes, mixed dark and gray hair. He was injured in a train accident near North Vernon Station, Indiana, on 3 March 1864. He drew a pension for this after the war. He was promoted to Corporal on 1 November 1864.
In the fall of 1870, the family moved to Jasper County, Missouri, where they purchased 120 acres of land on 2 November 1870. On 4 March 1873, a Trust Deed was issued for this land, which was sold by the trustees on 24 October 1874. In 1876, William moved his family to Vernon County, Missouri. In 1888, William moved into the town of Walker in Vernon County. He most likely died there, and is probably buried in the old Walker Cemetery, which is so unkempt that his grave could not be located. They had at least four children.
Children:
Thomas (Samuel) Kelsay, son of David Kelsay, Jr. and Lydia Keenana, was born in 1828, in Warren County, Ohio. Some of his descendants in California knew him as Samuel, and he may have used that name. However, his given name at birth was Thomas, and all legal documents used that name.
Thomas was married April 1849, in Salem Township, Warren County, Ohio (record at Lebanon, Ohio) to Sarah A. Hitesman, who was born in 1830, in New Jersey, daughter of William Hitesman and Anna Snyder.
Children:
Thomas enlisted as a substitute for Christopher G. Hennon 1 October 1864, Company I, 82 Regular, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. When he enlisted he was 37 years old, a blacksmith by trade, 6'2" tall, blue eyes, brown hair, fair complexion. He was mustered out 10 June, near Washington DC. He drew a pension after the war for an injury incurred on 12 March 1865 near Fayetteville, North Carolina. On his declaration for pension he stated:
    "While marching rapidly while in line of duty across a corderoy road after night, my left foot got fast between the cross-way, which caused me to fall and in falling I came near breaking my leg. Also sprained the ankle joint and the instep of my foot causing the ankel joint and foot to enlarge, and ever since it occured, whenever I walk or stand on my feet much, my foot and leg will cause me severe pain and cause me to be lame, which prevents me from performing manual labor. I never was treated for the injury except application of cold water." This last record of his signature was dated 4 June 1898, and was on a piece of correspondence addressed to the Bureau of Pensions. As this was shortly before his death, his signature was very shaky. He stated at that time that he had 8 children and the youngest was over 30 years of age.
Sarah died 29 October 1890, in Warren County, Ohio. She was buried in the West Woodville Cemetery, beside her son Francis. In 1892, William moved to Adama, Umatilla County, Oregon, and died 15 September 1898, in Pendleton, Oregon.
Children:
Daniel Kelsay, son of William Kelsay and Elizabeth Keenan, was born 24 July 1820, in Warren County, Ohio.
He was married 8 September 1839, in Warren County, to Margaret Hupp, who was born 3 June 1819, in Ohio. She was the daughter of Michael Hupp, born 4 November 1786, East Bethlehem Township, Ohio, and Hannah Van Sickle.
In 1858, they bought land in, and moved to Washington Township, Shelby County, Indiana. Daniel met a tragic death, 14 September 1862. He had been to the gristmill to have some flour ground and was returning to his farm on horse-back. Heavy rains had swollen a normally complacent little stream into a raging torrent. In attempting to cross, Daniel was swept away from his horse and drowned. He was buried in Patterson Cemetery in Shelby County, Indiana. Margaret died 28 August 1879 in Howard County, Indiana, and was buried in Albright Cemetery.
Daniel and Margaret had ten children, who were all born in Warren County, Ohio. Only five lived to adulthood; only two lived past their 30's.
Children:
Lucinda Kelsay, daughter of William Kelsay and Elizabeth Keenan, was born 16 November 1824.
She was married 11 November 1850, in Warren County, Ohio, to Phineas J. Osborn, born in 1829, in Ohio, a laborer by trade, and resident of Washington Township, Warren County, Ohio.
Lucinda died 4 July 1856, in Warren County, and was buried in Union Church Cemetery, near her parents, grandparents, and infant.
The children were born in Warren County, Ohio
Children:
Robert Bruce Kelsay, son of William Royal Kelsay and Eliza Smith, was born 28 May 1846, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and died 19 January 1926, in Jack County, Texas.
He was married 27 February 1874, in Elizabethtown, Texas, to Laura Cordelia Manning, who was born 1 February 1852, in Springfield, Missouri, died 20 July 1926, in Jack County, Texas, the daughter of Edward Cornelius Manning (born 1808, in Maryland) and Mary Moore Orbison (born 1818, Virginia)
Children:
Sources:
1. Text: "Kelsay Family History"
Charles B. Kelsay, son of William and Rebecca Kelsay, was born in 1856, in Warren County, Ohio.
He was married/1 about 1778, probably in Vernon County, Missouri, to Celestia A. ____, born about 1857, in Kansas. Celestia died young.
