The Topeka Daily Capital Thursday April 9, 1936 Scott Kelsey, Widely Known Farmer, Is Dead. Civil War Veteran on Same Farm Since 1879. Was One of Largest Kaw Valley Potato Growers and an Advocate of Modern Methods. Scott KELSEY, 88, veteran of the Civil War and a prominent Shawnee county farmer and potato grower for many years, died last night at his home, 1400 Arter avenue. He had been ill since Monday night. Mr. Kelsey was born July 1, 1847, in Dillsboro, Ind. When the Civil War broke out, he tried to volunteer in the cavalry but was rejected because he was too heavy for the service and on account of his youth. Later he volunteered in the navy and served in Admiral Farragut's fleet on the flagship "Fair Play." To Kansas in 1879. He came to Kansas March 1, 1879, and took up his residence on the farm on which his father, Dandridge E. Kelsey, settled in 1868. He had made his home on the same farm ever since. His name for years was linked with the Kaw Valley potato industry. In addition to being one of the largest growers in the county he was intensely interested in new methods advocated by the farm bureau to increase the quality and yield of the Irish potato. Several years ago, the farm bureau used a part of his farm as an experimental project for raising potatoes. Former County Commissioner. Years ago, he served as county commissioner from the district now represented by his son, Melvin T. Kelsey, chairman of the board of county commissioners. He became a member of the Masonic lodge in 1869 at Friendship, Ind., and transferred his membership to Topeka lodge, No. 17, A.F. & A.M., after moving to Topeka. The Topeka lodge recently honored him with a life membership. He also was a member of the Topeka Scottish Rite consistory and Lincoln Post No. 1, G.A.R. Drove Own Moter Car. Despite his advanced age, he possessed all of his mental faculities, and even drove his own motor car. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Prudence WILSON, San Antonio, Tex.; two sons, Grant E. and Melvin T. Kelsey, both of Topeka; a sister, Miss Minnie PARR, Rossville; a brother, Will L. Kelsey, Vickery, Tex., nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Penwell's chapel. Burial will be in Topeka cemetery.