Henry C. Kelso is a native of Daviess county, Missouri, and was born December 13, 1846. His father, E. C. Kelso, was a New Jersey farmer who came to Daviess county at an early date. Henry C. received his education and early training in his father’s home and at the age of nineteen began life for himself. He spent one year in traveling and then in 1868 entered a drug store in Hamilton, Missouri, remaining two years, when he returned to Daviess county and turned his attention to farming which now occupies his time.
Mr. Kelso was married, in 1873, to Miss Virginia A. Ray, of Virginia; and daughter of William E. and Elizabeth Ray, formerly residents of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Kelso have had two children: Leah, born March 31, 1875; and Anna D., born May 2, 1878—died November 27, 1879.