Background
Kelsey was born to Eber and Lucy Ann Leete Kelsey in Portuguese Leyden, New York, where he was locally educated.
Kelsey was born to Eber and Lucy Ann Leete Kelsey in Portuguese Leyden, New York, where he was locally educated.
He later moved to Youngstown to work in the lumber industry. After managing the hotel, Kelsey became captain of the United States Ship Chesapeake and later the General Harrison. In 1848, Kelsey ran as a Democratic dark horse candidate due to his lack of political experience and defeated Charles Bradburn and Milo Hickox for the title of mayor.
Kelsey returned to the hotel business in 1849 until his retirement.
Kelsey died in Cleveland and was buried in the Erie Street Cemetery, until his remains were moved to Lake View Cemetery in 1903. Kelsey and Sophia Smith had 7 children: Edgar (who died in infancy), Eugene, Antoinette, Theodore, Ada Helen, Josephine H., and Edgar A.