Kelsey - William K.
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 4 July 1902
William Kelsey an old and honored citizen of this county died Wednesday at his home one mile east of New Market at the age of 70 years. He leaves four daughters and a son. -- kbz
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 7 July 1902
Aaron Kelsey and Phebe Venard, the parents of William Kelsey were natives of Mason County, Kentucky. They moved to Ohio in the year of 1790 and moved back to Kentucky in the year 1806 came to Indiana in 1820 and entered from the government the present home. They were among the very first pioneers to settle in Montgomery County and battle with the hardships of pioneer life. Aaron and Phebe Kelsey were the parents of 7 children, six sons and one daughter. Thomas was born May 4, 1824, died Nov 7, 1853; Rezin was born April 19, 1826 died Aug 7, 1853; Hannah was born Dec 23, 1827, died Aug 30, 1847; William was born Jan 3, 1830, died July 2, 1902 at the age of 72 years 5 months 29 days. James, the 5th child was born Aug 4, 1832, died July 9, 1850; Isaac was born Nov 10, 1837 died March 23, 1864; Joseph W. was born Aug 15, 1840, died Feb 14, 1873. In the spring of 1845 the father assisted in driving stock to Lafayette, returned and through the exposure was taken sick and on Feb 18, 1845 died leaving his companion a widow with seven children to care for. With that heroic disposition and a firm determination that was so prevalent without pioneer parents, she so bravely met the test and she saw all of her children grown to mature years and with the exception of Joseph and William, she experienced the sad duty of following them to their last resting place. But in these trying hours she had a friend that she could trust. She put her faith in her Savior. This father and mother in early life joined the Methodist Church and one by one the children followed in father's and mother's precept and today they are basking in the sunshine and love of God's countenance an unbroken family. William was born on the old homestead and has lived continually on the farm where he was born, with the exception of 18 months that he lived in Scott Township. He joined the ME Church when he was quite young at the old log church then called "Pleasant Hill," but now known as Findley Chapel. He retained his membership at this point until the church was built at New Market and transferred his membership to that point. For over a half century, William Kelsey was a true, loyal Methodist, a Christian gentleman without spot or blemish devoted to the cause and uplifting of Christ's kingdom ever ready to do what was in his power to promote the best interest of the church, devoted as but few are, always at his post, the chair in the church will now be vacant. The Sunday School will miss one of its most close attendants, the bible class a devoted teacher. William and Nancy Jane Wray were married Nov 4, 1851, and to this union were born four children, three daughters , Eliza Ellen, Savilla Paulinia and Anna Adalaide and one son, Samuel Aaron all grown. On July 26 1877 Nancy Jane, the wife of William was called home after long months' of intense suffering. This dissolution of companionship was a trying ordeal, but his love centered on his children and a more indulgent, devoted loving father could not have lived, always ready with kind, loving, sympathetic, consoling words. The very likeness of love and kindness as a father he will be miss in the home. -- kbz