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GENEALOGY  COLLECTION 


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REV.  ELI  KELLER,  D.  D.,  (IV,  6) 


HISTORY  OF  THE 


jCELLER   FAMILY 


BY  THE  REV.  ELI  KELLER.  D.  D. 


TIFFIN,  OHIO 

PRESS  OF  WILL  H.  GOOD 

1905 


We  are  not  born  as  the  partridge 
in  the  wood,  or  the  ostrich  of 
the  desert,  to  be  scattered  every- 
where; but  we  are  to  be  grouped 
together,  and  brooded  by  love, 
and  reared  day  by  day  in  that 
first  of  churches,  the  family     J- 

-HENRY  WARD  BEECHER 


DEDICATED    TO 

Those  who  believe  that  any 
who  care  not  about  their 
earthly  origin,  care  little  as 
to  anything  higher  ,^  J-  J- 

— HARBAUGH 


^  12G2S17 


A  happy  family  is  but  an 
ea.t\ict  heaven     ^     ^     J> 

-BOWRING 


EDITORS^  PREFACE 


WE  take  pleasure  in  offering-  this  book  to  the 
members  and  friends  of  the  Keller  Family. 
It  comes,   not  as  the  rival  of    any  other 
work,  nor  is  it  the  product  of  any  individual's  am- 
bition.   It  is  a  history  of  the  family,  by  the  family, 
and  for  the  family. 

At  the  third  reunion,  held  in  1899,  the  histo- 
rians, Dr.  Eli  Keller  and  Amos  Keller,  were  ad- 
vised to  consider  the  subject  of  preparing-  a  family 
history.  At  the  fourth  reunion  in  1902,  unanimous 
action  was  taken  to  carry  out  this  purpose.  Dr.  Eli 
Keller  was  requested  to  prepare  the  manuscript. 
Amos,  Joseph  A.,  Reuben,  Elias  and  Samuel 
Keller  and  J.  A.  Welsh  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  assist  in  gathering  material  for  the  history;  and 
Albert  D.,  Joseph  A.,  and  Reuben  Keller  were 
named  as  a  committee  for  its  publication.  This 
action  was  decisive,  it  pointed  out  the  way. 

Naturally  much  work  would  fall  to  some,  and 
little  to  others;  but  those  who  did  the  most  have 
the  greatest  joy,  for  it  has  been  a  labor  of  love. 
We  bear  witness  to  the  kindly  affection  and  unself- 
ishness with  which  services  have  been  rendered. 

We  are  glad  that  so  much  concerning  the 
character  and  experiences  of  our  ancestors  has  been 
put  in  form  for  the  use  of  later  generations.  May 
it  inspire  them  to  do  well  their  work  in  life,  and 
prove  themselves  worthy  descendants  of  a  worthy 
ancestry ! 

(S) 


6  EDITORS'  PREFACE 

The  Editors  wish  to  thank  those  persons, 
whose  names  already  appear  in  this  preface,  for 
the  kind  aid  g-iven.  Thanks  are  also  due  Jeremiah 
Keller  for  his  help  in  collecting-  the  material  for 
the  Plainfield  Map  and  the  Third  Keller  Home. 
With  him  worked  Eli,  Reuben, Oliver  J., Philip,  and 
Joel  F.  Keller.  This  material  for  the  map  and 
picture  was  then  arranged  by  Manelva  W.  Keller 
under  the  direction  of  Inez  I.  Crampton,  Principal 
Department  of  Art  in  Heidelberg-  University, 
Tifi&n,  O.  The  accuracy  and  form  of  both  map 
and  picture  are  due  to  the  pains  taken  by  Manelva 
W.  Keller  and  her  teacher. 

Thanks  are  due  Manelva  W.  Keller  for  help  in 
reading  and  correcting  proof. 

The  Editors  take  this  way  of  thanking  all  who 
helped  toward  bringing  this  book  to  completion. 
They  trust  that  some  younger  person  will  now  take 
up  this  work  of  collecting  and  org-anizing  historical 
material  where  our  faithful  historian  leaves  it. 

Some  information  came  too  late,  for  which 
space  has  been  devoted  at  the  close  of  this  book. 

Death  visited  the  Editorial  Committee  while  in 
the  very  midst  of  its  plans  and  work,  and  took 
away  Reuben  Keller. 

The  Chart  contains  the  genealogy  from  Joseph 
Keller(I,  l)through  Philip  Keller  (II,  11).  Charts 
for  the  other  children  can  also  be  made. 

ALBERT  D.  KELLER, 
JOSEPH  A.  KELLER, 
REUBEN  KELLER. 
July  24,  1905. 


AUTHOR^S  PREFACE 


"We  are  among  those  who  believe  that  any 
who  care  not  about  their  earthly  origin,  care 
little  as  to  anything  higher."      — Harbaugh 


THE  Apostle  Paul  gives  the  Fifth  Command- 
ment with  its  promise  thus:  "Honor  thy 
father  and  mother,  which  is  the  first  com- 
mandment with  promise,  that  it  may  be  well  with 
thee,  and  thou  mayest  live  long-  on  the  earth."  By 
"father  and  mother,"  we  are  to  understand  our  an- 
cestry in  g-enerations  past.  We  are  not  now  created, 
but  born  into  the  world.  The  greatest  gift  the 
world  ever  received  is  its  Savior,  who  came  in  the 
line  of  his  g-enealogy  which  Matthew  traces  down 
from  Abraham  and  David,  and  Luke,  then,  back 
ag-ain  even  to  Adam.  This  includes  the  whole  hu- 
man family,  that  all  might  believe  and  be  saved. 
The  "honor"  we  are  to  bestow  implies  love  and  re- 
spect to  our  ancestry — to  keep  green  their  memory 
and  show  ourselves  worthy  of  and  grateful  for  them. 
Even  Christ  himself,  the  God-man,  in  whom  all  the 
fullness  of  the  Godhead  dwelleth  bodily,  must  be 
included.  The  promise  here  made  is  exceedingly 
broad  and  rich — to  be  well  and  have  a  long-  life  on 
the  earth.  This  includes  all  we  can  rightly  desire 
in  the  earthly,  and  also  obtain  for  Christ's  sake  in 
the  Heavenly  Home. 

(7) 


8  AUTHOR'S  PREFACE 

Our  great  and  g-lorious  nationality  was  founded 
in  the  providence  of  God  g^radually,  by  the  trans- 
planting- into  our  virgin  American  soil  of  individ- 
uals and  families  from  the  old  world.  They  did 
not  come  as  a  great  host — as  did  the  Israelites 
under  Moses  and  Joshua,  through  the  desert  into 
the  promised  land;  of  whom  the  eightieth  Psalm 
speaks  beautifully,  under  the  figure  of  a  single 
vine — but  came,  as  comes  the  precious  wheat  in 
numberless  grains  from  the  hand  of  the  sower,  to 
bring  forth  the  g^olden  harvest  after  the  storms  of 
winter. 

Prof.  I.  D.  Rupp,  of  Philadelphia,  published  a 
"collection  of  upwards  of  30,000  names  of  German, 
Swiss,  Dutch,  French,  and  other  immig-rants  in 
Pennsylvania  from  1727-1776."  In  this  collection, 
women  and  children  are  not  included.  What  a  host 
this,  in  itself  considered,  not  to  refer  to  those  who 
came  before,  and  the  many  more  that  followed 
even  down  to  our  own  time,  transplanted  in  fifty 
years.  No  wonder  that  the  greatest  and  most 
promising  nation  has  already  sprung  up  from  this 
liberal  Divine  seed-sowing. 

Among  the  thirty  thousand  and  more  immi- 
grants, we  find  only  a  single  name  with  whose 
history  primarily  we  have  to  do — Joseph  Keller. 

Looking  across  the  great  ocean  and  to  the  long 
past,  we  cannot  expect  to  have  from  the  start  a 
clear  vision.  We  have,  it  is  true,  not  a  few  written 
data  and  traditional  material  besides, which  will  be 
to  us  as  the  guiding  hand  and  the  seeing  eye. 
Coming  in  our  researches  down  to  our  own  time, 


AUTHOR'S  PREFACE  9 

we  are  however  not  g-iven  to  uncertain  conclusions, 
but  have  historical  facts,  simple  and  sure.  Gather- 
ing- up  and  setting-  in  order  the  history  of  our  own 
family  in  this  country  down  to  the  present,  we  pay 
a  debt  of  gratitude,  due  to  our  beloved  ancestry  as 
well  as  to  ourselves,  and  at  the  same  time  set  an 
exaftiple  to  our  posterity  worthy  of  their  regard 
and  imitation. 

In  carrying  out  our  instructions,  various  diffi- 
culties were  encountered.  The  efforts  to  discover 
other  branches  of  our  family  were  fruitless;  but 
the  awakened  interest  in  this  matter  may  yet  lead 
to  the  discovery  of  these  "lost  tribes." 

It  is  not  too  much  to  hope,  yes  and  not  too 
much  to  ask  that  some  loyal  person  in  our  family 
take  up  the  work  of  collecting  material  where  this 
volume  must  now  leave  off.  It  was  felt  that  the 
time  had  come  that  the  material  now  in  hand 
should  be  put  into  book  form.  The  work  is  now 
done  with  the  best  of  our  ability. 

No  personal  history  is  given  beyond  the  fifth 
generation.  We  think  this  a  good  starting  point 
for  the  coming  historian.  Let  no  more  traditional 
epochs  be  necessary,  but  get  the  facts  in  hand  so 
that  all  the  work  done  may  be  thoroughly  authentic. 
This  is  my  wish  as  I  place  the  material  in  this 
book  into  the  hands  of  the  members  of  our  dear 
family. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


lAPTER  PAGB 

I.     Joseph  Keller,  Sr. — Birth,   Fam- 
ily, AND  Early  Home     ....  14 
II.     Emigration  to  America,   and  Its 

Causes 16 

III.  A  World  of  Labor 19 

IV.  Marriage  and  Home 21 

V.     The  Happy  Family 23 

VI.     Great  Affliction 26 

VII.     Loss  AND  Gain 30 

VIII.     Quiet  Afternoon  and  Evening    .  33 
IX.    Some  of  the  Older  Joseph   Kel- 
ler Children 35 

X.     The  Maria  Ann  Keller  Family  38 
XL     With  Indians,  In  Revolution,  At 

Home 48 

XII.     The  Joseph  Keller,  Jr.,  Family  50 

XIII.  Lost  Among  the  Indians      ...  64 

XIV.  John  Jacob,  the  Second,  and 

Family 65 

XV.     First  Glimpse  at  the  Philip  Kel- 
ler, Sr.,  Family 68 

XVI.     John  Henry  Keller       .       ...  72 

I.  Family  Life 75 

a.  No  Room  Left  for  Idleness  75 

b.  Amusements 76 

c.  Observance  of  Sunday     .  77 

(10) 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS  11 

r/.  Intemperance  Was  Opposed  77 

e.  Rev.  Father  Th.  Pomp     .  78 

f.  Weekly  Pra3'er  Meetings  78 

g.  The  Keller  Boys  Learned 

Trades 78 

h.  Teachers 79 

i.    Military  Affairs    ....  79 

II.  Removal  to  Ohio 80 

III.  Sunny  Days  in  the  Buckeye  State  81 

IV.  The  Rebellion 83 

V.  Genealogical  Tabic     ....  88 

VI.  Biographical  Sketches       ...     94 

a.  Fourth  Generation       .     .        94 
VII.  Biographical  Sketches       .     .     .100 

b.  Fifth  Generation     ...      100 
XVII.     Jacob  Keller 109 

I.   Genealogical  Table     ....      Ill 
II.  Biographical  Sketches       .     .     .  116 

a.  Fourth  Generation      .     .      116 

III.  Biographical  Sketches       .     .     .119 

b.  Fifth  Generation     ...      119 

IV.  The  Part  Taken  in  the  Rebellion  123 

a.  First  Pair 124 

b.  Second  Pair 124 

XVIII.     Will  and  Testament  of  Joseph 

Keller 126 

XIX.     Reminiscences 132 

XX.     Reunion  and  Association  History  158 
People,  Places,  and  Incidents      ....  164 

Members  of  Keller  Family 171 

Addenda 191 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 

OPPOSITE 
PAGE 

REV.  ELI   KELLER,  D.  D.— Histokian Frontispiece 

THE  EDITORS 8 

PLAINFIELD  REFORMED  CHURCH  AND  GRAVEYARD...  17 

PLAINFIELD  MAP 25 

FIRST  KELLER  HOME 33 

GRAVES  OF  JOSEPH  KELLER,  JR.,  AND  WIFE 40 

THIRD  HOUSE  ON  OLDEST  (ORIGINAL)  KELLER 

PENNSYLVANIA  HOME 48 

HENRY  KELLER 56 

GRAVES  OF  PHILIP  KELLER,  SR.,  AND  WIFE 64 

THE  JOHN  HENRY  KELLER  FAMILY 72 

THREE  OF  THE  KELLER  SOLDIERS 81 

PHILIP  KELLER,  AND  WIFE 88 

JOEL  F.  KELLER,  AND  WIFE 97 

THE  ELI  KELLER  FAMILY 104 

SARAH  KELLER  BOWER 112 

JOSEPH  KELLER,  AND  WIFE 121 

ELIZABETH  SHOOK  KELLER 121 

REBECCA  KELLER 121 

THE  PLAINFIELD  REFORMED  CHURCH 128 

DELABOLE 136 

THE  JOHN  HENRY  KELLER  OHIO  HOME 144 

THE  JACOB  KELLER  OHIO  HOME 152 

THE  JOHN  HENRY  KELLER  PENNSYLVANIA  HOME 152 

THE  FIRST  REUNION 160 

THE  UNION  REFORMED  CHURCH 168 

(12) 


SUGGESTIONS 


b. — born. 

dau. — daughter  or  daughters,  text  will  show  which. 

d. — died  or  dead,  text  will  show  which. 

mar. — married. 

Roman  numerals  (I,  II,  etc.)  indicate  the  generations 
on  the  folder.  The  Family  Chart ;  the  Arabic  numerals 
(1,  2,  etc.)  indicate  the  number  of  the  individual  in  his  gen- 
eration as  indicated  on  the  Chart.  For  example,  (I,  1)  re- 
fers to  our  common  ancestor,  Joseph  Keller,  whose  name 
appears  on  the  left  margin  of  the  Chart. 

On  page  38,  you  will  find  1^  Jacob.  The  small  figure  (S) 
will  now  indicate  the  family  name  Mufily.  The  large 
figure  1  will  indicate  the  number  of  the  person  in  his  family 
in  the  order  of  birth.  In  this  case,  you  will  find  the  ten 
children  of  Maria  Ann  Mufily,  nee  Keller,  given  in  the 
order  of  their  births.  Then  they  are  taken  up  with  their 
respective  families  as  follows:  Page  38,  l^  Jacob,  2^  George, 
38  Philip,  43  Charles;  page  40,  5^  Simon;  page  42,  63  Eliza- 
beth, 73  Mary;  page  46,  B^  Sarah;  page  47,  9^  Susan  and  103 
Anna  Maria.  In  this  way,  each  family  is  indicated.  The 
small  figure,  therefore,  stands  for  the  name  of  the  family 
with  which  it  is  first  found.  The  small  numbers  increase 
by  one  as  you  pass  from  one  family  to  another.  This  ex- 
plains why  13^  Samuel,  top  page  43,  is  a  Kaufmann,  the 
small  figure  (*'■*)  being  one  higher  than  the  (^^)  near  bottom 
of  page  42. 

Ample  room  is  left  on  the  right  margin  of  the  Chart  for 
additional  names. 

For  information  concerning  the  location  of  the  first 
Pennsylvania  homes,  turn  to  the  Map  opposite  page  25. 

With  the  illustrations  the  Chart  and  the  Map  should  be 
used. 

Keep  the  Chart  before  you  as  your  guide  in  reading. 

(13) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


CHAPTER  I 

JOSEPH  KELLER,  SR.-BIRTH,  FAMILY,  HOME 

JOSEPH  KELLER  (I,  1)  was  born  March  IS, 
1719,  in  Scliwarzenacker,  near  the  city  of 
Zweibriicken,     Bavaria     (Rhein-Pfalz).       Of 

his  parents  we  have  no  record.  By  tradition, 
we  have  the  following:  His  Jmother  was  first  the 
wife  of  a  JMr.  Guth,  and  had  a  |son  who,  when 
grown,  emigrated  to  America.  When  widowed, 
she  married  a  |Mr,  Keller  and  had  two  more  sons. 
tMr.  Guth  was  a  member  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
Church,  but  dying  when  his  children  were  young, 
they  were  instructed  and  confirmed  in  the  Reformed 
Church,  to  which  the  mother  belonged.  The  |older 
of  the  two  brothers  also  emigrated  to  America, 
and  settled  in  Virginia,  Under  these  circumstances, 
iJoseph,  the  younger  son,  our  ancestor  was  born 
and  reared.  The  family  was  a  broken  and  scat- 
tered one,  and  its  life  must  have  been  unsettled  and 
defective. 

That  country,  especially  around  Zweibriicken, 
is  exceedingly  beautiful.  On  the  east,  ten  or 
twelve  miles  away,  rise  the  Hardt  mountains,  from 


Ij.  See  Traditional  Generation  on  Family  Chart. 
(14) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         15 

whose  rills  and  rivulets,  Erbacli  river  is  formed, 
and  flows  down  the  valley  to  the  Saar  and  the 
Mosel  rivers.  Near  by  on  the  west  and  south  lies 
Sunny  France.  On  all  sides,  vineyards  and  low- 
lands, as  it  were,  interchang-e  friendly  greeting's. 
Rev.  Dr.  P.  Vollmer,  of  Philadelphia,  when  he 
heard  our  ancestor  was  from  Zweibriicken,  ex- 
claimed: "Ah,  you  should  see  that  country,  its 
richness  and  beauty  can  not  be  described  !" 

Prof.  A.  L.  Koeppen,  a  Dane  highly  educated 
and  especially  versed  in  ancient  history,  when  he 
heard  my  name  at  Lancaster,  Pennsylvania,  and  I 
told  him  we  traced  our  family  to  Bavaria,  said: 
"Ah  no,  never,  the  name  Keller  is  Swiss  1"  I  asked: 
"How  do  3'ou  get  around  Bavaria?"  He  said: 
"Easily  enough — at  the  time  of  the  great  plague 
(14  century)  your  ancestors,  with  many  others, 
moved  down  from  the  mountains  into  the  Rhine- 
countries  to  escape  the  so-called  'Black  Death.'" 
Thus,  then,  like  the  noted  Rhine,  having  its 
sources  in  the  snow-capped  Alps,  we  as  a  family 
have  our  source  far  back  in  the  country  of  Tell 
and  Zwingli!  The  blood  in  our  veins,  and  the 
thoughts  of  our  minds  may  still  have,  after  so 
long  a  time,  some  affinity  with  the  past — how  much 
we  cannot  know,  much  less  describe. 


CHAPTER  II 

EMIGRATION  TO  AMERICA,  AND  ITS  CAUSES 

SO  ATTRACTIVE  a  country  as  already  de- 
scribed we  raig-ht  suppose  to  be  able  to  keep 
its  inhabitants,  both  old  and  young-.  So,  too, 
the  only  remaining-  son  (as  far  as  we  know)  should 
have  had  no  desire  to  leave  the  mother;  especially 
so  because  she  was  a  widow.  Yet  very  often  ap- 
pearances are  deceptive.  Serpents  having-  the 
brig-htest  colors  are  the  most  poisonous.  The  most 
fluent  talkers  are  often  the  greatest  liars.  France 
never  was  a  true  friend  to  Germany.  For  many 
years  it  had  gradually  gained  the  ascendency,  and 
German  kings  and  princes,  imitating  the  immo- 
rality, pride,  and  infidelity  of  France,  were  much  to 
blame.  To  Germany,  France  was  like  the  Simoon 
of  the  Promised  Land,  striking  it  from  the  south 
and  blasting  every  green  herb.  Germany,  divided 
in  itself,  had  to  look  down  into  France  as  into  the 
crater  of  a  volcano,  not  knowing  at  what  moment 
it  would  belch  forth  its  destructive  lava  to  the  sad 
formula:     "Ashes  to  ashes  and  dust  to  dust." 

Joseph  Keller  was  now  eighteen  years  of  age, 
and  but  too  soon  would  have  had  to  leave  his 
mother  and  all  as  an  enrolled  soldier.  What  then 
could  the  afflicted  mother  do?  Words  and  even 
tears  would  be  of  no  avail.  To  two  sons  she  had 
already  given  her  blessing  upon  their  going  to 
America,  and  well  might  she  add  also  the  third. 
(16) 


PLAINFIELD  REFORMED  CHURCH  AND  GRAVEYARD 

The  heavy  tombstone  in  the  foreg^round  marks  the  grave  of  Mrs.  Capts 
Miller  (11,  2),  only  daughter  of  Joseph  Keller,  Sr.,  (I,  1).     No  in- 
scription remains,  but  lead  cast  in  top,  by  which  once  an 
iron  crown  was  fastened,  indicates  the  grave 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         17 

Whatever  dangers  could  threaten  in  the  long-  sea- 
voyag-e  or  in  the  wilds  of  America,  in  her  estima- 
tion the  certain  dangers  at  home  were  greater. 

He  may  have  received  favorable  letters  from 
his  brother,  and  especially  from  his  step-brother 
Guth  (Good),  to  whom  he  made  his  way  as  soon  as 
possible  after  reaching  America. 

And  there  is  another  possibility,  and  even  prob- 
ability, which  cannot  be  passed  by  silently.  His 
subsequent  faithful  wife  was  Mary  Engel  Drumm, 
(I,  2)  of  Ernsweiler,  near  Zweibriicken.  She  was 
exactly  six  months  older  than  he,  born  September 
15,  1718.  According  to  the  above  mentioned  col- 
lection of  names,  John  Adam  Drumm  came  to 
America  exactly  two  months  before  our  Joseph  Kel- 
ler did.  The  name  Engel  must  be  a  family  name, 
appearing  in  the  records  of  that  time,  and  was 
likely  the  name  of  her  mother.  The  name  Drumm 
is  found  but  once  in  said  book.  Mary  Engel  Drumm 
must  have  been  either  that  man's  sister  or  daugh- 
ter, most  likely  the  former.  These  two,  Joseph 
and  Mary,  must  have  known  each  other  personally 
in  their  home  —  likely  attended  school  and  cate- 
chetical instruction  together.  In  the  latter  case 
they  were  probably  confirmed  at  the  same  time, 
and  by  the  same  pastor  as  members  of  the  Re- 
formed Church,  and  worshiped  together  every  Sun- 
day.    These  conclusions  rest  upon  stated  facts. 

All  these  considerations  show  how  natural  and 
reasonable  it  was  for  our  ancestor  to  leave  his 
childhood  home,  and  come  across  the  great  deep 
when  he  did.     He  landed  at  Philadelphia,  October 


18         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

31,  1737.  The  name  of  the  ship  which  carried  him 
was  "William",  named  after  William  III,  king-  of 
England  and  Stadtholder  of  Holland,  (William 
Henry  of  Nassau,  Prince  of  Orange),  born  at  The 
Hag-ue,  November  4,  1650,  died  at  Kensington, 
March  8,  1702.  The  name  of  the  captain  was  John 
Carter.  It  sailed  from  Rotterdam,  Holland,  on  the 
river  Meuse,  twenty-four  miles  from  the  sea,  and 
touched  at  Dover,  England.  It  carried  180  passen- 
gers. How  long  a  time  it  took  to  make  the  voyage 
we  are  not  told,  likely  about  two  months.  One 
passenger,  Matthew  Switzer,  was  drowned,  from 
this  we  infer  that  the  voyage  had  its  storms  and 
dangers  according  to  Ps.  107:25. 


CHAPTER  III 

A  WORLD  OF  LABOR 

JOSEPH  KELLER,  after  a  long-  yet  safe  journey 
to  the  new  world,  found  himself  in  the  family 
of  his  step-brother  Guth.  Mary  Eng-el  Drumm 

was  not  far  away  with  her  brother,  John 
Adam  Drumm,  in  their  own  home.  On  all  sides 
there  was  plenty  of  work,  as  is  always  the  case  in 
a  new  country.  Winter  was  at  the  door;  necessary 
shelter  for  man  and  beast  had  to  be  provided;  fuel 
and  provisions  had  to  be  laid  in.  Both  ax  and  flail 
could  not  rest,  except  Sundays.  The  great  end 
held  steadily  in  view  by  every  family  was  an  own 
home,  where  no  one  could  "molest  or  make  afraid." 

We  take  it  that  Joseph  and  Mary  were  not  far 
apart,  and  were  of  one  mind  and  one  heart.  They 
looked  forward  to  a  time  when  they  too,  as  well  as 
others,  would  have  their  own  home  clear  of  all 
encumbrance.  Did  others  labor  faitlifull}'  and 
long-  for  so  great  a  boon,  so  would  they — the  one 
for  the  other.  Many  would  suppose  that  next  in 
order  to  make  sure  of  happiness,  Vv^ould  be  mar- 
riage; such,  however,  was  not  their  opinion.  By 
comparing  dates,  it  is  evident  to  us  that  the  day 
of  their  marriage  was  put  off  five  years.  This  was 
the  free-will  offering  to  secure  by  faithful  labor  and 
strict  economy  a  home  in  America.  They  had  set 
a  high  and  honorable  mark  for  their  combined  ef- 
forts. They  knew  very  well  that  God's  blessing 
(19) 


20         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMHA' 

would  crown  their  labors  with  success,  and  what 
vows  they  laid  down  together  on  his  altar  can  only 
be  imag-ined.  That  in  their  case  there  was  no 
room  for  or  danger  of  having-  the  affections  alien- 
ated by  outsiders  needs  no  mentioning-.  As  Jacob, 
the  patriarch,  served  Laban  seven  years  for 
Rachel,  and  by  reason  of  his  love  for  her  did  not 
think  the  time  long-,  or  the  labor  hard.  So  was  it 
in  their  case. 

Here  was  not  a  shadow  of  our  German  tramp; 
nor  of  those  who  are  ever  looking  away  to  stran- 
gers for  the  partners  of  life;  nor  yet  of  those  who 
spend  as  fast,  (possibly  a  little  faster)  than  they 
earn — living  and  laboring,  but  without  a  high  and 
noble  aim.  Our  ancestors  stood  in  the  front  rank 
of  noble  American  pioneers.  The  old  Fatherland 
might  have  kept  them  and  profited  by  their  faith- 
ful and  patient  labor,  had  the  government  not  only 
been  over  but  for  the  people. 


CHAPTER  IV 

MARRIAGE  AND  HOME 

THE  exact  place  where  the  families  of  Drumm 
and  Guth,  linked  in  our  history,  were  lo- 
cated, is  not  known;  but  where  our  ancestor, 
Joseph  Keller,  after  his  marria^'-e  founded  his  own 
home  is  well  understood.  Midway  between  the 
Plain  field  Church  and  the  town  of  Bangor,  in 
Northampton  County,  Pennsylvania,  the  country  is 
a  romantic  one,  stretching-  upward  from  the  Dela- 
ware River  a  distance  of  about  eight  miles  to  the 
long  chain  of  the  Blue  Mountain.  All  along  to 
the  very  top  of  this  mountain  are  springs  of  pure 
water  meandering  musically  in  bright  streams  to- 
ward the  Delaware.  On  the  sides  of  these  larger 
streams,  all  over  the  country,  other  springs  afford 
tributaries.  About  two  miles  from  the  base  of  the 
mountain,  is  a  fine  spring  Mowing  northward  into 
a  larger  stream  half  a  mile  or  more  away.  This 
spring,  these  hills,  and  slopes  were  the  place  se- 
lected by  Joseph  (I,  1)  and  Mary  Engel  Keller  (I,  2) 
as  their  future  earthly  home. 

Why  this  particular  selection  was  made,  while 
yet  the  whole  country  was  open,  we  do  not  know. 
It  may  be  that  in  the  grand  Blue  Mountain,  they 
saw  a  similarity  to  the  Hardt  Mountains  in  the 
Fatherland.  The  quality  of  the  land  is  not  the 
richest,  and  yet  it  always  rewards  judicious  and 
faithful  labor.  The  air  generally  coming  down 
from  the  mountain,  as  also  the  water,  is   always 

(21) 


22         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

pure  and  invig-orating-.  The  land  was  well  covered 
with  all  manner  of  wood,  especially  chestnut  on 
higher  ground.  Stones  adapted  for  building  were 
found  plentifully  in  the  low  grounds.  Deer,  bears, 
and  other  game  roved  over  the  country.  Wild 
pigeons,  quails,  and  all  manner  of  birds,  at  times, 
filled  the  air  or  sounded  forth  their  happy  voices 
from  the  woods.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  all 
kinds  of  fruit  and  vegetables. 

The  first  house,  erected  by  these  pioneers 
themselves  under  the  sheltering  limbs  of  a  large 
Whiteoak  tree  and  by  the  side  of  the  said  spring, 
was  but  a  mere  hut.  Two  important  and  valuable 
articles  in  that  home  are  in  my  hands  as  relics: 
the  large  illustrated  German  family  Bible  and  the 
Reformed  Hymn  Book,  with  notes,  containing  the 
Heidelberg  Catechism,  forms,  etc.,  printed  in 
Zweibriicken.  In  the  Bible  are  family  records, 
written  in  German  type  by  Father  Keller  himself 
at  different  times  and  under  various  circumstances. 

Who  can  describe  the  feelings  of  these  pio- 
neers, delivered  now  from  the  yoke  of  oppression; 
the  land  on  which  they  labored  was  their  own 
personal  property;  the  home  for  which  they  had 
long  sighed  and  prayed  and  labored,  now  from  day 
to  day  was  assuming  form  and  beauty.  The  image 
and  desire  of  their  hearts  turned  into  happy  vision. 
Six  days  every  week,  they  found  occasion  to  labor  ; 
and  on  Sunday  the  Bible  and  Hymn  Book  gave 
great  help  to  worship  the  great  God,  who  "settetli 
the  solitary  in  families:  he  bringeth  out  those  which 
are  bound  with  chains."     Ps.  68:6. 


CHAPTER  V 

THE  HAPPY  FAMILY 

A  PLACE  for  a  home  in  this  Western  World 
having-  been  selected,  it  required  time  and 
toil  under  the  benig-n  smiles  of  Providence 
to  establish  and  build  it  up.  The  best  gifts,  and 
chief  condition  of  a  true  family  arc  children. 
Among-  those  according-  to  Ps.  127,  the  sons  stand 
foremost.  Here  in  regular  order  we  give  the  names 
and  dates  of  the  births  of  all  the  children,  born  in 
this  first  Keller  family,  copied  from  the  very  pen 
of  Father  Keller: 

1^     Christian,  born  September  10,  1743. 

2^     Anna  Margaret,  born  March  15,  1745. 

3'     Henry  Adam,  born  January  1,  1747. 

4^     Simon,  born  October  29,  1749. 

5^     Joseph,  born  January  15,  1751. 

6^     John  Jacob,  born  July  10,  1754. 

7*     John  Jacob,  born  March  22,  1757. 

8^     Philip,  born  March  29,  1763. 

This  is  in  more  than  one  respect  a  remarkable 
record — seven  sons  and  one  daughter  entering  life 
in  regular  succession.  The  first  name  is  taken 
from  the  name  of  Christ  himself,  as  if  copied  from 
our  Catechism  (Quest.  32.),  "Why  art  thou  called 
a  Christian?"  All  the  others,  except  one,  are  taken 
from  the  Scriptures.  Hov^  different  this  is  from 
giving  children  all  manner  of  outlandish  and  fanci- 
ful names,    as   if   Baptism   itself   and   God's   holy 

(23) 


24         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

covenant  sealed  thereby,  were  a  mere  formality  and 
farce.  Two  names,  and  those  double,  are  quite 
alike.  The  one  first  bearing-  it  was  carried  away 
by  the  Indians,  and  the  second,  less  than  six  months 
old  was  not  yet  baptized.  Seemingly,  the  father 
had  a  premonition  that  the  former  would  nevermore 
return,  and  so  it  proved.  The  last  one  of  the  list 
was  born  just  six  years  after  the  one  before — the 
mother  during-  that  time  being  three  years  in  cap- 
tivity, as  the  following  chapter  will  relate. 

We  will  here  give  a  brief  description  of  the 
life  they  lived,  in  which,  with  the  exception  of  a 
few  years,  we  may  call  them  "a  happy  famil3\" 
Their  experience  with  death  was  the  experience  of 
many  another  family;  one  died  young  (the  3d)  as  a 
reminder,  that  whatever  our  earthly  home  may  be, 
we  are  to  seek  the  heavenly. 

This  manner  of  life  was  in  harmony  with  the 
age  in  which  they  lived.  That  it  was  a  life  of 
labor,  needs  no  stating.  That  very  fact,  since  they 
were  all  of  robust  constitution,  increased  their  hap- 
piness. The  material  for  their  clothing  was  home- 
raised,  home-spun,  home-woven  and  home-made. 
The  annual  patch  of  flax,  and  the  well-cared-for 
flock  of  sheep  served  well  their  part.  Their  fuel 
was  not  brought  from  far,  and  both  beef  and  pork 
in  season  was  of  their  own  raising.  In  the  Fall,  a 
deer  or  two,  and  in  the  Spring,  now  and  then,  a 
string  of  fish,  caught  by  the  boys,  were  sure  to 
come.  If  water  and  rye-coffee  were  not  always  ac- 
ceptable, apples  in  their  time  furnished  both  cider 
and  vinegar.     Corn   for   mush,  and  potatoes  with 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         25 

milk  often  satisfied  the  appetite.  Bread  was  made 
of  rye-flour.  This  rye  was  raised  in  their  own 
fields,  threshed  with  their  own  flails,  ground  in 
their  own  mills,  and  baked  in  their  own  ovens. 
Lumber  was  taken  from  logs,  grown  in  their  own 
woods,  and  sawed  on  their  own  sawmill.  Chest- 
nuts, hickorynuts,  hazelnuts  and  wild  plums  were 
found  in  abundance  in  the  Fall  of  the  year.  The 
highest  mountain  and  the  lowest  marshes  were  for 
huckelberries.  The  little  medicine  needed  was 
prescribed  by  the  mother  from  her  "Herb-bed"  in 
the  garden.  There  were  no  laws  yet  prohibiting 
hunting  or  fishing  on  one's  own  land,  or  on  land 
not  yet  taken  up.  They  made  little  money,  but 
that  honestly,  and  always  spent  less  than  they 
made.  In  the  Fall,  the  underbrush  of  the  intended 
"Newground"  was  grubbed;  in  the  Winter,  the 
cord-wood  of  oak  and  hickory  and  pine  was  cut, 
and  in  the  Spring,  posts  and  rails  were  made  of 
chestnut.  High  grounds  were  for  buckwheat,  and 
low  for  meadows;  from  both  "the  little  busy  bee" 
gathered  its  sweet  stores,  which,  if  not  placed  in 
provided  boxes,  were  later  found  in  hollow  trees. 
Such  are  a  few  hints  in  the  picture  of  "a  happy 
family"  of  the  olden  time. 


