Legislator Details


Newell James Kelsey
AKA:
Number of sessions served 1
Gender: Male
Age at election: 39

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 6/20/1843
City: LeRoy twp, MI
County: Calhoun County, MI
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 3/8/1902
City: Lansing, MI
County: Ingham County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 3/9/1902
City: LeRoy, MI
County: Calhoun County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery:

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

Religion:
Military Service: United States Army
Occupation: teacher, farmer
Race: Caucasian or White

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.


Sessions Served:

Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Military Affairs , State Prison
Postions Held:

City of Residence: West Leroy
County of Residence Calhoun
District: Calhoun 2
District Description: Townships of Athens, Battle Creek (city and township), Bedford, Burlington, Convis, Emmett, LeRoy, Newton, Pennfield and Tekonsha

Date Elected: 11/7/1882
Date Sworn In: 1/3/1883
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Married
Notes:

Bibliography:

Chapman (Le) p.335' Manual 1883 p.407, 509; USCen 1870, 1900; SeekMI; Chapman (CA)p.255-57