Charles was married/2 on 17 September 1884, in Vernon County, to Clara J. Johns. Charles lived in Nevada, Missouri, at that time, and Clara was from Walker, Missouri.
Children:
John Milton Kelsa, son of Thomas (Samuel) Kelsay and Sarah A. Hitesman, was born 1 January 1853, in Blanchester, Clinton County, Ohio.
He was married 22 August 1880, in Union, Union County, Oregon, to Susan Denton, who was born 15 January 1862, at Council Grove, Kansas, daughter of Daniel Denton and Mary Davis. His father spent his last years in their home.
John and Susan moved from Oregon to Los Angeles County, California. John was a blacksmith for fifty years, a foreman of Los Angeles County Shops.
John died 12 March 1937 at Azusa, Los Angeles County; Susan died 27 August 1937 at Merced, Merced County, California. They are buried in the Oakdale Cemetery, Oakdale, Stanislaus County, California.
Children:
Newton Jasper Kelsay, son of Daniel Kelsay and Margaret Hupp, was born 15 July 1840, Warren County, Ohio.
He was married/1 28 August 1860, in Shelby County, Indiana, to Sarah Emaline Hawkins, who was probably the daughter of Joshua S. Hawkins and Rebecca.
After Sarah's death, Newton was married again on 9 September 1869, in Shelby County, to Francis Guile, who was probably the daughter of Joshua Guile, of Shelby County. Newton died 11 September 1871, in Washington Township, Shelby County, Indiana, and was buried beside his father and son in Patterson Cemetery. The children were all born in Shelby County
Children:
Harlen Kelsay, son of Daniel Kelsay and Margaret Hupp, was born, a twin, 29 January 1845, in Warren County, Ohio, moving with his family to Shelby County, Indiana. At the age of 17, his father drowned, and left him and his brother, Harvey, with the responsibility of caring for his mother, who was in ill health, and two younger sisters. He not only had to do the farm work, but also had to help with the housework.
He was married 5 September 1867, in Shelby County, Indiana, to Phebe Spurlen, who was born 5 September 1848, the daughter of Jesse Spurling and Elizabeth Goodpasture.
In 1871, when his brother Newton died, Harlen took his nephew, Joshua Harlen Kelsay, into his home to raise. In 1873, Harlen moved his family to Tipton County, Indiana. Phebe committed suicide there on 22 July 1882, and was buried n the Albright Cemetery.
Harlen was married/2 on 9 December 1883, to Matilda Jane (Jennie) Banks Jones, who was born 17 December 1853, in Center Township, Howard County, Indiana. She was daughter of Thomas W. and Elizabeth Jane Banks, and the widow of John E. Jones, by whom she had 3 children, one of whom died in infancy.
Jennie was a devout Quaker that deeply and sincerely believed in her religion. It was probably her influence that caused Harlen Kelsay to embrace the Quaker religion, when his ancestors were Baptist. She was sincere and intelligent, but much quieter and more reserved than Harlen. Unrestrained laughter and joviality were rare with her.
Harlen and Jennie joined the Quaker, Society of Friends, at Kokomo, Indiana, Monthly Meeting 7 January 1885. In 1896, they became charter members of the Hemlock, Indiana, Monthly Meeting. On 7 February 1899, tortured and confused by his mother's death, son George W. Kelsay hung himself in the barn.
Harlen and Jessie moved to Miami County, Indiana, and became members of the South Union Meeting on 7 April 1900. This church was eventually replaced by a new, brick church, in the town of Amboy, Pipe Creek Amboy Monthly Meeting.
Harlen was a hard working farmer. He was deeply religious all of his life, friendly and sincere in his dealings with other people. He enjoyed a good laugh and was an easy person to become acquainted with. He retained his good will and firm convictions in spite of the tragedies in his life.
Harlen had a stroke 8 January 1918, leaving him in failing health. He bore his affliction with great patience. He suffered a final stoke on 18th of April, and died 27 April 1920 at the home of his son H. Paul Kelsay, in Laport, Indiana. His body was brought to the home of his son Thomas in Amboy the next day. He is buried in the Albright Cemetery in Howard County, Indiana, 10 miles SW of Amboy, east of Kokomo.
Jennie had been in failing health for some time, but had a sudden stroke, and died 23 February 1931, at the home of her son Paul in Hartford City, Indiana. Her funeral was held in the home of her son Thomas in Amboy. She was buried beside Harlen.
Children:
Harvey Kelsay, son of Daniel Kelsay and Margaret Hupp, was born 23 February 1846, in Warren County, Ohio.
He was married 14 August 1864, in Shelby County, Indiana to Elizabeth Stevens.
She was was born 6 March 1846 in Shelby County, the daughter of Martin Stephens (born 12 November 1820, in Links, Kingdom of Baden), Germany, and Mary Clayton.
