Charles Kelsey (August 24, 1821 – April 15, 1866) was an American politician from New York.

Life

Kelsey was born on August 24, 1821, in Poughkeepsie, New York, the son of mechanic James Kelsey[1] and Rachel Ellen DuBois.[2]

Kelsey learned carpentry from his father. When he was 16 he moved to Brooklyn, where he lived for the rest of his life save for a brief period in Charleston, South Carolina. In Brooklyn, he worked as a master-builder for six years, and then began working in the coal business. He served as Collector of Assessment in the city for two years, Canal-boat Inspector for two years, and Harbor-master for two years. He was also a member of the Brooklyn Board of Education and was a trustee of the Brooklyn Benevolent Association.

Kelsey was a Whig until the dissolution of the party, at which point he briefly became a Republican before joining the Democratic Party. In 1859, Kelsey was elected to the New York State Assembly as a Democrat, representing the Kings County 2nd District. He served in the Assembly in 1860.[1]

Kelsey was a member of the Baptist Church. In 1846,[1] he married Elvira Preston. Their children were Jane Amelia and Frances.[2] He was a member of the Odd Fellows.[3]

Kelsey died in Brooklyn on April 15, 1866.[4] He was buried in Green-Wood Cemetery.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Murphy, William D. (1860). Biographical Sketches of the State Officers and Members of the Legislature of the State of New York in 1860. New York, N.Y.: Wynkoop, Hallenbeck & Thomas. pp. 223–224, 305 – via Internet Archive.
  2. 1 2 Claypool, Edward A.; Clizbee, Azalea (1947). A Genealogy of the Descendants of William Kelsey. Vol. III. Bridgeport, C.T.: Marsh Press. p. 240 – via HathiTrust.
  3. ↑ "Obituary". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Vol. 26, no. 91. Brooklyn, N.Y. 16 April 1866. p. 2 – via Brooklyn Public Library-Historical Newspapers.
  4. ↑ "Died-Kelsey" (PDF). The New York Times. Vol. XV, no. 4542. New York, N.Y. 17 April 1866. p. 5.
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