CHAPTER  VI 

GREAT  AFFLICTION 

IN  THE  Spring-  of  1757,  (May  18)  Eng-laud  by 
reason  of  certain  encroachments  on  its  terri- 
tory in  this  country  by  France,  declared  war 
ag^ainst  that  nation.  The  war  is  known  as  the 
"French  and  Indian  War"  and  ended  after  seven 
years  by  the  defeat  of  the  French.  The  Thirteen 
English  Colonies  were  located  along  the  Atlantic, 
whilst  France  held  possessions  in  Canada,  and 
down  along-  the  Mississippi.  Between  these  two 
opposing  powers,  the  early  settlers  had  up  to  that 
time  quiet  possession,  and  there  also  different 
tribes  of  Indians  were  then  swarming.  This  sad 
condition  of  affairs  caused  those  settlers  long  and 
great  distress.  In  time  of  war  the  proverb,  "might 
makes  right,"  often  finds  application.  France,  par- 
ticularly, having  a  valuable  fur  trade  with  the  In- 
dians, stirred  them  up  against  the  settlers  who  were 
loyal  to  England.  In  the  minutes  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania German  Society,  Vol.  12,  page  437,  is  a 
quotation  from  Rev.  Dr.  Muehlenberg,  that  France 
rewarded  the  Indians  with  ^10  ($50  in  our  money) 
for  every  scalp  of  an  English  subject  they  secured. 
In  a  work  published  by  the  State  of  Penn- 
sylvania in  1895,  (Frontier  Forts  of  Pennsylvania, 
2  Vols.)  the  first  part,  written  by  Hon.  Richards, 
of  Reading,  Pa.,  descriptions  are  found  of  "The 
Indian  Forts  of  the  Blue  Mountains;"  and  concern- 

(26) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         27 

ing  these  troubles  with  the  Indians,  he  gives  the 
following"  brief,  yet  comprehensive,  statements: 

"It  is  sufl&cient  to  say  that,  as  they  (the  In- 
dians) daily  saw  themselves  pushed  back  by  the 
onward  march  of  the  white  man,  their  hunting 
grounds  teeming  with  game,  and  streams  filled 
with  fish,  lost  to  them,  either  through  fair  purchase 
or  more  likely  fraudulent  action  on  the  part  of  the 
settlers,  it  needed  but  a  spark  to  fire  the  savage 
nature  in  their  breasts  and  create  a  flame  which 
blood  alone  could  extinguish.  That  spark  came 
from  the  field  of  Braddock's  defeat  in  1755,  and,  in 
its  train,  there  swarmed  amongst  the  frontier  set- 
tlements of  the  Province  hundreds  of  scalping 
parties,  carrying  death  and  destruction  with  them 
everywhere,  whose  work  did  not  finally  cease  until 
the  year  1783.  At  this  time  the  Blue  Mountains 
practically  marked  the  limit  of  actual  settlement 
on  the  part  of  the  white  men,  and  it  was  along 
this  range  that  the  storm  burst  in  all  its  fury. 
Standing  as  it  did  on  the  verge  of  civilization 
and  forming  in  itself  a  natural  barrier,  it  was  but 
in  accordance  with  reason  to  occupy  it  for  the  pur- 
pose of  defense  and  to  there  stay  the  further  en- 
croachment of  the  enemy.  It  is  well  here  to  bear 
in  mind  the  fact  that  the  attacks  and  depredations 
of  the  Indians  were  not  made  by  large  bodies  or 
any  number  combined,  neither  were  the  tactics  of 
civilized  warfare  followed;  but  parties  of  from  three 
to  ten  or  twenty  would  creep  noiselessly  past  alert 
and  watchful  sentries  and  suddenly  fall  upon  their 
unsuspecting  victims  and  just  as  suddenly  disappear 


28         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

after  their  horrible  work  had  been  completed,  long- 
before  the  alarm  could  be  spread  and  the  most 
active  troops  overtake  them." 

These  Indians,  in  hunting^  and  fishing",  freely 
and  without  disturbance  roamed  over  the  whole 
country  and  were  thus  well  acquainted  in  every 
nook  and  corner.  The  settlers  might  at  times  en- 
gag-e  in  similar  pursuit  of  game,  but  as  a  rule  had 
other  work  to  do. 

Such  a  party  of  Indians,  on  September  15, 
1757,  attacked  the  Keller  family  and  led  captive 
the  mother  and  her  sons,  Joseph  (II,  7)  and  John 
Jacob,  (II,  9)  to  Montreal,  Canada,  after  having- 
killed  and  scalped  Christian  (II,  1).  Father  Keller 
was  at  the  time  eng-aged  with  his  team  in  seeding, 
and  so  far  from  his  house,  that  he  was  not  aware 
of  the  raid  until  his  return  in  the  evening.  The 
bloody  body  of  his  son  (14  years  old)  found  in  a  field 
at  a  distance  from  the  house  gave  some  light  on 
the  horrible  event.  Evidently  that  oldest  son 
would  also  have  been  taken  alive,  but  being  fleet 
of  foot,  could  not  be  captured.  The  probability  is, 
that  he  first  endeavored  to  hide  in  or  behind  the 
barn,  and  when  that  would  not  answer,  ran  across 
the  field  in  the  direction  of  Laurel  Hill  (Bucks- 
Berg-)  along  the  creek.  This  hill  was  covered 
thickly  with  evergreens — laurel,  spruce,  etc. — the 
only  natural  hiding  place  near.  The  Indian  in 
pursuit  of  him,  fearing  that  the  neighborhood 
might  be  alarmed,  shot  and  killed  him  with  an 
arrow,  then  took  his  scalp  as  a  trophy.  Below  at 
the  roadside,  a  little   south   of   a  small  stream  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         29 

water,  his  body  is  said  to  be  buried.  Simon  (II,  5) 
was  keeping"  the  wild  pigeons  away  from  some 
g-round  already  sown,  and  thus  escaped.  How 
Anna  Marg-aret  (II,  2)  (twelve  and  one-half  years 
old)  escaped  is  not  known.  The  Lord  had  pity 
and  spared  her  to  comfort  and  assist  especially  the 
little  brother  (II,  10)  left  in  the  cradle,  not  yet  one- 
half  year  old. 

The  captives  were  hurried  away  along  and 
across  the  mountain.  The  Indians  kindled  a  fire 
the  same  night,  the  air  being  cold.  The  mother 
had  the  agony  of  seeing  the  scalp  (which  she  recog- 
nized) of  her  first-born  being  dried  by  the  fire. 
Montreal,  Canada  was  the  point  aimed  at  fully 
three  hundred  miles  away.  The  mother  was  bar- 
tered ofif  to  some  French  officers  whom  as  a  captive 
she  served  three  years,  yet  was  always  treated  with 
respect  and  kindness.  This  whole  raid  was  un- 
doubtedly planned;  and  if  the  Indians  were  hired 
to  bring  just  such  a  German  woman  to  attend  to 
such  service,  could  any  one  be  surprised? 

John  Jacob,  3  years  and  2  months  old,  was  lost. 
Of  Joseph,  account  will  be  given  later. 

What  each  member  of  this  once  happy  family, 
and  especially  the  mother,  had  to  suffer  in  those 
three  years,  tongue  cannot  tell  nor  pen  describe. 
Those  who  can  mentally  in  some  measure  enter  the 
situation,  may  draw  their  own  sad  picture  1 


CHAPTER  VII 
LOSS  AND  GAIN 

THE  trag-ic  events  in  the  Keller  Family  natur- 
ally aroused  the  whole  community  to  a  deep 
sense  of  insecurity.  Prompted  by  this  feel- 
ing-, the  "Teed  Blockhouse,"  about  one  and  one- 
half  mile  southward,  was  erected  without  delay, 
where  the  settlers,  old  and  young-,  gathered  in  the 
evening-  for  safety  during-  the  night.  (Frontier 
Forts,  Vol.  1,  Page  240.) 

For  three  long  years  the  motto,  "What  is  home 
without  a  mother?"  must  have  been  most  painfully 
realized  by  those  left  of  the  Keller  Family.  A 
deep  solitude  and  sadness,  like  a  pall,  rested  over 
those  smitten  hearts. 

Equally,  and  possibly  more  forsaken,  must 
have  been  the  mother  in  her  captivity.  How  many 
anxious  questions,  by  day  and  especially  by  nig-ht, 
must  have  harassed  her  sad  heart — "Where  are 
those  left  behind,  and  how  do  they  fare,  m}-  poor 
boys  among-  the  Indians,  and  my  dear  babe  at 
home  ?"  And  to  all  her  questions — no  response,  a 
silent  g-rave,  not  so  painfully  silent  as  such  uncer- 
tainty— to  be  tossed  about  midst  hopes  and  fears  ! 
Finally,  the  English  gained  telling  victories  over 
the  French  in  Canada.  The  fortified  city  of  Mont- 
real, although  surrounded  by  high  walls,  a  ditch 
eight  feet  deep,  and  all  placed  under  the  special 
protection  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  could  not  withstand 

(30) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         31 

them.  With  the  aid  of  the  God  of  Abraham,  the 
Eng-lish  under  General  Wolfe  stormed  the  "Heig-hts 
of  Abraham",  took  the  city  of  Quebec,  and  cooped 
up  the  French  Commander  Vandranil  in  Montreal. 
On  September  6,  1760,  nearly  ten  thousand  British 
troops  advanced  against  the  city,  and  two  days  later 
it  was  taken.  The  prisoners  of  war  kept  there 
were  at  once  discharged.  The  iron  cag-e  was 
broken,  and  the  birds  put  to  their  wings  to  find 
their  homes  again. 

At  that  time,  the  settlers  of  Northampton 
County,  Pa.,  aided  by  their  own  teams,  did  their 
trading  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  though  fully 
seventy  miles  away.  It  once  thus  so  happened  that 
Father  Keller  was  on  his  way  to  market  with  a 
load  of  grain,  and,  by  accident,  heard  of  the  re- 
turning prisoners  of  war.  A  new  hope  kindled  in 
his  soul ;  he  could  not  continue  his  journey;  but 
unhitching  his  team,  he  hastened  his  return  on 
horseback.  As  the  good  Lord  had  willed,  his  wife, 
well  preserved,  had  reached  home  sooner  than  he 
himself.  What  such  a  meeting  was  (October  20, 
1760)  can  never  be  told. 

Five  years  later  Joseph  also  effected  a  safe  re- 
turn from  his  Indian  captivity.  More  than  two 
years  after  the  mother's  return,  another  child  (II, 
11)  was  added  to  the  family.  About  this  time, 
Anna  Margaret,  the  only  daughter,  was  married  to 
a  Mr.  Miller  (II,  3),  who  later  served  as  a  captain 
under  Gen.  George  Washington.  The  young  fami- 
ly was  blessed  with  a  daughter  Elizabeth  (III,  1), 
but  mother  and  daughter  died  during  the  war,  and 


32         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

Captain  Miller  informed  of  the  sad  news  never  re- 
turned. 

During-  the  Revolutionary  War,  Joseph  also 
(II,  7)  served  in  the  army  —  a  so-called  "Seven 
Months  Man" 

Taking-  all  these  thing's  into  consideration,  we 
can  easily  see  that  their  cup  was  often  one  of  sor- 
row. The  deep  wounds,  smitten  by  the  Indian 
raid,  could  heal  over,  but,  like  the  wounds  in  the 
heart-wood  of  a  tree,  could  never  heal  out. 


—    <u 


CHAPTER  VIII 

QUIET  AFTERNOON  AND  EVENING 

THE  long-  life  of  Father  Keller  may  be  divided 
into  two  parts,  as  every  day  is  divided.  The 
first  part  was  restless  and  often  miserable, 
the  second  quiet  and  happy.  It  may  be  compared 
to  the  famous  River  Rhine — almost  eig-ht  hundred 
miles  in  length — rolling-,  tossing  and  tumbling- 
down  the  Mountains  of  Grisons  in  Switzerland; 
then  quietly  and  majestically  moving-  forward  in 
its  deep  channel  throug-h  the  Netherlands  to  the 
North  Sea.  He  lived  in  his  own  house,  by  the  side 
of  the  never-failing-  spring-  of  pure  water.  The 
terrors  of  the  seven-year  French  and  Indian  War 
passed  over — the  seven-year  Revolutionary  War 
shook  the  colonies  from  center  to  circumference, 
but  it  also  passed  away.  Whatever  clouds  dark- 
ened the  horizon,  the  sun  finally,  because  of  that 
darkness,  shone  forth  with  increased  splendor. 

At  that  time  the  Plainfield  Reformed  Congre- 
gation (not  yet  union)  was  organized,  and  the  first 
church  erected.  There  the  family  found  a  spir- 
itual home,  and  were  permitted  to  share  the  rich 
comforts  of  Christian  fellowship  in  the  means  of 
grace. 

About   that   time,    likely,   a   second   dwelling 

house  was  built  only  a  few  rods  to  the  north  of  the 

present  (fourth)  house,  built  by  the  late  Mr.  Reich- 

ard.     Seventy  years  ago,  I  often  saw  the  old  cellar, 

(33) 


34         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

then  only  partially  filled  up.  North  of  that  some 
rods  farther,  all  in  line  with  the  spring-,  stood  the 
low  double  log-  barn,  also  built  long-  before,  as  its 
decaj'  testified.  The  higher  land  was  cleared  by 
degrees  and  brought  under  cultivation  and  the 
lower  was  turned  into  meadows.  Fruit  of  all  kinds 
was  planted  or  merely  allowed  to  grow  in  the  virgin 
soil,  and  rewarded  abundantly  the  labor  bestowed. 
Philip,  the  youngest,  grew  to  manhood,  and 
proved  himself  in  all  respects  a  tower  of  strength, 
a  comfort  and  support  to  his  parents  in  their  old 
age.  The  fact,  that  so  little  information  has  come 
down  to  us,  shows  how  quietly  the  last  days  of  our 
great-grandparents  ebbed  away.  He  died  Sep- 
tember 17,  1800,  and  she,  April  22,  1802.  Although 
she  was  just  half  a  year  older  than  he,  she  never- 
theless outlived  him  more  than  a  year  and  a  half. 
Close  by  the  Church  their  earthly  remains  rest  side 
by  side  awaiting  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  and  the  great  Resurrection.  His  age  was 
81  years,  6  months  and  2  days;  her  age,  83  years, 
7  months  and  7  days. 


1202317 

CHAPTER  IX 

SOME  OF  THE  OLDER  JOSEPH  KELLER  CHILDREN 

CHRISTIAN  (11)  was  the  firstborn  of  our  fam- 
il}'  on  this  Western  Continent.  He  was  a 
lad  just  fourteen  years  and  five  days  old 
when  he  was  shot  with  the  arrow  of  an  Indian, 
killed  and  scalped.  It  was  a  bloody  and  sad  sacri- 
fice. The  family,  so  hopefully  commenced,  seemed 
destined  almost  to  destruction  by  this  blow ;  and 
yet — it  lived !  It  is  a  comfort  to  think  that  his  suf- 
ferings were  short — like  a  flash  of  lightning-,  the 
swift  arrow  too  well  aimed  by  the  skill  of  a  sav- 
age speedily  did  its  sad  work.  As  among  the 
Israelites,  the  first-born  was  accounted  holy  unto 
the  Lord,  so  here  too  this  Christian  Keller  was 
taken  away,  and  his  soul  carried  to  the  "firstborn" 
whose  names  are  written  in  Heaven. 

Anna  Margaret  (2^),  born  March  15,  1745,  was 
just  twelve  and  one-half  years  old  when  the  Indian 
raid  was  made.  She  was  evidently  hidden  in  some 
dark  corner  of  the  barn  at  the  time  and  escaped 
unharmed.  Her  part  it  was,  afterwards  especially, 
to  care  for  the  infant  brother,  and  (in  some  very 
limited  measure)  to  take  the  place  of  the  captive 
mother.  What  great  comfort  she,  the  only  daugh- 
ter in  the  family,  must  have  been  to  those  who  re- 
mained !  After  three  long  years  the  mother  re- 
turned to  the  stricken  household,  and  the  daughter, 
grown  up  to  womanhood,  was  undoubtedly  greatly 
comforted. 

(35) 


36         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

When  more  than  twenty  years  of  ag-e,  she 
found  a  lover,  a  Mr.  Miller,  and  in  him  a  husband. 
She  was  blessed  with  a  child  Elizabeth.  Whence 
her  husband  was  we  are  not  told,  but  as  he  became 
(according-  to  tradition)  a  captain  under  General 
Georg-e  Washington  in  the  Revolutionary  War, 
he  must  have  been  a  man  of  mind  and  will  power. 
It  is  but  natural  to  think  of  the  young  wife  with  a 
young  child  bidding  farewell  to  her  brave  husband 
— alas!  a  long-  last  earthly  farewell!  She  died  and 
her  child  also  ;  and  hearing  the  news,  the  sad  hus- 
band never  returned.  The  g-rave  of  the  mother  in 
the  Plainfield  Graveyard  is  marked  with  a  sand- 
stone. All  inscription  disappeared  long  ago,  but 
a  hole  drilled  in  its  top  and  run  full  of  lead  where 
once  a  crown  was  fastened,  indicating-  a  crown  in 
heaven,  marks  the  grave  without  a  doubt.  I  looked 
for  a  little  grave  and  stone  by  its  side,  but — there 
is  none.  May  it  be  that  the  mother  died  first,  and 
little  Elizabeth  was  put  to  rest,  as  it  were,  on  her 
bosom  ? 

Henry  Adam  (3^),  born  January  1,  1747,  was 
the  second  son  and  the  third  child  in  the  family. 
At  the  time  of  the  raid,  he  was  10  years,  8  months 
and  14  days  old,  and  how  he  escaped  we  know  not. 
Simon  at  the  time  is  said  to  have  been  away  at  a 
newly  sown  field  g-uarding-  it  against  the  ravag-es 
of  wild  pigeons — he  may  have  been  with  him — he 
may  have  been  with  Christian  and  Anna  Margaret 
in  the  barn — or  he  may  have  been  with  his  father. 
The  traditionary  record  we  have  is,  "He  was  a 
very  vigorous  young  man  and  died  young."     When 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         37 

he  died,  or  how,  we  cannot  tell.  His  body  evident- 
ly is  buried  at  the  Plainfield  Church;  but  there  is 
no  stone  indicating-  his  place  of  rest,  unless  it  be 
one  without  inscription. 

Simon  {^^)  was  born  October  29,  1749,  at  the 
time  of  the  Indian  raid,  therefore  he  was  a  little 
less  than  8  years  old.  He  was  then,  at  the  request 
of  his  father,  engaged  in  chasing  the  wild  pigeons 
from  a  sown  field,  and  thus  escaped  the  attacking 
Indians. 

Of  his  subsequent  life,  we  have  very  little  in- 
formation, and  that  by  tradition.  He  married  a  nee 
Dipper,  from  near  Philadelphia,  and  had  three 
children: 

r-^    Joseph. 

2^     Maria  Ann. 

3^  Magdalene. 
He  lived  to  an  old  age,  and  had  his  last  home  with 
his  son-in-law,  George  Muffly,  about  two  miles 
above  Johnsonville,  Pa.  He  now  and  then  visited 
my  parents  in  my  childhood — came  afoot,  and  left 
again  the  same  day.  He  was  not  as  tall  as  my 
grand-father,  Philip  Keller,  but  was  also  of  heavy 
build.  He  is  evidently  buried  at  Centerville,  Pa., 
but  his  grave  is  no  longer  known.  His  only  son 
Joseph  (III,  2)  was  unfortunate  in  marriage  and 
disappeared;  and  Magdalene  (III,  4)  fared  much 
the  same  way;  but  Maria  Ann  (III,  3)  was  the 
mother  of  a  large  family. 


CHAPTER  X 

THE  MARIA  ANN  KELLER  FAMILY 

2^  Maria  Ann  Keller,  mar.  George  Mufifly,  d.  1847, 
in  her  93d  year,  after  having  been  blind  for 
years. 

1^  Jacob,  b.  Nov.  22,  1801,  d.  Mar.  28,  1860. 

2^  Georg-e. 

33  Philip. 

43  Charles,  b.  Dec.  24,  1813,  d.  Jan.  23,  1903. 

5^  Simon. 

6^  Elizabeth. 

7^  Mary. 

83  Sarah,  b.  1810,  d.  1893. 

93  Susan. 

10^  Anna  Maria. 
1^  Jacob,  mar.  Elizabeth  Weidner. 

1*  mar.  John  Oyer. 

2*  mar.  Jacob  Batto. 
2^  George,  mar.  Elizabeth  Reichard. 

1^  Maria,  mar.  Jessiah  Beck. 

2*  Sally  Ann,  mar.  William  Getz. 
3'  Philip,  d.  unmarried. 
43  Charles,  mar.  Kate  Shook. 

1®  Mary  Ann,  mar.  Daniel  Getz.  Have  children. 

2®  Lowine,  mar.  a  Mr.  Lohman.     1  son. 

3^  Susan,  b.  1810,  mar.  Samuel  McCammon,  b. 
1872,  d.  1895. 
V  Anna  Maria,  b.  1836,  d.  1876,  mar.  Wil- 
liam Klein. 

(38) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         39 

1«  Emma  Frances,  d.  1902,  mar.  Jere- 
miah F.  Hahn. 
1^  Anna. 
2"  Bertha. 
2^  Florence  R.,  mar.  Abr.  Hartzell. 
3^  Elmer  J.,  mar.  nee  Bysher. 
2^  Elizabeth,  mar.  Reuben  Houck. 

1^**  Sarah  Alice,  mar.  George  E.  Mess- 

inger. 
2^"  W.  Oliver,  mar.  Jennie  Stocker. 
1^^  Lizzie. 
2"  Arlington. 
3"  Lester. 
4"  Russel,  d. 
3^"  Edwin  J.,  mar.  Mary  Schoch. 
1^2  Karl. 
3^  John,  b.  1840,  mar.  Elmira  E.  Dech,  d. 
1884. 
113  Lizzie  G.,b.  1874,  mar.  H.  P.  Brown. 
2^3  S.  Caroline. 
4^  Aaron,  b.  1843,  mar.  Clara  V.  Reich. 

1^*  Samuel,  d.  1874. 
5^  Lucy  A.,  mar.  Alfred  Hahn. 

1^^  Richard  Sam'l,  mar.  Ida  Siegfried. 
li«  Samuel. 
2^^  Lucy. 
2^®  Frederick,  mar.  Minnie  S.   Achen- 
bach. 
1"  Clark. 
2"  Annie. 
V^  Robert  C,  d.  1900. 
6^  Caroline. 


40         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

4^  Sarah,  mar.  James  McCammon. 
5^  Peter,  mar.  nee  Fell.     1  son,  2  dau. 
6^  Morris,  mar.  nee  Labar.     1  dau. 
h^  Simon,  mar.  Kate  Ratzel. 

1^^  Jacob,  mar.  Matilda  Abel. 

1^^  Simon. 

2^"  Aaron. 

3i«  Jacob. 

4^'^  Lewis. 

5"  Sarah. 

613  jjiien,  moved  to  Straubville,  N.  Dak. 
2^^  Elizabeth,    b.    Oct.    27,    1845,    mar.    Aaron 
Gum,  b.  June  11,  1839. 

l^*^  James  E.,  b.  Dec.  3,  1863,  mar.  Lucinda 
Achenbach,  b.  Mar.  21,  1865. 

121  Hattie,  b.  Mar.  25,  1884. 
2^1  Hannah,  b.  Dec.  31,  1886. 
321  Eugene,  b.  Jan.  12,  1890. 
421  Minnie,  b.  Oct.  31,  1893. 

2^^  Annie  K.,  mar.   John  Scheetz,  b.  Oct. 
27,  1863. 

122  Mabel,  b.  July  17,  1890. 

320  Katie,    mar.   Theodore  Flory,  b.  Mar. 
15,  1863. 

123  jj^na,  b.  May  27,  1887. 
223  Annie,  b.  Aug-.  8,  1888. 
323  Carrie,  b.  Apr.  1,  1890. 
423  Charles,  b.  Mar.  6,  1892. 
523  Clifford,  b.  Dec.  16,  1894. 
623  wilmer,  b.  July  9,  1901. 

420  Mary,  d.  Dec.   11,   1875,  aged   about   2 
years, 


hi  r  33 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         41 

52«  Ella,  b.  Nov.  20,  1872,  mar.  Willis  Al- 
sover,  b.  Nov.  20,  1872, 
\^^  Lucy,  b.  June  25,  1892. 
620  Irwin,  mar.  Lilly  Keiper,  b.  Aug.  17,'73. 

125  Lewis,  b.  Apr.  5,  1899. 
22^  Mabel,  b.  July  4,  1900. 

720  Charles,  mar.  Annie  Itterly,  b.  Oct.  11, 
1876. 

126  Raymond,  b.  Mar.  28,  1897. 
226  Myrtle,  b.  Nov.  16,  1898. 
32«  Dorothy,  b.  Mar.  20,  1902. 

82"  Lucy  E.,    mar.    Elmer   Werkheiser,   b. 
April  29,  1877. 

127  Willis,  b.  Feb.  13,  1897. 
3^^  John  Louis,  mar.  Frances  Mann. 

128  Frank,  mar.  Lizzie  Mane. 
22^  Callie,  mar.  Frank  Chinance.  2  children. 
32s  Birdie,  b.  April  2,  1850. 
4^**  Mary  Edith,  mar.  Marcus  Strauss,  b.  Oct. 
22,  1845. 
12»  July  Ann,  b.  Jan.  29,  1870,  mar.  Charles 
Werkheiser. 
1^0  Cora. 
2^0  Agnes,  d. 
3'^"  Flauncy. 
22»  Peter   Adison,    b.    Jan.  25,  1872,    mar. 

Minnie  Edinger. 
323  Pauline,  b.  Jan.  7,  1873,  mar.  Michael 

Moser. 
42»  Louis,  b.  Feb.  24,  1876,  d.  9  years  old. 
52^  Mary  Ellie,  b.  Feb.  14,  1878,  mar.  Ed- 
ward Jones. 


42         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

pi  Aulef. 

2^^  Mildred,  b.  July  4,  1899. 
629  Callie,  b.  July  8,  1881. 
729  Amy,  b.  Nov.  15,  1882. 
823  Katie,  b.  Jan.    29,    1885,    mar.    Joseph 

Repsher. 
929  Magg-y,  b.  Sept.  4,  1887. 
102"  Eli,  b.  Dec.  4,  1890. 
5^^  Peter,  moved  to  Etna,  Minn.,  1  son  died,  7 

dau.  lived. 
6^^  Margaret  M.,  mar.  Julius  Wilhelm,  2  chil- 
dren d.,  4  sons  and  1  dau.  live  in  Bangor,  Pa. 
7^»  Katie  Maria,  b.   Jan.    9,    1861,    mar.    Ben- 
jamin Repsher. 
132  Rose  ^W^n,  b.  July  23,  1879,  mar.  John 

Doney. 
2^2  Edith  Agnes,  b.  Aug.  24,  1881. 
7P  Charles  Alvin,  b.  Mar.  25,  1883. 
4^2  Emma  Frances,  b.  Aug.  24,  1885. 
5^2  Ammon  N.,  b.  June  26,  1893. 
6^2  Minnie  Cath.,  b.  April  4,  1895. 
8^^  Charles,    mar.    Anna  Butz.     Have  3  dau., 

live  in  Bangor,  Pa. 
918  \i^nj     Henry,  mar.  Ellen  Labar.      Have    1 
son,  3  dau.,  2  dead. 
6^  Elizabeth,  mar.  Jacob   Zuber. 
l^^  Charles,  d. 
2^  Simon,  d. 

333  Philip.     Had  two  children. 
4^3  Elizabeth,  mar.  Hugh  Ralston. 
5^  Abyaene,  mar.  Edv^rard  Heller,  d. 
7'  Mary,  mar.  Charles  Kaufmann. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         43 

1^  Samuel,  mar.  Sarah  Kunsman. 

1^^  Elizabeth,    mar.  Peter  Reimer.      Have 

4  sons  and  1  dau. 
2^^  Catharine,  mar.  Peter  Kressler. 
V'^  Lula. 
2^^  Clara. 
2^*  Georg-e,  mar.  Sarah  Weidman. 

1^^  Adam,  mar.   Mary  Fell.     Have  2  sons 

and  1  dau. 
2^^  John,  mar.  nee  Reimel.     Have   2  sons 

and  2  dau. 
3^^  Caroline,    mar.  (first)  Charles    Rotzel. 
Have  1  son  and  1  dau. 
Mar.  (second)  Robert  Rotzel. 
1^8  Edward. 
2««  Stella. 
3^8  Edith. 
4^^  Maria,  mar.  Elmer  Labar.    Have  2  sons 

and  2  dau. 
5^^  Charles,  lives  in  Bangor,  Pa. 
6^^  Jessie,    d. 
33*  William,  mar.   (first)  Sobina   Ruth. 
1^8  John,  two  dau. 
Mar.  (second)  Sarah  Wolff. 
1^9  Clara. 
2^*^  Jennie. 
3='''  William. 
43^  Charles. 
S^''  Oliver. 
e^!*  Elsie. 
7^^^  Martha. 

Moved  to  Frankfort,  Kan. 


44         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

4^  Jonathan,  mar.  Cath.  Kuntzraan. 
1*"  Charles. 
2^  Emma. 
3^«  Ida. 
4*0  Sarah. 
5*0  Samuel. 
6*«  Frank. 
5^  Elizabeth,  mar.  (first)  Jacob  Ruth,   d.  July 
2,  1881,  aged  55. 
1"  Charles,  b.  Dec.  27,  1853,  mar.  Sybilla 
Wilhelm. 
1*2  Edward,  mar.   Annie  Christine.     1 

dau.,  d. 
2*2  William. 
3*2  Benjamin. 
2*^  Mary  Cath.,  b.  Dec.  24,  1855,  mar.  David 
Wilhelm. 
1*^  Lizzie. 
2*^  Emma. 

3*3  Jacob.     Lives  at  E.  Bangor,  Pa. 
4*3  Raymond. 
5*3  John. 
3*1  Sarah    Ann,    b.    Sept.   14,   1857,    mar. 
William  Eldridge. 
1**  Martin,  mar.  nee  Rample. 
2**  Ida,  mar.  Isaac  Thatcher.     2  dau. 
3**  Harry. 
4**  Mahlon. 
5**  Lizzie. 
6**  Mamie. 
7**  Harvey. 

Live  at  Wind  Gap,  Pa. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         45 

4"  Benjamin,  b.  Sept.  12,  1859,  mar.  Re- 
becca Steinmetz. 
1*^  Carrie,  mar.  Marvine  Reph. 
2*'  Rosie. 
3*^  Archie. 
4*^  Lotty. 
5"  Samuel,   b.  Oct.   13,   1861,   mar.   Annie 
Weidman. 
1*«  Floyd. 
2*«  Luther. 
3*'=  Sadie. 

Live  at  Bang-or,  Pa. 
6"  Frank,   b.  July  8,  1864,  mar.  Mary   J. 
Kleintop. 
1*^  Raymond. 
2'^  Mabel. 
3"  Sarah. 

Live  at  Penarg-yl,  Pa. 
7*^  Adaline,  b.  March  29,  1867,  mar.  Roger 
Smith. 
1*«  Clinton. 
2*«  Samuel. 
3^«  Martin. 
4*«  Louis. 

Live  at  Smith  Gap,  Pa. 
8"  Reuben,    b.   Sept.  16,   1869,    mar.  Ella 
Roth. 
1^^  Clarence. 
2*^  Lilly. 
3"^  Martin. 
4*3  Gertrude. 
S'^''  Cula. 


46         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

9*1  Joseph,  b.  Jan.  23,  1872,  d.  aged  14  yrs. 
10"  Jacob,  b.  Sept.  20,  1873.    At  home  with 
mother  at  Penargyl,  Pa. 
5^*  Elizabeth,    mar.    (second)    Christian   Kem- 
merer  of  Wiirtemberg-,  Germany;  d.  Oct.  17, 
1901,  aged  45  yrs.,  3  mos.,  3  days. 
8^  Sarah,  mar.  George  Eckert. 

1^**  Katy    Ann,  mar.  John  Slack,  b.  April  25, 
1840,  d.  Sept.  12,  1893. 
1"  George,  b.  July  30,  1859,  mar.  Amanda 
Syder. 
1^2  John. 
2^2  Flora. 
3^=^  Leah. 
4^2  Earl. 
5^'^  Hazel. 
6^2  Beula. 
T''  Russel. 
2"  Elsie,    b.    Sept.    15,   1867,    mar.  Theo- 
dore Kiefer. 
1^^  Sarah,  mar.  Reuben  Fritz.  2  sons,  2 

dau. 
2^^  Alice,   mar.    Judson   Datesman.     1 
son,  2  dau. 
2^*^  John,  mar.  and  was  lost  among  the  Indians 

in  the  West. 
360  Hyrem,  d.  in  Va.  during  the  Rebellion. 
4^**  Abraham,  d.,  had  been  mar.  to  nee  Gruber. 
560  Frank,  mar.  nee  Seiple.    1  dau.  in  Bangor — 

mother  in  Norristown,  Pa. 
6^*^  Malinda,    mar.  Obadiah   Oyer.     2  sons,    3 
dau. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         47 

7^  Frances  E.,  mar.  Theodore  Lockert.    3  dau. 
Live  in  E.  Stroudsburg-. 
9^  Susan,  mar.  John  McCammon.     Had  2  sons,  one 

mar.  Susan  Muffly,  and  have  3  children. 
10^  Anna  Maria,    mar.    (first)    Charles    Kaufman. 
Mar.  (second)  John  Kuntzman,  d.  Jan.  20,  1868, 
ag-ed  64  years,  1  month  and  17  days. 