Harvey died of tuberculous, 14 August 1884, in Howard County, Indiana. It is assumed that he was buried in the Albright Cemetery, near Kokomo, Indiana, but his tombstone was not found.
Elizabeth was married/2 on 29 December 1886, in Shelby County, Indiana, to James F. Prather, by whom she had a son, Samuel W. Prather, born 7 May 1888. Elizabeth was married/3 on 21 February 1905 to Frank Saunder. She died 9 November 1914, in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Indiana, buried in the Miller Cemetery.
The children were born in Shelby County, Indiana
Children:
Lottie Lee Kelsay, daughter of Robert Bruce Kelsay and Laura Cordelia Manning, was born 10 August 1880, in Roanoke, Denton County, Texas, and died 4 November 1943, buried in Duncan, Oklahoma, Cemetery, Lot 45, block 31, Section 4.
She was married 6 August 1899, to Benjamin Angie Price, who was born 18 September 1875 in Perrin, Jack County, 30 May 1961, the son of William Barton Price and Sarah Izilla Reynolds. See: Price Family
The children were all born in Jack County, Texas
Children:
John Earl Kelsay, son of John Milton Kelsay and Susan Denton, was born 9 November 1884, in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Oregon.
He was married 3 August 1922, at Azusa, Los Angeles County, California, to Olive Mae Haley, who was born 30 November 1895, at Oak Valley, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, daughter of Willard Haley and Paulina Hammond.
John was a rancher and construction engineer. He died 19 January 1946, at Merced, California. Olive resides in Chowchilla, California.
Children:
Joshua Harlen Kelsay, son of Newton Jasper Kelsay and Sarah E. Hawkins, was born 19 June 1861, in Washington Township, Shelby County, Indiana. After the death of his father, he was raised by his uncle, Harlen Kelsay,
He was married 10 September 1882 in Shelby County, to Mary Cathrine Fenn, who was born 8 July 1863, and died 22 February 1930.
Joshua died 9 November 1931, in Howard County, Indiana. They are both buried in the Albright Cemetery near Kokomo, Indiana.
Children:
John M Kelsay, son of Newton Jasper Kelsay and Sarah E. Hawkins, was born 20 March 1866, in Shelby County, Indiana. He lost his parents at a young age, and was raised by his grandmother, Rebecca Hawkins in Washington Township, Shelby County, Indiana, who was born in 1808/9 in New York.
John was the only Kelsay living in that township on the 1880 Census. John graduated in 1886 from Central Normal College in Danville, Indiana, as a teacher, but never taught school.
He was married to a fellow student, in 1887, Flora S. Harrison, who was born 7 September 1864, in Michigan near the Canadian border.
John worked as a combination storekeeper and Postmaster in Terre Haute, Indiana. They were a handsome couple. John was a poised and debonair looking gentleman, and Flora was an attractive slim woman with long black hair. After a few short years of marriage, though, Flora became quite ill with tuberculosis. Fearing for her life, in 1895, John decided to take his wife and family to Colorado, in the hopes that the climate might heal her lungs. It was a long trek; Flora was quite weak and had to be moved on a stretcher.
John bought a farm and a dairy in Rocky Ford. Colorado did help Flora. She eventually lost one of her lungs, but recovered, and lived to be 59 years old. Flora's parents moved from Michigan to near Elkart, Indiana, and John and Flora visited them there.
In 1908, John and his son Kenneth contracted typhoid fever. They were the only persons to contract this dread disease in the vicinity of Rocky Ford, and it was never known what caused them to catch it. Both were hospitalized; Kenneth recovered, but John did not. Against the nurse's orders, John got out of bed and attempted to use the bathroom. He lost his balance and fell hard to the floor, which caused a hemorrhage, and he soon died.
He died 9 August 1908; Flora died 11 February 1924, both buried in Valley View Cemetery.
Children:
Charles W. Kelsay, son of Harlen Kelsay and Phoebe Spurlin, was born 4 April 1869, in Shelby County, Indiana.
He was married 9 January 1890, to Leona Dillman, who was born 10 July 1872, and died 19 October 1943.
Charles died 23 October 1948, near Hartford City, Indiana. They are buried in the I. O. O. F. Cemetery in Hartford City.
Children:
Eunice Victoria Kelsay, daughter of Harlen Kelsay and Matilda Jane Banks, was born 23 January 1887, in Indiana, probably near Hemlock. She was a birthright Quaker, and attended Earlham College in Indiana.
She was married 3 September 1915, in Chicago, Illinois, to Dr. William E. Carey. They lived in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Carey committed suicide by cutting his throat. Eunice died in 1969, in Atlanta. She is buried in the Park Lawn Cemetery, near Amboy, Indiana.
