John Russel Kelso (1831-1891) was a Missouri educator, radical politician, free-thinking author, and lecturer. During the Civil War, Kelso served in the 24 Missouri Infantry, 14th Missouri Cavalry, and 8th Missouri Cavalry regiments of the Union Army. In March, 1865, he was elected to the Thirty Ninth Congress as an Independent Radical. In 1867-1869 he was the Principal of Kelso Academy in Springfield, Mo. In 1872, he moved to Modesto, Calif., and in 1885, to Longmont, Colo. where he died in 1891.
From the description of John R. Kelso's complete works in manuscript written for his beloved son John R. Kelso, Junior and his posterity, 1873-1882. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122332638
From the description of John R. Kelso's complete works in manuscript written for his beloved son John R. Kelso, Junior and his posterity, 1873-1882 [microform]. (University of Cincinnati). WorldCat record id: 61329414
