1858–1925 · Male · died at 67
Sex is as recorded in the family tree. Age at death is worked out from the dates shown and may be a range or an approximation. It is left out when a date is missing or is only a “before”, “after” or “between” date, when the research has found a date Unconfirmed, when the two dates conflict, or when they would mean an age over 110.
This story is about someone or something else, and names Winchester (Judge W.) Kelso Sr..
Winchester Kelso practised law in southwest Texas and served as a trial judge. Published appeals give a view of his work on the bench.
Appeals decided between March 1891 and February 1894 identify Kelso as the trial judge in cases from Val Verde, Kinney, Maverick, Edwards, Jeff Davis and Brewster counties. Other reports, from 1887 and 1893–1903, name him as counsel (reported cases).
These are appeal dates, not trial dates, and do not establish the beginning or end of his judgeship. Later cases may concern his namesake son and are not assigned to him here.
Kelso tried the Arispe family's lawsuit twice. According to the published opinions, a railway work train collided with a freight train in Val Verde County on December 31, 1886. Pedro Arispe, a laborer on the work train, was killed. His parents sued the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railway (1891 opinion; 1893 opinion).
The accident account and legal reasoning come from the appellate opinions; Kelso presided over the trials.
The first jury awarded them $1,000. In June 1891, the Supreme Court of Texas reversed the judgment and ordered a new trial. It found that part of the jury instruction did not fit the evidence and that a life-expectancy table from a handbook called All for Twenty-five Cents should not have been admitted (1891 opinion).
The Supreme Court's reasons, as its opinion states them.
At the second trial, the jury awarded $3,000. The Court of Civil Appeals upheld that judgment in November 1893. Its findings described Pedro as twenty, unmarried and earning about $30 a month. For four years he had given his parents $15 to $20 a month; his father was 64, blind and unable to work. The court found that the division superintendent's orders had given both trains the right of way on the same single track (1893 opinion).
Rehearing was denied in December 1893 and a writ of error refused in January 1894. The underlying trial records are not cited here.
| When | What the record shows | How sure |
|---|---|---|
| 31 December 1886 | A work train and a freight train collide near Devil's River, Val Verde County; Pedro Arispe is killed (as the courts found). Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railway Co. v. Arispe, 81 Tex. 517 (1891); Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railway Co. v. Arispe, 5 Tex. Civ. App. 611 (1893) | Confirmed |
| 1887 | Named as counsel in a reported appeal. Reported Texas appeals naming Winchester Kelso, 1887–1903 | Confirmed |
| March 1891 to February 1894 | Appeals decided from trials held before him in six counties (appeal dates, not trial dates). Reported Texas appeals naming Winchester Kelso, 1887–1903 | Confirmed |
| 23 June 1891 | The Supreme Court of Texas reverses the first Arispe judgment ($1,000) and remands the case. Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railway Co. v. Arispe, 81 Tex. 517 (1891) | Confirmed |
| 1893 to 1903 | Named as counsel in reported appeals. Reported Texas appeals naming Winchester Kelso, 1887–1903 | Confirmed |
| 15 November 1893 | The Court of Civil Appeals affirms the second judgment ($3,000); a rehearing is overruled on 6 December. Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railway Co. v. Arispe, 5 Tex. Civ. App. 611 (1893) | Confirmed |
| 27 January 1894 | Writ of error refused in the Arispe case. Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railway Co. v. Arispe, 5 Tex. Civ. App. 611 (1893) | Confirmed |
Why: Winchester Kelso's Texas death certificate (no. 38231) names his father as John Roebuck Kelso (born Tennessee) and his mother's maiden name as Ann Chisholm; the 1860 census has John R. Kelso, Ann and Winchester (2) in one DeWitt County household. The tree calls her Mary Ann 'Annie'; the certificate and the 1856 marriage index say Ann.
Records:
Review: assessed 10-03-2026; evidence: Image examined.
Earlier: Unconfirmed (10-03-2026, imported tree): The FTM import's own unassessed link. · Unconfirmed (09-24-2026, imported tree): From the imported family tree; not yet reviewed.
Why: Winchester Kelso's Texas death certificate (no. 38231) names his father as John Roebuck Kelso (born Tennessee) and his mother's maiden name as Ann Chisholm; the 1860 census has John R. Kelso, Ann and Winchester (2) in one DeWitt County household. The tree names the father 'John W Kelsoe'; the certificate and the 1860 census give John Roebuck (R.) Kelso, with the same birth year (about 1835) and wife Ann.
Records:
Review: assessed 10-03-2026; evidence: Image examined.
Earlier: Unconfirmed (10-03-2026, imported tree): The FTM import's own unassessed link. · Unconfirmed (09-24-2026, imported tree): From the imported family tree; not yet reviewed.
Why: Ruth's own death certificate names her father as Winchester Kelso, Sr. and her mother's maiden name as May Joyce; Winchester Kelso's 1925 death notices (San Antonio Express and San Antonio Light) name his daughter as Mrs. Herbert Slayden Clarkson / Mrs. Ruth Kelso-Clarkson.
