John Kelsay (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Kelsay
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| 18th Associate Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court | |
| In office 1868–1870 |
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| Preceded by | Alonzo A. Skinner |
| Succeeded by | Andrew J. Thayer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 23, 1819 Wayne County, Kentucky |
| Died | January 19, 1899 (aged 79) Oregon |
| Spouses | Martha C. Monroe (1846) Cornelia Corintner (1864) |
John Kelsay (October 23, 1819 – January 19, 1899) was an important American politician and judge. He played a big role in the early history of Oregon. Kelsay served as a judge on the highest court in Oregon, the Oregon Supreme Court. He was also involved in a conflict known as the Rogue River Wars.
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Early Life and Becoming a Lawyer
John Kelsay was born in Kentucky on October 23, 1819. His family lived in Wayne County. When John was ten years old, his family moved to Missouri.
John's mother taught him at home. Later, in 1842, he began to study law. He worked hard and passed his law exam in July 1845. This meant he could officially work as a lawyer. In 1846, he got married for the first time to Martha C. Monroe.
Moving to Oregon Territory
In 1853, John Kelsay and his wife decided to move west. They traveled to Oregon Territory using the famous Oregon Trail. They settled in a town called Corvallis, Oregon. There, John started his own law business.
Soon after arriving, John helped organize a group of soldiers. These soldiers fought against the Rogue River tribe in southwestern Oregon. Because of his leadership, John earned the title of colonel.
His Time in Politics
John Kelsay was active in politics in both Missouri and Oregon. In Missouri, he was elected to the state's House of Representatives in 1844. He represented Morgan County.
Later, in Oregon, he helped prepare the territory to become a state. In 1857, he represented Benton County at the Oregon Constitutional Convention. This was a special meeting where leaders wrote the rules for Oregon's government. At this meeting, John was chosen to lead the military committee.
In 1868, John Kelsay was elected to be a judge on the Oregon Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the state. He served for two years, finishing his term in 1870. Even after leaving the court, he was nominated again by the Republican Party in 1870 and 1872. He was one of the first leaders of the Republican Party in Oregon.
Later Years
Before he became a judge on the Supreme Court, John Kelsay married again. In 1864, he married Cornelia Corintner. They had two children together.
Later in his life, John Kelsay also served as the mayor of Corvallis. John Kelsay passed away on January 19, 1899, in Oregon.
