Hon. Joseph Kelso (1814-1898)

KELSO, CRESSY, SHAW

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/19/2010 at 21:42:47

Jackson Sentinel, Maquoketa, Iowa, April 7, 1898

DEATH OF JUDGE KELSO

Hon. Joseph Kelso, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Bellevue and Iowa, died at his home in Bellevue, Tuesday afternoon, after a several months sickness, aged 84 years.

Judge Kelso was born in Antrim, Ireland, and was the son of a Presbyterian minister. He emigrated to this country in1840 and first settled in Virginia. Later he went to Pike County, Ohio, where he engaged in teaching school and reading law. In 1845 he commenced a regular course of law studies with Hon. Thomas Corwin and then with John M. Douglas who afterward became president of the Illinois Central Railroad. After being admitted to the bar, he removed to Bellevue in 1849 for the practice of his profession and has lived here continuously since that time. In the early ‘60’s he associated himself with W. L. Redmond in the banking business under the firm name of Kelso and Redmond. This connection continued until 1868, when the firm was dissolved, since which time the business has been carried on by Mr. Kelso alone. He was elected prosecuting attorney and served very acceptably in that office. In 1857 he was elected County Judge of Jackson County, which office he held for one term and made an honorable record as jurist. He also held the office of mayor and many other places of trust within the gift of the citizens of Bellevue and Jackson County, and filled each position with ability and fidelity.
Judge Kelso was originally a Whig, but when that party dissolved he joined the Democracy, with which organization he has ever since been affiliated. The Judge was married in 1859 to Miss Eliza Cressy of Beverly, Massachusetts. She died in Bellevue in 1864; they had two children-Walter C. and William. His second marriage was in 1872 to Miss Sophia F. Shaw of Maquoketa; three children were born to them-Carrie, Joseph and Jennie.
Judge Kelso was a man of the strictest integrity and honesty, who loved the truth in all things and abhorred falsehood. Though advanced in years he was until his last illness, active and energetic in his business. His word was as good as his bond and once your friend , he was always your friend. He was a loving husband and a kind and indulgent father. With him the home was always first. He will be sadly missed in the community.
The funeral was held from the Presbyterian Church tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock p.m., Rev. Hall officiating, assisted by Rev. Dr. Burkhalter of the First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids. Those who have already arrived to attend the funeral are: Walter and William Kelso, his sons, of Hallock, Minnesota, David Kelso, a brother of Parson, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Broeksmit and daughter, Helen, of Cedar Rapids; and A. C. Johnson of Dubuque.