Mollie Kelso (1868 - 1945)
Madisonville Democrat, (Monroe Co. TN) Wednesday, February 28, 1945, Page 1:
“Mrs. Mollie Kelso, Once Monroe teacher, Dies In Wellington, Texas---Mrs. Mollie Kelso, former teacher in the schools of Monroe County, who had made her home in Wellington, Texas, since 1924, died there on Feb. 12, at the age of 76 years. She had been in ill health for about five years, but her condition became serious only about two weeks before her death, shortly after she had returned from a visit with a daughter in Vernon, Texas.
Mrs. Kelso was also for a number of years a teacher in the schools at Dodson, Plymouth, Lillie and Cross Roads, Texas. Her services there, however, were only part of her career as a teacher which began when she was 19 years old. Altogether she devoted more than 30 years to teaching, first in Monroe County, then in New Mexico and Texas. A firm believer in the advancement of education and teaching as a profession, she was active in the work of teacher’s associations and later in the enlarged associations in which teachers have furthered their cause. In addition to her work in the schools, Mrs. Kelso was an active church worker until recent years when her health prevented her continuing this activity. She had been a member of the Baptist Church ever since she was a young girl.
Mrs. Kelso was born in Madisonville on Oct. 29, 1868. She grew to womanhood here and was married to James H. Kelso, Jr., on June 20, 1898. Shortly afterward she and her husband moved to Texas, remaining there until 1906, when they went to New Mexico. They made their home in that state until 1924, when they returned to Collingsworth, Texas, to make their permanent home. Mr. Kelso preceded her in death on Feb. 28, 1930. Mrs. Kelso remained on the farm that had been their home several years, but since her health failed she had made her home in Wellington.
Three children survive: Jimmie and Leslie L. Kelso of Wellington and Mrs. D.D. Dillingham of Vernon, Texas. Other survivors are four grandchildren, a brother and sister, Mr. T.D. Woods of Abeline, Texas, and Mrs. G.L. Henderson of Vonore.
Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Wellington, Texas, the pastor, Rev. H.H. Kinkeade, officiating. Hymns sung included “Saved by Grace” and “Abide With Me.” Burial was in the Wellington Cemetery.”