Children:
H. Paul Kelsay, son of Harlen Kelsay and Matilda Jane Banks, was born 4 April 1888, near Hemlock, Indiana.
He was married in 1915 to Sarah A. Kelsey (no relation), who was born in 1891, and died in the 1918 influenza epidemic. She was buried in the Park Lawn Cemetery near Amboy, Indiana.
Paul was married/2 12 August 1939, to Edith Belle Layman, who was born 31 March 1902, in Tennessee. They were living in South Bend, Indiana, in 1948, when Lois died. Edith returned to Tennessee after Paul died. When last heard from, she was living in Knoxville.
Children:
Thomas Daniel Kelsay, son of Harlen Kelsay and Matilda Jane Banks, was born 18 August 1889, in Sharpsville, Indiana. He was christened at birth by his father as Daniel Thomas. He changed this around in later life.
Thomas first saw Grace Overman, when he was 12 and she was 11. He was riding in a buggy with his father on the way to Amboy. They drove past an attractive young girl skating on the ice in the side-ditch, and Thomas looked her over with more than a passing interest. He asked his father who the girl was and he replied, "It must be one of John Overman's girls because he lives along this road." By the time he had returned home, Thomas had informed his father that if he ever got married that was the girl he was going to marry.
Thomas and Grace both attended the South Union Quaker Church, and in 1909, he slipped a note to her in church that apologized for his bashfulness in not being able to talk to her, but he would like to accompany her to her abode. She eagerly accepted this invitation, and kept and cherished the note the rest of her life. So started a courtship, that was only slightly interrupted during the time that Thomas attended Purdue University, in Lafayette, Indiana.
He was married February 1, 1913, at her parents' home near Amboy, Indiana, to Grace Jane Overman, who was born 6 March 1890, in Miami County, Indiana, daughter of C-7,42(10)3. John Rue Overman and Alice Anna Larrison. (See Overman Family)
They were married by Rev. Clyde Watson. The Reverend and his wife, though quite elderly, were able to attend the 50th Anniversary of Thomas and Grace, held at the church. Rev. Watson called Thomas the best friend he ever had.
Grace was an attractive young lady. She was raised in the Quaker religion and had a sweet and sincere personality. Possessing strong physical strength and stamina, Grace always raised a big garden, helped her husband work in the fields, and take care of the livestock. As a girl she started a practice of always running to the mail box at the end of the lane, and was still doing this until she was in her 80's.
Grace and her children were all quite sick with the 1918 flu epidemic, but all recovered. An intelligent woman, she was widely read. She wrote occasional articles for publication. She and Thomas were both quite musical and sang for many church events.
Thomas took after his mother in both looks and temperament. He was a devout member of the Friends Church all of his life but had a deep reserve and was difficult to get to know. He had a high degree of intelligence and was a "pillar of the community." He was a farmer all his life, and loved it. He was over 6' tall, 200 lbs, with blue eyes, and a full head of hair, which grayed very late. The death of his only son in 1945, hurt him deeply.
He had been a Miami County, Highway Superintendent, a charter member of the Farm Bureau, director of the Miami County REMC for 25 years, member of the Converse Masonic Lodge; member of the Amboy Friends Church. He had won the 5 acre corn growing contest twice; had raised sheep and cattle and hogs. He was thrifty and owned 160 acres of good Indiana farm land.
In his mid-seventies, he developed prostrate trouble. Trying to avoid surgery, he spent much money on quack remedies, without avail. During a blizzard, his trouble became very acute and caused much damage. He had surgery immediately after, but it was too late, the prostrate gland was malignant. He never complained about his suffering during his last days, but retained his dignity and intelligent sense to the very end. On the last evening of his life, he held his wife's hand and prayed the most beautiful prayer she had ever heard. During the night he suffered a stroke, and was taken to the hospital in Marion. He died at 10:30 the next morning; it was 25 April 1968. He was buried at the Parklawn Cemetery, near Amboy, beside his son.
Even though Grace was in good health, she began to lose her memory, and it was thought best to place her in the Wesleyan Nursing Home on 11 November 1974. She was always a lady and retained a conscious awareness of her appearance, even then. At the age of 97 she suffered a stroke, and died 13 July 1987, in Marion, Indiana. She was buried beside her husband and son, in the Parklawn Cemetery near Amboy.
Children:
Daniel Martin Kelsay, son of Harvey Kelsay and Elizabeth Stephens, was born 8 November 1873, in Indiana.
