George Allen Kelsey 1846 - 1933

KELSEY, CALLENDER, KIMBALL

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/24/2017 at 12:42:50

Veteran Passes Away

George Allen Kelsey was born July 16, 1846 in Marysville, Ohio. He departed this life July 28, 1933 at the age of 87 years and 12 days.

He came to Illinois with his parents in 1862. Having answered Lincoln’s call for 100 day men, issued in 1864, he served six months as a member of Company D, 136th Illinois Infantry, in the Civil War.

He was married to Josephine A. Callender September 24, 1870. To this union were born five children, two, Josie Allen and Henry Edward, dying in infancy and Wilbur Franklin at the age of 33 years. His faithful wife preceded him February 15, 1897.

With his family, he moved to Woodbury County, Iowa in 1881, where he has since resided, the past 24 years living in Smithland.

He leaves to mourn his departure a son, George A. and a daughter, Kate, both of Smithland; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Lucy F. Cole of Roslendale, Mass., and many relatives and friends. Mr. Kelsey was a kind father and generous in his dealings with others. Especially he was charitable toward young people and children and inclined to make due allowance with people’s mistakes.

Last Veteran Joins Comrades

The last surviving Civil War Veteran in Little Sioux Township, George Allen Kelsey, 87, died Friday, July 28, at his home in Smithland.

Mr. Kelsey, whose parent were Benjamin F. and Marietta Kimball Kelsey was born July 16, 1846 at Marysville, Ohio. In 1864 at the age of 18, he volunteered under the One Hundred Day Men and served for six months.

He was married September 24, 1870 to Josephine Callender and they oved to Woodbury County in 1881. Mrs. Kelsey died February 15, 1897. Mr. Kelsey retired from the farm in 1909 and has lived in Smithland for the past 24 years. He was preceded in death by three children.

Surviving are a son, George A., and a daughter, Kate, both of Smithland, one sister, Lucy T. Colle of Roslindale, Mass., seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon in the Methodist Church at Smithland with Rev. C.E. Stevens officiating. Burial was in Lee Cemetery near Holly Springs under the direction of Becker’s Funeral Parlors of Hornick.