CHAPTER  XI 

WITH  INDIANS,  IN  REVOLUTION,  AT  HOME 

JOSEPH  (II,  7)  was  born  January  15,  1751. 
Therefore,  at  the  time  of  the  raid,  he  was  ex- 
actly five  years  and  eig-ht  months  old.  With 
his  mother  and  younger  brother,  he  was 
taken  to  Montreal,  Lower  Canada,  by  the  Indians. 
How  he  stood  the  long"  journey  of  about  three 
hundred  miles, of  which  the  mother  had  complained, 
we  are  not  told.  According-  to  the  most  reliable 
information  handed  down  traditionally  in  his  own 
family,  he  was  among  the  Indians  eig-ht  years. 
What  a  life  he  then  led — its  pleasures  and  sorrows 
can  only  be  imagined.  It  is  reported  that  the 
daug-hter  of  an  Indian  Chief,having  lost  her  brother 
by  death,  asked  and  obtained  from  her  father  our 
Joseph,  whom  she  wished  to  take  the  place  of  her 
lost  brother.  Such  stories  are  easily  made  where 
the  material  is  at  hand,  and  just  as  easily  believed. 
It  is  true  that  he  did  not  wish  to  come  back  when 
directed  by  British  authority  to  do  so.  The  main 
reason  was,  that  he  had  the  promise  of  receiving-  a 
rifle  in  the  near  future,  whilst  up  to  that  time  he 
had  to  be  contented  with  the  bow  and  arrow,  in  the 
use  of  which,  however,  he  had  acquired  great  skill. 
It  is  reported  that  he  would  hide  in  the  bushes,  and 
mimic  the  voices  of  various  birds,  enticing  them  at 
will  into  reach,  and  then  shoot  them  down.  Thus, 
once  after  his  return,  he  called  from  a  distance  to 
(48) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         49 

a  friend,  asking-  to  be  allowed  to  shoot  an  arrow  at 
him.  The  one  thus  requested,  thinking-  himself 
safe  by  reason  of  the  g-reat  distance,  granted  the 
request.  Scarcely  was  the  word  said,  when  the  ar- 
row from  the  bow  whirred  past  him — terribly  near. 
The  man  shot  at  always  believed  that  the  young- 
Keller  shot  exactly  where  he  had  kindly  aimed. 

At  the  time  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  being- 
some  twenty  years  of  ag-e,  our  Joseph  Keller  en- 
listed as  a  so-called  "Seven-Month  Man,"  but  how 
long-  he  was  in  the  service  of  the  Colonies  is  not 
known. 

In  due  time,  he  returned  to  the  Old  Home, 
evidently  tired  of  Indian-life,  and  also  of  war  as 
well.  He  looked  about  him  for  a  partner  for  life, 
and  found  such  a  one  near  by  in  the  person  of 
Maria  Magdalene  Andre  (II,  8),  daughter  of  Leon- 
ard Andre.  Looking  for  a  home  of  their  own,  they 
crossed  the  Blue  Mountain  to  Cherry  Valley,  where, 
likely  as  Indian  captives,  he,  with  mother  and 
brother,  had  spent  the  first  night  after  their  cap- 
ture. The  place  they  selected  is  most  romantic — 
mountains  on  two  sides,  and  a  famous  Trout- 
stream,  "Cherry  Valley  Creek,"  making  its  own 
soothing  music  day  and  night  as  it  hastens  toward 
the  Delaware  Water  Gap. 

Joseph  Keller,  Jr.,  passed  the  eighty-first  mile- 
stone of  his  earthly  pilgrimage.  On  a  beautiful 
knoll  near  the  creek,  are  the  graves  of  these  an- 
cestors. The  grave-stones,  inscriptions,  and  all 
are  well  preserved.  I  had  the  pleasure  of  visiting 
the  sacred  spot,  where  I  found  but  three  graves. 


CHAPTER  XII 

THE  JOSEPH  KELLER,  JR.,  FAMILY 

Joseph  Keller,  Jr.  (II,  7),  b.  Jan.  15,    1751,    d. 
Apr.  15,  1832,  mar.  Maria  Magdalene  Andre,  b.  June 
15,  1785,  d.  Sept.  6,  1831. 
1^*  Adam. 
2^  Leonard. 
3^  Joseph. 
4^*  Jacob. 
5^  John. 

6^  Peter,  b.  Aug-.  26,  1794,  d.  Sept.  20,  1878. 
7^*  Henry. 
8^  Elizabeth. 
9^  Mary,  b.  1785,  d.  1825. 
10^*  Sarah. 

11^*  Georg-e,  b.  Jan.  15,  1797,  d.  Feb.  3,  1871. 
1^^  Adam,  mar.  Elizabeth  Fisher.     Moved  first 
to  Upper  Mt.  Bethel  township,  where  two 
of  their  children  died. 
1^^  Adam,  b.  Nov.  26,  1817,  d.  Sept.  2,  1823. 
2^  Louise,  b.  Apr.  1,  1821,  d.  Nov.  25,  1839. 
Moved  later  to  Mifflinburg  on  the  Sus- 
quehanna, and  died  there. 
2^*  Leonard,  was  by  trade  a  blacksmith,  mar., 

had  children,  and  d. 
3^*  Joseph,    mar.  (first)  a  nee  Riegel  and  had 
children;  (second)  an  English  lady,  and  had 
many  more  children.      Moved  near  Wilkes 
Barre;  later  farther  west. 
4^  Jacob,  mar.  Nancy  Dennis.  Has  many  children. 
Lives  in  Briar  Creek  Valley,  Columbia,  Co.,  Pa. 
(SO) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         51 

5^^  John,  mar.  Mary  Johnson. 

j^56  Philip^  moved  west,  location  unknown. 

2^^  Betsey,  moved  west,  location  unknown. 

3^"^  Henry. 

4^*^  Sarah. 

5^^  Lucy. 

6^*^  Joseph. 

7'>«  John. 

86«  William. 

9^6  Mary. 
3'*''  Henry,  b.  Feb.  25,  1816,  d.  June  1,  '99,  mar.  (first) 
Maria  Geib,  b.  Nov.  8,  1811,  d.  May  5,  1873. 

1"  Hettie,  b.  July  5,  1837,  in  Ashland,  O. 

2^^  John,  b.  April  3,  1843,  in  Ashland,  O. 

3^^  Christopher,  b.  Oct.  8,  1844,  d.  Mar.  8,  1845. 

4"  Mary,  b.  Jan.  17,  1846,  d.  July  13,  1846. 

5"  Sarah,  b.  July  13,  1847. 

6"  Nancy,  b.  June  26,  1849. 

7"  Elias,  b.  May  25,  1852. 
3^'^  Henry,  mar.  (second)  Mary  Baker. 

8"  William,  b.  Sept.  20,  1876. 
1"  Hettie,  mar.  Walker  V.  Fagan,  b.  Nov.  3,  1836. 

1^  Henry,    b.    Sept.    16,    1859,   mar.   Flora   E. 
Brown,  d.  Aug-.  9,  1901. 

2'*^  Aceph  S.,  b.  Dec.  23,  1861. 

3^*^  Kate  Ina,  b.  Sept.  3,  1866. 

4^«  Amanda  Lotitia,  b.  Nov.23,'68,  d.  Jan.  2, '91. 

9^  Celia  Minnette,  b.  Oct.  25,  1871. 
2^**  Aceph  S.,  mar.  Emma  Hagerman. 

1^^  Edward  C,  b.  Oct.  11,  1883,  d.  Nov.  23,  '96. 

2^"  Russell  L.,  b.  July  30,  1887. 
3^  Kate  Ina,  mar.  J.  A.  VanGundy,  b.  Feb.  18,  1851. 


52         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

160  William  Harrison,   b.   Jan.    3, 

1888. 
2'^'^  Gordon  K.,  b.  Nov.  26,  1890. 
3«"  Elizabeth  Minnette,  b.  Oct.  9, 

1892. 
4""  Leah  Jean,  b.  Aug.  9,  1896. 
2"  John,  mar.  Sarah  L.  McCreary,  b.  July 
31,  1846. 
r^  A  dau.  d. 

2^^  Eva  L.,  b.  Feb.  9,  1870,  mar.  Jesse 
C.  Frost. 
5^'  Sarah,  mar.  James  A.  Welsh. 

V'-'  Leona  Mildred,  b.  Mar.  1,  1870. 

2«'^  Cuba  Lell,  b.  Dec.  3,  1871. 

3'^''  Bartah  May,  b.  July  9,  1874,  d.Sept. 

27,  1876. 
4«'^  Leafy  Ellen,  b.  Aug-.  14,  1876. 
5«'-  Ward  Kenneth,  b.  Mar.  23,  1888. 
6"  Nancy,  mar.  Samuel  Newton  Kieffer,  b. 
July  15,  1842. 
1*^=^  Elmer  Edson,  b.  Oct.  21,  1867. 
2*^^  Martha  Idell,  mar.  Elsworth  Jump. 

1«*  Floyd. 
3^^  Charles   Wilbur,   b.  Jan.  10,  1872, 
mar.  Esta  L.  Lehman,  b.  Oct.  10, 75. 
V^  Ward  Keller,  b.  May  9,  1896. 
2«^  Bernice  L.,  b.  July  25,  1897. 
4^  Eva        b.  and  d.  June  23,  1874. 
5«=*  Esther, 
7'^  Elias,  mar.  Mag-dalene  Schauwecker,  b. 
Oct.  26,  1856. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         53 

!«"  Waldo   J.,  b.   June  28,   1877,   mar. 
Grace  D.  Downing-. 
1"  Donald  D.,  b.  Oct.  12,  1904. 

2"^  Cleo  T.,  b.  Feb.  25,  1884,  d.  Jan.  24, 
1887. 

3««  Russell  G.,  b.  Apr.  28,  1888. 
8"  William,  mar.  Salome  Heft,  b.  June  18, 
1868. 

1««  Claris  F.,  b.  July  14,  1901. 

2*^^  Emma  Ruth. 
4*^  Sarah,  d.,  mar.  John  Smalley,  d. 

1^^  Amanda,  mar.  Hezekiah  Butcher. 

1™  Jennie. 
2"^  John  Keller,  mar.  Sophia . 

1^1  Sadie,  d. 

2^1  Harry. 

3^^  Bessie. 
3«^  Priscilla,  d. 

V^  Lulu,  mar.  John  Bonen. 

2"  Minnie,  mar.  George  Cheeseman. 
4"^  Isaac,  d.,  mar.  Ella  Ellis,  d. 
5^^  Franklin  Pierce,  mar.  Hannah  Larcomb. 

V^  Fay. 
6^"  Charles  Leroy,  mar.  Emma  Richard. 

1'^  Flo. 
5*^  Lucy,  mar.  Isaac  Neff. 
1^^  Ibbie. 
2^^  Lor  en. 
3'^  Justus. 
4^s  John. 
5^^  Christian. 
6^^  Oscar. 


54         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

V  Rella. 
8^^  Hattie. 
9^^  Ida,  d. 
6^^  Joseph,  was  a  soldier  in  the  Mexican  and 

Civil  Wars,  was  not  married. 
7'^^  John,  mar.  Maria  Wertman. 

1^6  Orlando  W.,  mar.  Kate  Ely. 

1"  Callie  M.,  mar.  Charles  Michael. 

2"  Grace. 

3^^  Martin. 

4"  Mattie. 

5"  Harry. 

6"  Milo. 

7"  Thomas. 
2^^  John,  mar.  Matilda  Marietta. 

1^^  Abbie,  mar. 

2^^  Bessie. 

3'8  Rhea. 

4^8  Cuba. 

3^^  George,  mar.  Jennie . 

4^"  William,  mar.  Eliza  Beeklj. 
9^^  Mary,  mar.  Daniel  Wertman. 
1^^  Perry  Sylvester. 
2^'  Ida  S. 
3™  Hattie  L. 
4™  Aug-usta  A. 
5^"  Lorelda  M. 
6^9  Jennie  B. 
1^9  Perry  Sylvester,  mar.  Belle  Simanton. 

1^0  Daniel  V.,  mar.  Ilda  Richard. 
l«i  Mary  Belle. 

2^^  Edna  O.,  mar.  Levi  Harper. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         55 

1«2  Philip. 
3^"  Leroy. 
4^  Mabel. 
2"  Ida  S.,  mar.  Christian  Vesper. 
1^^  Carrie. 
2^3  Leafy. 
3^^  Florence. 
3^^  Hattie  L.,  mar.  Edward  Wiley. 
l^''  Cleo. 
2'"  Glorene. 
4^^  Aug-usta  A.,  mar.  Randolph  Linn. 

1«^  Floyd. 
5^^  Lorelda  M.,  mar.  Charles  Nelson. 
l^*'  Horace  V. 
2^6  Florence  M. 
6™  Jennie  B.,  mar.  Christian  Smith. 
1«^  Mildred. 
IP  Don  W. 
e*''  Peter,    mar.  Elizabeth  Heller,   b.  Oct.  19,  1798, 
d.  Nov.  23,  1886. 
1««  John,  b.  Oct.  11,  1818,  d.  April  3,  1886. 
2««  Susan,  b.  Jan.  2,  1821,  d.  Mar.  2,  1883. 
3««  Catharine,  b.  1823. 
488  Daniel,  b.  April,  1825,  d.  Feb.  8,  1904. 
588  Charles,  b.  April  20,  1827. 
688  i^ary  Ann,  b.  Nov.  29,  1829. 
788  Joseph  J.,  b.  Oct.  18,  1832,  d.  Dec.  11,  1871. 
888  Lewis,  b.  1833,  d.  Sept.  11,  1903. 
988  Louise,  •'     " 
1088  Sarah,  b.  1835. 
1188  William,    b.  1837. 
12^8  .Theodore.  "     " 


56         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

Z^  Catharine,  b.l822,  mar.  Thomas  W.  Rhodes. 
1^3  Stewart  T.,  b.  June  3,  1854,  mar.  Annie 
Thomson. 
l'^"  Millard   F.,  b.  May  5,  1886,    mar. 
Carrie  Martin. 
1^1  Stella,  b.  Aug-.  28,  1898. 
t'^  Merl,  b.  April  10,  1901. 
2""  Nellie,  b.  Aug.  9,  1888,  mar.  John 

Rex. 
3*"^  Minnie,    b.    June    20,    1889,    mar. 
George  Dunning,  Sr. 
1^2  George,  Jr. 
2^2  Oswin. 

392  Th.  W.,  b.  May  1,  1882. 
49''  Irwin  G.,  b.  Aug.  29,  1854. 
5^2  Mary  M.,b.  April  9,  1860,  mar. 

Jacob  Swink. 
6^2  Jennie,  b.  April  9,   1860,  mar. 
James  Peacock. 
1"=^  Claud. 
2«^  Lewis. 
4^^  Daniel,  mar.  Cath.  Jane  Drake,  b.  April  20, 
1828,  d.  Mar.  27,  1861. 
1^^  Morris  Keller. 
2***  Luther  Keller. 
Scranton,  Pa. 
3"*  Mrs.  Simon  Besaker. 
4^^  Mrs.  Horace  Decker. 
E.  Stroudsburg,  Pa. 
5««  Charles,  mar.  Lavine  Smith,  b.  Feb.  7,  1827, 
d.  June  22,  1897. 
r^  Ella,  b.  Feb.  28,  1853. 


HENRY  KELLER  (35«) 
(See  Page  51) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         57 

2"-'  Frank,  b.  June  21, 1855,  d.  June  21,  1857. 

39^  Mary  E.,  b.  Oct.  22,  1857. 

4''5  Emma,  b.  Nov.  25,  1858,  mar.  William 

Reid. 
5«^  Davie,  b.  Mar.  15,  1861. 
6"^  Christian,  b.  Mar.  11,  1864. 
T""  Ang-eline,  b.  Mar.  18,  1866. 
8^^  Ernest,  b.  May  10,  1868. 
9"'^  Thomas,  b.  June  26,  1870. 
3^^  Mary  E.,  mar.   Warren  Nyce,   b.  Nov. 
10,  1855,  d.  Apr.  13,  1892. 

P«  AnnaL.,  b.  Sept.  5,  1879,  mar.  John 
C.  Hinton. 

2^'^  Charles  E.,  b.  Oct.  8,  1881. 

3^«  Lester  David,  b.  Sept.  4,  1888. 
596  Davie,  mar.  Valeria  Nickelson,  b.  June 
16,  1863. 

P^  Oscar  N.,  b.  Dec.  6,  1891. 

2^^  Marg-aret  A.,  b.  May  9,  1893. 

337  Alice,  b.  Aug-.  1,  1899. 

4"  Helen  Caroline,  b.  Oct.  25,  1901. 
6^'^  Christian,  mar.  Anna  Hatch. 

1^^  Clayton,  b.  Mar.  21,  1889. 

2''^  Charles  Frederick,  b.  July  14, 1891. 
I"*-'  Angeline,  mar.  Frank  Rice. 

1^3  John,  b.  Feb.  9,  1890. 

2»^  Mildred,  b.  Nov.  1,  1892. 

3»»  Charles,  b.  Apr.  9,  1895. 

4^'-'  Elizabeth,  b.  Jan.  20,  1898. 
8"'*  Ernest,   mar.  Laura   Fellenser,  b.  Oct. 
29.  1870. 


58         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

li««  Ella  F.,     b.  Jan.  29,  1897. 
2^'"' Emma  S.,      "         "      " 
9^"^  Thomas,  mar.  Alice  Spencer. 

1101  Ellsworth  Spencer,  b.  May  21,  '03. 
Scranton,  Pa. 
6^^  Mary  Ann,  mar.  Henry  Dennis,  b.  Jan.  11, 
1830,  d.  Oct.  10,  1901.  " 
V^  Martha  Jane,  b.  Sept.  27,  1850. 
2i'^2  Emma,  b.  Mar.  13,  1852. 
Sio^  Theodore,  b.  Sept.   14,  1854. 
41'^  Jennie,  b.  Aug-.  16,  1856. 
51*^  Lucy,  b.  June  28,  1858. 
6102  Mary  Alice,  b.  Feb.  12,  1861. 
7102  Charles  K.,  b.  Sept.  20,  1863. 
8^2  Elizabeth,  b.  May  10,  1865. 
9i''2  Kate,  b.  June  23,  1868. 
10102  Jacob,  b.  Sept.  23,  1870. 
11102  Lange,  b.  Mar.  30,  1874. 
Live  at  Stroudsburg,  Pa. 
7*^  Joseph  J.,  mar.  Mary  J.  Rhoads.  6  children. 
1103  Newton,  d.  Sept.  25,  1857. 
210=^  A  dau.,  d.  Dec.  26,  1861,  age  3  years,  4 
months  and  27  days. 
8^^  Lewis,  mar.  Julia  Werkheiser. 
1188  William,  mar.  Sarah  Kemmerer,  b.  Feb.  9, 
1834. 

lio"*  Anna  L.,  b.  Aug.  3,  1866,  mar.  Simon 
Warich. 
lios  Katie,  b.  July  26,  1892. 
210*  Carrie,  b.  July  7,    1869,    mar.    George 
Nickelson. 
lio«  Mary  Ester,  b.  Jan.  7,  1892. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         59 

2^""^  Hazel,  d. 

3i««  Willard  Matthias,  b.  Aug".  12,  1897. 
4106  Leroy  William,  b.  Mar.  10,  1900. 
Live  at  Bang-or,  Pa. 
12^^  Theodore,  mar.  Martha  Staples. 
7'^*  Henry,  mar.  nee  Hess.    Moved  to  Columbia  Co., 

Pa. 
8'^''  Elizabeth,  mar.  John  Fellenser.  Had  5  children, 

alld. 
9-^  Mary,  mar.  Henry  Alg-ert,  b.  1780,  d.  June  4, 
1842. 
11"^  Joseph,  b.  Mar.  6,  1808,  d.  June  17,  1877. 
2^«^  Philip,  b.  Jan.  14,  1810,  d.  Nov.  8,  1891. 
31"^  John,  b.  Mar.  3,  1812,  d.  Aug.  14,  1862. 
410^  Julia,  b.  Feb.  18,  1818,  d.  Jan.  25,  1856. 
51"^  Catharine,  b.  Apr.  10,  1820,  d.  Mar.  30,  '53. 
1^0^  Joseph,   mar.   Eliza  DeRemer,  b.  Aug.  17, 
1810,  d.  Feb.  16,  1875.     Moved  from  Pa.  to 
New  York  in  1829.     Thence  to  Wis.,  1844. 
li««Cath.    Ann,    b.    July    13,    1828,    mar. 

Bacon.     Had  8  children,  3  living-. 
2^««  Geo.  W.,  b.  Apr.  22,  1830.    Had  5  chil- 
dren— Mrs.  Webster  and  2  sons  living. 
3i''«  Henry  N.,  b.  Feb.  20,  1832. 
4io«  Mahala,  b.  Mar.  6,  1834,  d.  Aug.  31, '92, 

mar.  a  Mr.  Harington. 
5^°^  Andrew,  d.  in  infancy. 
5108  Margaret,  b.  Mar.  18,  1838,  mar.  a  Mr. 

Patchin.     1  son  living. 
7^"^  Sarah   Elizabeth,  b.  Feb.  17,  1840,   d. 
Dec.  4,  1900,  mar.  a  Mr.  Dodge.     Had 
5  children,  3  living. 


60         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

8108  Maryette,  b.  Sept.  16,  1842,  mar.  a  Mr. 

Dohm.     Had  S  children,  1  d. 
9^f>^  Hannah,    b.  Jan.  16,  1850,    d.  May  30, 
1870,   mar.   a  Mr.  Causebaam.     Had  2 
children,  1  living-. 
Five   more   children  of  this   family   died. 
Several    great-grandchildren    are    living. 
Jos.  Algert  was  a  farmer,  a  Republican,  a 
Free-will  Baptist,  deacon  and  chorister  for 
many  years. 
2^"^  Philip,  mar.  (first)   Christine  Beck,  b.  Dec. 
10,  1813,  (is  yet  living)  dau.  of  Philip  Beck 
and  wife,  Mary,  nee  Labar.     Moved  to  Can- 
ada   about     1795,    lived    there    17   years, 
moved  to  N.  Y.  State,   Lake  Co.,  in   1812, 
crossed  Lake  Ontario  on  ice  with  ox-teams. 
Fearing  arrest  because  of  war,  he  changed 
his  name  to  Peck  and  kept  that  name  there- 
after 
11"='  Rachel,  b.  May  15,  1841,  mar.    Luther 

J.  Sanford,  b.  Mar.  5,  1825. 
2109  Willis  P.,  b.  July  14,    1851.     Ludlow- 

ville,  N.  Y. 
V^''  Ella  A.,  b.  Dec.  29,  1854, 
31"  John,  mar.  Julia   Houck,  b.  May  21,  1818, 
d.  Sept.  19,  1898.  Dau.  of  Francis  Houck. 
1""  Robert  James,  b.  1838,  d.  Sept.  1887. 
2^^°  Henry   Francis,  b.  July  24,  1843,  mar. 
Luella   Sturgis,  b.   1845,   d.    June  29, 
1903,  at  Tyrone,  on  the  way  home  from 
the  Pacific  Coast.    She  was  the  dau.  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         61 

Rev.  Dr.  Sturg-is,  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

l^ii  Mabel    Cleveland,    b.    Sept.    1878. 
She  was  a  graduate  of  Wilson  Col- 
lege, Chambersburg",  Pa.,  and  now 
a   Senior    in    Cornell    University, 
Ithaca,  N.  Y. 
3^^**  Mary,  b.  1845,  mar.  Jacob  Sterner.  Has 
9  children  living. 
4^"^  Julia,  mar.  Joseph  Hunsberg-er,  b.  Aug-.  23, 
1817. 

1^12  Mary  C,  b.  Mar.  31,  1841. 
2^^'  Fanny  A.,  b.  Mar.  22,  1842. 

Live  with  their  father  at  Centerville, 
Pa. 
3"*''  Henry  C,  b.  July  31,  1844.     A  lawyer 

in  Chicago. 
4"^  Abraham  C,  b.  Mar.  20,  1846.    Has  an 

aviary  near  Portland,  Pa. 
5""^  Anna  Louise,  b.  Jan.  25,  1857.    Widow 
of  late  Dr.  Bush,  Stroudsburg,  Pa. 
5^"^  Catharine,  mar.  John  Richards,  b.  Apr.  10, 
1821,  d.  May  26,  1900. 

1"^  Irvin,  b.  Nov.    4,    1844,    mar.    Eleanor 
Dickson,  b.  Oct.  22,  1843. 
1^1*  Carrie  KHen,  b.  Apr.  7,  1872,  mar. 
Chas.   H.    Delts,    dentist  at  Tren- 
ton, N.  J.     1  son,  b.  June  1,  1899. 
2^^*  Sarah  Lilian,  b.  Sept.  7,  1873,  mar. 
Wm.  V.  Coleman,  144  13th  Street, 
N.  Y. 


62         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

2"^  Mary  Elizabeth,  b.  Nov.  15,  1846,  mar. 

Wm.  Johnson. 
3^^^  Annie   Cath.,  b.  Aug.   16,  1849,    mar. 
Jas.  McCauley. 
Easton,  Pa. 
10^  Sarah,  mar.  Robert  Shaw,  and  moved  to  111. 
11^*  Georg-e,  b.  Jan.  15,  1797,  d.  Feb.  3,  1871,  mar. 
(first)  Mary  Bitja,  b.  Dec.  15,  1803,  d.  Oct.  1, 
1825. 

1"^  Edward. 

2^^^  Charles,  mar.  Mary  Ann  Felker,  d. 
V^"  Linford. 

2"*^  Elmira,  mar.  Lewis  Drake. 
1^1^  Emelia. 
2^^^  Clayton. 
3^1^  Charles. 
4"^  Willie,  d. 
5^"  Nelly,  d. 
61"  Lilyan,  d. 
3"«  Georg-e. 
4ii«  Samuel. 
5ii«  John. 
6""  Horace. 
7"«  Milton. 
11^*  George,  mar.  (second)  Lovina  Lerh,  b.  Mar.  11, 
1808,  d.  Aug.  17,  1872. 
3"^  Lewis. 
4"^  Sarah  Jane. 
5"^  Sydenham. 
6"^  Eliza. 
7"^  Lucinda. 
8"^  Allen. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         63 

3^^^  Lewis,  mar.  Matilda  Heller. 

l"s  Ella. 

2"«  Marshall. 

TP"  Chester. 
4"^  Sarah  Jane,  mar.  Fred  Fellenser. 

1"^  George. 

2^^"  Lewis,  d. 
5"^  Sydenham,  mar.  Louise  Heller. 

1^20  Orion. 

2^^"  Clayton,  d. 

3i''^«  Horatio,  d. 
6"^  Eliza,  mar.  Fred  Long-. 

l^'^i  Ella. 

2^^^  Mary,  mar.  Harry  Haden. 

3^21  Flora,  d. 

4^21  Clara,  d. 

S^^i  Gertrude,  d. 
7"^  Lucinda,  mar.  Jacob  Rhoads. 

1^^^  Howard,   mar.  Sally  Hinton,  Strouds- 
burg-.  Pa. 

2^^'^  William. 

3^^'^  Eliza,  mar.  John  Bader,  4  children. 

4122  Matilda,  mar.  John  Dixon. 

S^'^'^  Owen. 

61'^'^  Allen. 

71"  Frederick. 

gm  Norman,  mar.  Fannie  Schafer,  1  child. 

Q^'-^"^  Laura,  mar.,  lives  ia Philadelphia,  Pa. 
W'  Claude. 


CHAPTER  XIII 

LOST  AMONG  THE  INDIANS 

JOHN  JACOB  (6^),  the  sixth  child  of  Joseph 
Keller,  Sr.,  was  2  years,  2  months,  and  5  days 
old  when   captured  by  the  Indians.     All  we 

know  is  simply — he  was  lost!  Lost,  so  far  as 
his  tender  mortal  life  was  concerned.  That  he 
could  have  walked  the  journey  of  three  hundred 
miles  cannot  be  supposed;  that  the  Indians  or  the 
mother  should  have  carried  him  is  just  as  hard  to 
believe.  In  either  case,  or  both  combined,  it  is  but 
natural  to  suppose  that  the  mother  after  her  return 
would  have  told  the  sad  story;  and  if  so,  it  would 
have  been  handed  down  as  a  sacred  reminiscence. 
What  then  remains  to  be  believed  ?  Either  that 
the  Indians  traded  him  off  as  best  they  could  on 
the  way;  or  killed  and  scalped  him  also,  all  un- 
known to  the  mother.  To  the  latter  supposition 
we  may  be  inclined  by  reason  of  the  tempting-  pre- 
mium offered  by  the  g-rand  French  Government. 

The  Lord  g^ave,  and  the  Lord  allowed  to  be 
taken  away;  and  yet  the  Lord  took  g-ood  care  of 
little  John  Keller — lost  to  us  a  little  while,  but  not 
to  Him !  He  came  not  to  his  parents,  but  they 
went  to  him. 


(64) 


CHAPTER  XIV 

JOHN  JACOB,  THE  SECOND,  AND  FAMILY 

THIS  John  Jacob  Keller  (7^)  was  the  seventh 
child  of  Joseph  Keller,  Sr.,  and  at  the  time 
of  the  Indian  raid  was  five  months  and 
twenty-four  da)'s  old — too  young*,  as  we  know,  to 
be  bereft  of  the  service  of  the  mother.  That  he 
was  given  an  older  brother's  name  seems  strang-e; 
but  such  was  the  case,  as  is  testified  by  the  writing 
of  the  father  in  the  old  Family  Bible.  This  fact 
bears  strong-  testimony  to  the  state  of  his  mind  at 
that  time.  Like  the  Patriarch,  Jacob  of  old,  he 
too  could  say  in  deep  sorrow:  "Me  have  ye  be- 
reaved of  my  children;  Joseph  is  not — all  things 
are  against  me."  Four  of  the  family  were  gone, 
possibly  never  to  return;  and  only  five  left;  and  of 
what  value  should  a  mother  be  estimated  over 
against  a  helpless  babe  ?  The  strongest  heart, 
under  such  circumstances,  would  surely  be  crushed 
to  the  ground. 

Of  this  son  also,  we  have  but  little  informa- 
tion. He  grew  up  in  the  Old  Home  undisturbed. 
He  married  Maria  Dorothy  Metz,  a  family  name 
still  found,  like  that  of  Andre,  in  that  community. 
He  moved  to  Somerset  Township,  Washington 
County,  Pa.,  and  later,  to  the  State  of  Ohio. 
(65) 


66         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMU.Y 

It  appears  that  they  had  the  following- children: 

1^28  Joseph. 

2^'^  Jacob. 

3^-'^  Margaret. 

^•^^  Philip. 

51'^"  John. 
c^vii  ;^gy^  John  Keller,  son  of  John  Jacob  Keller  and 
wife,  Maria  Dorothy  Metz,  b.  Jan.  15,  1801,  in 
Somerset,  Washington  Co.,  Pa.,  d.  May  21,  '52. 
Rev.  Keller  mar.  Lydia  Preish,  b.  Sept.  2,  1811, 
d.  May  28,  1864. 

l^-"  Lucy,  b.  1832,  mar.  Philip  Wahl,  of  Clar- 
ence, N.  Y. 

2^^"  Mary   Elizabeth,  b.  May  26,  1834,  d.  Nov. 

14,  1893,  mar.  William  Emert,  of  Lockport, 
N.  Y. 

1125  Charles  Wm.,  b.  July  9,  1857. 

2^^  Jennie  Louise,  b.  June  27,  1862,  d.  Oct. 

20,  1865. 
3^"^^  Edwin   John,  b.  Mar.  31,  1867,  Lock- 
port,  N.  Y. 
4^25  Herbert  Keller,  b.  Nov.  15,  1873. 
3^'-*  Matilda,  b.  Mar.  1837,  d.  Dec.  14,  1857,  mar. 

Chas.  Schlegel. 
4124  Louise,  b.  June  29,  1838,  d.  Mar.  6,  1887, 
mar.  Geo.  Zurbrick,  b.  June  5,  1839,  d.  May 

15,  1886. 

l^-^"  Albert,  b.  July  7,  1863,  d.  Apr.  20,  '64. 

2^^"  William  Warren,  b.  Feb.  14,  1866. 
512*  John,  b.  Jan.  1847,  d.  Sept.  15,  1868. 
6^24  Helena  Amelia,  b.  May  30,  1851. 
All  the  children  of  Rev.  Keller  have  died. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         67 

* 
Rev.  John  Keller  studied  under  the  direction  of 

Rev.  Georg-e  Weisz,  Lancaster,  Ohio;  was  licensed 
and  ordained  b}'  the  Reformed  Synod  of  Ohio  in 
1827;  came  to  Townline  (later  called  Lancaster), 
Erie  Co.,  State  of  New  York,  in  1833;  was  a  mem- 
ber of  Erie  Classis,  which  seceded  from  the  Synod 
of  Ohio.  His  purpose  was  to  return  to  his  former 
church  connection,  but  whether  he  did  so,  we  are 
not  informed — nor  can  we  g-ive  the  cause  of  said 
secession. 

Returning-  from  Ohio  in  the  Fall  of  1878,  I 
called  at  Lancaster,  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  met  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Zurbrick,  both  feeble.  They  were  exceed- 
ingly glad  to  see  me,  and  especially  to  be  assured 
that  our  family  was  not  yet  dying  out  of  consump- 
tion, as  they  had  feared.  After  that  we  corres- 
ponded and  exchanged  photographs.  Their  pic- 
tures are  now  to  me  mementoes  of  their  kindly 
feelings. 


CHAPTER  XV 

FIRST  GLIMPSE  AT  THE  PHILIP  KELLER,  SR. 
FAMILY 

PHILIP  KELLER,  Sr.  (S^— II,  11),  like  David 
of  old,  could  say:  "I  was  the  young^est  of  my 
father's  family;"  and  say  too,  "the  seventh 
son."  The  years  rolled  more  quietly  on  than  be- 
fore; and  finding-  plenty  of  labor,  as  well  as  needful 
rest,  he  developed  a  model  manhood.  When  twenty- 
two  years  of  ag-e,  he  looked  about  for  a  partner  for 
life,  and  found  Sarah  Miller  (II,  12),  first  wife  of 
Philip  Keller,  Sr.  (b.  Sept.  27,  1763,  d.  Oct.  16, 
1804),  and  daug-hter  of  Henry  Miller,  Sr.,  in  the 
so-called  "Settlement"  on  the  Lehig-h  River.  She 
was  of  his  own  ag^e,  and  of  his  own  people.  The 
Miller  family  had  before  lived  as  neig-hbors  to  the 
Kellers;  but  in  quest  of  better  land,  moved  away — 
Sarah,  however,  was  not  forg-otten.  This  union 
was  blessed  with  three  children,  all  sons: 

112'  John  Henry,  b.  Dec.  24,  1786. 

