Kelso's activities were extolled extensively by Wiley Britton, "The Civil War on the Border" and wrote an autobiography that covered some of his war years experiences.

KELSO, John Russell, 1831-1891

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guide to Research Collections

Huntington Library
Manuscript Department
San Marino, CA
Papers: 1873-1882, 800 pages.
Collected works of John R. Kelso written for his beloved son, John R. Kelso, Junior and for his posterity. The works include political speeches, lectures, addresses, poetry, and an autobiography.

Papers: 1882, 133 pages.
An autobiography of John Russell Kelso spanning from the early 1840s until 1863. The autobiography deals with the Kelso family history, accounts of the life in the frontiers, the author’s religious experience, and the Methodist Church, teachers and schools in the pre-Civil War Missouri. The largest portion of the autobiography deals with various aspects of the Civil War in Missouri, including the Home Guards, recruiting, operations against bushwhackers, scouting, camp life, civilians, battles and campaigns of 1861-1863.