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Below is a family biography included in The History of Pulaski County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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

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This family biography is one of 80 biographies included in The History of Pulaski County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Pulaski County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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