Records:
Review: assessed 10-03-2026; evidence: Image examined.
Earlier: Unconfirmed (10-03-2026, imported tree): The FTM import's own unassessed link. · Unconfirmed (09-24-2026, imported tree): From the imported family tree; not yet reviewed.
| Born | 24 May 1858 Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: His Texas death certificate, his 1923 passport application and his gravestone agree on 24 May 1858. Clinton, DeWitt County, comes from the passport application, his own later statement. Records: Review: assessed 11-02-2026; evidence: Image examined. Earlier: Unconfirmed (09-24-2026, imported tree): From the imported family tree; not yet reviewed. |
|---|---|
| Died | 24 Nov 1925, San Antonio, Texas Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: The Laredo Daily Times of 25 Nov 1925 reports his death the day before in San Antonio (page read in the story-scout research). Records: Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined. Earlier: Unconfirmed (09-24-2026, imported tree): From the imported family tree; not yet reviewed. |
| Residence | 1860, DeWitt, Texas, USA Image: 1870 United States Federal Census · Image: Texas, U.S., Rolls of Attorneys, 1840-2002 · Image: 1860 United States Federal Census |
| Residence | 1870, Precinct 1, Clinton, DeWitt, Texas, USA Image: U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925 · Image: U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 · Image: 1910 United States Federal Census |
| Marriage | 3 OCT 1888, Hays County, Texas, USA, with May Joyce Kelso 1866–1935 |
| Marriage | 3 OCT 1888, Hays, Texas, USA |
| Residence | 7 JUN 1893, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA Image: Texas, U.S., Arriving and Departing Passenger and Crew Lists, 1893-1963 |
| Occupation | Reported as going to Brackett to defend Alberto Guerrero, whose case had been moved there to find a jury, Apr 1895, Eagle Pass and Brackett, Texas Likely evidence: show whyWhy: Eagle Pass Guide, 13 Apr 1895 (text read; the page image could not be opened). A report of an engagement, not of its outcome. Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Index or transcription examined. |
| Residence | 22 JUN 1896, Buffalo, New York, USA |
| Residence | Occupation: Lawyer; Marital Status: Married; Relation to Head of House: Head, 1900, Eagle Pass, Maverick, Texas, USA |
| Occupation | Practising as 'Winchester Kelso, Attorney at Law', 26 Jul 1901, Eagle Pass, Texas Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: A receipt on his letterhead acknowledging a payment. Records: Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined. |
| Residence | 17 MAY 1901, San Antonio, Texas, USA |
| Residence | 30 AUG 1909, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA |
| Winchester Kelso sends $500 to flood victims | 30 AUG 1909, Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Residence | 1910, San Antonio Ward 4, Bexar, Texas, USA |
| Arrival | 18 APR 1914, Port Aransas, Texas, USA |
| Arrival | 16 OCT 1923, New York, New York, USA |
| Death of Winchester Kelso | 25 NOV 1925, Laredo, Texas |
| Obituary Judge Winchester Kelso | 25 NOV 1925, Taylor, Texas |
| Burial | San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States of America View memorial on Find a Grave |
| Departure | Tampico, Mexico |
| Departure | Southampton |
| Residence | San Antonio, Texas, USA |
| Residence | Eagle Pass |
| Residence | Marital Status: Widow, USA |
15 newspaper clippings to view here. View them larger, one at a time.
Eagle Pass Guide (Eagle Pass, Tex.), vol. 7, no. 33, 13 Apr 1895, p. 1: local notices (the Guide is indebted to Mrs. Winchester Kelso for roses from her home on Ceylon Street).13 Apr 1895 · p. 1
Newspapers.com - The Journal and Tribune - 30 Aug 1909 - 2 Winchester Kelso sends $500 to flood victims30 Aug 1909
The San Antonio Light, 11 May 1916, p. 14: "Mrs. Winchester Kelso was elected president of the Battle of Flowers Association at the annual meeting of the organization Wednesday afternoon" (10 May 1916), succeeding Mrs. Atlee B. Ayres.11 May 1916 · p. 14
The San Antonio Light, 12 May 1917, p. 8: "Mrs. Winchester Kelso was unanimously re-elected president of the Battle of Flowers' Association."12 May 1917 · p. 8
The San Antonio Evening News, 12 October 1918, p. 6, "Just Among Ourselves": Mrs. Winchester Kelso, who has been with the volunteers, says she never in her life felt as if she was doing such real work.12 October 1918 · p. 6
The San Antonio Light, 14 April 1918, p. 8 as printed (viewer page 5): the Battle of Flowers Association, Mrs. Winchester Kelso, president, plans a military and Red Cross parade followed by a religious service before the Alamo instead of the Battle of Flowers.14 April 1918 · p. 5