2^'"  Jacob,  b.  Dec.  21,  1787. 

3'-'  Adam,  b.  Oct.  27,  1790. 

On  Sept.  17,  1800,  his  father  died,  and  April 
22,  1802,  his  mother  also.  The  young-est  son, 
when  but  thirteen  years  and  eig-ht  months  old,  was 
instantly  killed  (June  28,  1804)  when  hauling-  hay. 
The  boy  was  on  the  wag-on.  The  day  being-  stormy, 
some  hay  was  blown  upon  the  horses  frightening- 
them,    whereupon   they   ran   away.     Little   Adam 

(68) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         69 

(III,  36)  was  thrown  off  the  load  of  hay,  and  was 
crushed  to  death  under  the  wheels  of  the  wag-on. 
In  the  same  year,  Oct.  16,  the  mother  also  died. 
All  these  are  buried  at  the  Plainfield  Church, 
Northampton  Co.,  Pa.  Thus  within  the  space  of 
but  four  years,  death  cast  its  shadow  over  this 
family  no  fewer  than  four  times,  so  that  with  the 
exception  of  two  sons,  mere  lads,  the  father  was 
left  alone.  He  entered  a  second  marriag-e  with 
widow  Susannah  Engler  (II,  13),  of  Moore  Town- 
ship, Pa.,  born  Nov.  22,  1770.  She  had  one  daug^h- 
ter  and  two  sons,  who  moved  into  the  Keller  home 
with  her,  where  there  was  not  only  room,  but  also 
work  for  all.  More  than  this,  he  built  another 
house  near  his  own  for  his  new  father-in-law.  Rev. 
Peter  Fred  Niemeyer  (b.  Aug-.  24,  1733,  d.  Aug-. 
16,  1815)  and  wife  Maria,  nee  Horn  (b.  Aug-.  24, 
1743,  d.  Aug-.  4,  1816).  His  second  marriag-e  was 
blessed  with  one  child,  a  daughter: 

4127  Sarah  (III,  37),  b.  Oct.  5,  1807. 

After  the  death  of  Sr.  Father  Niemeyer,  the 
house  in  which  they  had  lived,  built  and  owned  by 
Father  Keller,  was  converted  into  a  school  house. 
There  for  a  number  of  years  a  day-school  was  held 
for  the  benefit  of  the  neig-hborhood,  at  the  patron's 
expense  so  far  as  current  expenses  were  concerned. 
Philip  Keller,  Sr.,  when  at  his  best,  was  considered 
the  strong-est  man,  physically,  in  his  community. 
There  are  several  feats  of  his  known,  which  may 
here  be  mentioned.  Wrestling-  was  at  that  time 
considered  a  test  of  streng-th,  especially  of  agility. 
At  public  g-atherings  such  sports  were  extensively 


70         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

indulged  in.  A  larg-e  ring-  was  formed  and  then 
the  arena  for  contestants  was  ready.  Now,  it  once 
so  happened  that  a  neighbor  of  his,  small  in 
stature,  was  a  noted  wrestler — especially  so  in  his 
own  estimation — who,  being-  eager  to  gain  another 
red  feather  for  his  cap,  challenged  Father  Keller 
to  a  contest.  Not  to  accept  such  a  challenge  was 
considered  cowardice.  The  one  refusing  was  de- 
spised by  everyone.  All  were  no  doubt  eager  to  see 
the  outcome  of  so  unequal  a  contest.  When  both 
were  ready.  Father  Keller  took  his  opponent  easily 
under  one  arm;  and,  amid  a  general  shout  of  admi- 
ration, carried  him  struggling  in  vain  out  of  the 
ring,  and  thus  ended  the  conflict. 

There  was  another  and  far  more  daring  feat. 
A  large  ox  was  to  be  slaughtered  at  his  own  house, 
or  rather  in  the  meadow  at  the  barn.  The  way  to 
do  it  was,  one  man  with  a  sledge  would  knock  the 
animal  down,  and  another  would  immediately  cut 
its  throat.  Father  Keller  stood  ready  with  the 
knife,  while  the  other  man  used  the  sledge.  The  ox 
fell  on  its  knees,  and  with  that  Father  Keller  was 
on  its  neck  cutting  away  at  its  throat.  The  ox, 
however,  regained  its  feet  and  ran  down  the  mead- 
ow. Father  Keller  still  on  its  neck  and  at  his  work. 
The  end  was  that  both  fell  down  together  covered 
with  blood — Father  Keller,  however,  had  gained 
the  victory.  My  mother  (his  stepdaughter)  was 
an  eye-witness  and  always  shuddered  when  she  re- 
lated the  conflict  many  years  after. 

He  enlarged  his  property  and  was  prospered  in 
all  his  affairs.     When  his  sons  were  married,  he 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         71 

looked  about  for  more  and  better  land.  With  such 
intention,  he  visited  the  Shawnee  Valley,  on  the 
Susquehanna  River  between  Wilkes  Barre  and 
Nantikoke,  Pa.  He  went  there  with  his  own  con- 
veyance, having-  hitched  up  "Stocking-."  It  was 
the  Fall  of  the  year.  The  land  was  like  a  rich  gar- 
den. The  corn  was  wonderfull}'  large,  but  there 
were  plenty  of  farms  for  sale  at  a  reasonable  price. 
On  all  sides,  however,  severe  fevers  and  g-reat 
misery  prevailed.  He  himself  told  his  story  thus: 
"I  untied  'Stocking'  and  said  to  him,  let's  g-o 
home,  Plainfield  is  good  enough  for  us."  Soon 
after,  he  bought  a  farm  on  the  Delaware,  north  of 
Easton  and  a  little  west  of  Howell's  store,  mill, 
etc.  In  1826  he  moved  there,  accompanied  by  his 
daughter  and  stepsons,  Joseph  and  George  Engler. 
In  that  home,  well  sheltered  by  a  range  of  hills  on 
the  west  and  looking  pleasantly  toward  the  Dela- 
ware on  the  east,  he  spent  in  quietude  the  evening 
of  his  life. 

He  died  Oct.  2,  1842,  aged  79  yrs.,  6  mos.,  3 
days. 

Sarah  died  Mar.  17,  1856,  aged  48  yrs.,  7  mos., 
12  days. 

Grandmother  Keller  died  Dec.  4,  1859,  aged  89 
yrs.,  12  days. 

These  are  buried  on  the  banks  of  the  Dela- 
ware at  the  "Three  Churches,"  in  lower  Mt.  Bethel 
Township,  Northampton  Co.,  Pa. 


CHAPTER  XVI 

JOHN  HENRY  KELLER  (Ii27_ni,32) 

A  CHARACTERISTIC  of  the  names  in  the 
Keller  family  from  the  beginnings  down  is 
that  the  foremost  place  is  held  by  Scripture 
names.  In  this  case,  however,  the  name  Henry 
was  no  doubt  accepted  in  honor  of  the  child's 
grandfather,  Henry  Miller.  Well  might  this  be 
allowed,  for  in  his  whole  make-up,  especially  phys- 
ical, he  was  not  of  the  old  Keller  type  as  his  father 
was,  but  of  the  Miller  type. 

He  was  more  than  thirty  years  old  when  he 
married.  His  wife  was  Mary  Engler  (III,  33),  born 
July  4,  1797,  and  was  a  stepdaughter  of  his  father. 
We  may  virtually  say  that  when  his  father,  Philip, 
Sr.,  chose  a  second  wife  for  himself,  he  also  chose 
a  wife  for  his  oldest  son.  It  is  yet  a  great  ques- 
tion, whether  the  old  German  way  of  parents  look- 
ing out  the  partners  for  their  children  is  not  the 
wiser  and  better  way.  Undoubtedly,  many  a  one 
would  have  fared  infinitely  better  had  he  accepted 
such  parental  advice. 

The  following  are  the  children: 

1^28  Philip,  b.  Jan.  6,  1818. 

2^28  Anna,  b.  Mar.  31,  1820. 

3^28  Amos,  b.  Nov.  10,  1822. 

4128  Eli,  b.  Dec.  20,  1825. 

5^28  Joel  Frederick,  b.  Mar.  31,  1829. 

6i^«  Aaron  Henry,  b.  Nov.  16,  1832. 

7^28  Joseph  Allen,  b.  Mar.  27,  1836. 

8^28  Susannah,  b.  June  12,  1840. 
(72) 


Anna  (IV,  3)  Philip  (IV,  1)  Susannah  (IV,  13) 

Amos  (IV, 5)    John  Henry  (111,32)     Mary  Engler  (111,33)    Joseph  A.  (IV, 11) 

Eli  (IV,  6)  Joel  F.  (IV.  8)  Aaron  H.  (IV,  10) 

THE  JOHN  HENRY  KELLER  (IH,  32)  FAMILY 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         73 

Should  we  characterize  father  in  one  word,  we 
would  say,  "A  man  intensely  active."  On  his 
father's  property,  half  a  mile  north  of  the  first 
home,  were  a  grist  and  saw  mill  and  a  lime  kiln. 
The  territory  covered  by  this  property  was  much 
more  than  is  now  covered  by  the  town  of  Delabole. 
There  a  house  was  built,  a  home  established  and 
occupied  till  1835,  when  he  moved  to  a  farm  more 
than  a  mile  nearer  the  Plainfield  Church. 

He  was  a  farmer,  miller,  captain,  major, 
colonel,  brigade  inspector,  justice  of  the  peace,  no- 
tary public,  associate  judg-e  of  the  count}^  and  an 
active  member  and  elder  in  the  Reformed  Church. 
He  was  the  author  of  a  special  plan  for  raising-  and 
protecting  the  funds  of  our  theological  seminary  at 
Mercersberg,  Pa.  The  plan  was  known  as  the 
"Plainfield  Bonds."  The  plan  was  to  leave  the 
principal,  covered  by  bonds,  in  the  hands  of  the 
donors,  unless  the  payment  of  the  principal  and  the 
interest  was  preferred.  The  trustees,  much  pleased 
with  the  plan  for  this  protection  against  all  pos- 
sible loss,  desired  to  call  these  bonds  "Keller's 
Bonds."  But  he  objected  and  suggested  the  name, 
"Plainfield  Bonds". 

In  the  Spring  of  1856,  the  whole  family  moved 
to  Crawford  Co.,  Ohio,  and  a  year  later  his  brother 
Jacob  (UI,  34),  with  his  family,  followed  to  the 
same  place.  When  young,  he  had  already  desired 
to  go  westward,  but  his  father  objected.  Later, 
however,  the  desire  again  manifested  itself,  but 
was  opposed  by  mother.  Finally,  all  were  of  one 
mind,  and  the  previous  dreams  were  realized.    The 


74         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

fond  hope  to  remain  near  tog-ether  was  possibly 
the  chief  motive  for  this  removal.  Alas,  for  such 
earthly  hopes!  The  terrible  Rebellion,  worse  than 
any  tornado  which  ever  swept  the  earth,  swept  over 
our  land.  Three  sons  as  volunteers  went  to  the 
front,  and  two  of  them,  killed  in  one  battle,  were 
brought  back  pierced  and  murdered  corpses,  and 
were  buried  in  one  g-rave.  One  son,  a  minister  of 
the  Gospel,  was  called  to  another  field.  Another 
son,  a  professor  in  Heidelberg-  College,  was  also 
away.  The  youngest  of  the  family  married  and 
moved  away.  Yet,  amid  all  this,  he  never  mur- 
mured nor  complained.  When,  in  his  seventieth 
year  he  left  his  old  home,  he  laid  aside  all  his  public 
labors  and  responsibilities  and  confined  himself  to 
his  narrowed  and  quiet  home  circle.  He  attended 
church  and  prayer-meeting,  read  his  devotional 
books  and  current  news  of  the  day  regularly. 
When  apparently  alread}'  in  a  comatose  state,  he 
desired  a  family  meeting,  and  he  himself  appointed 
the  time  for  it.  When  we  were  all  present  and 
asked  for  an  expression  of  his  wishes,  he  answered: 
"Once  more  as  a  family  here  on  earth,  let  us  wor- 
ship tog-ether."  His  death  was  literally  a  falling 
asleep.  He  died  September  10,  1867,  aged  80  years, 
8  months,  17  days.  Mother  died  November  18,  1884, 
aged  87  years,  4  months,  14  days.  Both  are  buried 
at  Bucyrus,  Ohio,  by  the  side  of  their  patriot-sons 
on  the  banks  of  the  Sandusky  river. 

One  of  his  last  acts  for  the  community  was  the 
securing  and  laying  out  of  a  large  Union  Cemetery 
on  the  banks  of  the   Sandusky   river  at   Bucyrus, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY  75 

Ohio.  "When  all  was  completed,  the  trustees,  since 
he  was  the  oldest  of  them,  said  he  should  select  his 
plot  first.  In  compliance  with  this  request,  he 
selected  his  plot  on  a  fine  knoll  near  the  river. 

I.— FAMILY  LIFE 

Before  following-  up  the  members  of  this  fam- 
ily individually,  we  will  briefly  review  the  sur- 
roundings and  movings  of  the  same — constituting- 
what  may  be  called  their  family  life.  How  much 
everyone  owes  to  the  varied  surroundings  amid 
which  his  or  her  life  was  spent  from  infancy  up,  no 
one  can  tell.  It  is  no  doubt  true  that  all  of  us  are 
"the  creatures  of  circumstances."  Some  of  the  cir- 
cumstances of  this  family  of  John  Henry  Keller, we 
will  therefore  here  notice. 

a.  There  wa.s  no  room  left  for  idleness.  The 
large  farm,  supplied  with  all  needed  buildings, 
contained  many  acres.  At  first  (1835)  there  was 
far  more  woodland  than  was  needed.  That  sur- 
plus was,  year  by  year,  cleared  away  and  turned  in- 
to productive  fields.  The  fences  were  built  of  chest- 
nut rails— the  worm-fence  of  seven  or  eight  rails  to 
the  panel,  which,  to  aid  appearance,  was  taken 
down  and  rebuilt  almost  every  Spring.  Heavy  crops 
of  rye,  oats,  and  corn  made  much  work  in  thresh- 
ing, etc.  All  kinds  of  labor-saving  machines  had 
not  yet  been  invented.  Well-kept  horses  and  cat- 
tle produced  piles  of  manure,  which  in  its  time, 
had  to  be  spread  over  the  fields  and  meadows.  Es- 
pecially did  the  raising  and  manufacturing  of  flax 


76         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

make  continuous  and  woeful  work.  In  short,  for 
everyone,  early  and  late,  there  was — work  ! 

b.  There  were  also  amusements.  Hunting-  and 
fishing-  at  any  time  were  not  prohibited.  Early  in 
the  Spring,  the  speckled  trout  lured  us  away  to  the 
mountain  streams.  Miles  seemed  short  to  get  to 
the  rig-ht  place  at  daj-break— long-  before  sunrise. 
If  the  air  was  calm  and  mild,  a  long-  string  of 
"beauties"  was  the  sure  reward.  In  the  spring-time, 
but  more  especially  the  Fall  of  the  year,  the  wild 
pigeons  afforded  much  sport.  Around  the  buck- 
wheat-fields, early  in  the  morning,  and  late  in  the 
evening  they  were  swarming.  At  noon  their  happy 
"eight !  eight  !"  was  heard  along  the  waters  in  the 
heavy  timbers  on  the  low  grounds.  The  well- 
trained  hunter  would  select  his  position,  and  at 
times  the  game  came  as  fast  as  he  could  load  his 
flint-locked  gun  and  shoot  them  down.  More 
amusement  than  this  was  afforded  in  pigeon-catch- 
ing with  the  net.  In  this  process  not  a  bird  was 
wounded,  and  often  flocks  numbering  dozens  were 
caught  in  a  moment — but  being  caught  the  heads 
of  the  birds  were  crushed  by  the  thumb  or  even  by 
the  teeth  of  the  hunter — so  cruel  is  avaricious 
man  !  In  the  Fall  of  the  year,  and  amid  the  snows 
of  early  Winter,  the  hunting-  of  deer  on  the  moun- 
tains was  an  inspiration.  As  a  rule,  they  knew 
how  to  take  care  of  themselves,  yet,  for  once,  I  had 
the  pleasure,  early  in  the  morning,  of  shooting  a 
fine  roe,  which,  having  removed  its  intestines,  I 
carried  triumphantly  home. 

But  why  must  I  refer  to  such  experiences  as 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         77 

sources  of  amusement  ?  Much  of  the  labor  on  the 
farm  was  in  itself  rich  -pleasure.  When  the  g-reen 
meadows  were  almost  read}'^  for  mowing-,  the  time 
seemed  long-  till  the  sharp  scythes  could  be  swung- 
in  g-rand  reg-ularit)',  and  the  swathes  laid  long-  and 
thick.  When  the  rich  ripe  rye  was  bending-  low 
under  its  weig-ht,  what  exquisite  pleasure  to  swing- 
with  strong-  arms  the  cradle,  and  cut  it  squarely 
down;  then  close  behind,  the  farmer's  daug-hter, 
blooming-  in  health,  deftly  handling-  the  rake, 
would  pile  the  sheaves  along-;  rig-ht  after  her,  the 
binder  with  strong-  arms  and  bands  was  binding-  up 
the  g-olden  sheaves.  What  pleasure,  when  the  last 
load  of  hay  or  g-rain  cleaned  a  field,  it  was  to  swing- 
the  hat  with  a  hearty  "Hurrah  !"  or,  when  the  last 
fork  of  hay  was  thrown  up  into  the  steaming-  mow 
filled  to  the  top,  how  g-reat  was  the  delig-ht  to  sink 
back  on  the  soft  warm  bed  with  the  exclamation, 
"It's  done." 

c.  There  was  a  strict  observance  of  Sunday. 
The  Lord's  Day  at  that  time  was  larg-ely  spent  in 
idleness,  and  the  proverb,  "The  devil  finds  work  for 
idle  hands  to  do,"  was  applicable.  Father  Keller 
opposed  this  desecration,  and  required  his  family 
to  keep  holy  the  Sabbath  day.  He  bougfht  a  family 
library  of  books  of  the  American  Tract  Society, 
and  the  periodicals,  "American  Messeng-er"  and 
"Amerikanischer  Botschafter,"  were  from  week  to 
week  circulated  in  the  community.  Sunday  schools 
were  established  and  maintained  in  almost  every 
schoolhouse  far  and  wide. 

d.  At  the  same  time  intemperance  was  opposed. 


78         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

The  old  custom  of  g-iving-  strong-  drink  to  laborers, 
especially  in  haymaking-  and  harvest  time,  as  also 
at  so-called  frolics,  made  for  all  manner  of  purposes, 
was  abandoned.  Father  Keller,  building  a  barn  in 
1840,  a  house  at  Delabole  in  1849,  and  a  mill  there, 
too,  in  1850,  had  need  of  many  such  gatherings;  but 
in  the  face  of  all  manner  of  sneers,  there  was  no 
liquor  to  be  had;  he  himself,  however,  remained 
one  of  the  most  cheerful  on  the  ground. 

e.  Rev.  Father  Th.  Pomp^  the  beloved  pastor 
of  the  Plainfield  Reformed  Congregation,  retired 
after  more  than  fifty  years  of  labor,  and  a  man  of 
the  world  became  his  successor.  The  same  was 
later  expelled  from  the  ministry. 

y.  Under  these  circumstances,  practical  Chris- 
tianity was  at  a  low  ebb.  The  Keller  family,  with 
others,  introduced  weekly  prayei'meetingSy  which 
were  held  in  such  houses  as  were  freely  opened. 
In  this  connection  also,  family  devotions  were  es- 
tablished by  those  sufficiently  interested.  However, 
the  services  of  the  church  were  not  neglected.  It 
was  a  movement  like  that  of  the  Pietists  in  Wiir- 
temberg,  Germany;  but  not  like  that  of  the  Separa- 
tists in  the  same  countr3\ 

g.  The  Keller  boys  learned  trades.  This  idea 
was  taken  up  from  the  custom  of  the  Jews,  and 
finds  expression  in  the  proverb,  "A  trade  is  an 
estate."  Philip  (IV,  1),  having  as  the  first-born 
much  to  do  at  home,  studied  algebra  under  an  old 
German,  Steltzner,  and  later  surveying  also  under 
the  direction  of  his  own  father.  Amos  (IV,  5) 
learned  shoemaking  of  Th,  Chamberlain,  who  lived 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         79 

in  one  of  their  houses.  Eli  (IV,  6)  learned  weav- 
ing of  Peter  Rader  who  lived  in  the  house  formerly 
occupied  by  Mr.  Chamberlain.  Joel  F.  (IV,  8) 
learned  milling-  of  Aaron  Rader  in  his  father's  mill. 
Aaron  Henry  (IV,  10)  learned  blacksmithing  of 
Frederick  Bartholomew  in  his  father's  blacksmith 
shop. 

h.  Of  these  boys,  at  least  four  in  their  time — 
Philip,  Eli,  Joel  F.,  and  Joseph  A. — were  teachers 
in  the  public  schools.  The  schools  in  many  dis- 
tricts were  not  numerically  strong,  nor  were  there 
so  many  branches  of  studies  required  as  in  later 
years;  nevertheless,  for  all  practical  purposes,  very 
valuable  work  was  done.  The  idea  prevailed  that 
education  and  religion  should  go  hand  in  hand, 
and  that  God  should  be  acknowledged  in  the  school 
as  well  as  in  the  family  and  the  church. 

/.  All  of  them  also  took  an  interest  in  military 
affairs.  Philip  was  lieutenant  in  the  militia. 
Amos  was  the  captain  of  his  own  company.  Eli 
and  Aaron  H.  were  lieutenants  in  volunteer  com- 
panies. There  was  a  time  when,  in  a  vacated 
stone  house  at  the  Keller  Home,  the  lathes  and  the 
loom  were  in  the  same  room  side  by  side  making 
not  a  little  noise.  Not  always,  however,  was  the 
sound  of  industry  heard,  but  the  music  of  the  clari- 
net and  the  German  flute  were  also  heard  amidst 
the  din  of  industry.  In  a  corner  stood  old  U.  S. 
muskets  (bayonets  and  all)  which  were  used  in 
manual  and  military  drill.  All  these  things  with 
many  others  not  mentioned  entered  into  the  make- 
up of  this  family. 


80         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

II.— REMOVAL  TO  OHIO 

To  this  Keller  family,  the  removal  to  Ohio 
was  an  important  event  which  well  deserves  atten- 
tion. The  movement  was  not  a  hasty  one,  but  one 
matured  and  carried  out  after  long-  consideration. 
The  common  desire  to  remain  tog-ether,  of  which 
I  spoke  before,  was  the  chief  reason  for  the  g-eneral 
removal;  yet  numerous  other  reasons  tending-  to 
the  same  end  deserve  notice.  It  was  well  under- 
stood that  there  was  better  land  westward,  which 
could  be  cultivated  with  more  ease  and  better 
results;  that  the  use  of  lime  on  the  land,  so  pecu- 
liarly galling-  to  them,  could  be  dispensed  with. 
This  consideration  received  special  force  from  the 
fact  that  one  of  their  number,  Joel  F.,  whose 
health  was  forcing-  him  to  leave  the  mill,  was 
anxious  to  move  to  the  West.  It  was  also  under- 
stood that  in  the  State  of  Ohio  education,  morality, 
and  relig-ion  stood  on  a  higher  plane.  Father 
Keller,  though  sixty-nine  years  of  ag-e  and  actuated 
by  such  high  considerations,  made  a  tour  of  inspec- 
tion as  far  west  as  Illinois.  There  he  also  visited 
old  neighbors  and  friends,  and  on  his  return  stopped 
off  at  Galion,  Ohio.  In  that  town  lived  Rev.  Dr. 
Max  Stern,  a  Reformed  minister,  formerly  of  near 
Easton,  Pa.,  in  whom  father  had  all  confidence. 
Dr.  Stern  gave  father  into  the  care  of  another 
Pennsylvanian,  Mr.  Shumaker,  who  was  to  be 
father's  guide  on  a  tour  of  inspection  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  Crawford  County  to  look  at  the  land 
and  search  out  such  farms  as  might  be  for  sale. 
He  at  once  boug-ht  a  farm  of  more  than  two  hun- 


Amos  (IV,  5)  Jc.sepli  (IV,  11)  Aaron  (IV,  10) 

THREE  OF  THE  KELLER  SOLDIERS 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         81 

dred  acres  north-east  of  Bucyrus  and  near  Annapo- 
lis (now  Sulphur  Spring-s)  on  the  Broken  Sword 
creek.  The  soil  is  of  the  best.  Springs  and  run- 
ning water  flow  the  year  round.  Plenty  of  choice 
timber  is  to  be  found.  All  needed  buildings  are  in 
excellent  condition.  Being  an  old  surveyor,  he 
surveyed  the  property  with  his  eye,  and  planted 
his  foot  there  as  the  center  of  a  new  home  for  his 
whole  family. 

In  the  Spring  of  1856,  this  Keller  family,  al- 
ready composed  of  three  families  and  a  few  other 
families  who  joined  in,  moved  together  and  settled 
in  the  same  neighborhood  in  Crawford  Co.,  Ohio. 

One  year  later,  an  unexpected  event  occurred, 
when  Father's  only  living  brother,  Jacob  Keller 
(III,  34),  sold  out  his  property,  the  oldest  Keller 
home  (consecrated  by  labor,  blood,  and  tears)  and 
also  in  a  group  of  three  other  families  moved  to 
the  verj'  same  neighborhood  in  Ohio.  This  almost 
wholesale  removal  from  Northampton  County,  Pa., 
stirred  the  old  community,  and  not  a  few  friends 
came  as  visitors  to  see  the  place  of  the  new  settle- 
ment. One  of  those  old  neighbors,  having  accom- 
panied Father  one  day  to  a  point  affording  a  good 
view  of  the  Ruppert  farm,  said:  "When  I  heard 
of  your  removal  in  your  old  days  I  said,  'He  must 
be  foolish  for  doing  that',  but  I  will  not  say  so  any 
more." 

III.— SUNNY  DAYS  IN  THE  BUCKEYE  STATE 
It  did  not  take  long  until  all  these  Kellers  had 
settled  down  to  some  useful  and  permanent  work. 


82         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

Father  found  a  home  in  Bucyrus,  the  county  seat; 
Uncle  Jacob,  (III,  34)  in  Annapolis.  Philip 
(IV,  1)  established  himself  on  the  farm  already 
mentioned.  Amos  (IV,  5)  conducted  a  hardware 
store  in  Annapolis.  Anna  (IV,  3)  stood  a  true 
Martha  by  the  side  of  the  parents.  Eli  (IV,  6)  filled 
an  appointment  for  preaching  the  first  Sunday 
after  his  arrival,  and  was  at  once  elected  pastor  of 
the  Bucyrus  charge  of  the  Reformed  church.  Joel 
F.  (IV,  8)  received  a  farm  adjoining-  Philip's,  so 
that  the  two  brothers  labored  side  by  side,  separated 
by  the  Broken  Sword  creek.  Aaron  H.  (IV,  10)  be- 
came a  partner  in  a  Bucyrus  planing  mill.  Joseph 
(IV,  11)  and  Susannah  (IV,  13)  attended  College 
at  Tiffin.  Uncle  Jacob  bought  one  farm  a  little 
northeast  of  the  Ruppert  farm  before  mentioned, 
for  his  only  son,  Joseph  (IV,  17),  and  yet  another 
for  his  son-in-law,  Abraham  Bower  (IV,  16), a  short 
distance  southwest  of  Annapolis.  Thus  all  found 
their  places,  and  labor  adapted  to  their  respective 
tastes  and  abilities.  We  were  told  by  our  neighbors 
of  a  scourge  of  fever  ague,  from  which  the  first 
settlers,  before  the  marshy  places  were  drained,  had 
suffered,  and  the  prediction  was  made  that  we  too 
would  have  to  be  "initiated"  into  the  mystic  secrets 
of  the  order — but  such  was  not  the  case  for  we 
were  blessed  with  health  and  happiness.  Those 
were  five  sunny  years  to  the  time  of  the  great  Re- 
bellion. We  have  called  the  years  but  daj^s,  inas- 
much as  they  were  spent,  alas,  too  soon.  For  a 
little  while,  prosperity  smiled  upon  us  and  cheered 
our  hearts,  whilst  in  the  certain  and  near  future 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         83 

the   thunders  of  the  coming-  war-storm  seemed  to 
forebode  what  was  to  come  so  soon. 

IV.— THE  REBELLION 

Early  in  1861,  our  g-reat  Rebellion,  like  a  mon- 
ster volcano,  burst  forth,  threatening"  destruction  to 
all  near  and  dear  to  patriotic  hearts.  It  was  like  a 
destructive  Simoon  coming  over  us  from  the  South. 
Father  Keller  often  said:  "I  anticipated  all  this, 
but  did  not  expect  to  see  it  in  my  own  time."  Ab- 
bott, the  historian,  sums  up  the  object  of  the  Re- 
bellion thus:  "It  was  the  desig-n  of  the  rebels  to 
overthrow  these  free  institutions,  and  in  their  stead 
to  introduce  the  reig-n  of  Slavery.  Capital  was  to 
own  labor.  The  industrial  classes  were  to  be 
slaves,  kept  in  forced  ig-norance.  The  privileg-ed 
classes  were  to  live  in  indolence  and  luxury,  main- 
tained by  the  toil  of  their  unpaid  serfs." 

The  entire  North  had  to  be  wakened  up  by  the 
thunders  of  their  own  cannon  to  a  rig-ht  sense  of 
the  unspeakably  g-reat  interests  at  stake.  The 
country  was  shaken  worse  than  it  ever  was,  or  ever 
could  be,  by  an  earthquake.  The  waves  of  Rebel- 
lion thus  roaring-  and  running-  hig-h  seeming-ly  had 
to  strike  the  Keller  family  also. 

A  classmate  of  Joseph's  in  Heidelberg-  Colleg-e 
at  Tiffin,  and  other  students,  at  once  enlisted  in  the 
8th  O.  V.  I.  for  three  months.  Joseph  was  moved 
to  write  to  Father  concerning-  his  own  duty.  The 
advice  given  was,  not  to  be  disturbed,  but  to  pur- 
sue his  studies  at  least  to  his  g-raduation.  The 
hardware  store  of  Amos  at  Annapolis  became  the 


84         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

war  center  of  the  community.  The  young-  men, 
night  after  nig-ht,  gathered  in,  and  under  the  ex- 
perienced eye  of  Amos,  engaged  of  their  own  free 
will  in  the  drill  of  military  tactics.  Brother  Aaron 
H.  was  naturally  drawn  into  the  same  strong 
current.  This  was  only  the  opening  scene  of  the 
drama  then  to  follow.  From  the  young  men  came 
very  soon  the  challenge  direct  to  the  two  Kellers: 
"You  be  our  leaders,  as  volunteers,  and  we  will 
follow."  This  challenge,  in  harmony  with  the 
spirit  of  our  government,  with  the  crying  wants 
of  the  time,  and  therefore  also  with  their  own  con- 
sciences, had  to  be  obeyed. 

Then  brothers  Amos,  Aaron  H.,  and  Joseph  A. 
entered  Camp  Noble,  Tiffin,  Ohio,  August  15,  1861. 
In  the  organization  of  the  49th  regiment,  O.  V.  I., 
their  company  was  C,  to  which  was  entrusted  the 
regimental  flag.  We  cannot  here  follow  in  marches 
and  counter-marches— by  day  and  by  night,  in  rain 
and  in  sunshine — down  into  Alabama  and  along 
the  Mississippi;  and  back  again  to  Tennessee, 
where,  on  the  last  da}'  of  December,  1862,  in  the 
early  morning  of  the  battle  of  Murfreesborough, 
Captain  Amos  and  Lieutenant  Aaron  H.  were  sacri- 
ficed. On  the  very  next  day,  January  1,  1863,  the 
Emancipation  Proclamation  went  into  effect,  of 
which  Abbott  says:  "The  introduction  of  colored 
men  into  the  army  was  one  of  the  most  momentous 
events  in  the  history  of  the  war.  In  less  than  six 
months  one  hundred  thousand  stalwart  men  of 
Ethiopian  descent  were  clothed  in  the  uniform  of 
American  soldiers."  Their  position,  under  General 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         85 

Rosecrans,  was  on  the  extreme  rig-ht  wing-,  where 
the  enemy  in  massed  columns  forced  our  line  back 
more  than  two  miles.  It  was  like  Gettysburg-  later 
— first  defeat,  then  victory,  southern  dash,  northern 
endurance.  It  was  like  Gettysburg  in  this  respect; 
as  the  noble  General  Reynolds  had  to  be  sacrificed 
at  the  beg-inning-  of  the  conflict,  of  whom  Abbott 
says:  "Foremost  in  the  fray  rode  the  undaunted 
Reynolds,  to  meet,  alas!  the  relentless  death  which 
had  marked  his  brave  life  for  that  day's  first  crown 
of  holy  sacrifice."  So  too  at  the  very  beginning  of 
this  battle  of  three  days  these  brothers  fell.  Amos 
was  mortally  wounded.  The  life  of  Aaron,  whose 
one  limb  had  been  carried  away  by  a  cannon  ball, 
might  have  been  spared  had  he  been  properly  cared 
for.  From  early  dawn  on  the  last  day  of  Decem- 
ber till  late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  next  day,  Jan- 
uary 1— thirty-five  hours — they  were  left  unat- 
tended and  exposed.  Only  half  an  hour  before 
Amos  expired,  they  were  broug-ht  together  in  a  log- 
cabin,  near  where  they  had  fallen.  On  September 
9,  1862,  brother  Joseph,  prostrated  by  heavy 
marches,  was  brought  from  Murfreesborough  to 
Nashville  (city  hospital  No.  13),  and  on  December 
17,  was  discharged  from  the  service.  Father  Kel- 
ler and  a  few  friends  had  visited  the  army  but  a 
short  time  before  that  battle,  so  full  of  sadness  to 
us.  Brother  Aaron  died  January  25,  1863.  Both 
were  buried  on  the  battlefield,  but  their  bodies 
were  soon  after  taken  up  by  brother  Joel  and,  by 
a  month  of  persevering  labor,  brought  back  to 
Bucyrus  and  buried  side  by  side  on  the  family  plot. 


