Background
Kelton, John Cunningham was born on June 24, 1828 in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of Robert and Margaretta (Cunningham) Kelton.
Kelton, John Cunningham was born on June 24, 1828 in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of Robert and Margaretta (Cunningham) Kelton.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1851.
He was appointed to the 6th Infantry, in which he served until the outbreak of the American Civil War. He served in various staff positions during the war, with the rank of colonel of Volunteers. Kelton was appointed to the Adjutant General"s Department in April 1865 and was promoted to lieutenant colonel in March 1866.
He was appointed as adjutant general of the Division of the Pacific in July 1870, where he remained until September 1885, earning a promotion to colonel in June 1880.
In October 1885 he returned to the Adjutant General"s Department in Washington, and he was elevated to Adjutant General of the United States Army with the rank of brigadier general in June 1889. He retired in June 1892.
After retirement, he was appointed as governor of the Soldier"s Home in Washington, where he served until his death in July 1893. He is buried in the cemetery there, now known as the United States Soldiers" and Airmen"s Home National Cemetery.
Married Josephine Campbell, April.