My Genealogy Hound

John A. Kelso, of Edina, is a native of the city, born March 11, 1850. He is a son of John A. and Nancy J. (Connelly) Kelso, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The father was one of the pioneer citizens of Northeast Missouri, and married his wife in Lewis County, in 1840. He was a carpenter and contractor, and erected many of the early houses and buildings in Edina, and assisted in building the courthouse. He raised two of his six children, viz.: John A. and Joseph S. He died in 1870; the mother is still living, and is now the wife of Hiram Everman, of this county. Our subject was reared in Lewis County, where he secured a good English education, and taught school several terms. In 1872 he engaged in the mercantile business for himself in Lewiston, and followed the same there two years. He then worked at his trade, that of a carpenter, wool carder and spinner, for several years, and in 1876 engaged in the grocery business here, which he continued for three years. In 1881 he established a lumber and hardware store in Hurdland, and went from there to Kirksville in 1883, returning to Edina in December, 1884, where he conducted, a lumber business for about nine months, and then engaged in his present drug and grocery business, and in June, 1887, became a member of the firm of Burk, Grainger & Kelso. He is a Democrat, and served as justice of the peace here for six years. He has also served several terms on the city school board, and at present is clerk of the board. November 23, 1876, he married Sarah E. Coe, daughter of the late James Coe, of this county. They have two children living: Mary J. and Anna. Mr. Kelso is a member of the A. O. U. W., being Past-Master of the local subordinate lodge. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Mr. Kelso is secretary of the county Sunday school association; he is regarded very highly by his neighbors and associates.