86         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

A  letter  from  Colonel   William  Gibson  to  Father 
Keller  now  follows: 

Hd.  Qr.  2d  Division,  28th  Army  Corps, 
Camp  Sii,i„  Feb.  3d,  1863. 
Hon.  John  Kei<i,BR, 

Dear  Sir:— I  feel  it  due  alike  to  yourself  and  to  the 
noble  dead,  that  I  should  offer  at  least  one  word  of  consola- 
tion in  this  the  hour  of  your  sorrow. 

I  first  met  your  sons  as  soldiers,  and  after  long  associ- 
ations in  camp — on  the  march,  and  on  many  battle-fields; 
they  have  gone  to  their  reward. 

I  am  spared.  They  fell  like  patriot  heroes  in  the  per- 
formance of  duty.  "When  our  flag  and  our  national  integ- 
rity were  assailed  by  wicked  traitors,  your  sons  rushed  to 
the  rescue  and  they  have  fallen  noble  martyrs  for  the  right. 
Their  country  will  do  honor  to  their  memory!  To  the 
courage  of  them  and  their  command,  I  had  committed  the 
safety  of  our  Regimental  banner.  Under  its  ample  folds 
they  fell,  and  with  them,  two  of  the  brave  color  guard. 
The  company  mourns  its  fallen  officers;  and  the  veteran 
Regiment  drops  from  its  rolls  the  names  of  two  officers 
loved  alike  by  all  who  met  them. 

To  their  natural  goodness  of  heart  they  added  all  the 
graces  of  education;  and  all  the  qualities  of  brave,  prudent 
and  accomplished  officers  and  soldiers.  Entering  the  ser- 
vice from  motives  of  duty,  they  never  failed  to  meet  any 
responsibility  and  duty  of  their  position.  Honest  in  every 
way,  their  business  was  always  in  perfect  order,  and  never 
during  all  their  term  of  service,  had  I  occasion  to  urge  them 
to  duty,  or  chide  them  for  neglect  in  anything. 

Their  places  cannot  be  filled  in  the  Regiment!  But 
they  are  gone!  We  should  remember  that  all  must  die,  and 
death  being  a  mere  matter  of  time,  we  must  not  grieve 
when  friends  pass  from  the  strifes,  the  trials  and  the  sor- 
rows of  this  world,  to  the  realms  of  eternal  peace  and 
glory. 

In  your  case  you  mourn  not  "as  one  without   hope." 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         87 

Educated  in  all  the  doctrines  of  our  holy  Religion,  your 
sons  lived  and  died,  illustrating  the  power  and  value  of 
that  "faith  that  works  by  love  and  purifies  the  soul." 
Morning  and  evening,  in  camp  and  on  the  tented  field,  they 
regularly  called  on  God  in  prayer,  and  never  blushed  to 
own  that  they  were  Christians.  Before  and  since  their 
fall  I  often  remarked  that  in  all  my  life  I  had  never  met 
such  a  noble  example  of  real  Christianity,  as  in  Capt.  Kel- 
ler and  Lieut.  Keller.  But  they  have  fought  their  last 
battle.  They  died  in  honor,  defending  our  great  political 
inheritance.  The  sharp  clash  of  musketry  and  roar  of 
artillery  will  never  more  fall  upon  their  ears,  but  for  the 
martial  music  of  the  field  and  the  combat,  they  will  drink 
in  the  swelling  anthems  of  angel  hosts,  in  the  grand  tem- 
ple of  God  and  the  redeemed. 

As  survivors  we  should  strive  to  show  ourselves  worthy 
of  that  "Great  Reward",  and  meet  our  departed  compan- 
ions in  the  better  world. 

God  is  in  all  things,  and  you  will  draw  from  the  rich 
treasures  of  his  holy  word  encouragement  in  your  sorrow. 
I  earnestly  invoke  the  Divine  grace  to  sustain  yourself  and 
family  in  this  sad  affliction;  and  I  know  that  your  Christian 
impressions  w^ill  enable  you  to  say;  "The  Lord  gave  and 
the  Lord  hath  taken  away;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord."  I  am  most  respectfully, 

W.  H.   GIBSON, 
Col.  49th  Ohio  Com'd'g  Divs. 

Abbott,  the  historian,  thus  summed  up  the 
achievements  of  the  war:  "A  generation  has  come 
and  gone  since  the  Rebellion,  and  what  a  mighty 
influence  has  been  exerted  by  the  men  who  fell  in 
the  struggle.  We  look  upon  the  marble  shaft  and 
of  read  the  battles  chronicled  there,  and  they  tell  us 
the  hardships  endured  and  victories  won  and  we  saj^: 
These  men  are  dead  !  O,  No  !  they  are  living  !  and 
the  hallowed  influence  of  their  actions  has  kindled 


88         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

a  watch-fire  in  this  nation,  that  no  tyrant  can  ever 
put  out. 

•'The  great  mission  of  the  U.  S.  now  is,  to 
build  up  here  the  most  majestic  empire  on  this 
globe — with  every  man  inspired  by  all  the  energies 
of  republican  freedom,  and  our  whole  magnificent 
domain,  from  ocean  to  ocean,  and  from  Arctic  ice  to 
Tropic  sun,  smiling  with  happy  homes — with  wav- 
ing fields  and  blooming  gardens,  and  bright  fire- 
sides— with  the  music  of  all  industries,  and  the 
song  of  young  men  and  maidens,  and  the  joys  of 
the  bridal — with  cities  gorgeous  with  more  than 
the  fabled  splendors  of  the  Orient — with  all  that  is 
massive  in  architecture,  and  ennobling  in  painting 
and  sculpture,  and  the  arts  of  the  beautiful.  And 
more  than  all  this — infinitely  more — that  here  in 
happy  homes  on  earth,  we  may  all  be  preparing  for 
still  happier  homes  in  the  skies. 

"Here  is  scope  for  genius  and  goodness  and 
energy  in  their  highest  combinations.  We  want 
no  more  of  the  dreadful  achievements  of  war;  no 
more  of  bombarded  cities,  and  smouldering  villages 
and  midnight  marches,  and  rain-swept  bivouacs, 
and  gory  fields  and  crowded  hospitals,  and  wounds, 
and  groans,  and  death — with  their  distant  echoes 
of  weeping  widows  and  wailing  orphans — no  more, 
O  God  !  no  more.     But  give  us  Peace  ! " 

v.— GENEALOGICAL  TABLE 
J128  Philip  Keller  (son  of  John  Henry  Keller),  mar. 
Hannah  T.  Stocker,  b.  July  25,  1822,  dau.  of 
Francis  Stocker  and  wife  Barbara,  nee  Stoflet. 
1129  Maria,  b.  Nov.  22,  1846,  d.  Dec.  4,  1892. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         89 

2^2'  Sabina  E.,  b.  Nov.  22,  1847. 
3^2^  Susannah  E.,  b.  Sept.  16,  1849,  d.  in  Pa. 
4129  John  Henry,  b.  Oct.  9,  1851,  d.  Mar.  18,  1895. 
Si''^'"'  Sarah  A.,  b.  Jan.  9,  1854,  d.  Jan.  28,  1860. 
6^29  Ellen  S.,  b.  Mar.  1,  1856. 
712^  Abilene  L.,  b.  Nov.  4,  1858. 
8^29  Lydia  A.,  b.  Nov.  8,  1860. 
9^2!' Francis  Amos,  b.  Feb.  26,  1864. 
1^'^^  Maria,  mar.  Lorenzo  D.  Beving^ton,  b.  Mar. 
4,  1843,  d.  April  20,  1901. 
li^oQrton  Philip,  b.  Mar.  12,  1872,    mar. 

Nettie  Ainsworth. 
2130  Mervin  Henry,  b.  Mar.  21,   1874,  mar. 

Mary  M.  Hart. 
3130  John  Carleton,  b.  July  9,  1877. 
4130  Lorenzo  Keller,  b.  Oct.   15,   1879,   mar. 

Anna  T.  Anderson. 
51^0  Harold  Paul,  b.  July  9,  1885,  first  child 
b.  at  Bucyrus,  O.,  others  at  Bloomville, 
Ohio. 
2^2^  Sabina  E.,  mar.  Leander  Teel. 
1131  Henry  Clay,  b.  Feb.  26,  1870. 
21^1  Esther  Maria,  b.  Jan.  27,  1872,  d.  Dec. 

8,  1891. 
31^1  Herbert  Keller,  b.  Mar.  25,  1874. 
41=^1  Gertrude  Eleonora,  b.  May  4,  1876. 
51=^1  Eric  Philip,  b.  Sept.  18,  1878. 
61=^1  Edna  Elizabeth,  b.  Mar.  6,  1881. 
1^1  Henry  Clay,  mar.  Mary  K.  Meng-el,  b. 
July  21,  1870. 

1132  Muriel  Henrietta,  b.   Oct.    8,  1894. 
2^'''  Donald  Philip,  b.  June  13,  1896. 


90         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

3132  Robert  M.,  b.  Oct.  28,  1898. 
413-  Marian  Dorothea,  b.  July  12,  1901, 
d.  Mar.  28,  1902. 
3^31  Herbert  K.,  mar.  Bertha  A.  Smith,  b. 
Jan.   15,  1878,  dau.  of  Benj.  F.  Smith 
and  wife,  Isabella  nee  Start. 
5^133  Marjoria  Ima,  b.  June  6,  1897. 
2^«3  Martha  Isabel,  b.  Apr.  26,  1899. 
31^3  Harold  S.,  b.  Oct.  3,  1902. 
41^^  Gertrude    Eleanor,    mar.    Richard   H. 
Scott,  of  Canada,  b.  July  23,  1868,  son 
of  Thomas  and  Mary  Scott. 
113"  Maurice  Teel,  b.  Mar.  19,  1901. 
4^2^  John  Henry,  mar.  Ella  C.  Sexauer,  dau.  of 
Fred  Sexauer  and  wife,  Mary,  nee  Ziegler. 
1135  Mary  Henrietta,  b.  July  27,  1887. 
2^3^  Lois  Rebecca,  b.  Mar.  6,  1891. 
3^35  Ruth  Ellen,  b.  Aug".  3,  1894. 
8^^^  Lydia   A.,   mar.  Charles  S.  Ackerman,  b. 
Aug.  19,  1865,  son  of  Emanuel  S.  and  Mary, 
nee  Gossman. 

li^«  Naomi  Edith,  b.  Sept.  20,  1900. 
9129  Francis  Amos,  mar.  Maudesta  H.  Carroth- 
ers,  b.  Oct.  13,  1875,  dau.  of  James  B.  Car- 
rothers  and  Sarah  J.,  nee  Cole. 
l^^^  Constance  Rebecca,  b.  Feb.  18,  1897. 
2^^'^  John  Carrothers,  b.  July  20,  1898. 
313^  Robert  Warren,  b.  Jan.  31,  1900. 
2128  Anna  Keller,  mar.  Philip  Osman,  son  of  Jacob 
and    Catharine    {iiec    Eichhorn)   Osman.      He 
was  born  Mar.  29,  1829,  emigrated  to  Bucyrus, 
Ohio,  in  Dec.  1851.     In  the  Summer  of  1903,  he 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         91 

visited  his  fatherland,  and  died  in  Bath  Wil- 
dung-en,  in  Waldeck,  July  14,  was  also  buried 
there. 

Eli  Keller,  mar.  Emma  Julia,  b.  Feb.  25,  1837, 
youngest  dau.  of  Rev.  T.  L.  Hoffeditz,  D.  D. 
and  wife,  Julia  Roth,  b.  Nov.  20,  1795,  d.  Jan. 
8,  1860. 

Ii3«  Samuel,  b.  May,  8,  1858. 
2^38  Emelia,  b.  July  29,  1859. 
3^38  David,  b.  June  9,  1861. 
41=^8  Frederick,  b.  Jan.  27,  1863. 
Si^'^  John  Calvin,  b.  Dec.  29,  1864. 
6138  Mary  Julia,  b.  Aug.  19,  1866. 
7i3«  William   Albert,  b.  May    12,  1868,  d.  June 

16,  1878. 
8^38  Idelette,  b.  Aug.  2,  1870,  d.  Aug.  15,  1870. 
All  these  were  born  in  Ohio. 
1138  Samuel,  mar.  Flora  Ann,  b.  May  5,  1851, 
dau.  of  Reuben  Neimeyer  and  wife,  Lucy 
Ann,  nee  Wormkessel. 
1139  Beatus,   (a  son)  b.  April    14,  1889,  d. 

April  15,  1889. 
2133  Paul  Eli,  b.  June  4,  1891. 
2138  jjtnelia,  mar.  Wilson  S.  P.  Schwartz,  son  of 
Francis  Schwartz  and  Angeline,  nee  Egner. 

1110  Mark   Keller,  b.  Jan.  6,  1886,  d.  May 
21,  1886. 

2"*'  Marie,  b.  Oct.  4,  1894. 
3138  David,  mar.  Katie  Sophia,  b.  Apr.  14,  1862, 
dau.  of  John  Hersch  and  Maria,  nee  Gery. 

1111  Florence  Gertrude,  b.  July  4,  1884. 
21^1  Irene  Adele,  b.  Nov.  25,  1887. 


92         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

31*1  David  Hersch,  b.  May  20,  1895. 
4138  Frederick,  mar.  Anna  May,  b.  March  10, 
1863,  dau.  of  Benj.  O.  Lecrone  and   wife, 
Minerva,  nee  Swander. 
1^*2  Bertha,  b.  July  25,  1887,  in  Kansas. 
2^*2  Howard    Albert,    b.   Oct.    19,   1888,   in 

Kansas. 
31^2  Ralph  Carleton,  b.  Sept.  16,  1893. 
5i3«  John  Calvin,  mar.  Lillian,  b.  Mar.  21,  1868, 
dau.  of  Geo.  Leibert  and  wife,  Lydia  Ann, 
nee  Stern. 

11*3  Ardie  Ruth,  b.   Mar.  14,  1889,  d.  Feb. 
20,  1890. 
5138  Mary  Julia,  mar.  Mark  Halbach,  b.  July  7, 
1859,  son  of  Chas.  Halbach  and  wife,  Isa- 
bella, nee  Marx,  d.  Oct.  21,  1899. 
51^^  Joel  Frederick  Keller,  mar.  Susannah,  dau.  of 
Christian  Schaum  and  wife,  Anna,  nee  Buzzerd. 
1^**  Christian  Alfred,  b.  July  6,  1852. 
2^**  Anna,  b.  June  11,  1854. 
3^'**  Mary  Josephine,  b.  June  16,  1856. 
41"  Jacob  Samuel,  b.  Feb.  15,  1859. 
5"*  Clarissa  Sabina,  b.  Jan.  6,  1862. 
6"*  Ada  Ellen,  b.  Apr.  25,  1866. 
71**  Milton  Melanchthon,  b.  Apr.  26,  1874. 
1^**  Christian  Alfred,  mar.  Lilly  May,  b.  Mar.  4, 
1863,  young-est  dau.  of  Samuel  and  Nancy 
R.  Gentner. 
2^"  Anna,  mar.  Rev.  Edward  D.  Wettach,  D.D., 
b.   May  5,    1852,  son  of   Fred  Wettag^,   of 
Berne,  Switzerland,  and  wife,  Mag-dalene, 
nee  Briicker. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         93 

1"^  Anna  Gertrude,  b.  Nov.  17,  1880. 
2^^^  Florence  Mabel,  b.  Sept.  23,  1882. 
3^^^  Mary,  b.  May  31,  1886,  d.  early. 
4^*^  Edward  Keller,  b.  June  11,  1893. 
3^**  Mary  Josephine,  mar.  George  P.  Rader,  b. 
Mar.  3,  1853. 
li*«  Dau.,  d. 

2"*^  Florence  Elizabeth,  b.  Oct.  1,  1893. 
4^**  Jacob    Samuel,   mar.   Anna  W.   Smith,   b. 
Mar.  9,  1867,  dau.  of  John  A.  Smith  and 
wife,  Jamima,  nee  Moderwell. 
5^**  Clarissa  Sobina,  mar.  Benjamin  L.  Norton, 
b.  Nov.  11,  1859,  son  of  Benjamin  Norton 
and  wife,  Catharine,  nee  Emerick. 
1^*^  Catharine  Geneva,  b.  Aug-.  16,  1884. 
2"^  Keller  Emerick,  b.  Nov.  17,  1885. 
6^**  Ada  Ellen,  mar.  William  F.  Fouse,  b.  Feb. 
2,  1867,  son  of  Frederick  Fouse. 
li*«  Howard  Keller,  b.  April  22,  1894. 
2^*'  James  Kenneth,b.  June  17,  1900,d.  1904. 
1^^  Milton  Melanchthon,  mar.  (first)  Florence 
Maud  Davidson,  b.  Feb.  21,  1877,  d.  Jan.  1, 
1901,  dau.  of  John  H.  Davidson  and  wife, 
Laura,  nee  Williams. 
Ii4«  Paul  Davidson,  b.  1896. 
2"'  Laura  Mauree,  b.  Mar.  3,  1899,  d.  Dec. 
1902. 
7^"*  Milton  Melanchthon,  mar.  (second)  Hattie 

Rader. 
Joseph  Allen  Keller,  mar.  Sarah  Kulp,  b.  Sept. 
24,  1839,   dau.  of  Rev.  Joseph  Kulp  and  wife, 
Sarah,  nee  Oberholtzar,  of  Wadsworth,  Ohio. 


94         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

S^''^'*  Susannah  Keller,  mar.    Joseph   B.    Shumaker, 
D.  D.,  b,  Aug-.  20,  1838,  son  of  Benjamin  and 
Hannah  Shumaker,  of  Fairfield  Co.,  Ohio. 
1^^^  Howard  Keller,  b.  Aug.  26,  1871,  in  Canton, 
Ohio,    mar.   Austia   Patterson   in   Canton, 
China,   both  being  missionaries  under  the 
Board  of  the  U.  B.  Church. 
2^^"  Claude  Henry,  b.  Mar.  16,  1874,  in  Lancas- 
ter, Pa. 
3^^*^  Anna  Mary,  b.  May  9,  1877,  also  in  Lancas- 
ter, Pa. 

In  this  family  of  John  H.  Keller  (HI,  32)  we 
find  six  ministers  of  "The  Reformed  Church  in  the 
U.  S."  and  three  physicians.  Four  of  the  former 
received  the  honorable  title  of  D.  D.,  and  one  of 
the  latter  had  the  Reverend  added  to  the  M.  D. 
Of  these  members  of  our  family,  we  will  here  give 
according  to  their  age,  some  account. 

VI.— BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES 
A.— FOURTH  GENERATION 

Phiup  Keller  (IV,  1)  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania and  came  to  Ohio  with  the  exodus  in  1856. 
He  took  charge  of  one  of  the  large  farms  John 
Henry  (III,  32)  bought  one  mile  northeast  of  An- 
napolis, (now  Sulphur  Springs.)  He  lived  on  the 
old  farm  till  his  son,  John  Henry  (V,  6),  married, 
then  he  moved  just  west  of  the  Union  Church.  He 
has  always  been  identified  with  farm  life. 

In  connection  with  his  family,  he  has  always 
shown  the  liveliest  interest  in  study.  He  was  al- 
ways back  of  his  children   in  their   school   work, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         95 

helping-  them  and  encourag-ing-  them.  If  the  sub- 
ject was  new,  he  would  post  up  and  "keep  ahead" 
of  their  lessons. 

He  is  now  eighty-seven  years  old  and  his  mind 
seems  remarkably  fresh.  He  has  not  lost  his  grip 
upon  current  events,  nor  has  he  laid  aside  his  read- 
ing of  religious  and  philosophical  subjects.  To 
speak  with  him  for  a  few  moments  reveals  that  he 
is  living  strictly  in  the  present. 

He  always  took  an  active  interest  in  church 
work,  and  is  yet  keeping  in  full  touch  with  what  is 
taking  place  in  ecclesiastical  bodies. 

Anna  Osman  Keller  (IV,  3),  as  spoken  of 
elsewhere,  was  the  Martha  of  the  family.  She 
has  spent  a  great  part  of  her  life  in  Bucyrus,  Ohio. 
Her  home  has  always  been  the  center  to  which  all 
the  friends  desired  to  go,  and  did  go.  All  have 
always  been  assured  of  a  hearty,  laughing  and 
cheering  welcome.  Even,  in  her  advanced  age, 
she  seems  to  pay  very  little  attention  to  her  age; 
for,  when  there  is  need  for  traveling,  she  seems  to 
make  it  a  very  small  burden. 

Her  mind  also  seems  to  be  living  in  the  imme- 
diate present.  She  takes  the  liveliest  interest  in 
current  events  and  literature.  She  manifests  a 
strong  interest  in  the  welfare  of  those  whom  she 
knows,  and  is  ready  to  help  by  cheerful  words  of 
encouragement. 

Rev.  Eli  Keller,  D.  D.  (IV,  6),  was  fully 
twenty-five  years  of  age  when  he  started  out  in 
his  distinct   preparations   for   the   holy   ministry. 


96         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

He  was  born  and  broug-ht  up  on  the  farm  and  was 
well  trained  in  all  the  g-ymnastics  of  the  farm-life 
of  that  day.  As  a  teacher  in  public  schools,  and 
Sunday-schools  also,  he  was  not  inferior.  As  a 
surveyor,  draftsman  and  scribe,  under  his  father's 
care  and  direction,  he  had  before  him  a  bright  fu- 
ture. In  the  military  line,  he  stood  abreast  with 
those  of  his  ofi&cial  rank.  Those,  however,  were 
not  the  thing-s  his  aspirations  were  seeking-. 

In  the  Spring-  of  1851,  he  entered  the  Acadaray 
at  Mercersburg,  Franklin  Co.,  Pa.  in  regular  course; 
and  a  year  later  at  Marshall  College  at  the  same 
place.  He  came  to  Lancaster  in  1853  when  that 
colleg-e  was  moved  there  and  continued  his  studies 
in  Franklin  and  Marshall  College  to  the  end  of 
the  Sophomore  year;  then  returned  to  Mercersburg, 
and  graduated  from  the  Theological  Seminary  un- 
der Drs.  Schaff  and  Wolff. 

As  a  licentiate  of  Mercersburg-  Classis,  he  re- 
moved, with  his  parents'  family,  in  the  Spring  of 
1856,  to  Bucyrus,  Ohio.  The  very  first  Sunday  he 
preached  there,  and  was  elected  pastor  of  the  Bu- 
cyrus charge.  The  charge  was  later  enlarged, 
northward  and  westward;  and  John  Bippus,  a  Wiir- 
temberg  Pietist,  was  his  faithful  assistant. 

After  five  years,  he  was  called  to  Bellevue, 
Ohio.  O.^hat  charge  grew  and  later  was  divided, 
his  brother  Joseph  receiving  the  older  congreg-a- 
tions.  After  eleven  more  years,  he  removed  to  Ca- 
nal Winchester,  Ohio,  as  pastor  of  that  charge. 
After  a  year  and  a  half,  he  was  called  back  to 
Pennsylvania  to  the   "Zionsville  charge,"  consist- 


JOEL  FREDERICK  KELLER  (IV, 


SUSANNAH  SCHA.UM  KELLER  {IV,  9) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         97 

ing-  of  but  two  congreg-ations.  However,  circum- 
stances were  such,  that  two  more  cong-reg-ations 
were  added,  so  that  the  charge  then  embraced 
large  portions  of  three  counties.  Various  efforts 
were  made  b)-  Classis  to  diminish  the  charg-e  g-eo- 
g-raphically,  but  without  success.  After  twenty- 
seven  years  of  hard  labor,  he  resig-ned  the  whole 
charge,  and  removed  to  Allentown  in  1901.  As 
an  assistant  to  the  ministers  of  the  eight  Re- 
formed churches  in  the  city,  and  amid  other  labors, 
he  expects  to  spend  the  evening  of  his  life.  Later 
he  was  appointed  assistant  editor  of  the  Reformed 
"Kirchenzeitung,"  published  in  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

His  official  record  to  the  present  is  this:  Bap- 
tized, infants  1882,  adults  33,  total  1915;  con- 
firmed 1078;  married  488  couples;  buried  803. 

Joel  Frederick  Keller  (IV,  8)  lived  on  one 
of  the  farms  his  father,  John  Henry  (HI,  32), 
bought  after  he  moved  from  Pennsylvania.  There 
Joel  lived,  his  family  and  that  of  Philip,  his 
brother,  growing  up  into  useful  men  and  women. 
After  a  number  of  years  he  moved  a  mile  south  of 
Sulphur  Spring's  to  the  William  Musg-rave  farm. 
Then  a  short  time  later  moved  to  a  small  farm  a 
few  rods  south-east  of  the  Musgrave  farm,  where 
he  is  living-  a  retired  life.  He  also  shows  the  most 
intense  interest  in  the  questions  of  the  day.  His 
home  is  a  place  to  which  all  go  for  a  pleasant  and 
happy  hour.  While  his  health  forced  him  out  of 
his  chosen  work,  that  of  a  miller,  he  was  always 
an   untiring   worker   upon   the   farm.     Now  he   is 


98         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

keeping"   his  home  in  perfect  neatness,  and  keep- 
ing in  touch  with  the  events  of  the  world. 

Rev.  Joseph  A.  Keller,  D.  D.,  (IV,  11)  was 
a  reg-ular  student  in  Heidelberg  College,  Tifi&n, 
Ohio,  and  graduated  in  the  Spring  of  1861.  In  a 
letter  to  me,  referring  to  his  subsequent  exper- 
iences as  a  soldier,  he  says:  "Then  my  record  runs 
in  common  with  that  of  the  brothers,  Amos  and 
Aaron,  until  Bragg's  raid  into  Kentucky.  Our 
forces  hurried  from  Bridgeport  on  the  Tennessee 
River,  by  way  of  Murfreesborough,  and  Nashville. 
When  we  reached  Murfreesborough,  I  was  worn 
out,  and  the  next  morning  an  ambulance  brought 
me  to  one  of  the  hospitals  in  Nashville.  As  I  came 
into  the  ward,  I  overheard  one  say:  'There  comes 
another,  who  will  be  carried  out!' — or  something  to 
that  effect,  but  it  was  not  to  be  so."  He  was  truly 
"worn  out" — unable  to  do  further  service  as  a  sol- 
dier, and  was  therefore  discharged  from  that  hospi- 
tal in  Nashville.  He  reached  his  parental  home  in 
Bucyrus  just  one  week  before  the  battle  of  Stone 
River.  What  a  merciful  Providence!  Had  he  not 
been  "worn  out,"  he  would  have  continued  with 
the  brothers,  and  most  likely  fared  just  as  they  did 
at  the  battle  of  Stone  River. 

Having  recovered  sufficiently,  he  entered  the 
Theological  Seminary  at  Tif&n,  in  the  Fall  of  1863, 
to  prepare  for  the  Gospel  Ministry.  He  grad- 
uated in  1865.  At  that  time  the  chair  of  ancient  lan- 
guages in  the  College  became  vacant,  and  he  was 
called  to  fill  the  same,  which  he  also  did  for  more 
than  six  years.     His   health   not   being   good,  he 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY         99 

resigned  June  1871,  ani  entered  the  Gospel  Minis- 
try. He  was  licensed  by  Tiffin  Classis  at  Liberty 
Center,  Henry  Co.,  Ohio,  and  a  call  to  him  from 
Zions  Charge  (referred  to  above)  was  confirmed. 
Subsequently,  he  was  also  ordained  in  Salem 
Church,  Adams  Township,  Seneca  Co.,  Ohio,  by  a 
committee  of  Tiffin  Classis,  consisting  of  Prof.  R. 
Good,  and  Rev.  L.  H.  Kefauver,  D.  D.  At  the  urg- 
ent request  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  (Dr.  J. 
H.  Good,  Pres.)  he  resigned  his  charge,  and  went 
as  missionary  to  the  city  of  Denver,  Colorado,  com- 
mencing his  labors  there,  April  19,  1874.  He  re- 
turned from  Denver,  Jan.  1,  1879,  to  Hartville,  O. 
That  field  he  occupied  till  Oct.  11,  1899,  when  he 
moved  to  Alliance,  Ohio,  where  he  has  had,  up  to 
this  time,  the  care  of  a  single  congregation,  com- 
posed almost  exclusively  of  Swiss. 

Susannah  Keller  Shumaker  (IV,  13)  early 
went  to  Heidelberg  College,  Tiffin,  Ohio.  There 
she  gained  that  preparation  which  has  so  well 
fitted  her  for  the  work  that  naturally  falls  to  the 
wife  of  a  pastor.  Those  who  know  her  recognize 
that  she  is  a  very  safe  adviser.  Her  opinions  are 
often  sought  by  those  who  are  associated  with  her 
in  the  work  of  the  church.  She  is  constantly 
found  active  in  the  various  organizations  and  legis- 
lative bodies  of  the  Reformed  Church. 

Her  home  is  one  to  which  all  long  to  go,  for 
there  the  influence  of  her  kind  geniality  is  felt  at 
once. 

Rev.  Joseph  B.  Shumaker,  D.  D.,  (IV,  14) 
graduated  in   the   classical   course  in    Heidelberg 


100       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

Colleg-e,  Tiffin,  Ohio,  June,  1865;  and  having-  also 
pursued  Theolog-ical  studies  in  his  senior  year, 
graduated  from  the  Theological  Seminary  at  the 
same  place,  in  Dec,  1866.  He  was  licensed  to  the 
Gospel  Ministry  in  the  Reformed  Church  in  the  U. 
S.  by  Miami  Classis  of  the  Synod  of  Ohio,  and 
ordained  Jan.  20,  1867. 

He  commenced  his  ministerial  labors  in  Bethel 
Charg-e,  near  Dayton,  Ohio,  Jan.  1,  1867;  in  second 
charg-e,  Manchester,  Summit  Co.,  Ohio,  near 
Akron,  May  1,  1870;  in  third  charg-e.  Canton, Ohio, 
April  1,  1871;  in  fourth  charg-e,  St.  Pauls,  Lancas- 
ter, Pa.,  Oct.  1,  1886.  He  moved  to  Tiffin,  Ohio, 
Aug-.  1,  1889;  served  as  supply  in  different  cong-re- 
g-ations,  and  then  for  nearly  two  years,  as  Financial 
Secretary  of  Heidelberg-  College.  His  fifth  charge 
was  Zions,  Clyde,  Ohio.  He  entered  regularly  as 
pastor,  Sept.  2,  1902.  He  received  the  title  of  D. 
D.  from  Ursinus  College,  July  2,  1879. 

VII.— BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES 
B.— FIFTH  GENERATION 

Maria  Keller  Bevington  (V,  1),  oldest 
child  of  Philip  and  Hannah  Keller,  was  born  in 
Northampton  Co.,  Pa.  She  lived  with  her  parents 
on  their  Ohio  farm  until  she  married  Mr.  L.  M. 
Bevington,  a  school  teacher  and  druggist.  She 
lived  at  Bloomville,  O.,  for  a  number  of  years,  then 
moved  to  Hicksville,  O.,  where  the  family  resided 
till  her  death. 

Sabina  E.  Keller  Teel  (V,  3)  was  also 
brought  up  on  the  farm;  married  Leander  Teel,  a 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       101 

school  teacher  and  attorney.  She  is  the  mother 
of  an  excellent  family  of  children.  She  is  now 
caring-  for  her  ag-ed  aunt,  Mrs.  Anna  Keller 
Osman,  at  the  latter's  home  in  Bucyrus,  Ohio. 

John  Henry  Keller  (V,  6)  was  one  of  the 
best  known  and  one  of  the  most  useful  and  most  in- 
fluential members  of  the  western  branch  of  the 
Keller  family.  He  was  for  a  score  or  so  of  years 
one  of  the  most  successful  school  teachers  in  Craw- 
ford and  adjoining-  counties,  raiser  of  special  strains 
of  stock,  member  of  the  County  Agricultural  Soci- 
ety, prominent  in  the  Sunday-school  work  of  his 
countv  and  township  and  having  been  called  from 
time  to  time  to  the  honor  and  responsibility  of 
about  all  ofi&cial  positions  in  the  local  Sunday- 
school  and  church.  But  his  sun  went  down  at  the 
noonday  of  his  excellent  and  useful  life. 

Ellen  S.  Keller  (V,  9)  gave  much  of  her 
life  to  teaching.  She  attained  marked  success  in 
Primary  Department  work.  Since  her  school  days, 
she  has  been  devoting  her  life  to  the  care  and  com- 
fort of  her  aged  parents. 

Abilene  L.  Keller  (V,10)  and  Lydia  A.  Kel- 
ler Ackerman  (V,  11)  are  the  two  youngest  of 
the  children  of  Philip  and  Hannah  Keller.  The 
former  has  given  most  of  her  attention  to  dress- 
making, but  has  her  home  with  her  parents.  The 
latter  married  Charles  S.  Ackerman  and  is  living 
near  the  old  homestead. 


102       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

Francis  Amos  Keller  (V,  13)  spent  his  early 
days  with  his  father  upon  the  farm.  He  attended 
the  home  school  and  made  rapid  progress  in  his 
studies.  He  taught  school  for  many  years.  Al- 
though he  has  settled  down  to  farming  as  his  life- 
work,  the  habit  of  reading  and  studying  has  never 
left  him.  Very  rarely  is  there  such  a  large  and 
carefully  chosen  library,  as  his,  found  in  a  country 
home. 

Samuel  Keller  (V,15),  the  oldest  child  of  Rev. 
Eli  Keller,  was  born  at  Bucyrus,  Ohio.  He  has 
occupied  very  honorable  stations  in  the  church  and 
held  very  responsible  and  lucrative  positions  in 
connection  with  certain  manufacturing  establish- 
ments at  Marion  and  Bellevue,Ohio.  At  present  he 
is  superintendent  of  The  Ohio  Cultivator  Works,  a 
plant  of  large  capacity  and  wide  reputation,  at 
Bellevue.  His  life  has  been  preeminently  one  of 
business.  He  has  the  executive  temperament. 
Hence,  he  always  finds  himself  devoted  to  the  man- 
agement of  enterprises. 

Emelia  Keller  Schwartz  (V,  17)  married 
Wilson  S.  P.  Schwartz.  She  has  lived  near  the 
old  home  almost  her  entire  life.  She  has  thrown 
all  her  powers  into  her  home  to  make  it  what  a 
home  should  be. 