He was married 6 November 1895, to Grace Mae Smith, who was born 14 October 1876, in Shelby County, Indiana, the daughter of Newton J Smith (born 9 August 1848 in Ohio), and Mary C___, (born 30 April 1853, in Ohio)
Martin and Grace lived in Shelby County, Indiana, and he was a painter by occupation. Martin enjoyed good health and lived to be 93. He retained his mental facilities up until his death, and was proud of the fact that he voted in every presidential election from the time he was old enough to vote. Martin went to the polls to vote in his last election in November 1964. He was then 91, and used a cane, but still voted. They took a picture of him entering the polls and it appeared in the Shelbyville newspaper.
Grace died in December 1960; Martin lived to be 93, dying 15 August 1967. They are buried in the Miller Cemetery, at Shelbyville.
Children:
Isom Emerson Kelsay, son of Harvey Kelsay and Elizabeth Stephens, was born 25 April 1876, Indiana.
He was married 24 November 1898, to Gertrude Scott, born in Virginia. Isom died of TB, 7 February 1915, and was buried in the Miller Cemetery, Shelby County, Indiana.
Children:
Inis Ardena Kelsay, daughter of John Earl Kelsay and Olive Mae Haley was born 28 October 1918, in Sheridan, Wyoming.
She was married 2 February 1940, to B. N. Redmond.
Children:
John Marshall Kelsay, son of Joshua Harlen Kelsay and Mary Cathrine Fenn, was born in 1883, in Indiana.
He was married/1 16 September 1906, to Margaret May Gasho, who was born in 1887, and died 2 February 1910.
John was married/2 30 April 1930, to Lenora M Hollingsworth, who was born in 1891, and died 13 May 1939. John died 7 September 1962. They are all buried in the Albright Cemetery in Howard County, Indiana.
Children:
Edna Emeline Kelsay, daughter of Joshua Harlen Kelsay and Mary Cathrine Fenn, was born in July 1888.
She married Harry Earl Harness, who died 30 October 1965. In September 1972, she was residing in Phoenix Arizona.
Children:
Harry Kelsay, son of John M. Kelsay and Flora S. Harrison, was born 26 January 1888, in Indiana.
He was married to Lucy Standlea, who was born 10 February 1887. Harry lived in Phoenix, Arizona, for 31 1/2 years, and was in the produce business. He died 12 June 1956, in Phoenix, coronary occlusion. He was buried in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Children:
Everest H Kelsay, son of John M Kelsay and Flora S. Harrison, was born 30 April 1890, in Indiana.
Everest had five wives, but only one child, with his first wife Eva Winfield Shore. He served in the navy during World War I.
His second wife was Florence Ethel Alltop, who was born 17 February 1898, in Camden County, Missouri, and died 7 May 1962, in California, buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California. She was daughter of Cyrus Mathena and Ella Victoria Stevens, who was a descendant of John Kelsay of Pennsylvania. Married/3 ?; Married/4 ?
After working at the Post Office in Trinidad, Colorado, Everest was admitted for a time in the V. A. Hospital. Upon release, he decided that the best medicine was to marry his 5th wife. Although he was around 70, he selected a young bride of 21 years. A divorce followed shortly.
Everest had John M Kelsay's family Bible, and placed it in a bookbinder's shop in Los Angeles, but forgot which one. He died 30 May 1968, in a nursing home in Los Angeles, and was buried in Val Halle Cemetery, Glendale, California, beside his first wife.
Children:
Kenneth Kelsay, son of John M. Kelsay and Flora S. Harrison, was born 17 August 1901, in Rocky Ford, Colorado. After high school, he went to Brawly, California, and worked in fruit and vegetables.
He was married there in 1925 to Florance Katherine Amet, who was born in 1902, daughter of Arthur and Florance Amet, who once owned an ostrich farm in Arizona. When the ostrich feather fad ended, they went broke and had to kill their ostriches, and then moved to Brawly. Kenneth's mother had died in 1924, and he and his new bride moved to Rocky Ford, to farm the home place. Katherine died 20 February 1969, in Rocky Ford.
Kenneth was married/2 to Jessie Highland, a widow who lived nearby, daughter of Anthony Monroe Sanders and Nancy Marie Bohanon. In 1976 Kenneth is still healthy and vigorous, friendly and congenial.
Children:
Consto R. (Dick) Kelsay, son of Charles W. Kelsay and Leona Dillman, was born 14 July 1890, near Hartford City, Indiana.
He was married 9 January 1913, in Hartford City, to Hazel Miles, who was born 29 October 1896. Dick was a farmer, and interested in politics, running for public office.
He died 16 May 1955, near Hartford City, and is buried in the IOOF Cemetery, in Hartford City.
In 1975, Hazel was frail, but had excellent mental capacity, and was still living on the family farm, State Road 3 North, of Hartford City. The children were all born near Hartford City, Indiana.
Children:
Lois Jane Kelsay, daughter of H. Paul Kelsay and Sarah A. Kelsey, was born in 1918, Laport, Indiana. She lost her mother when she was 3 weeks old, and was taken into the home of her uncle and aunt, Dr. and Mrs. William Cary, and was cared for as their own daughter.
