BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.

Page 695.

W. J. KELSEY, of Smith township, one of the most prominent farmers of the
region, is a son of Robert Kelsey, one of the early settlers of Belmont
county. Robert was born in Ireland, in 1807, and in 1811 emigrated to the
United States with his parents, who made their home across the river from
Wheeling. On May 31, 1831, Robert was married to Rachel Livingston, who
was born in Ireland in 1799, and they had two sons and one daughter, of
whom the former survive. Robert farmed for many years a farm which he
purchased from James Kelsey, an uncle, who was one of the pioneers. He
died January 25, 1868, and his wife died August 1, 183. W. J. Kelsey was
born August 19, 1834, and reared on the farm, and received his education
in the common schools of the township. He has devoted his life to farming
and stock-raising, at which he has been notcibly successful. He has a fine
herd of Spanish Merino sheep, and is an extensive grower of wool, and breeder
of fine sheep. April 29, 1869, Mr. Kelsey was married to Elizabeth A.,
daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth (Grimes) Ramage, and they have three
children: Robert Archibald, born March 19, 1870; Rachel Adella, born January
13, 1873, and Louise May, born March 1, 1878. Mrs. Kelsey is a member of the
Presbyterian church.