Kelso Township

Early Settlement

    The lands of this township began to be settled during the war of 1812-15. It is said that John Kelso, a native of Ireland, removed to New York, and from there to this section in 1813. He settled on what is known as the William Gaynor farm, and from Mr. Kelso the township received its name.

    The site of Dover was occupied in 1815; it has been stated in print that Jonathan Lewis settled on the site of Dover, in 1815, and erected the first house in the neighborhood. The following list contains the names of some of the pioneer settlers of the township:

• Charles Lods

• Hugh Conlin

• John C. Stinger

• Joel Decker

• John Mason

• William Tucker

• Isaac Hagen

• Jonathan Lewis

• George Lewis

• George Voglegesang

• Walter Connelly

• Maj. J. Lewis

• Welcome Lewis

• John Blettner

• Isaac Lawrence

• Charles Schue

• Jeremiah Watkins

• John Kelso

• Daniel McKay

• William Swift

• Henry McKinsey

• John B. Kesler

• Andrew Lonergan

• Christopher Ennis

• Thomas Dart

• Joel Dickinson