Dr. Cary committed suicide, and this may have been a traumatic experience for her. She was a member of the First Friends Church of Chicago, and was graduated from the University of Chicago.
She was married in 1940 to Dr. Robert C. Hunter, who in 1948 was a Colonel, chief medical administrator of the army's 82 Airborne Division, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Lois died Thursday, 29 January 1948, in Fort Bragg, of carbon monoxide poisoning, in her car in a closed garage. It was suspicioned that she had committed suicide, but was officially reported as an accident.
Children:
Thomas Dale Kelsay, son of Thomas Daniel Kelsay and Grace Jane Overman was born 15 November 1913, near Amboy, Indiana. Dale's greatest love was the outdoors. At a very early age, he learned to trap, hunt, and fish. All through his life he was involved in outdoor sports. He was a handsome young man, 5'11", with blue eyes, and curly brown hair. In high school, he dated a little brown-eyed girl named Ruby Lucille Kendall, then attended one year at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana.
In May of 1933, Dale borrowed some of his mother's chickens without her permission, sold them, and bought himself a new suit. Without his parents approval, Dale eloped with Ruby Lucille Kendall, who was born 13 May 1916, in Miami County, Indiana, daughter of Virgil Ray Kendall and Esther May Roth. They went to Carrollton, Kentucky where they were married on 25 May 1933.
They came back and resided in Amboy for a short time, and then moved out of town onto the other farm that his father had bought near Amboy. Dale helped his dad farm up until his death. Ruby, like all farm wives, worked hard on the farm, driving a tractor, doing field-work, slopping the hogs, etc. Their home was without electricity or indoor plumbing.
About a year before he died, Dale drove a truck for Miller's Transfer Company located in Kokomo, Indiana. He took off the month of December 1945, to do corn picking on his farm. On the 13th, a very cold day, he was working near his parents' house, when the corn-picker became clogged. He stopped the tractor, and went back to clean it out, but failed to disengage the power take-off on the tractor. His left hand was caught by a mitten, and mangled by the snap rollers. His father was just coming out of his house, and went to his rescue. At first Dale refused to go to the hospital. Once there the doctors wanted to amputate his hand; he refused. Infection set in, and the family was distressed by the care he was receiving. He was moved to the Methodist Hospital in Indianpolis. The doctors, Emmet and Russell Lamb, declared that they could have saved his hand if he had been brought there immediately. As it was, he lost two fingers. He seemed to be recovering and was ready to go home, when tetanus showed up in his face and neck. The doctors could not save him. After much suffering, he died 22 December 1946. He was buried in the old Odd Fellows Cemetery, now known as Parklawn, near Amboy.
Ruby took his life insurance money and bought a two-story house in Amboy, and went to work in the office of the Telephone Company. Needing to support her family, she finally got a better job at the GM (Delco Radio Division) Plant, in Kooky, Indiana.
Ruby was married again, 17 January 1948, in the Friends Parsonage in Shelbyville, to Charles Edward Fenn, World War II Army Veteran, who was born 16 October 1925, in Kokomo, son of Charles H. and Stella Elizabeth Fenn. Charles became a beloved step-father, and he and Ruby loved each other deeply. In 1956, Chuck began a 24-year career in the new GM (Fisher Body) Plant, in Marion, Indiana, and Ruby was able to quit working. After the children were grown, Chuck and Ruby moved to Marion, enjoying many happy years.
In the winter of 1980, when they were planning a trip to Hawaii, Chuck developed a sore throat. After their return, it was diagnosed as an inoperable cancer of the throat. He died 1 April 1981, and was buried in the Gardens of Memory, in Huntington, Indiana, near the outskirts of Marion. Ruby went into a deep depression, and when her youngest son was killed in a truck/train accident five months later, it was more than she could handle.
On 1 November 1981, she drove to Matter Park, in Grant County, Indiana, and went into the waters of the Mississinewa River just below the dam. She was buried beside Charles.
Children:
Newton Harvey Kelsay, son of Daniel Martin Kelsay and Grace Smith, was born 13 November 1898, Shelby County, Indiana.
He was married/1 in 1920, to Edna Ruth Anderson, who was born 27 August 1904, the daughter of Elmer Anderson and Mary Jane Toll. They were divorced. Edna married a man named ___ Clark, and died 6 June 1966 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona.
Newton was married/2 to Susie Pavy. They moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Newton died 30 January 1966. Susie was still living in 1975.
Children:
Russell Smith Kelsay Sr, son of Daniel Martin Kelsay and Grace Smith, was born 27 February 1914, in Shelby County, Indiana.
He was married 1 September 1835, in Shelbyville, Indiana, to Esther May Mullen, who was born 6 November 1911.
