JAMES F. KELSEY
Page 161

The subject of this brief biography was born in Yates county, New York, in the year 1830; came west to "grow up with the country" in 1855, and how well he has succeeded in that enterprise the facts of his history will best present to the reader. On his arrival in this county, a young man with limited means, aside from his own energies and business abilities, he went into the service of George N. Walker, then the largest grain dealer and heaviest dealer in general merchandise on the Illinois river between Peoria and St. Louis. Here he remained for some years, discharging his duties faithfully and well, as has ever been his invariable rule of business. By judicious investments, made with rare judgment, a fine property was accumulated. In 1862 he became identified with the Peoria, Pekin and Jacksonville Railroad, and for the past fourteen years, with a brief furlough required by his private interests, has that important corporate body been indebted to his rare judgment, promptness and business tact for successful superintendence. The superintendent of the machinery department of this road, who is a most experienced and competent engineer, some years ago made to the writer the remark "that Mr. Kelsey was the best general railroad superintendent he had ever seen; that his orders were promptly given, always right, and never countermanded." As before stated, it was some years ago that this remark was made. A few weeks since in a conversation with the same engineer, we referred him to his former remark, and asked his permission to use it here. He gave us the privilege of doing so, with his re-affirmation of it. Mr. Kelsey has for several terms been a member of the county board of supervisors, a body whose deliberations have been benefitted by his presence.

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