Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Jennie E Cole, dau. of Lysander and Marietta (Lay) Cole, 8/11/1870 in Calhoun Co., MI. She died 3/10/1872;
married Exene Cole (Jennie's sister)11/24/1875 ; children: H. Bertrand, Florence, Jennie Maude, Carrie Hazel and one other
Number of Children: 5
Background
Education:
Battle Creek high school
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Silas P. and Emily 'Melia' (Lusk) Kelsey. He grew up working on the family farm but began teaching in Bedford, near Harmonia, when he finished high school in 1860. Enlisted in Co. C, 2nd Michigan Infantry; discharged then re-enlisted 8/28/1861 in Co. H, 2nd Missouri Cavalry (Merrill's Horse) and rose through the ranks to be a First Lieutenant; mustered out 9/19/1865. After the war he purchased his father's farm. Held local offices, including supervisor and was chairman of the board of supervisors for Calhoun Co. and chairman of the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Commission of Calhoun Co.; president of the Farmers' Institute of Calhoun Co.; active in the Michigan State Agricultural Society; Chief of Police for the Michigan State Fair. member of the Masons, the Grange, Farmers; Alliance, Patrons of Industry He was a clerk in Lansing at the time of his death.
Notable Facts:
He was wounded when acting as Chief od Police for theMichigan State Fair in 1889, resulting in the amputation of his leg.