A painter by profession like his father, he owned and operated the Kelsay Painting and Decorating Company, in Shelbyville, Indiana, his two sons helping him in the business. From 1969 to 1965, they lived in Muskegon, Michigan. They belonged to the First Baptist Church, and he belonged to the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge.
On 27 November 1977, Russell died unexpectedly, with 1 day of illness, at the Major Hospital, in Shelbyville. He was buried in the Miller Cemetery.
Children:
Elmore Standlea Kelsay, son of Harry Kelsay and Lucy Standlea, was born 20 May 1915.
He was married 24 December 1937, to Lillian Langden. Elmore served in the U. S. Navy, in World War II, on a PT boat. Like his father, Elmore suffers from ulcers of the stomach. They live in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Children:
Robert Montell Kelsay, son of John Marshall Kelsay and Margaret May Gasho, was born 23 December 1908, in Tipton County, Indiana.
He was married 1 January 1932 to Ruth Barker, who was born 27 November 1909. In 1976, he is still living on a farm in Howard County, Indiana. He has the Joshua Kelsay family Bible that was presented to Mary C. Fenn by Jesse P Fenn on 27 January 1891.
Children:
Grace Louise Kelsay, daughter of Kenneth Kelsay and Florance Katherine Amet, was born 2 April 1929, in Rocky Ford, Colorado.
She was married 11 February 1946, in Raton, New Mexico, to James Robert Taylor, who was born 10 November 1924, son of Lee E. Taylor and Kathryn Elizabeth Yeargan. In 1976, they live in Hotchkiss, Colorado.
Children:
Flora Lee Kelsay, daughter of Kenneth Kelsay and Florance Katherine Amet, was born 21 February 1934, in Rocky Ford, Colorado.
She was married 28 July 1950, to William D. Engle. In 1976, they are living in Tuscon, Arizona.
Children:
Charles Frank Kelsay, son of Consto R Kelsay and Hazel Miles, was born 13 December 1913, near Harford City, Indiana.
He was married 27 June 1941, to Henrietta Risk, born 21 December (?); resided St. Petersburg, Florida 1975
Children:
Elmo Glenn Kelsay, son of Consto R Kelsay and Hazel Miles, was born 5 May 1919, near Hartford City, Indiana.
He married 18 August 1940, to Frances Hogan, born 27 October 1922; resided 1975, in Shreveport, Louisianna
Children:
Judith Ann Kelsay, daughter of Thomas Dale Kelsay and Ruby Lucille Kendall, was born 12 December 1933, near Amboy, Indiana. She was a good student, "Track Queen," and varsity cheerleader.
Judy was married/1, 13 July 1952, in the home of the groom in Bunker Hill, Indiana, to Donald L. Riggle, son of John Riggle. Don served 4 years in the U. S. Air Force.
They lived in Arizona, and then with their baby, lived in Japan during Don's tour of duty there. They returned to Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana, where Don worked as a machinist at the Delco Radio factory. They were divorced in April 1960. Don later remarried and died of cancer.
Judy was married/2, 26 November 1960, at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Richard Maple, in Kendallville, Indiana, to Walter R. Petty, from Greentown, Indiana. Walter had a small daughter, Tammy; his first wife died in a car accident.
Judy and Walter, and the two little girls settled in a new house near Greentown, Indiana. Walter became Inspection Foreman for the Chrysler Corporation, in Kokomo, Indiana. In the 1965 "Palm Sunday Disaster," their home was completely destroyed by a tornado. Judy and the girls were at a movie in Kokomo, but Walter was in the house at the time it hit. Fortunately, he was only slightly injured.
They rebuilt the house, but later sold it, and moved closer to Kokomo. Judy attended the Wright Beauty College in Kokomo, receiving her instructors license in October 1968, where she then taught for several years. Highly successful, she traveled, and won many awards, then decided to quit working. She has since returned on a part time basis. Judy was baptized on 13 January 1963, at the Christian Church in Jerome, Indiana, near Greentown.
Children:
Frederick Dale Kelsay, son of Thomas Dale Kelsay and Ruby Lucille Kendall, was born 20 May 1935, near Amboy, Indiana. According to Fred he was an onery child, and an indifferent student. He was an Eagle Scout, and joined the National Guard his last year in High School. He then joined the Army, and spent one and a half years in Korea. He was discharged 1 June 1956, from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, as a Staff Sargeant. On the GI bill, he studied in Chicago, to be a machinist, and worked 8 hours as a turret lathe operator at Crane Company. After a year and a half of this strain, he returned home to Marion, and worked 9 years at Fisher Body Plant.
He was married 27 September 1958 in Converse, Indiana, to Carol Ann Dennison, who was born 1 November 1943, in Marion. Fred went into the Pizza business, working 14 hours, seven days a week. They were divorced 1 June 1967.
