Leon H. Kelso Papers

Collection

Identifier: M234

Staff Only

Abstract

Leon H. Kelso received his bachelors degree from the University of Denver in 1929, and a masters degree from Cornell University in 1938. He specialized in ornithology and was the author of over 70 articles and books on that subject. He also was a translator of Russian, and translated many books and articles from that language.

The collection at the University of Denver Special Collections and Archives contains reports Kelso completed during his time at DU, together with his translation of Russian geographer P. P. Semenov, a copy of Kelso's "Biological Leaflet No. 19" and a transcript of Kelso's mother's diary.

Dates

1905-1977

Creator

Kelso, Leon H., 1907-1982 (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Leon H. Kelso was born September 4, 1907 in Gretna, Kansas. The family moved to Colorado in 1920. Leon Kelso received his B.A. from the University of Denver in 1929 and an M.A. from Cornell University in 1938. He was an expert ornithology. He worked in Washington, D.D. for the Bureau of Biological Survey. He wrote widely on the subject of ornithology, and also became a translator of Russian, translating several works from that language.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 half letter document box)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

The Leon H. Kelso Papers at the University of Denver include two reports completed by Kelso during his undergraduate days, together with a copy of his publication "Biological Leaflet No. 19." Also in the collection are two translations by Kelso of the works of Russian geographer and botanist, P. P. Semenov. The collection also contains a transcription of the diary of Kelso's mother, Pearl Kelso.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in three series: 1. Botanical Reports. 2. Translations. 3. Pearl Kelso diary. __Three periodicals "The Biologist" were separated from the collection and cataloged as serials.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Leon H. Kelso, 1977.

Accruals

No further accruals are expected.

General

Additional accessions are documented in the donor files. One was received November 4, 1977 from Leon Kelso and contained 42 typescript pages of Kelso's translation of a work of P. P. Semenov. The other was received from Estelle H. Kelso and included a football program which was probably moved to the athletics collection since it is not to be found, and a copy of Biological Leaflet No. 19, which is still in the collection. That Accession was dated August 17, 1976. (mak 2/14/2008)