The San Antonio Light, 18 April 1918, p. 7 as printed (viewer page 11): "Mrs. Kelso, president of the Battle of Flowers Association, under whose auspices the parade is being given, has charge of the section of the parade in which Army officers and city officials will march."18 April 1918 · p. 11
The San Antonio Light, 22 April 1918, p. 6 as printed (viewer page 3): the Battle of Flowers Association, Mrs. Winchester Kelso, president, "planned and staged the parade and the services before the Alamo"; the Red Cross flags collected $802.23.22 April 1918 · p. 3
Laredo Morning Times, 25 Nov 1925, p. 5: Death of Winchester Kelso.25 Nov 1925 · p. 5
Newspapers.com - Laredo Morning Times - 25 Nov 1925 - 525 Nov 1925
Newspapers.com - The Taylor Daily Press - 25 Nov 1925 - Page 225 Nov 1925
San Antonio Express, 25 Nov 1925, p. 14: Deaths, Judge Winchester Kelso (wife May Joyce Kelso, son Winchester Kelso Jr., daughter Mrs. Herbert Slayden Clarkson).25 Nov 1925 · p. 14
San Antonio Light, 25 Nov 1925, p. 5: W. Kelso, S. A. Civic Leader, Is Dead (widow, son, daughter Ruth Kelso-Clarkson, brother Frank Kelso).25 Nov 1925 · p. 5
The Austin American, 25 Nov 1925, p. 1: Winchester Kelso, Noted Texas Attorney, Dies at San Antonio (Associated Press).25 Nov 1925 · p. 1
The Houston Post, 25 Nov 1925, p. 13: Winchester Kelso of Santone Dies (Associated Press).25 Nov 1925 · p. 1328 record images to view here. View them larger, one at a time.
1860 U.S. census, DeWitt County, Texas, p. 85: John R. Kelso, 25, farmer, born Tennessee; Ann Kelso, 20, born Texas; Winchester Kelso, 2, born Texas (dwelling 657, family 646).1860 · p. 85 (stamped 498), dwelling 657 / family 646, lines 26-28
1870 U.S. census, Precinct 1, DeWitt County, Texas, enumerated 1 June 1870: Jno. R. Kelso, 35, farmer, born Mississippi; Ann, 31, keeping house, born Texas; Winchester, 12; F. H., 10; and Hardina, 3, all born in Texas.1 Jun 1870 · Page No. 1 (stamped 212), dwelling/family 4, lines 22-26
Billhead dated Eagle Pass, Texas, July 26, 1901: an account 'To Winchester Kelso, Attorney at Law' for a commission of $32.00 on a purchase, marked as paid on 26 July 1901 and signed 'Winchester Kelso'.1901
Judge Kelso obit laredo times 192525 November 1925
Texas standard certificate of death no. 38231 for Winchester Kelso, attorney, who died at 107 West Craig, San Antonio, on 24 November 1925, aged 67. It gives his birth as 24 May 1858 in DeWitt County, his father as John Roebuck Kelso (Tennessee) and his mother's maiden name as Ann Chisholm (Kentucky); cause chronic heart disease; buried at Mission Burial Park on 25 November 1925.24 Nov 1925 · certificate no. 38231; image 2651 of 3,580
1860 United States Federal Census
1870 United States Federal Census
1900 United States Federal Census
1910 United States Federal Census
Black-and-white photographic postcard portrait of General Porfirio Diaz, the printed line at the foot reading 'GRAL. DON PORFIRIO DIAZ, MEXICO'. It shows Diaz, not a member of the family; it is context for Winchester Kelso.photograph
Excerpt from Frank Gray's 'Pioneering in Southwest Texas': 'Judge Winchester Kelso of Eagle Pass was the efficient judge of that judicial district at that time ... Many of the settlers at that time lived in tents.'
Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S., Arriving and Departing Passenger and Crew Lists, 1900-1959
Kelso-Clarkson, Main Stone
Kelso, Winchester 1858-1925 Tombstone
Mission Burial Park-San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, USA
New York, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957
Portrait painting of General Porfirio Diaz in a decorated dress uniform. It shows Diaz, not a member of the family; it sits with the Winchester Kelso page because his obituaries call Kelso a friend of President Diaz.photograph
Restored portrait of a man with a moustache, set on a diamond-shaped mount and titled 'Winchester Kelso (redone)'; the tree note says it was redone from an original posted by another member.Studio portrait of a young man with a moustache in a dark military-style uniform with braid, titled 'Kelso, Winchester 1858-1925 Photo' in the family tree.
Texas, U.S., Arriving and Departing Passenger and Crew Lists, 1893-1963
Texas, U.S., Bonds and Oaths of Office, 1846–1920
Texas, U.S., Death Certificates, 1903-1982
Texas, U.S., Death Index, 1903-2000
Texas, U.S., Rolls of Attorneys, 1840-2002
U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925
U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995
U.S., Passport Applications, 1795-1925
Winchester Kelso, 1858–1925, Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio.Share a memory of Winchester (Judge W.) Kelso Sr.: saved privately, not published (family members can sign in to send one).
Open an evidence label for the sources, assessment and review date. Unreviewed tree entries are Unconfirmed. How sure is each statement?
American Acorns