Fred had two more marriages that were brief, ending in divorce, while living in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. He was married/2 in 1968, to Laura Jean Iacovacci; and married/3 in 1970, to Jeanne LaVonne Nebur.
He became a journeyman iron-worker, working in a powerhouse in Indeanpolis, and a bank in Muncie, Indiana. In December 1971, he bought a travel trailer and headed for warm weather, intending to help build Disney World, in Orlando. In the middle of January he was in Atlanta, Georgia, low on funds. The "temporary" job he got, became permanent. His marriage/4 in 1973 to Edith Mae Ebeck lasted three years.
He was baptized 2 May 1976, in Marietta, Georgia, and is now a member of Fortified Hills Baptist Church, in Smyrna, Georgia. He was married/5 in 1981, to Beverly Gayle Morgan, and divorced in 1985.
Fred was married/6 6 June 1988, in Marietta, to Sharon Sue Weisenfels, who was born 8 November 1952, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She moved with her family to Little Rock, Arkansas, and then in 1984 to Atlanta Georgia. Sharon has a son, Scott D. Weisenfels, born 25 December 1973, who lives in Searcy, Arkansas.
Children:
Bruce Lee Kelsay, son of Thomas Dale Kelsay and Ruby Lucille Kendall, was born 13 January 1939, near Amboy, Indiana. Bruce liked the out-of-doors and spent a lot of time netting butterflies. He had a good entomology collection that won awards; he was an Eagle Scout, and an excellent trumpet player; he was on the track team. He joined the Air Force in November 1957, for a four-year term. Bruce then went to New York, and studied theater at the Neighborhood Playhouse, and worked at the Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center for five years.
He was married 11 March 1967, in New York City, to Maria T. Thiesen, of Queens, who was born in Brooklyn, daughter of Mr. Thiesen, who was born in Germany.
Bruce and Maria lived in New York about a year and a half, then moved to near Rochester, New York. In 1971, they moved to North Manchester, Indiana. In 1975, they bought 40 acres of land with a house, near Akron, Indiana.
Bruce was always very good at painting and woodcarving. He made all of his own furniture, and did extensive remodeling of his house. He worked for General Telephone.
On 8 September 1981, on his way to a job in his telephone truck, he was killed at a railway crossing near Atwood, Indiana. His body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered over the land that he and Maria had bought near Silver Lake, that he loved so much.
Children:
Robert Gene Kelsay, son of Newton Harvey Kelsay and Edna Anderson, was born 9 January 1927.
When he was 18 and in the army, he was married to Marjorie Buttons, who turned out to have married two other GIs.
He was married/2 to Bonnie Jane Owen, in Indiana, and divorced.
He was married/3 to Jo Lee Reed.
He was married/4 to Herlinda Aviles Mendoza, and divorced, and no children. She reportedly returned to Mexico City. Robert, a college professor, taught at the University of Florida.
Robert was married/5, to Jacquelyn Ann Nixon, and in his correspondence of March 1973, he reported that he had found a good one. They were expecting twins.
In 1973, Robert and Jackie were living in San Diego, California, where he was in charge of Community Planning for the County of San Diego. He was teaching a class at United States International University in his spare time.
Children:
William Martin Kelsay, son of Newton Harvey Kelsay and Susie Pavy, was born 1 October 1929, in Shelbyville, Indiana.
He was married 29 December 1952, in Silver City, New Mexico, to Jeri Diana Kuester, who was born 8 August 1931, in Marion, Indiana.
Children:
Debra Lynn Kelsay, daughter of Frederick Dale Kelsay and Carol Ann Dennison, was born 16 May 1959, in Marion, Indiana.
She was married/1 7 April 1978, in Converse, Indiana, to Steven Wayne Haskell, who was born 26 August 1957, at Marion. They were divorced.
She attended Fort Wayne Business College, and is now employed there as an officer and closing agent for Waterfield Mortgage Company.
She was married/2 on 12 August 1989, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Tim Harold Witte, born 24 November 1954, in Fort Wayne, son of Harold August Witte and Gertrude Helena Buesching.
Children:
Ronald Dale Kelsay, son of Frederick Dale Kelsay and Carol Ann Dennison, was born 26 October 1960, in Peru, Indiana. He graduated Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana.
He was married 24 September 1983, in Converse, Indiana, to Darla Jo Burdette, who was born 26 June 1959, in Marion, daughter of Marion Burdette (born 7 September 1931, Davis County, Kentucky) and Rosalillee Wilson (born 2 February 1935, Gas City, Indiana).
Ronald is a Personnel Manager for Target Dept. Stores, and is attending Law School in the evenings at the University of Arkansas, in Little Rock.
Children: