I subscribe to Footnote.com which has all of the CS Compiled Service Records online.

In checking John Kellow under the 14th Tennessee, for whatever reason his cards are filed under "John Kells." Once inside that file they are listed as "Kellow." He enlisted in Company L at Camp Duncan, near Clarksville, TN in the early summer of 1861. His card of August 1862 states that he transferred to the 4th Kentucky Cavalry. In checking under that regiment he does not show up.

But in December 1862/early January 1863, he shows up in the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry (Woodward's) which, as there was already a 2nd KY Cavalry (Duke's), was renumbered by the CS War Department as the 15th Kentucky Cavalry. In July/August 1863 he is listed as "deserted." The September/October card says the same thing.

Once he drops from the official rolls, it will be hard to track him down. Guerrilla and irregular units did not keep muster rolls so if you have him as raiding along the Cumberland River that is probably from family lore. There was a lot of such activity by regular CS cavalry and irregulars. Some who were captured were sentenced to hanging and prison, not being under the protection of wearing a military uniform. That may be what happened with John Kellow.

Sorry not to have anything more.

Greg Biggs