David  H.,  M.  D.,  (V,  19)  and  John  Calvin 
Keller,  M.  D.,  (V,  23)  were  born  in  Ohio  and 
brought  to  Pennsylvania.  Both  returned  to  their 
native  State,  and  graduated  in  the  Columbus 
Medical  College,  in  the  capital  of  the  State— the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY        103 

former  in  the  year  1882,  the  latter  in  1886.  Both 
returned  to  the  original  home  of  the  Keller  family 
in  Pennsylvania — the  older  to  Bang-or,  the  younger 
to  the  Wind  Gap,  only  five  miles  apart.  They  suc- 
ceeded in  establishing  themselves,  not  only  in  that 
community, but  also  in  the  confidence  of  the  people. 
Thus  they  are  occupying,  in  their  profession,  the 
very  territory  where  their  ancestors,  to  the  third 
generation,  had  lived,  labored,  and  many  of  them 
died;  where  their  grandfather,  in  his  time,  had 
carried  his  faithful  compass  for  many  years  over 
hill  and  mountain,  hunting  up  old  corners  and 
landmarks  and  establishing  new  ones;  where  he 
settled  up  many  estates  of  those  who  were  called 
from  time  to  eternity.  When  and  where  the  name 
of  the  family  was  passing  into  forgetfuluess,  they 
revived  and  perpetuated  the  same,  holding  and  fol- 
lowing the  great  mission:  To  remove  sickness  and 
pain,  and  restore  the  inhabitants,  if  possible,  to 
health  and  happiness. 

Rev.  Frederick  H.  Keller,  A.  M.,  (V,  21) 
had  a  thorough  classical  and  Theological  training 
— first  in  the  Perkiomen  Seminary,  at  Penns- 
burg,  Pennsylvania;  then  in  Ursinus  College,  at 
Collegeville,  Pennsylvania.  He  studied  Theology 
in  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Reformed 
Church  in  the  U.  S.  at  Tiffin,  Ohio.  After  his 
graduation,  he  was  licensed  and  ordained  to  the 
Gospel  Ministry  of  said  Church,  by  Tiffin  Classis, 
Synod  of  Ohio,  at  Fostoria,  Ohio,  May  30,  1886. 
The  Board  of  Home  Missions  of  said   Synod    ap- 


104       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

pointed  him  as  missionary    to    Wathena,  Kansas. 
He  entered  that  field  in  June,  1886. 

After  more  than  three  years  of  labor,  he  re- 
ceived and  accepted  a  call  from  Fireside,  Ohio,  and 
entered  upon  the  labors  of  that  field,  January,  1890. 
He  was  then  called  to  Petersburg-,  Ohio,  and 
went  there  in  April,  1893.  In  January  of  1896, 
he  followed  a  call  to  Orrville,  Ohio;  and  after  an- 
other pastorate  of  three  years,  in  November, 
1899,  he  came  to  Hartville,  Ohio.  At  Fireside,  he 
was  in  the  footsteps  of  his  father  and  of  his  uncle, 
Joseph  A.  Keller,  D.  D.  Thus,  "One  soweth,  and 
another  reapeth" — John  4:37. 

Mary  Julia  Keller  Halbach  (V,  25)  has  had 
the  opportunity  of  taking  care  of  her  aged  parents. 
Her  husband,  Dr.  Halbach,  lived  but  a  short  time 
after  her  marriage.  Since  then  she  has  been  again 
devoting  her  life  to  her  parents. 

Christian  Alfred  Keller  (V,  29)  is  the 
first-born  of  Joel  F.  and  Susannah  Keller;  was 
brought  up  on  the  farm;  taught  school  several 
terms;  married  Miss  Lillie  M.  Centner,  a  teacher  in 
the  Greenville,  Ohio,  public  school  for  years.  He 
has  for  many  years  been  in  the  mercantile  business, 
and  at  present  is  a  partner  in  the  firm  of  O.  &  C. 
Keller,  at  Sulphur  Springs,  Ohio. 

Anna  Keller  Wettach  (V,  31)  taught  sev- 
eral terms  in  the  schools  near  home.  Married 
Rev.  E.  D.  Wettach,  D.  D.  As  is  incident  to  a 
minister's  life,  they  have  lived  at  various  places. 
Their  present  residence  is  Youngstown,  Ohio. 


i  =!S 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       lOS 

Rev.  E.  D.  Wettach,  D.D.,  (V,  32)  is  of  Swiss 
parentag-e,  but  was  born  in  this  country.  He 
graduated  from  Heidelberg-  College,  Tiffin,  Ohio, 
in  1875  and  from  the  Theological  Seminary,  at  the 
same  place,  in  1877.  He  was  licensed  to  the  holy 
ministry  the  same  year  by  the  Ohio  Synod,  at 
Orville,  Ohio.  Soon  after,  he  received  and  accepted 
a  call  from  Broken  Sword  (now  Sulphur  Springs) 
charge  and  was  ordained  to  the  Gospel  Ministry  in 
the  Reformed  Church  in  the  U.  S.  at  Crestline, 
Ohio,  in  the  Fall  of  the  same  year.  After  two  years 
of  labor,  he  received  and  accepted  a  call  from 
Reedsburg,  Ohio,  where  he  spent,  as  he  says,  "five 
happy  years."  In  1884,  he  accepted  a  call  from  St. 
Matthews,  Chester  Co.,  Pa.  In  1890,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  he  re- 
moved to  Akron,  Ohio,  where  he  organized  a  new 
congregation,  and  met  with  great  success.  In  1894, 
the  Regents  of  Heidelberg  University,  Tiffin,  Ohio, 
called  him  to  the  office  of  Financial  Secretary,  in 
which  capacity  he  labored  four  years  and  a  half. 
In  1899,  he  accepted  a  call  from  Sycamore,  Ohio,  a 
newly  organized  charge.  After  another  year  of 
labor,  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  sent  him  to 
Toledo,  to  organize  and  establish  an  English  con- 
gregation in  that  city.  Of  his  labors  there  he 
himself  says:  "A  beautiful  stone  chapel  has  been 
built,  Grace  Reformed  Church  organized,  and  the 
beginning  toward  a  self-supporting  congregation 
made,  in  this  growing  city  by  the  lake."  He  is 
now  serving  a  pastorate  in  Youngstown,  Ohio. 


106       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

Mary  Josephine  Keller  Rader  (V,  33)  was 
reared  on  the  farm;  taug"ht  school;  married  Mr. 
George  P.  Rader,  who  is  a  very  skilled  mechanic, 
but  for  a  number  of  years  has  been  in  the  hardware 
business  in  the  town  of  Sulphur   Springs,    Ohio. 

Jacob  Samuel  Keller  (V,  35)  spent  his  young- 
days  on  the  farm  and  also  taught  school  for  a  num- 
ber of  years.  At  present  is  partner  with  his  broth- 
er-in-law, G.  P.  Rader,  in  the  hardware  business. 

Clarissa  Sobina  Keller  Norton  (V,  37) 
married  Mr.  B.  L.  Norton  of  Reedsburg,  Ohio, 
where  Mr.  Norton  was  in  the  mercantile  business. 
The  husband  died  before  he  had  even  reached  the 
prime  of  life,  after  which  the  wife,  with  her  chil- 
dren, moved  to  Sulphur  Springs  and  is  now  making 
her  home  with  her  parents. 

Ada  Ellen  Keller  Fouse  (V,  39)  married 
Mr.  Wm.  F.  Fouse,  an  attorney.  They  are  living 
at  Akron,  Ohio,  where  the  husband  is  engaged  in 
his  profession,  the  practice  of  law.  Mr.  Fouse  is  a 
graduate  of  Wooster  University,  Wooster,  Ohio. 
He,  with  his  wife,  is  actively  connected  with  the 
work  of  the  Reformed  Church  at  Akron,  Ohio. 

Milton  Melanchthon  Keller  (V,  41)  at- 
tended the  home  school  and  also  pursued  studies 
for  a  short  time  at  Heidelberg  University.  He  has 
developed  into  a  very  skilled  carpenter.  This  trade 
he  is  now  pursuing  at  Sulphur  Springs,  Ohio. 

Rev.  Howard  Keller  Shumaker,  M.  D., 
(V,  44),  was  a  close  and  diligent  student  from  his 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       107 

youth.  At  Colleg-eville,  Pa.,  he  was  matriculated 
as  a  classical  student  in  Ursinus  Colleg-e;  later,  in 
Heidelberg  Colleg-e,  Tiffin,  Ohio,  where  he  gradu- 
ated. After  that,  he  gave  his  attention  to  medi- 
cine, and  entered  The  Starling  School  of  Medicine, 
Columbus,  Ohio,  and  graduated  March,  1894.  For 
awhile,  he  assisted  Dr.  Heckerman,  in  Tiffin, in  his 
practice.  He  prosecuted  the  profession  by  himself 
at  Old  Fort,  near  Tiffin.  So  far  as  making  a  living, 
and  even  a  good  one  (as  the  world  terms  it)  was 
concerned,  he  had  no  cause  for  discouragement. 
There  was,  however,  to  his  mind  an  infinitely 
higher  and  nobler  calling  than  the  one  he  had  es- 
poused even  as  the  soul  of  man  is  of  more  value 
than  the  body.  To  that  higher  calling  he  com- 
menced to  look  forward  and  upward  with  strong  as- 
piration; it  was  nothing  less  than  to  be  a  medical 
missionary  among  the  poor  and  neglected  heathen. 
He  first  tendered  his  services  to  the  Board  of  For- 
eign Missions  of  his  own  church,  the  Reformed, 
but  the  necessary  means  to  send  him  forth  at  that 
time  were  not  at  hand.  Next,  he  made  application 
to  the  like  Board  of  the  U.  B.  Church,  and  received 
his  commission  in  the  Summer  of  1897  to  go  to  the 
millions  of  China.  On  October  20  of  the  same  year, 
he  already  sailed,  reaching  Hong  Kong  at  the 
gate  of  China,  November  19  following.  The  cen- 
ter of  his  labors  seems  to  be  the  city  of  Canton. 
Through  all  the  terrible  "Boxer-troubles,"  when 
many  missionaries  fled  for  safety,  he  stood  his 
ground,  uualarmed  and  unharmed, and  was  always, 
as  appears  from  his  letters,  of  the  very  best  cheer. 


108       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

In  the  famine-smitten  districts  later,  he  stood 
prominent  among-  those  who  were  entrusted  with 
the  distribution  of  the  g-ifts  sent  in  from  Christian 
nations. 

Claude  Henry  Shumaker  (V,  46)  attended 
Heidelberg-  University  for  several  years  and  com- 
pleted a  business  course  in  the  Spencerian  Business 
College,  Cleveland,  Ohio.  For  some  time  he  was 
manager  of  the  Capital  Stock  Food  Co.,  at  Tiffin, 
Ohio.  For  one  year  he  has  been  connected  with 
the  Storrs  &  Harrison  Nursery  Co.,  Painesville, 
Ohio. 

Anna  Mary  Shumaker  (V,  47)  was  gradua- 
ted from  both  the  literary  and  musical  departments 
of  Heidelberg  University.  By  faithful  and  persist- 
ent effort  she  has  attained  an  excellent  standing 
as  a  pipe  organist  and  pianist.  Her  whole  atten- 
tion is  now  g-iven  to  the  further  study  of  music, 
and  giving-  instructions  in  instrumental  and  vocal 
music. 


CHAPTER  XVII 

JACOB  KELLER 

JACOB  KELLER  (2^^^— III,  34),  the  young-er  of 
the  two  remaining-  sons  of  Philip  Keller,  Sr. 
(II,  11), grew  up  on  the  farm,  and  found  plenty 
of  material  to  employ  both  mind  and  body.  In 
physique,  he  was  a  true  type  of  the  old  Keller 
family— of  heavy  build,  and  if  he  had  any  special 
trouble  as  to  his  form,  it  was  that  his  head  was  al- 
ways a  trifle  too  large  for  the  largest  hat.  He  was 
fond  of  the  farm,  and  of  farm  life  in  all  its  varia- 
tions. If  he  was  especially  interested  in  any  farm 
tool,  it  was  the  ax.  Of  all  such  who  ever  g-ained 
skill  in  handling  the  ax,  he  stood  in  the  front  rank, 
not  even  excepting  Lord  Gladstone  of  England  nor 
Abraham  Lincoln  of  America.  His  older  brother 
having  moved  away,  and  his  father  being  too  cor- 
pulent to  do  much  physical  work,  the  management 
of  the  large  farm  rested  mainly  on  his  shoulders. 
He  married  Elizabeth  Shook  (III,  35),  daughter  of 
a  near  neighbor,  Jacob  Shook.  She  was  almost 
seven  years  younger  than  himself.  Thus  his  sphere 
was  the  farm,  where  there  was  much  room  for  the 
use  of  the  ax,  the  mattock,  the  plow,  and  the  team. 
The  mill  property  was  now  in  the  hands  of  the  older 
brother  ;  yet  not  a  little  of  it  was  used  in  common 
— such  as  the  sawmill,  limekiln,  blacksmith  shop, 
and  even  the  gristmill.  The  blacksmith  shop  was 
for  years  in  the  care  of  Joseph  Eng^ler,  brother-in- 
law  of  Jacob's  brother,  John  Henry  (III,  32),  and 
(109) 


110       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

later,  for  many  years,  in  the  care  of  Peter  Shook, 
his  own  brother-in-law.  In  those  early  years,  the 
old  second  house  was  removed,  and  a  large  two- 
story  stone  house  with  a  cellar-kitchen  was  built. 
So  that  father  and  son,  with  their  two  families, 
could  live  tog-ether  comfortably.  In  1826  (as  stated 
before),  the  father  moved  to  the  Delaware.  Peter 
Shook,  his  brother-in-law,  lived  with  him;  so  did, 
later,  John  Kratzer,  another  brother-in-law;  also, 
yet  later,  his  son-in-law,  Abraham  Bower;  and  fi- 
nally, his  own  son  Joseph. 

The  picture  of  the  Old  Home  is  a  pleasant  one. 
There  was  much  meadowland,  with  rivulets  of 
fresh  water  running-  through  perennially.  One 
was  called  Long-Meadow  ("Lang  Schwamm"), 
curving  in  a  large  semi-circle  around  a  prominent 
hill,  in  the  very  center  of  the  farm,  with  a  round 
top,  known  as  Jacob's  Head  ("Jake's  Kop").  The 
land  was  adapted  specially  to  rye  and  buckwheat. 
There  was  much  fruit — apples,  pears,  plums, 
peaches.  There  were  also  walnuts,  hickorynuts, 
and  especially  chestnuts.  Nearly  all  these  trees 
were  of  their  own  planting.  Four  or  more  heavy- 
black  horses  were  in  the  stable  or  out  at  work;  a 
large  herd  of  cows  and  young  cattle  could  be  seen 
somewhere;  a  flock  of  sheep,  plenty  of  chickens, 
turkeys,  and  geese  could  also  be  seen. 

For  "rod  and  gun"  there  was  plenty  of  tempta- 
tion for  some;  but  to  my  knowledge,  neither  the  one 
nor  the  other  had  any  special  charms  for  Jacob. 

His  wife,  "Aunt  Betz,"  was  a  motherly  matron 
of  rare  excellency.     For  about  fifteen  years  our  two 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       111 

families  lived  side  by  side,  but  later  a  half  a  mile 
apart.  I  never  saw  a  frown  on  her  countenance, 
nor,  on  the  other  hand,  undue  hilarity.  Her  ob- 
ject always  seemed  to  be  to  please.  We  children, 
coming-  in  contact  with  her,  as  we  often  did, 
always  found  her  ready  to  deal  out  to  us  with 
both  hands  the  very  best  she  had.  Her  "pieces" 
(lunches)  were  always  cut  according  to  a  liberal 
pattern.  Her  memory  to  all  who  knew  her  will 
always  be  an  abiding-  benediction. 

2^^^  Jacob  Keller,  b.  Dec.  21,  1787,  d.  April  25. 
1875,  mar.  Elizabeth  Shook,  b.  July  11,  1794,  d. 
Oct.  23,  1880. 

\^^^  Sarah,  b.  May  2,  1819,  d.  Oct.  29,  1888. 

2^^^  Joseph,  b.  Dec.  20,  1820,  d.  April  29,  1889. 

3^^^  Rebecca,  b.  Aug.  21,  1823,  d.  Nov.  9,  1903. 

I.— GENEALOGICAL  TABLE 
1^^^  Sarah   Keller,    mar.  Abraham  Bower,  b.  June 
26,  1818,  d.  Jan.  5,  1900. 

11^2  Malinda,  b.  April  21,  1841,  d.  Feb.  29,  1904. 

2^'*2  Kmma  Elizabeth,  b.  Oct.  8,  1842. 

31^2  Uriah  B.,  b.  Jan.  27,  1844,  d.   Oct.    9,  1897. 

4^62  John  Henry,  b.  Mar.  28,  1846. 

5152  Tilghman,  b.  Dec.  28,  1847,  d.  Feb.  3, 1852. 

61^2  Jacob,  b.  May  17,  1850,  d.  May  18,  1894. 

71^2  Catharine,  b.  Feb.  6,  1852. 

8^^^  David  D.,  b.  Mar.  30,  1854,  d.  Aug.  8,  1854, 
buried  at  Plainfield  Church,  Pa. 

9^^2  Reuben  Thomas,  b.  Sept.  8,  1855. 
lO^'*'*  Alice  J.,  b.  Sept.  25,  1857,  d.  April  16,  1888. 
111^2  Anna  Laura,  b.  Aug.  19,  1859. 


112       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

12^^^^  Mary  Ellen,  b.  Jan.  2,  1863. 
1^**^  Malinda,  mar.  Levi  S.  Burroug-hs,  b.  Mar. 
3,  1838. 

1^^=^  James  Lucius,  b.  Dec.  11,  1868,  d. 
2i^3Edg-ar   Allen,    b.    Oct.    5,    1870,    mar. 
Addie  M.  Doug"las. 

l^^*  Howard  Douglas,  b.  Aug.  29,  1901. 
3^^^  Ralph  Bowers,  b.  June  13,  1872,  d. 
41^3  Ross  Gordon,  b.  Feb.  21,  1874. 
5153  Mary  Gertrude,  b.  May  21,  1878,  mar. 
S.  W.  Settles. 
2^^'^  Emma  E.,  mar.  William  Flavien,  b.  Nov. 
22,  1842,  d.  Sept.  16,  1896. 
11^^  Grace   Ellen,    b.    Dec.    3,     1872,    mar. 
Harvey  Earl  Hirn,  b.  Mar.  16,  1869. 
3^156  Margaret   Elizabeth,  b.    Aug.    12, 
1898. 
2^^  Edward   Bower,  b.  Nov.  3,  1875,  mar. 
Ella  Converse. 

1^5^  Mildred,  b.  April  29, 1900,  at  Silver 
Lake,  Ind. 
31^^  Maude  Mitchel,  b.  June  IS,  1879. 
3^^"^  Uriah  B.,  mar.  (first)  Martha  Boeman. 
li^«  Infant. 

2^^^  Jemima,  mar.  John  O'Leary. 
115!'  Vaughn. 
2^^'^  Rhea. 
3152  Uriah  B.,  mar.  (second)  Alice  A.  Sprag-ue. 
31^^  Madge  Alice,  b.  June  28,    1881,    mar. 
Harry  L.  Martin. 
l^''"  Cyril  Baird,  b.  Dec.  5,  1900. 
41^^  Don  Sprague,  b.  June  10,  1887. 


SARAH  KELLER  BOWER  (IV,  15) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       113 

5^^^  Ruth  Frances,  b.  Aug-.  26,  1889. 
4^^^  John  Henry,  mar.  Mary  A,  Hess. 

li«i  Jessie  E.,  b.  Dec.  20,  1868,  mar.  W.  F. 
Philips. 

li"'-*  Roger  Philips,  b.  Sept.  8,  1889. 
2^*^^  Homer  A.,  b.  Sept.  4,  1870,  mar.  Delia 
I.  Hall. 

li«3  Leslie  G.,  b.  Aug-.  28,  1895. 
2^*^'  Lynn  A.,  b.  Feb.  10,  1897.    Bangor 
Mich. 
Z^^^  Rodric  B.,  b.  Oct.  10,  1872.    Seattle. 
4i«i  Guy  H.,  b.  Sept.  27,  1874,  mar.  Nellie 

M.  Buck. 
51"  Archer  A.,  b.  June  10,  1876,  mar.  Ella 
Johnson. 

1^*^*  Rodric  B.,  b.  Oct.  24,  1901. 
6i*'i  Lloyd  I.,  b.  July  8,  1878,  d.  April  15, 
1880. 
6^*'^  Jacob,  mar.  Ella  Jones. 

li«^  Clara  May,  b.  April  9,  1882,  mar.  Har- 
man  Albert  Van  Horn,  b.  Apr.  4,  1878. 
li««  Carmen  Ferol,  b.  June  5,  1900. 
2^'^'^  Ronald  Marine,  b.  Aug.  17,  1902, 
Matthews,  Ind. 
2*^^  James,  b.  Dec.  10,  1883,  d.  Feb.  12,  '90. 
3*«^  Ralph,  b.  Aug.  23,  1885. 
4i«^  Lena,  b.  July  5,  1890. 
5i«^  Edna,  b.  June  12,  1892. 
7^^''  Catharine  S.,  mar.  Thomas  Heller,  b.  Mar. 
12,  1845. 

11"  Bertha  Sarah,  b.  Dec.  24,  1873,    mar. 
W.  F.  Farst. 


114       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

li««  Helen  May,  b.  Dec.  14,  1894. 
2^'''  Robert  Bower,  b.  June  22,   1878,  mar. 
Bertha  M.  Mitchell. 
■^wj  Dorothy  Jeannette. 
7>^^^  Amy  Jeannette,  b.  Feb.  2,  1882,  d.  Sept. 
6,  1902. 
9^^^  Reuben  Thomas,  mar.  Josephine  M.  Mark- 
ley. 
1""  Nellie  Eveline,  b.  April  21,  1877,  mar. 

Manley  C.  Fuller. 
2""  Walter  Scott,  b.  April  3,  1878. 
3170  Roy  Markley,  b.  June  27,  1881. 
4^™  Clara  Ethel,  b.  June  23,  1883. 
5""  Myrtle  May,  b.  Sept.  6,  1884. 
6i^«  Archie  Earle,  b.  Oct.  13,  1885. 
7^™  Ralph  Dwig-ht,  b.  Dec.  31,  1886. 
81™  Ray  El  wood,  b.  July  10,  1889. 
91™  Clyde  Keller,  b.  April  29,  1891. 
10™  Grace  Stough,  b.  June  8,  1892. 
11™  Glen  E.,  b.  April  1,  1894,d.  Dec.  18,  '02. 
12™  Edith  Esther,  b.  May  17,  1897,  d.  Aug. 
5,  1904. 
lO^^'-*  Alice  J.,  mar.  Frank  M.  Hess. 
l"i  Mabel  E.,  b.  Aug.  16,  1886. 
2^'^  Alice  J.,  b.  April  10,  1888. 
2]^i52  Anna  Laura,  mar.  David  Robinson.     Lives 

in  California. 
13^*'^  Mary  Ellen,  mar.  Daniel  Upton  Bair,  Luth- 
eran minister. 
1"'^  Myrtle  E.,  b.  June  28,  1884,  d.  Aug.  6, 

1884. 
2^'^  Mona  B.,  b.  Oct.  1, 1885,  d.  Oct.  15,  '85. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       115 

3"2  Schafer  Bowers,  b.  April  14, 1887. 

41^2  Sarah  Elizabeth,  b.  June  25,  1888. 

51^2  Ruth  Emeline,  b.  Aug-.  5,  1894. 
Joseph  Keller,  mar.  Lovina  Kline,  b.  Feb.  24, 
1822,  d.  July  28,  1899,  dau.  of  Jacob  Kline  and 
wife,  Eve. 

11^3  Oliver  Jacob,  b.  July  28,  1843. 
2"^  Jeremiah,  b.  Jan.  16,  1845.  Easton,  Pa. 
31^3  Josiah,  b.  Oct.  14,  1846,  d.  Oct.  7,  1900. 
41^8  Reuben,  b.  Jan.  13,  1848,  d.  May  3,  1905. 
51^^  Mary  Catharine,  b.  Jan.   11,   1850,  d.  Sept. 

15,  1864. 
6"=*  John  Henry,  b.  Sept.  11,  1851,  d.  Oct.  7,  '64. 
71^=^  A  dau.,  b.  Aug.  1,  1853,  d.  Sept.  1,  1853. 
8"=^  William  Wesley,  b.  Sept.  4,  1854,  d.  Aug. 

9,  1855. 
9"3  Emma  Elizabeth,  b.  May  1,  1856,  d.  Oct.  3, 

1864. 
10*^«  Matilda  Alice,  b.  Dec.  5,  1858,  d.  Sept.  28, 

1864. 
111^8  Albert  David,  b.  Jan.  2,  1866. 

All  these  b.  in  Pa.,  except  last  two. 
li-a  Oliver  Jacob,  his  war  record  follows  below. 
2^^^  Jeremiah,  mar.  Sobina  Werkheiser,  b.  Jan. 

22,  1844,  d.  Dec.  4,  1900. 
l^^*  Jennie  Amanda,  b.  April  20,  1878,  d. 
May  4,  1878. 

2"*  John  Abraham,  b.  April  17,  1880. 
31^*  Helen  May,  b.  Oct.  23,  1884. 
3^^^  Josiah,  mar.  Margaret  J.  Reynolds,  b.  Mar. 

1,  1846. 


116       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

V^^  Lillie  Doane,  b.  Dec.    22,    1872,    mar. 
Charles  R.  Ogden,  b.  July  20,  1870. 
l^'^  Adele,  b.  Dec.  29,  1902. 
2^™  Robert  Keller,  b.  Mar.  27,  1904. 
2^^*^  Lovina  Bowden,   b.    April   7,   1877,   d. 

Nov.  30,  1879. 
3"^  Manelva  Wylie,  b.  Jan.  8,  1880. 
4^^^  Claudius  Arg-yle,  b.  Sept.  23,  1882. 
5"^  Blaine  Reynolds,  b.  Oct.  14,  1885. 
4173  Reuben,  mar.    Mary   Emily    Musg-rave,  b. 
Feb.  10,  1851,  dau.  of  Horatio  Nelson  Mus- 
grave  and  wife,  Mary  Smith. 
11^'^  Albert  David,  mar.  Addie  Florence  Keller, 
b.  Mar.  30,  1871,  daughter  of  Amos  Keller 
and  wife,  Martha  Sneath. 
1"^  Rowland  Sneath,  b.  Dec.  1,  1904. 

II.— BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES 
A.— FOURTH  GENERATION 

Sarah  Keller  Bower  (IV,  15)  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania.  Before  their  removal  to  Ohio  in 
1857  she  and  her  husband  Abraham  Bower  lived  on 
a  farm  north  of  "Jake's  Kop."  When  Jacob  moved 
west  in  1857  Sarah  came  also.  Her  father  bought 
a  farm  a  very  short  distance  west  of  Annapolis. 
Here  she  lived  till  she  moved  to  the  village  of  An- 
napolis. There,  surrounded  by  her  family,  she 
lived  till  her  death.  She  was  of  an  amiable  dispo- 
sition. All  who  knew  her  loved  her  for  her  kind- 
ness. She  was  unassuming  toward  all  who  came 
into  her  home,  and  was  never  known  for  having- 
much  to  say. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       117 

Abraham  Bower  (IV,  16)  was  the  son  of 
Abraham  Bower,  Sr.  By  trade,  he  was  a  tailor, 
and  well  adapted  to  that  trade.  He  was  also  a  far- 
mer both  in  Pennsylvania  and  Ohio.  In  the  years 
of  military  volunteer  companies,  he  vi^as  a  noted 
and  favorite  fifer.  Daniel  Heller,  of  Wind  Gap, 
Pennsylvania,  relates  how  Abraham  quit  playing- 
martial  music  for  the  companies.  "At  a  training-, 
Mr.  B.  handed  me  his  fife  with  the  request,  'play 
once.'  So  I  played  a  few  pieces,  then  handed  the 
fife  back.  But  he  refused  and  said,  'You  keep  it.' 
So  I  did." 

Joseph  Keller  (IV,  17)  was  an  only  son. 
His  traits  of  character  suggest  the  Shook  type. 
When  Joseph  was  yet  young-,  his  father,  as  he 
well  might,  entrusted  to  him  largely  the  care  and 
management  of  the  farm.  He  was  preeminently  a 
man  of  action.  There  appeared  about  him  some- 
thing stern;  yet,  at  heart,  he  was  kind  and  affec- 
tionate. The  removal  of  the  whole  family  from 
the  First  Keller  Home  in  Pennsylvania  to  Ohio  fell 
largely  upon  him  and  was  successfully  carried  out. 

Then  he  lived  upon  a  farm  three  miles  north- 
east of  Annapolis,  now  Sulphur  Springs.  There 
he  lived  till  he  moved  to  Sulphur  Springs  to  care 
for  his  aged  parents.  There  he  continued  to  live 
till  the  time  of  his  death.  But  be  never  quit  work- 
ing on  the  old  farm — then  occupied  by  his  son 
Josiah  (V,  74)— till  he  died. 

In  constitution  he  was  vigorous  to  the  point 
of  wonder.  He  was  never  sick  and  knew  no  aches 
nor  pains  till  disease  finally  settled  upon  him  and 


118       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

took  him  from  his  work  and  family  in  a  very  few 
months. 

LoviNA  Kline  Keller  (IV,  18)  was  born 
near  the  First  Keller  Home  in  "Plainfield."  She 
shared  the  hard  and  trying-  times  that  naturally 
came  to  all  those,  we  love,  in  the  days  of  making- 
homes.  When  she  sent  her  two  oldest  sons  to  the 
war;  when  she  buried  one  son  and  her  three  daugh- 
ters (the  only  daughters)  in  three  weeks,  many 
thought  that  she  would  break  down  beneath  the 
load.  Calmly,  quietly,  and  with  a  faith  that  did 
not  waver  for  one  single  moment  did  she  stand  out 
before  all  who  knew  her  as  an  example  of  Christian 
streng-th.     Thus  did  she  live  all  her  life. 

Rebecca  Keller  (IV,  19)  was  born  a  healthy 
and  vigorous  babe,  but  in  her  childhood,  a  very  sad 
and  painful  accident  of  indescribable  consequence 
befell  her.  She  fell  into  a  vessel  of  hot  water. 
The  direct  bodily  consequences,  by  and  by  were 
entirely  overcome,  but  her  spasmodic  convulsions 
largely  arrested  the  development  of  her  mind.  In 
a  certain  sense,  to  her  old  age,  she  remained  a 
child.  Her  favorite  companions  were  little  child- 
ren, drawn  to  her  by  natural  afl&nity.  And  yet,  she 
had  a  remarkable  memory,  taking  note  of  all  that 
passed  around  her.  If  matters  of  news  were  re- 
lated, and  blunders  made,  she  would  at  once  make 
the  necessary  corrections.  She  was  in  this  world  a 
latent  bud;  but  what  the  flower  will  be  in  the 
Paradise  under  the  care  of  the  Heavenly  Gardener, 
can  only  there  and  then  be  known. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY        119 

III.— BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES 
B.— FIFTH  GENERATION 

Malinda  Bower  Burroughs  (V,  48)  was  the 
oldest  of  the  family  of  Abraham  and  Sarah  Bower. 
She  was  jovial,  quick-witted  and  had  a  g-ood  fund 
of  natural  talent.  She  remained  at  home  till 
grown  to  maturity,  then  went  to  the  oil  field  of 
Pennsylvania  where  she  married  Mr.  Levi  S.  Bur- 
roug-hs,  a  blacksmith  by  trade  and  also  a  veteran  of 
the  Civil  War.  They  lived  at  Sulphur  Springs 
and  also  at  Tiro,  Ohio.  She  died  at  the  latter 
place  and  her  remains  are  buried  in  the  Union 
Cemetery  near  Sulphur  Springs. 

Emma  Elizabeth  Bower  Flavien  (V,  50) 
married  William  Flavien,  a  native  of  North  Sidney, 
Nova  Scotia.  Mr.  Flavien  was  a  soldier  in  the  Civil 
War,  Co.  H,  65th  O.  V.  I.  He  first  read  medicine 
under  a  private  tutor,  but  later  graduated  from 
Toledo,  Ohio,  Medical  College,  and  then  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  practiced  medicine  and  did  a  thriving 
business  as  a  druggist  at  Paulding,  Ohio.  Since 
the  decease  of  the  husband,  the  widow  has  con- 
tinued her  residence  at  Paulding. 

Uriah  B.  Bower  (V,  52),  after  his  return 
home  from  the  war,  clerked  in  a  store  at  Sulphur 
Springs;  also  later,  worked  in  the  provision  store 
of  J.  J.  Boeman  at  Bucyrus,  married  Mr.  Boe- 
man's  daughter  and  moved  farther  west.  Being 
somewhat  of  an  unsettled  disposition,  he  did  not 
remain  long  at  one  place.  He  was  engaged  in  the 
real  estate  and  insurance  business  mainly.     The 


120       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

first  wife  died  and  a  Miss  Sprag-ue  became  his 
second  wife.  He  last  resided  at  South  McAlester, 
Indian  Territory,  where  he  died.  His  remains  rest 
at  McAlester,  I.  T. 

John  Henry  Bower  (V,  55),  after  the  war, 
g-ave  some  attention  to  farming-,  but  devoted  most 
of  his  time  to  painting-  at  his  home  in  Sulphur 
Springs,  Ohio.  He  moved  to  Michigan,  where  he 
is  living  with  his  family. 

Jacob  Bower  (V,  58),  also  a  painter  by  trade 
for  a  number  of  years,  lived  at  his  home  in  Sulphur 
Springs.  He  then  lived  in  Paulding,  Ohio,  where 
he  continued  his  trade.  He  was  given  an  appoint- 
ment on  the  Paulding-  police  force.  In  this  work 
he  was  especially  eJB&cient,  on  account  of  his  in- 
telligence and  bravery. 

Catharine  S.  Bower  Heller  (V,  60)  at- 
tended the  school  at  Sulphur  Springs  and  remained 
with  her  parents  until  her  marriage.  Her  husband, 
Thomas  Heller,  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War.  He 
is  a  painter,  paper  hanger  and  decorator.  The 
family  have  had  their  residence  in  Akron,  Ohio, 
for  many  years.  The  entire  family  are  active 
workers  in  the  Reformed  Church  in  that  city. 

Reuben  Thomas  Bower  (V,  63),  as  the  family 
tree  shows,  has  the  largest  family  in  our  whole 
g-roup  of  families.  He  has  been  carrying-  on  the 
drug-  business  in  Petoskey  and  Detroit,  Mich.,  with 
excellent  success.  He  is  at  present  residing  in 
Detroit.      Not  content  with  merely  selling  drugs. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       121 

he  has  made  a  success  of  making-  and  putting-  upon 
the  markets  medicines  of  his  own. 

Alice  J.  Bower  Hess  (V,  65)  married  Mr. 
Frank  Hess  and  lived  near  Sulphur  Spring-s  until 
her  death. 

Mary  Ellen  Bower  Bair  (V,  69),  the  young-- 
est  member  of  the  family  of  Sarah  Keller  Bower, 
attended  the  public  school  at  Sulphur  Springs  and 
afterward  successfully  taught  a  nearby  country 
school.  She  married  Rev.  D.  U.  Bair,  a  minister 
of  the  General  Synod  Lutheran  Church.  Among- 
the  places  where  the  Rev.  Bair  has  served  as  pastor 
are  Constantine,  Mich.,  Belleville,  Mifflin  Co.,  Pa., 
and  Harrisburg-,  Pa.  Her  ag-ed  father,  Abraham 
Bower,  for  whom  she  was  caring-  in  his  last  days, 
died  at  her  home  in  Belleville. 

Oliver  Jacob  Keller  (V,  71),  after  his  dis- 
charg-e  from  the  army,  clerked  in  a  store  at  Sulphur 
Springs.  After  this,  he  was  a  partner  with  Mr.  A. 
J.  Scott  in  another  store  in  the  same  town.  And 
now  for  many  years  has  been  partner  with  C.  A. 
Keller,  in  a  third  place  of  business,  in  general 
merchandise  in  the  same  village. 

Jeremiah  Keller  (V,  72),  after  his  return 
from  the  army,  worked  some  on  the  farm.  After- 
ward he  took  up  the  painter's  trade  which  he  has 
followed  to  the  present  time.  He  is  now  residing 
on  College  Hill,  Easton,  Pa. 

JosiAH  Keller  (V,  74)  worked  for  his  father 
on  the  farm,  married  Miss  Margaret  J.  Reynolds, 


122       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

whose  acquaintance  he  made  while  she  was  teach- 
ing school  in  the  community.  Soon  after  the  mar- 
riage, his  parents  moved  to  the  village  of  Sulphur 
Springs  to  assume  the  care  of  the  grandparents,  Ja- 
cob and  Elizabeth  Keller.  From  that  time  till  a 
short  time  before  his  death,  he  occupied  the  old 
home  farm. 

Rev.  Reuben  Keller,  D.  D.,  (V,  76)  attended 
common  schools,  both  in  Pennsylvania  and  in  Ohio. 
He  did  considerable  clerking,  and  also  teaching. 
He  took  the  classical  course  of  studies  in  Heid- 
elberg College,  Tiffin,  Ohio,  and  obtained  thus  the 
degree  of  A.  B.  in  June,  1873,  He  graduated  from 
the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Reformed  Church, 
also  at  Tiffin,  in  1877.  He  was  examined  and  li- 
censed, by  Tiffin  Classis,  at  Bloomville,  August  25, 
1877.  On  October  19  following,  he  was  ordained  to 
the  Gospel  Ministry,  by  the  officers  of  the  St.  Jo- 
seph's Classis,  at  Goshen,  Indiana. 

He  served  the  following  charges :  Neriah, 
Michigan,  1877-82;  New  Jefferson,  Ohio,  1882-91; 
West  Alexandria,  Ohio,  1891-98;  was  Sunday- 
school  missionary  of  St,  Joseph's  Classis,  1898- 
1901;  served  the  Lindsey,  Ohio,  charge  from  1901 
to  his  death;  was  President  of  Ohio  Synod,  1902-3; 
was  elected  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of 
Heidelberg  Theological  Seminary  in  1890,  and  Pres- 
ident of  that  Board  in  1893;  was  also  a  member  of 
the  Committee  to  compile  the  Sunday-school  Hym- 
nal, for  the  use  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  the 
U,  S.    While  vigorously  pursuing  his  duties,  death 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       123 

came  to   him  and   took   liim,  after   an   illness   of 
three  days. 

Prof.  Albert  D.  Keller,  A.  M.,  (V,  84)  was 
born  on  the  farm,  and  made  good  use  of  all  the 
early  school  privileg-es — common  and  high  school; 
graduated  from  Heidelberg  University,  Tiffin, 
Ohio,  in  June,  1893,  securing  the  degree  of  A.  B.; 
pursued  graduate  work  in  English  and  Economics 
in  Vanderbilt  University,  at  Nashville,  Tennessee, 
1893-95,  and  obtained  the  degree  of  A.  M.;  spent 
one  year,  1894,  in  that  University  as  Assistant  in 
English;  represented  the  University,  also  1894,  in 
the  Tennessee  "Banker's  Association"  at  Lookout 
Mountain;  pursued  graduate  work  in  the  Univer- 
sity of  Chicago,  1895;  was  elected  to  the  chair  of 
English  and  Economics  in  Heidelberg  University, 
Tiffin,  Ohio,  in  June,  1896,  and  entered  upon  the 
work  September  following. 

Of  this— the  Joseph  Keller — family,  two  died 
in  early  infancy.  Also  as  this  history  elsewhere 
relates,  while  the  Civil  War  was  in  progress  and 
for  some  years  claimed  the  services  of  the  two 
older  ones,  the  ravages  of  a  malignant  type  of 
diphtheria  swept  away  the  youngest  four  of  the 
six  children  at  home  (Mary,  John,  Emma  and 
Matilda)  in  the  brief  space  of  three  weeks. 

IV.— THE  PART  TAKEN  IN  THE  REBELLION 

This  branch  of  the  Keller  family  did  not  fall 
short  in  patriotism  at  the  time  when  men's  hearts 
were    tried.       Four    grandsons    of    Jacob    Keller 


124       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

(III,  34)  entered  the  army.  All  were  mercifully 
preserved  to  return,  crowned  with  victory  and 
glory,  to  those  left  at  home.  All  enlisted  from 
Ohio.  There  were  two  Keller  brothers,  and  two 
Bower  brothers;  but  they  paired  off  contrary  to 
consang-uinity,  and  two  were  O.  V.  I.,  and  the 
other  two  O.  V.  C.     Thus: 

A.— FIRST   PAIR 

Oliver  J.  Keller  (V,  71)  and  Uriah  B.  Bower 
(V,  52)  enlisted  August  15,  1861,  in  Company  C, 
49th  Reg.,  O.  V.  L,  at  Camp  Noble,  Tiffin,  Ohio; 
were  mustered  out  at  Victoria,  Texas,  November 
30,  1865;  reached  home  New  Year's  Day,  1866. 

At  the  battle  of  Stone  River,  Tennessee,  De- 
cember 31,  1862,  both  were  made  prisoners  and 
taken  to  Richmond,  Virginia,  and  held  at  Castle 
Thunder  about  five  months,  and  in  Libby  Prison 
about  eleven  days.  They  were  then  exchanged, 
and  returned  to  their  Regiment.  Keller  was  ad- 
vanced from  a  private  to  a  Corporal,  June  7,  1863, 
and  to  Sargeant  February  1,  1864. 

They  shared  the  following  battles:  Shiloh, 
Corinth,  Stone  River,  Liberty  Gap,  Chicamauga, 
Mission  Ridge,  Siege  of  Atlanta,  etc.  After  the 
War,  they  marched  under  orders  (as  a  side  issue) 
to  the  borders  of  Mexico  to  cast  in  their  weight 
against  the  Maximilian  insurjection. 

B.— SECOND  PAIR 

Jeremiah  Keller  (V,  72)  and  John  H.  Bower 
(V,  55)  both  enlisted  at  Mansfield,  O.,  the  latter,  on 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       125 

October  18,  1862,  and  the  former,  October  25,  1862. 
Both  were  mustered  out  July  24,  1865,  at  Lexing-- 
ton,  N.  C,  and  discharged  at  Cleveland,  O.  Keller 
was  for  a  while  heavily  afflicted  with  sore  eyes 
from  exposure  and  typhoid  fever.  He  was  in 
different  hospitals :  Murfreesborough,  Nashville, 
New  Albany,  Indiana,  and  Camp  Dennison,  Ohio. 
When  he  was  yet  too  weak  for  service,  he  insisted 
upon  going"  to  the  front  but  had  to  be  left  in  the 
hospital  in  Louisville,  Kentucky.  He  was  then  ap- 
pointed to  duties  in  the  "Soldier's  Home."  By  his 
great  perseverance  he  finally  succeeded  in  again 
meeting-  his  Regiment  in  the  month  of  March,  1864, 
at  Leverne,  Tennessee. 

Bower  never  left  the  Regiment  from  the  begin- 
ning to  the  end,  and  was  considered  an  expert  in 
cavalry  drill,  especially  in  horsemanship.  This  is 
a  wonderful  record;  to  be  a  soldier  for  two  years 
and  nine  months  in  the  enemy's  country,  exposed 
by  day  and  by  night,  yet  never  sick  nor  wounded. 

Their  engagements  with  the  enemy  were: 
Sherman's  Resaca  and  Atlanta  campaigns.  Raid 
around  the  Rebel  General  Hood's  Army,  which 
continued  for  three  days  and  two  nights  with  the 
dash  and  severity  of  a  storm,  Sherman's  March  to 
the  Sea,  North  and  South  Carolina  campaigns,  and 
the  surrender  of  General  Joseph  E.  Johnson  at 
Greensborough,  North  Carolina. 

Cousin  Jeremiah  is  a  member  of  Lafayette 
Post  at  Easton,  Pa.,  G.  A.  R.,  No.  217,  Dept.  of 
Pennsylvania.  He  served  as  Chaplain  for  seven 
years— 1895-1902. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

WILL  AND  TESTAMENT  OF  JOSEPH  KELLER 

THIS  Will  is  the  one  made  by  Joseph  Keller 
(I,  1).  Here  we  can  see  how  careful  he  was, 
first,  to  provide  for  his  wife;  secondly,  for 
the  various  members  of  his  family.  It  is  a  quaint 
document,  but  its  sincerity  cannot  be  questioned 
for  one  moment.  The  editors  present  it  in  as  near 
its  original  form  as  possible,  hence  no  attention  is 
paid  to  modern  spelling-,  punctuation,  etc. 


Northampton  County,  ss. 

By  the  Tenor  of  these  presents,  I, 
John  Ross, 

Register  for  the  Probate  of  Wills,  and  granting 
Letters  of  Administration,  in  and  for  the  County 
of  Northampton,  in  the  Commonwealth  of  Penn- 
sylvania. 

DO  MAKE  KNOWN  unto  all  Men,  that  on 
the  day  of  the  date  hereof  at  Easton,  before 
me  was  proved,  approved,  and  insinuated 
the  last  Will  and  Testament  of  Joseph  Keller  of 
Plainfield  Township  deceased,  (a  true  copy  whereof 
is  to  these  presents  annexed)  having  whilst  he 
lived,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  divers  Goods, 
Chatties,  Rights,  and  Credits  within  the  said  Com- 
monwealth, by  reason  whereof  the  approbation  and 
(136) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       127 

insinuation  of  the  said  last  Will  and  Testament, 
and  the  committing"  the  administration  of  all  and 
singular  the  Goods,  Chatties,  Rights  and  Credits, 
which  were  of  the  said  deceased,  and  also  the  aud- 
iting- the  Accompts,  Calculations,  and  Reckonings 
of  the  said  administration,  and  a  final  dismission 
from  the  same  to  me  are  manifestly  known  to  be- 
long, and  that  administration  of  all  and  singular 
the  Goods,  Chatties,  Rights,  and  Credits  of  the 
said  deceased  an}'  way  concerning  his  last  Will  and 
Testament  was  committed  to  Mary  Engle  widow 
of  the  said  Deceased  and  Joseph  Keller  Son  of  the 
said  Deceased  The  said  widow  by  a  renounciation 
filed  in  the  Registers  ofl&ce  for  the  County  of  North- 
ampton has  renounced  &  assigned  all  her  right  of 
Executorship  to  her  son  Joseph  the  other  Executor 
in  the  said  Testament  named,  he  having  first  been 
duly  Sworn  well  and  truly  to  administer  the  Goods, 
Chatties,  Rights,  and  Credits  of  the  said  deceased, 
and  make  a  true  and  perfect  inventory  thereof,  and 
exhibit  the  same  into  the  Register's  Office  at  Eas- 
ton,  on  or  before  the  twenty  first  day  of  November 
next,  and  to  render  a  true  and  just  Accompt,  Cal- 
culation, and  Reckoning  of  the  said  administration, 
on  or  before  the  twenty  first  day  of  October  (1801) 
or  when  thereunto  lawfully  required 

IN  TESTIMONY  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set 
my  hand  and  seal  of  office,  at  Easton  aforesaid,  the 
twenty  first  day  of  October  in  the  year  of  our  Lord, 
one  thousand  eight  hundred 

JOHN  ROSS  Rg 


128       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

In  the  Name  of  God  Amen  I  Joseph  Keller  of 
Plainfield  Township  in  the  County  of  Northampton 
and  State  of  Pennsylvania  Yeoman  being-  in  health 
and  of  Sound  mind  and  Perfect  Memory  but  weak 
in  Body  and  Considering-  the  uncertainty  of  this 
life  do  make  this  my  Testament  &  Last  Will 
First  It  is  my  Will    and   I   order   that  all   my  just 

Debts  and  funeral  expences  of  every  kind  shall  be 
fully  paid  and  descharged  out  of  my  Estate. 

Secondly  \   g-ivc    and   bequeath  un^o   my  beloved   Wife 

Mary  Engle  the  sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  of 
Lawful  Money  of  Pennsylvania  to  be  paid  out  of 
the  Money  I  have  on  Interest. 

Thirdly  \  give  and   bequeath  unto   Philip  Keller  my 

young-est  Son,  all  my  Messuages,  Tenements,  Plan- 
tations and  tract  of  Land  Situate  in  the  Township 
aforesaid  (and  whereon  I  now  live)  Bounded  by 
Land  of  Leonard  Kern  and  Christian  Bender  and 
others  containing  about  three  Hundred  Acres  To- 
gether with  all  and  Singular  the  Rights  Liberties 
Privileg-es  and  appurtenances  To  have  and  to  Hold 
the  same  to  him  the  said  Philip  Keller  his  Heirs 
and  Assigns  forever.  Under  and  Subject  to  the  res- 
ervations, Stipulations  Conditions  and  Payments  fol- 
lowing that  is  to  say  that  he  the  said  Philip  Keller 
his  Heirs  Executors  Administrators  or  Assigns 
shall  give  and  deliver  to  my  said  Wife  Mary  Engle 
Yearly  and  every  Year  during  her  natural  life  Three 
Bushels  of  good  Wheat  eight  Bushels  of  good  Rye 
Eight  Bushels  of  good  Buckwheat  Three  Bushels 
of  Good  Indian  Corn  ten  Pounds  of  good  Hatcheled 
Flax  ten  Pounds  of  tow  and  if   there  are  Apples 


f^    t' 


CRAVES  OF  JOSKl'H   KKLLER,  SR.,  (I,  1),  AND  WIFE 

IN    IM.AINKIKLD   GKAVEYAKD 

1  have  my  hand  on  Mary  Keller's  (I,  2)  tombstone.     On  my  left,  near  by,  is  the 

tomb  of  Adam  Keller  (II,  2).     Beyond  the  wall,  is  the  road; 

beyond  that,  the  house  of  the  organist 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       129 

growing'  in  the  Orchard  on  the  said  Premises  as 
many  as  she  may  want  for  her  own  use.  That  he 
the  said  Philip  Keller  his  Heirs  Executors  Admin- 
istrators or  Assigns  shall  provide  Cut  and  Deliver 
to  her  m}^  said  Wifes  Door  or  the  Premises  afore- 
said, during  her  natural  life  Sufficient  Fire  wood 
and  if  she  should  get  weak  or  Sick  find  or  procure 
and  maintain  a  woman  to  nurse  Cherish  and  wait 
on  her  keep  her  Cow  which  she  may  have  in  as 
good  Condition  and  order  as  his  or  their  own  and 
on  the  said  Premises,  also  during  her  natural  life 
allow  her  also  during  her  natural  life  the  third 
part  of  the  Ground  of  the  now  Garden  and  on  the 
said  Premises  suffer  her  to  Dwell  in  the  house  on 
the  said  Premises  wherein  I  now  reside  and  have 
the  use  of  the  Stove  also  in  the  same  House  during 
her  natural  life  and  Subject  also  to  the  Payment 
of  five  Hundred  and  twenty  five  Pounds  of  lawfuU 
Money  aforesaid  in  Yearly  Payments  to  my  three 
Sons  Simon  Keller  Joseph  Keller  and  Jacob  Keller 
their  Executors  Administrators  or  Assigns  in  equal 
Proportions  and  order  of  Seniority  following  That 
is  to  say  One  Hundred  Seventy  five  Pounds  to  each 
of  them  thirty  Pounds  part  of  the  said  ^525  to 
my  Eldest  Son  the  said  Simon  Keller  on  the  27th 
Day  of  May  next  after  my  Decease  thirty  Pounds 
more  thereof  to  my  said  second  Son  the  said  Joseph 
Keller  on  J;he  27  Day  of  May  thence  next  fol- 
lowing the  said  of  next  following  the  said  of  first 
Payment  thirty  Pounds  more  thereof  to  my  third 
Son  the  said  Jacob  Keller  on  the  27th  Day  of  May 
thence  next  after  the  Day  of  the  said  Second  Pay- 


130       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

ment  and  then  beginning  again  with  the  Payment 
to  my  said  Eldest  Second  &  third  Sons  in  the  same 
order  of  Rotation  until  they  respectively  have  re- 
ceived the  Sum  of  one  Hundred  and  Seventy  five 
Pounds  each.  The  Last  Payment  to  each  of  them 
being  only  Twenty  five  Pounds. 
Fourthly  'V\\^  Residue  of  my  Money  I  give  and  bequeath 

to  said  Sons  Simon  Keller  Jacob  Keller  Joseph 
Keller  and  Philip  Keller  their  Heirs  Executors  and 
Administrators  or  Assigns  to  be  Divided  Equally 
among  them  within  Six  Months  after  my  Decease 
but  all  the  rest  &  Residue  of  my  Personal  Estate 
of  Which  I  may  Die  Possessed  of  what  kind  or 
nature  soever,  I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  said  Wife 
her  Executors  Administrators  or  Assigns  absolutely 
Fifthly  I  ^Q  Nominate  and  appoint  my  said  Wife  Ex- 

ecutrix and  my  said  Son  Joseph  Keller  Executor  of 
this  my  Testament  and  last  Will  hereby  revoking 
all  former  Testaments  or  Wills  by  me  made  In 
Witness  Whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and 
seal  this  seventh  Day  of  March  one  Thousand, 
Seven  Hundred  and  Ninety  Seven. 

Signed  Sealed  Published  and  declared  by  the 
above  named  Testator  Joseph  Keller  to  his  Testa- 
ment and  Last  Will  in  the  presence  of  us  who  have 
hereunto  subscribed  our  names  at  the  request  and 
in  the  presence  of  him  the  Testator. 

JOSEPH  +  KELLER  ]   seai,  \ 

mark  (  .   ._      -,    .  J 

Jacob  Heller  |  John  Young  |  Cljnftian  Benber 


Lastly 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       131 

Northampton  County,  ss 

On  the  21st  Day  of  October  A"  D"  1800  Before 
me  John  Ross  Reg-ister  for  the  Probate  of  Wills 
«&c  in  and  for  the  County  of  Northampton  came 
Jacob  Heller  John  Young-  and  Christian  Bender 
the  Subscribing  Witnesses  to  the  foreg-oing-  Last 
Will  and  Testament  of  Joseph  Keller  Deceased 
who  being-  duly  Sworn  according-  to  Law  did  depose 
and  say  that  they  were  present  at  the  Execution  of 
said  Will  and  did  see  and  hear  the  said  Testator 
Sig-n  Seal  Publish  and  declare  the  same  as  and  for 
his  Last  Will  &  Testament  and  that  at  the  Doing- 
thereof  he  the  said  Testator  was  of  Sound  mind 
memory  and  understanding-  to  the  best  of  their 
Knowledg-e  and  belief  and  also  that  they  these 
Deponants  Subscribed  their  names  as  witnesses  to 
the  said  Last  Will  and  Testament  in  the  presence 
and  at  the  request  of  the  said  Testator  and  in  the 
presence  of  each  other      Witness  my  Hand 

JOHN  ROSS  Register 


CHAPTER  XIX 

REMINISCENCES 
WHAT  BECAME  OF  THE  DEER? 

Above  the  Keller  mill,  at  Delabole,  Pennsyl- 
vania, Gottlieb  Snyder  and  his  family  lived  a  long- 
time ago.  Afterward  the  farm  was  owned  and  oc- 
cupied by  Michael  Delp  and  his  family.  The  Sny- 
ders  were  hunters  and  were  well  acquainted  with 
the  deer  and  their  habits.  Now,  Rev.  Thomas 
Pomp,  pastor  of  the  Plainfield  Cong-reg-ation  and 
living  at  Easton,  was  also  fond  of  the  chase,  and 
in  the  time  of  deer-hunting  (in  the  Fall  of  the 
year)  often  spent  a  week  or  more  in  the  Snyder 
family.  They  were  no  members  of  his  nor  any 
other  church — all  they  had  with  which  to  please 
and  entertain  the  pastor  were  dogs,  g"uns  and  the 
like.  I  remember  of  Father  Pomp  relating  the 
sport  they  had  like  this:  "Was  hawe  mir  die 
Hersch  doch  springe  mache — was  sie  aus  'm  Leib 
hawe  springe  konne!"  (How  we  did  make  the  deer 
run — with  all  the  power  they  had!) 

This  same  family  had  a  tame  deer,  and  early 
one  morning  father,  Philip  Keller  (H,  11),  opened 
his  shutters  to  look  out,  behold  !  that  deer,  whose 
home  was  about  a  mile  away,  was  in  his  garden 
lustily  making  away  with  his  vegetables.  His  gun 
was  loaded  and  near  at  hand,  and  he  said  to  him- 
self and  mother  Keller:  "I  will  scare  the  feller 
and  save  the  garden."  With  that  he  fired,  the 
(132) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       133 

deer  jumped  high  over  the  fence  and  out  of  the 
g-arden,  but  that  was  its  last  jump.  The  g-arden 
was  far  from  the  house,  up  in  the  orchard.  In  my 
early  childhood  I  often  saw  it,  with  a  large  hy- 
drangea beside  the  gate.  Mr.  Snyder  was  a  man 
inclined  to  make  trouble.  His  deer  disappeared, 
but  how  and  where  no  one  ever  discovered — so  the 
Snyders  and  the  Kellers  remained  good  neighbors. 
— Eli  Keller. 

GATHERING  HUCKLEBERRIES  ON  THE 
BLUE  MOUNTAIN 

Fetching  huckleberries  from  the  Blue  Moun- 
tain was  one  of  our  chief  pleasures.  The  variety 
was  the  "Early  Little  Blue."  A  fire  on  the  moun- 
tain would  kill  and  consume  the  tops;  next  year, 
sprouting  from  the  roots,  new  branches  seven  or 
eight  inches  long  would  grow  up,  and  the  year 
after,  be  in  bearing  condition.  The  time  to  find 
them  was  immediately  after  the  cutting  of  grain  in 
harvest.  Early  in  the  morning,  large  parties  of 
men,  women  and  children  would  start  towards 
"Shover's  Gap."  At  an  early  hour  already  the 
heat  was  frequently  intense,  but  a  little  later,  some 
refreshing  breezes  would  arise.  Toward  the  top  of 
said  gap,  is  a  beautiful  and  excellent  spring-  of 
water,  nestled  in  a  mossy  bed  of  fern,  &c.  There 
a  g-ood  drink  was  taken,  and  some  more  water  taken 
along  in  the  vessels.  If  the  berries  were  a  g-ood 
crop,  the  little  stalks  were  lying-  over,  and  the 
berries  could  be  taken  literally  by  the  handfuls. 
The  adjective  little  applied  only  to  the  stalk,  not 


134       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

to  the  berries  which  were  the  size  of  an  ordinary 
cherry.  There  were  no  seeds,  and  the  pulp  was 
very  sweet  and  luscious.  It  was  a  common  saying, 
that  the  eating  of  them,  however  many,  would  do 
no  harm.  In  a  very  short  time,  buckets  and  kettles 
were  filled  to  the  top.  Some,  at  times,  took  the 
bark  of  young  chestnut  trees,  about  four  inches  in 
diameter,  and  about  five  feet  long,  and  made  rustic 
buckets,  which  answered  a  good  purpose. — Eli 
Keller. 

'S  MUHL-STUBCHE  (THE  LITTLE 
MILL  ROOM) 
In  our  mill  was  a  room,  known  as  "Miihl- 
Stiibche."  It  might  have  been  called  the  office. 
There  was  an  old  ten-plate  wood-stove  in  it,  a 
bench  and  a  couch,  also  a  large  work-bench  stored 
with  all  manner  of  tools.  At  times,  the  mill  was 
run  all  night,  as  well  as  during  the  day.  In  rainy 
days,  the  "Stiibche"  was,  as  a  rule,  well  filled.  To 
pass  away  the  time,  some  games  were  occasionally 
played,  especially  "Fig-mill,"  with  red  and  white 
grains  of  corn.  Card-playing  had  a  bad  reputa- 
tion, and  was  on  that  account  prohibited. — Eli 
Keller. 

"LEAD  US  NOT  INTO  TEMPTATION" 
Father  had  for  years  a  German  miller,  John 
Emmerliug,  who  had  a  number  of  children:  George, 
Joseph,  Anton,  Rachael,  &c.  One  da}'  we  children 
made  up  a  party  to  go  up  the  hill  to  get  early  pears 
at  John  Gottschal's.  Mr.  G.  had  children:  Aaron, 
Herman,  Isaac,  Katie  and  Polly.    Early  pears  were 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY        135 

a  great  thing-  to  our  taste,  the  more  so,  since  we 
had  none  of  our  own.  When  we  got  there,  Mr.  G. 
was  at  home,  and  instead  of  receiving  us  with  a 
smile,  frowned  and  drove  us  away.  We  retreated 
to  the  public  road,  and  there  awaited  further  de- 
velopments. I  alone  was  called  back  and  the 
frowns  were  all  turned  into  smiles.  Mr.  G.  filled 
my  pockets  and  my  handkerchief  with  pears,  but 
said:  "Those  children  before  this  came  around 
here  to  steal,  and  if  I  can  avoid  it,  they  will  not 
get  a  bite  of  my  pears."  I  was  thus  taught  that 
"Honesty  is  the  best  policy." — Eu  Keller. 

"REMEMBER  THE  SABBATH  DAY  TO 
KEEP  IT  HOLY" 

Around  our  first  home,  and  along-  the  beautiful 
creek,  were  plenty  of  bushes,  among-  which  we 
loved  to  roam.  The  birds  and  the  fish  were  our 
favorite  companions,  especially  the  latter.  Below 
our  house,  the  creek  made  a  turn  to  the  right, 
forming,  under  the  broad  limbs  of  several  large 
spruce  trees,  a  deep  dam  of  water.  In  the  after- 
noon, the  lowering  sun  often  shone  brightly  into 
the  water,  and  the  fine  large  suckers,  with  spark- 
ling eyes,  lay  before  us  as  in  a  mirror.  One  Sun- 
day afternoon,  we  children  stood  facing  the  fish, 
and  forgot  the  Fourth  Commandment.  We  snared 
about  a  dozen  fine  suckers,  and  placed  them  in  a 
small  dam  behind  us.  To  bring-  them  home  on 
Sunday  would  never  do,  but  on  Monday,  we  ex- 
pected to  smuggle  them  in,  and  be  praised  for  good 
luck.     For  safe  keeping-  we  placed  sticks  over  the 


136       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

little  prisoners,  then  all  manner  of  rubbish  for  hid- 
ing- the  booty.  On  Monday  we  returned,  but  alas! 
the  fish  were  all  gone.  Some  cunning  fox,  or  other 
abominable  creature,  had  stolen  them.  Thus  we 
learned,  that: 

"A  Sabbath  profaned,  whatever  may  be  gained, 
Is  a  certain  forerunner  of  sorrow." 

—Eli  Keller. 

WILD  PIGEONS 

It  was  in  the  Fall  of  the  year,  when  brother 
Philip  and  I  were  plowing  sod  for  corn  the  coming 
season,  as  our  custom  was.  The  air  was  already 
cool,  and  our  "round-abouts"  were  closely  buttoned 
up.  The  field  was  on  high  ground,  whence  we 
could  look  far  and  wide,  along  the  range  of  the 
Blue  Mountain.  The  Wind  Gap  was  opposite  us 
and  in  the  clear  sky  seemed  very  near  though  fully 
three  miles  away.  The  Delaware  Water  Gap  was 
on  the  north-east,  and  the  Lehigh  Water  Gap  on 
the  south-west  many  miles  away.  The  sky  was 
remarkably  clear  and  of  a  bright  blue.  Anon,  we 
noticed  in  the  distance  what  at  first  we  took  to  be 
dark  clouds,  some  smaller,  some  larger,  some  round 
fleece-like  bodies,  others  in  long  banks  like  floatidg 
islands.  At  first,  we  supposed  that  those  were 
omens  of  violent  storms  about  to  burst  somewhere, 
though  with  us  the  air  was  calm.  Soon  such  clouds, 
rolling  out  of  the  Wind  Gap  apparently,  came  in 
a  line  of  at  least  a  mile  in  length  and  straight  to- 
ward us  like  an  attacking  army.  Our  teams  were 
moving  steadily  along,  but  our  eyes  were  on  what 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       137 

we  now  recognized  as  an  innumerable  host  of  wild 
pig-eons.  Being-  on  high  ground,  the  birds  were 
nearer  to  us.  Their  wings  made  a  strange  noise, 
akin  to  the  myriads  of  flying  locusts  in  the  east. 
Our  horses  became  alarmed,  as  we  noticed  by  the 
cocking  of  their  ears.  We  called  a  "Whoa  !" — and 
running  to  their  heads,  held  and  quieted  them.  For 
about  five  minutes  the  rustling  and  rushing  sound 
continued.  Such  a  scene  I  never  witnessed  before, 
nor  since — and  never  shall.  Our  opinion  was,  that 
those  pigeons  had  bred  and  gathered  in  the  marshes 
and  mountains  of  Monroe  Co.,  then, by  some  means, 
were  disturbed  and  put  to  flight  eastward. — Eli 
KeIvLER. 

THE  MILLER  AND  LITTLE  ELI 

Mother,  Mary  Keller,  wife  of  John  H.  Keller, 
inherited  about  eight  hundred  dollars  from  her 
father,  Casper  Engler.  With  that  money  a  house 
was  bought  of  Frederick  Febles,  located  about  a 
mile  above  the  mill,  toward  the  Blue  Mountain. 
That  house  at  one  time  was  occupied  by  John 
McFall,  who  was  at  the  same  time  the  miller.  He 
took  his  dinners  at  our  house.  When  the  meals 
were  nearly  ready,  it  was  my  pleasant  duty  to  go  to 
the  mill  with  the  summons.  He  would  pick  me  up 
and  carry  me  high  on  his  whitened  shoulders  to  our 
house.  On  the  way  was  a  steep  little  hill,  covered 
at  that  time  with  laurel  and  other  evergreens.  He 
also  sang  songs  for  me,  which  I  often  since  then 
wished  to  hear.  One  was  about  "Young  Johnny, 
the  miller,  who  courted  of   late" — his   girl   was — 


138       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

•'Beautiful  Kate."  The  other  had  in  its  chorus: 
"Fire  in  the  mountains,  run,  boys,  run  !" — Eivi 
Keller. 

A  TRIP  TO  THE  SUNNY  SOUTH 

In  1869,  July  the  5th,  brother  Joseph,  sister 
Susan,  and  a  school  teacher,  Sarah  Rexroth,  and  I 
left  Ohio  to  visit  Tennessee,  especiall}'  the  battle- 
field of  Stone  River,  at  Murfreesboroug-h,  where 
our  beloved  brothers  were  sacrificed  with  many 
others  on  the  altar  of  our  American  Union.  We 
met  at  Forest,  and  via  Dayton,  Ohio, and  Louisville, 
Kentucky,  came  to  Clarksville,  Tennessee,  on  the 
Cumberland  River.  There  we  took  a  steamboat, 
The  Luella,  for  Dover,  and  visited  the  battlefield 
of  Fort  Donaldson.  On  Friday  night  we  returned 
to  Clarksville  and  continued  to  Nashville,  reaching 
there  about  2  A.  M.,  on  Saturday.  Soon  after 
starting  up  the  river  in  the  evening,  the  sky  dark- 
ened and  distant  thunder  was  heard.  The  darkness 
became  so  great  that  we  could  not  proceed.  The 
boat  was  lashed  to  some  trees  on  the  banks  of  the 
river  and  fire  kindled  on  deck,  fore  and  aft,  to  pre- 
vent collision.  The  shower  was  quite  heavy  and 
the  scene  weird  and  wonderful.  The  clouds  and 
the  rain  having  passed  by,  the  silvery  moon  ap- 
peared full  orbed  in  the  heavens.  The  air  was 
very  serene  and  the  deck-hands — all  negroes — at 
many  points  had  to  move  goods  on  or  off  in  large 
quantities.  All  the  while  they  were  at  work  they 
were  singing  their  songs,  and  did  so  in  a  style  all 
their  own.     Such  a  scene,  and  in  the  midst  of  such 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       139 

nerve  killing-  sounds,  would  have  been  enough  to 
drive  sleep  far  enough  away,  but  our  attention  was 
differently  enlisted.  A  fine  middle-aged  man,  well 
dressed,  approached  us  in  friendly  conversation.  I 
think  he  called  himself  Dr.  Clark,  and  he  intro- 
duced us  to  another  man.  Rev.  Karstarphon,  of  the 
M.  E.  Church,  and  wife.  Both  knew  us  to  be  from 
the  North.  The  ministerial  couple  showed  their 
aversion,  by  soon  turning  us  their  backs.  But  not 
so  Dr.  C.  Turning  to  me  as  the  older,  whilst  we 
paced  the  deck,  he  said;  "You  whipped  us  and 
you  whipped  us  completely,  and  we  are  much 
obliged P''  I  said:  "Doctor,  I  cannot  comprehend. 
I  take  you  to  be  an  honest  man,  yet  am  unable  to 
believe  what  you  say."  He  continued:  "I  speak 
the  true  sentiments  of  my  heart.  We  based  our- 
selves on  States'  Rights,  and  as  to  that,  we  are  now 
cured.  Could  I  now  change  the  results  of  the  war, 
I  would  not  do  so.  I  have  traveled  extensively.  In 
France,  I  met  a  master  of  Political  Economy  speak- 
ing of  our  government.  He  said:  'You  have  a 
beautiful  form  of  government,  and  it  is  strong  too, 
against  outside  pressure,  but  equally  weak  as  to 
inside  pressure.  Yes,  I  must  tell  you,  that  the  ele- 
ments are  now  at  work  that  will  burst  the  fabric  of 
your  government  into  a  thousand  fragments.'  "  He 
continued:  "I  may  possibly  see  that  man  again, 
and  desire  again  to  ask  his  opinion  of  our  govern- 
ment; I  can  assure  him  that  we  did  our  utmost  to 
break  the  government,  and  failed  utterly.  I  repeat 
then,  we  are  much  obliged  for  xvhat  you  did.'"  We 
spent  a  Sunday,  July  11,  in  Murfreesborough.     On 


140       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

Monday,  a  negro  teamster  showed  us  the  battle- 
field. We  were  in  the  one-story  log  cabin,  where 
both  brothers  died,  and  saw,  too,  where  they  had 
been  buried.  The  cabin  was  occupied  by  a  negro, 
a  Baptist  minister,  and  his  family.  He  told  us  how 
he  still  spent  his  nights  in  fear  in  the  marshes, 
how  his  letters,  to  and  from  Michigan  addressed  to 
his  son-in-law,  were  intercepted,  &c.  We  visited 
the  Mammoth  Cave  in  Kentucky  on  the  way  back, 
and  spent  four  hours  in  the  bowels  of  the  Earth. 
The  whole  trip  was  to  us  a  sad,  and  yet  a  satisfac- 
tory one. — Eli  Keller. 

HOW  THE  BOYS  SLID  DOWN  FROM 
"JAKE'S  KOP" 

The  fields  forming  the  sides  of  the  hill,  called 
"Jake's  Kop"  in  this  history,  were  very  popular  for 
coasting.  In  those  days  a  no  uncommon  part  of 
the  Winter's  outfit  was  a  large  sleigh,  in  size  about 
midway  between  a  common  cutter  and  a  two-horse 
sled.  It  made  a  long  ride  to  go  from  an  upper  cor- 
ner of  one  of  those  fields  diagonally  to  a  lower 
corner. 

One  Winter's  day,  quite  a  party  of  young  men 
decided  to  take  a  ride.  The  right-hand  field  in 
front  of  the  old  home  was  selected,  and  to  make  the 
merry  ride  as  long  as  possible  it  was  to  begin  at  the 
upper  left-hand  corner  of  the  large  field  and  end  in 
the  lower  right-hand  corner.  This  would  make  a 
ride  of  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  The  happy, 
hopeful,  eager  little  party  pulled  the  big  sleigh  up 
to  the  place  of  starting,  and  crowded  it  full  to  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       141 

last  available  space.  At  the  word,  they  started, 
and  away  they  went  like  the  wind!  And  now  come 
to  mind  some  of  Southey's  description  of  the  water 
coming  down  the  Cataract  of  Lodore,  which  we 
read  in  our  school  readers  of  those  days: 

"With  its  rush  and  its  roar, 
And  away  it  proceeds, 
Helter-skelter, 
Hurry-skurry. 
Till,  in  this  rapid  race 
On  which  it  is  bent, 
It  reaches  the  place 
Of  its  steep  descent." 

On  they  went  at  more  desperate  speed,  and 
every  moment  gaining-  more  fearful  momentum, 
when,  quick  as  a  flash,  the  sled  put  its  nose  into 
the  ground,  threw  its  heels  into  the  air  and  away 
went  the  promiscuous  crowd  to  finish  the  race  with- 
out the  sled!  And  now  comes  Southey  again  to 
help  us  in  the  description: 

"And  thundering  and  floundering-; 
Dividing  and  gliding  and  sliding. 
And  falling  and  brawling  and  sprawling." 

They  rolled  like  logs,  they  went  end-over- 
end,  they  bunched  up  like  big  snowballs,  and  with 
all  sorts  of  motions,  and  in  a  few  moments  they 
dotted  the  hillside  all  battered,  banged  and  bruised. 

Thus  they  came  down  the  "steep  descent"  in 
the  big  field,  where  the  Old  Chestnut  Tree  still 
chuckles  as  a  lone  witness  of  the  daring  escapade. 

The  young  men  had  forgotten  that  late  in  the 
Fall  quite  a  strip  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  had  been 


142       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

plowed.     That  explains  why  the  sled  at  a  certain 
point  refused  to  g-o  any  further. — Reuben  Keller. 

A  GIRL  CHARMED 
In  a  meadow  near  the  old  home,  there  were 
quite  a  number  of  large  apple  trees.  When  those 
trees  were  yet  comparatively  small,  in  the  time  of 
haying  the  hired  girl  was  working  in  the  meadow. 
At  noontime  the  girl  was  called  to  dinner.  She, 
however,  did  not  come  promptly.  On  investiga- 
tion she  was  seen  standing  stock-still  under  one  of 
those  trees.  One  of  the  men  hurried  to  the  spot 
and  found  a  large  black-snake  in  the  tree  staring 
at  the  girl  just  as  steadily  as  the  girl  looked  up  at 
the  snake.  The  man  quickly  called  for  a  gun  and 
the  snake  was  killed  and  the  girl  walked  to  the 
house.  Tradition  says  that  the  snake  charmed  the 
girl;  yet,  according  to  Jer.  8:17,  the  girl  might 
have  charmed  the  snake. — Reuben  Keller. 

A  REBUKE  AND  ITS  GOOD  FRUIT 
About  the  beginning  of  the  year  1901,  Rev. 
Reuben  Keller  (V,  76),  on  board  a  train  on  the 
Wabash  railroad,  in  north-western  Ohio,  made  the 
acquaintance  of  an  old  gentleman  by  the  name  of 
Kaltenbach.  On  hearing  the  name  Keller,  the  old 
man  inquired  more  particularly,  and  being  informed 
that  the  Crawford  County  Kellers  were  referred  to, 
he  related  the  following  incident:  When  a  young 
man,  he  worked  as  an  apprentice  in  John  Keil's 
blacksmith  shop  at  Bucyrus.  One  day  Rev.  Eli 
Keller  (IV,  6)  brought  his  little  horse  to  the  shop 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       143 

to  get  him  shod.  Mr.  Keil  set  the  young-  Kalten- 
bach  to  work  on  the  little  horse.  The  horse  was 
rather  fractious,  and  the  young-  man  being  quite 
worldly,  gave  expression  to  some  very  profane 
words.  Rev.  Keller  listened  a  little  while,  then 
said;  "1st  das  was  sie  beten  konnen?"  (Is  that 
what  you  can  pray?  or,  is  that  the  way  you  pray?) 
The  old  man  said,  that,  wicked  as  he  then  was,  he 
could  never  shake  off  the  effect  of  that  gentle  re- 
buke until  he  began  to  lead  a  Christian  life.  At 
the  time  of  the  conversation,  he  was  an  Elder  in  a 
large  Lutheran  congregation  in  Edon,  Williams 
Co.,  Ohio. 

HOW  THE  CORN  WAS  HOED 

It  was  on  a  Spring  day,  over  one-third  of  a 
century  ago.  The  father  of  a  family,  consisting 
largely  of  boys,  was  a  Township  Trustee,  and  on 
the  day  mentioned  had  to  be  from  home  to  attend 
to  some  township  business.  The  corn  in  the  new- 
ground  was  ready  for  cultivation.  The  father 
gave  his  orders,  namely,  for  the  oldest  boy  to  do 
the  plowing  and  the  others  the  hoeing,  and  all  to 
do  good  work. 

All  went  on  quite  well,  excepting  that  the 
younger  boys  occupied  the  fences  and  stumps  a 
little  too  much  to  suit  the  older  brother,  who  con- 
sidered himself  clothed  with  paternal  authority  for 
the  day,  and  frequently  indulged  in  dignified  com- 
mands to  those  beneath  him. 

The  dinner  bell  rang — blessed  music  to  all ! 
The   horse   understood   and  whinnied ;    the   elder 


144       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

brother  unhitched  and  rode  on  home;  and  the  other 
boys,  in  a  jiffy,  hoed  (?)  each  his  own  row  to  the 
end.  A  practical  thought  struck  these  youngsters. 
Not  believing-  in  doing  their  "first-works"  over  on 
the  same  day,  and  to  make  sure  that  no  such  mis- 
take would  be  made,  stuck  a  stake  so  that  they 
would  know  just  where  to  begin  after  dinner. 

Coming  to  the  fertile  West  brought  a  quick 
crop  of  brilliant  ideas  in  the  minds  of  "the  rising 
generation." — Reuben  Keller. 

This  refers  to  the  Joseph  Keller  (IV,  17)  boys. 
-[Ed.] 

A  TOBOGGAN  SLIDE 

A  small  distance  up  stream  from  the  Old  Kel- 
ler Mill  was  the  dam,  from  which  the  mill  received 
its  supply  of  water.  Right  by  that  dam  was  the 
schoolhouse,  where  a  number  of  the  Keller  connec- 
tion of  the  fifth  generation  went  to  school.  Right 
across  the  road  from  the  schoolhouse  were  two 
fields  with  quite  steep  hills.  Those  hills  were 
much  used  for  coasting,  and  many  a  merry  noon 
hour  was  spent  there.  Sometimes  the  "Master" 
would  forbid  the  smaller  ones  to  go  to  the  hills. 
Now,  this  fifth  generation  were  not  all  perfect,  it 
had  a  few  naught}'  and  knotty  limbs.  One  Winter 
day  those  hillsides  were  a  perfect  glare  of  ice,  and 
at  first  only  the  larger  pupils  ventured  to  climb 
them.  But,  by  and  by,  one  of  the  least  of  the  chil- 
dren, one  of  those  knotty  Kellers  mentioned,  began 
to  pick  his  way  up  the  icy  slope.  When  he  was 
nearly  at  the  top  and  read}'  to  crow  over  the  tri- 


THE  JACOB  KELLER  (111,34)  OHIO  HOME 
LATER  THE  JOSEPH  KELLER  {IV.  17)  HOME 


THE  JOHN  HENRY  KELLER  (111,32)  OHIO  HOME 
LATER  THE  PHILIP  KELLER  (IV,  1)  HOME 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       145 

umph  achieved,  his  little  feet  let  loose  and  the  mo- 
tion was  reversed.  He  beg-an  to  g-o  faster  and 
faster,  and  his  fright  became  greater  as  the  speed 
increased.  Now,  near  the  foot  of  the  hill  was  a 
post-and-rail  fence,  and  a  few  rods  below  that  the 
mill-race.  The  little  fellow  was  lying-  down  with 
his  face  toward  the  ground  and  slipping  along  at  a 
great  rate.  By  a  natural  law  still  in  force,  the 
heavy  end  got  into  the  lead  and  so  head-foremost 
he  went  on  toward  the  foot  of  the  hill.  Ten 
thousand  thoughts,  more  or  less,  passed  through 
his  mind.  He  hoped  that  the  bottom  rail  of  that 
fence  would  be  high  enough  to  let  him  pass  through 
under  in  safety,  and  that  the  ice  on  the  race 
would  be  thick  enough  to  bear  the  shock  when  he 
would  plunge  down  over  the  bank.  But  he  could 
not  see  any  space  under  that  bottom  rail,  hope  had 
all  gone  out,  and  in  another  moment  he  expected 
to  strike  the  fence.  But  just  when  he  looked  for 
the  tragic  end,  he  shot  head-long-  into  a  deep  snow- 
bank right  by  that  fence.  The  little  fellow  dug-  his 
way  out  of  the  drift,  brushed  off  the  snow  from  his 
home-spun  clothes,  and  walked  to  the  schoolhouse 
looking  just  as  innocent  as  possible.  Guess  who 
it  was. — Reuben  Keller. 

This  refers  to  Reuben  Keller  (V,  76).— [Ed.] 

A  RESURRECTION 

The  larg-e  walnut  tree  represented  in  the  pic- 
ture of  the  old  Pennsylvania  home,  standing  in 
front  of  the  house  and  between  it  and  the  spring-- 
run,  was  blown  down  one  very  stormy  nig-ht.     The 


146       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

tree  lay  prostrate,  torn  up  by  the  roots.  The  next 
day  Joseph  Keller  (IV,  17)  began  to  cut  up  the  tree. 
The  process  went  on  without  any  special  incident 
until  he  was  cutting  off  the  last  branch.  At  first, 
he  stood  on  the  branch  and  trunk,  but  to  work  to 
better  advantage,  he  stepped  off  and  stood  on  the 
ground,  and  just  as  the  last  stroke  of  the  axe  fell 
that  severed  the  limb  from  the  trunk,  more  quickly 
than  it  can  be  told,  the  body  of  the  tree  rose  up- 
right. In  the  fall  some  of  the  roots  were  not  bro- 
ken, and  being  on  a  tremendous  tension,  pulled  the 
tree  back  into  an  erect  position.  New  branches 
put  forth  and  the  tree  stood  for  years  afterward. 

Joseph  always  was  of  the  opinion  that,  if  he 
had  remained  standing  on  the  tree  till  the  last 
branch  (so  much  heavier  than  he)  was  oil,  he  would 
have  been  severel}'  injured,  or  hurled  to  a  violent 
death. — Reuben  Keller. 

JOSEPH  KELLER'S  HOUSE  ATTACKED 

Joseph  Keller,  Sr.,  (I,  1)  had  just  heard  a  ru- 
mor that  the  Indians  were  going  to  make  a  raid  up- 
on the  neighborhood.  For  security,  he  at  once 
took  his  family  to  the  Jacob  Ruth  Fort,  a  place  of 
common  defense  in  case  of  danger,  situated  about 
one  mile  south-east  of  the  old  Plainfield  Church. 
Joseph  then  returned  to  his  house,  located  a  short 
distance  west  of  the  present  village  of  Delabole,  to 
take  care  of  the  stock  he  was  compelled  to  leave  be- 
hind. Nearing  the  house,  he  saw  the  Indians  in 
the  loft  of  the  old  house  appropriating  his  highly- 
prized  and  hard-earned  crop  of  tobacco.     The  sight 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       147 

of  this  ang"ered  him  so  much  that  he  said  if  he  had 
had  enough  men,  he  would  have  gfone  to  the  house, 
locked  the  doors,  fired  the  house  and  burned  house, 
Indians,  tobacco  and  all. 

A  TESTIMONIAL  FROM  A  DISTIN- 
GUISHED SOURCE 

In  the  Eng-lish  Reformed  Church  Year  Book 
and  Almanac,  for  the  year  1880,  there  appeared  a 
historic  sketch  under  the  title,  "Joseph  Keller" 
(I,  1),  written  originally  in  German  by  Rev.  Eli 
Keller,  D.  D.,  (IV,  6)  for  the  German  Church  Year 
Book.  The  sketch  was  translated  into  Eng-lish  by 
the  Rev.  Jeremiah  H.  Good,  D.  D.,  for  many  years 
the  efficient  Professor  of  Mathematics  in  Heidel- 
berg College,  and  for  the  remainder  of  his  life, 
Professor  of  Dogmatic  Theology  in  Heidelberg 
Theological  Seminary. 

Dr.  Keller  says  in  the  sketch:  "Hence  it 
seems  to  me  to  be  quite  appropriate  to  write  down 
here  the  history  of  one  of  my  ancestors,  &c."  Then 
Dr.  Good  says  in  parenthesis:  "Much  more  of  this 
kind  should  be  done  before  it  is  too  late.  These 
historical  parts  will  become  of  the  deepest  interest 
to  our  posterity.  It  is  long  since  I  have  read  a 
more  deeply  interesting  narrative  than  this  of  the 
father  of  the  Keller  family." 

Again,  the  sketch  says:  "Joseph  Keller,  with 
an  older  brother  and  with  a  half-brother  named 
Good  (Guth),  also  concluded  to  go  to  America." 
Then  Dr.  Good,  again  in  parenthesis,  says:  "It  is 
quite  probable  that  the  father  of  this   Good   was 


148       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

also  the  ancestor  or  a  relative  of  the  ministers  of 
this  name  in  the  Reformed  Church.  There  are 
four  of  them  now.  Their  ancestor,  Jacob  Good, 
was  born  in  1747,  and,  in  1766,  emigrated  from 
Zweibriicken  to  America." 

After  Dr.  Good  had  made  the  translation,  he 
wrote  a  very  complimentar)'  letter  (under  date  of 
Aug.  5,  1879),  in  which  he  speaks  thus:  "I  think 
the  sketch  a  charming-  one,  artistically  put  together 
and  produced  in  excellent  style.  It  is  well  worth  a 
wider  circulation  even  than  it  will  attain  in  the 
English  Almanac.  Of  course,  I  studied  it  carefully 
while  translating  it,  and  must  say  honestly,  that  it 
displays  a  real  genms  in  that  kind  of  literature, 
especially  in  that  nameless  thing  we  call  style. 
Take  the  sentence,  commencing  'Da  ward  ihnen 
der  blaue  Berg,  &c.,'  as  an  example.  How  few 
would  have  thought  of  that,  or  having  thought  of 
it,  been  able  to  express  it  with  so  much  simplicity 
and  picturesqueness.  (The  whole  sentence  referred 
to,  is  translated  thus:  The  Blue  Mountains,  with 
their  rocks,  springs,  and  woods  became  in  their 
eyes  a  second  Hardt;  the  mountain  stream  was  for 
them  their  native  Saar;  the  Martins  Creek  was  the 
Moselle,  and  the  Delaware  the  Rhine.) 

"I  would  suggest,  that  whenever  you  feel  like 
it,  you  write  similar  sketches,  either  from  real  life 
or  from  history^  for  future  Almanacs,  and  for  the 
Church  papers.  And  I  would  suggest,  still  farther 
that  this  sketch  of  Joseph  Keller  (and  similar  ones) 
be  published  as  S.  S.  Books,  in  English  and  Ger- 
man.    I  would  want  no  better  S.  S.  Books  than  one 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       149 

or  two  hundred  like  this  of  Joseph  Keller.  The 
boys  and  girls,  if  once  they  got  hold  of  it,  would 
read  it  over  and  over  again,  like  we  used  to 
read  Robinson  Crusoe,  and  the  Swiss  Family 
Robinson,  and  certainly  its  religious  and  moral  in- 
fluence would  be  of  the  best  kind,"  No  doubt  the 
historic  narrative  by  Dr.  Keller  and  the  very  com- 
plimentary references  and  kindly  request  of  the 
now  Sainted  Dr.  Good,  have  had  much  influence  in 
bringing  our  history  to  the  fuller  and  more  per- 
manent form  of  this  book. — Reuben  Keller. 

ON,  AT,  AND  OVER  "JAKE'S  KOP" 

If  that  hill,  "Jake's  Kop,"  would  have  a  tongue 
to  speak,  in  what  varied  tones  and  feelings  it  could 
tell  of  real  historic  facts — interesting,  romantic, 
thrilling,  tragic,  ludicrous  and  solemn,  comical 
and  pathetic! 

(1) — It  could  tell  all  about  Father  Joseph's 
(I,  1)  faithful  team,  his  rude  plow,  and  just  where 
he  was  working  when  the  merciless  Indians  stole 
their  way  along  on  the  other  side. 

(2) — It  could  draw  an  interesting  word-picture 
for  the  boys  and  girls  of  to-day  of  the  Schwova 
Fens  (Suabian  fence),  so  constructed  that  each 
rail  with  the  lower  end  on  the  ground  served  as  a 
prop  to  keep  the  whole  fence  from  slipping  down 
hill. 

(3) — How  feelingly  it  would  no  doubt  speak  (a) 
of  the  inconvenience  in  farming  those  steep  sides; 
plowing  along  the  hillside  turning  every  furrow 
toward  its  foot,  with  one  horse  several  feet  above 


150       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

the  other,  and  the  man  no  doubt  often  wishing-  his 
down-hill  leg  five  or  six  inches  longer  than  the 
other;  (b)  of  the  jolly  band  of  harvesters— old  men, 
young  mothers  and  buxom  girls — earlier  "with 
sickles  keen"  and  later  with  cradle  and  rake;  and 
of  the  faithful  wife  bring-ing  out  the  "nine  o'clock 
piece"  and  spreading  it  out  under  the  Old  Chestnut 
Tree;  how  this  little  feast  and  a  little  draw  from 
the  "Schnapps"  bottle  made  them  forg^et  the  incon- 
venience of  the  sweat  and  weariness  of  the  flesh; 
(c)  of  when  the  time  came  to  haul  in  the  grain, 
how  the  big  four-  or  six-horse  team  had  to  circle 
round  to  get  to  the  top,  and  then  how  the  wheels 
were  chained  to  the  ladders  with  the  large  chains 
knotted  at  the  bottom  of  the  wheel  so  that  deep 
furrows  were  torn  into  the  ground  as  they  drove 
straight  down  the  hill,  and  how  the  horses,  at  times 
had  to  sit  down  dog-fashion,  bracing  themselves, 
to  keep  the  wagon  from  running  over  them. 

(4) — How  complainingly  could  these  fields 
speak  of  the  cruel  dashes  of  rain  that  tore  great 
gullies  into  their  sides,  almost  deep  enough  to 
bury  a  plowman  and  his  team. 

(5) — It  could  tell  of  whole  under-ground  villages 
of  ground  hogs,  those  hardy,  shy  and  mischiev- 
ous creatures,  and  how,  while  grandfather  and  one 
of  the  boys  were  grinding  some  tool  under  the  wal- 
nut tree,  the  little  dog  Tippy  kept  up  a  constant  and 
excited  barking  over  in  the  hill-field;  and  how,  the 
grinding  being  done,  they  called,  "Here  Bull,  here 
Bull,"  and  the  old  bull-dog  responding  promptly, 
they  went  over  to  the  hillside  and  found   a  large 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       151 

ground  hog-  backed  up  against  an  apple  tree  keep- 
ing- Tippy  at  bay,  and  then  how  Bull  took  the  hog- 
by  the  nape  of  the  neck  and  shook  the  life  out  of  it, 
and  how  the  boy  carried  the  animal  home  tri- 
umphantly and  had  it  dressed  and  roasted. 

(6) — And  then,  again,  when  the  summer 
breezes  g-ently  beat  the  large  hillsides  of  rye  into 
waves  that  traveled  one  after  another  toward  the 
top,  the  voice  could  tell  us  how  Jacob  (III,  34)  was 
a  lover  of  children,  as  he,  in  a  teasing  but  g-ood- 
natured  wa\ ,  told  the  children  that  those  waves 
were  produced  by  the  g-round  hogs  running  through 
the  g-rain. 

(7) — Again,  that  brushy,  bushy  piece  of  tim- 
ber at  the  top  (so  much  resembling-  the  big-,  round, 
bushy  head  of  Father  Jacob)  could  tell  a  pleasing^ 
story  of  how,  toward  the  close  of  day,  the  birds 
came  from  all  directions  to  seek  rest  for  the  nig-ht; 
and  how  the  boys  bent  down  a  limb  or  sprout  to  set 
a  snare  for  a  rabbit  and  that  usually  the  boy  was 
doomed  to  disappointment,  when  the  rabbit  was 
not  caught,  but  sitting  somewhere  in  the  bushes 
"making-  big-  eyes"  at  him;  and  how  the  boys  at 
other  times  would  worry  their  way  up  there  to  cut 
straight,  smooth  chestnut  sprouts  for  whistles  and 
to  gather  a  few  huckleberries  or  fresh  shoots  of 
wintergreen. 

(8) — With  what  eloquence  and  delightful 
memories  that  field,  where  the  Old  Chestnut  Tree 
stands,  could  tell  of  its  once  thriving  orchard,  how 
the  original  Kellers  planted  seed  or  set  the  young 
trees  and  then  watched  and  waited  for  the  fruit;  and 


152       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

of  the  oceans  of  apples  that  grew  and  fell  and 
covered  the  whole  slope  of  the  orchard.  Apples  ! 
apples  I — Bellflowers,  Pippins,  Spitzenburgs,  Van- 
deveres,  Seeknofarthers,  Grindstones,  g-alore  !  And 
of  the  men  taking  the  wagon  to  the  orchard,  un- 
hitching the  team  and  going  to  other  fields  to  plow 
while  the  women  loaded  the  wagon  with  apples  to 
be  crushed  and  squeezed  in  that  rude  old  press 
which  the  boys  at  one  time  undertook  to  paint, 
using  brickdust  for  the  coloring  and  spring  water 
for  oil,  and  how  the  whole  scene  ended  suddenly 
and  dramatically,  when  the  boy  who  went  to  dip 
oil  slipped  upon  the  frosty  plank  and  fell  headlong 
into  the  spring. 

(9)— The  Old  Chestnut  Tree  could  testify  how 
Jacob  (III,  34)  and  Elizabeth  (III,  35),  after  windy 
Autumn  nights,  came  up  early  in  the  morning  to 
gather  the  nuts  that  had  been  shattered  from  its 
branches,  before  some  sneak-thief  would  steal  them 
or  industrious  little  ground  squirrel  store  them  up 
for  itself. 

(10) — We  could  also  hear  the  voice  speak  with 
mingled  joy  and  sadness  of  the  Keller  boys  and 
their  associates  sneaking  out  on  a  Sabbath  day, 
keeping  the  barn  between  them  and  the  house,  and 
in  great  glee  beginning  to  coast  on  the  steep  hill- 
side. The  visitors  being  out  of  the  sight  of  their 
parents,  and  the  Keller  parents  not  being  able  to 
look  through  the  barn,  all  considered  themselves 
safe,  and  all  went  well  for  awhile.  But  when  one 
of  the  smallest  fell  from  his  sled,  and  one  of  the 
oldest  coming  right  behind  ran  into  the  little  fel- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       153 

low,  laying"  his  cheek  wide  open,  the  Sunday  sport 
suddenly  ended.  The  visitors  stole  quietly  down  the 
meadow  and  the  Kellers,  again  keeping  the  barn 
between  them  and  the  house,  found  their  way  home. 
But  we  never  heard  what  reason  they  gave  why 
their  sleds  were  left  back  of  the  barn,  or  how  they 
explained  the  gash  in  the  little  brother's  cheek. 

(11) — Then  this  hill  of  romantic  witness-bear- 
ing could  testify  of  a  young  fellow,  a  successor  of 
one  of  the  Major  Prophets,  Jerry  (V,  72)  for  short, 
who  could  mount  a  stone  or  stump  or  stake-and- 
rider  fence  and  preach  a  sermon,  imitating  David 
Henniug  (pro.  Dawfid  Hayning)  or  the  pastor  at 
the  Plainfield  Church.  It  could  again  testify  that 
this  young  fellow  was  capable  of  doing  some  other 
things,  and  in  the  exercise  of  another  set  of  talents 
caught  a  rooster  and  carried  it  up  the  hill  to  the  Old 
Chestnut  Tree,  set  it  on  a  limb,  then  shook  it  off  to 
see  it  fly  home;  then  comes  a  deep,  doleful  voice 
telling  how  the  father  fixed  up  accounts  with  the 
boy.  No  wonder  that  after  testifying  to  all  these 
events,  the  Old  Chestnut  Tree  has  worn  a  blighted 
top  for  fifty  years  or  more!  Enough  to  make  a 
human  head  bald! 

(12) — And  what  a  charming  and  fascinating 
tale  this  "Kop"  could  tell  of  the  marriage  of 
Joseph  (IV,  17)  and  Lovina  (IV,  18),  and  the  ar- 
rangements for  a  first-class  belling!  How  the 
crowd  of  youngsters,  bent  upon  getting  all  the  fun 
out  of  it  possible,  marched  up  the  hill  with  all 
sorts  of  instruments,  entered  the  brushy  piece  of 
timber  at  the  top,  and  by  their  hideous  noise  started 


154       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

the  foxes  from  their  hiding'  places  and  frig-htened 
them  out  of  the  woods,  down  the  hill  on  the 
other  side,  and  on  toward  the  Blue  Mountain  bark- 
ing- and  yelping  as  they  went.  But  let  Jacob 
Bruch,  who  related  the  story,  tell  it  in  his  own 
way:  "Do  sin  die  Fiix  ap  g'  sprunge,  aus  'm  Bush 
raus,  'm  Hivel  nunncr  un  'ra  Bloe  Berg  zu!  Des 
war  aver  en  g'  bloff  un  en  g'  boiler  das  es  alle 
Match  g'botte  hot."  (Thereupon  the  foxes  ran 
out  of  the  copse,  down  the  hill  toward  the  Blue 
Mountain.  The  barking  and  noise  was  beyond 
comparison.) — Reuben  Keller. 

A  LONG  JOURNEY  AFOOT 

This  journey  was  made  by  Philip  Keller  (IV, 
1)  and  Joseph  Keller  (IV,  17).  Quite  a  full  his- 
tory was  prepared  by  Philip,  of  which  we  can  here 
give  only  a  very  condensed  account.  A  large  num- 
ber of  relatives  and  friends — Shooks,  Millers,  Shel- 
lys  and  Kellers,  all  former  playmates  of  the  Kel- 
lers, had  removed  farther  north  in  the  state,  espe- 
cially to  Wyoming  Co.,  Pa.  "It  was  very  painful 
to  have  them  leave  us."  Among  them  were  the 
grandparents,  uncles  and  aunts  of  Joseph. 

"Our  hunger  to  see  them  increased,  and  father 
(III,  32)  and  uncle  Jacob  (III,  34)  made  us  the 
promise,  that  if  we  would  push  our  work,  we  might 
visit  them  after  seeding  was  done.  We  pushed  the 
work,  and  though  time  appeared  to  go  slow,  the 
day  set  for  our  departure  finally  came.  We  were 
as  green  as  could  be." 

This  was  between  1838  and  1840,  hence  Philip 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       155 

was  about  20  or  21  years  old  and  Joseph  18  or  19 
years  old. 

Early  in  the  morning-,  each  having-  a  little 
bundle  of  clothing  and  lunch,  they  started  out  to 
Wind  Gap,  Saylersburg,  Broadhead,  &c.  Up  the 
Pocono  Mountain  for  three  miles  the  way  was 
thronged  with  lumber  teams.  The  boys  spent  the 
night  at  a  tavern  on  top  of  the  mountain;  in  the 
evening-  they  were  entertained  by  loung-ers,  with 
hunters'  stories,  of  conflicts  with  bears,  panthers, 
&c.,  and  what  a  hero  and  public  benefactor  the  one 
was  who  had  killed  a  panther.  Next  day,  while 
going  along  wild  and  rough  ways,  the  stories  of 
the  past  night  made  the  boys  constantly  think  that 
some  ravenous  beast  might  leap  out  of  its  hiding 
place.  When  they  were  yet  on  the  mountain,  the 
beautiful  Wyoming  Valley  burst  into  view  with 
bewitching  effect.  Then  a  bird's-eye  view  of 
Wilkes  Barre  and  the  broad  Susquehanna  lay  before 
them  in  their  beauty.  They  went  on  to  Kingston, 
to  an  old  fort,  and  across  the  river  on  a  ferry.  At 
Pittston  they  pulled  off  their  shoes  and  waded 
through  the  Lackawanna,  literally  thronging  with 
fish;  thence  to  Buttermilk  Falls-  "Three  falls  like 
high  stairs  and  the  water  looks  like  milk  from  a 
distance." 

At  the  home  of  Henry  Shook.  "Who  can  im- 
agine our  feelings  when  we  stepped  into  the  midst 
of  our  dear  old  playmates !  The  surprise  was  as 
great  to  them  as  to  us.  Who  can  imagine  all  the 
questions  about  friends,  the  old  home,  &c. ! " 

Joseph  wore  thin  boots  and  his  feet  became 


156       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

very  sore;  Philip  wore  thick-soled  shoes  and  so 
fared  better.  He  took  a  side  trip  of  seven  miles 
while  Joseph  rested.  Then  on  they  went  to  Tunk- 
hannock  together.  The  country  was  wild,  settlers 
Yankees,  no  churches,  but  attended  services  in  a 
schoolhouse. 

A  moon-lig-ht  clover  seed  cutting-  was  arranged 
for  the  amusement  of  the  young-  visitors.  For  the 
first  time  these  young-  Kellers  saw  the  long-  scythe 
with  crooked  snath  used.  They  however  concluded 
that  the  short,  broad  Dutch  scythe  did  cleaner 
work.     Quite  a  field  was  mowed  in  two  hours. 

Also  an  evening-  party  was  gotten  up  in  honor 
of  the  guests.  "Singing,  marching  and  counter- 
marching beat  anything  we  ever  saw."  Then  they 
stopped  at  the  home  of  John  Shelly,  high  on  the 
river  bluff.  Soon  they  went  on  to  Columbia  Co.  via 
Wilkes  Barre;  walked  on  the  towpath  to  Nanticoke; 
visited  a  coal  mine;  reached  the  home  of  Alexander 
Miller,  but  on  account  of  serious  sickness  there,  did 
not  remain.  It  was  night,  but  after  some  trouble, 
they  found  a  tavern.  On  account  of  drunken 
miners  and  rough  conduct  they  left  next  morning 
without  breakfast.  "Crossed  the  river  in  a  bateau 
perhaps  30  feet  long  and  not  much  wider  than  a 
big  feed  trough.  He,  the  boatman,  saw  we  were 
green  and  laughed  heartily  at  our  fear."  Finally 
they  reached  a  tavern  and  ordered  breakfast.  The 
lusty  woman  said:  "You  look  as  though  you  needed 
something  to  cat."  They  went  on  down  the  river, 
and  bought  some  crackers  that  proved  stale,  hard 
as  walnuts,  and  infested  with  ants. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       157 

Then  they  visited  a  Jacob  Keller,  and  went 
with  the  children  to  church,  and  heard  a  "Rev. 
Bergstresser  deliver  an  exciting  sermon." 

Next  the}'  found  the  home  of  Samuel  Keller. 
"Delig-htful  company!"  Then  they  went  to  Mauch 
Chunk.  According"  to  the  mile  stones,  they  walked 
at  the  rate  of  a  mile  every  fifteen  minutes.  At  an 
eating  house  at  Hazleton  a  drunken  man  threat- 
ened to  abuse  Joseph,  but  he  was  protected  by 
others.  A  coal  train  was  ready  to  start  to  Mauch 
Chunk  and  the  friendly  engineer  invited  them  to 
get  on  the  engine.  The  fare  was  to  be  25  cents' 
worth  of  treats.  After  the  train  had  gone  some 
distance,  it  was  halted  at  a  tavern.  The  Kellers 
paid  the  25  cents,  but  remained  on  the  engine. 
There  was  terrible  profanity  among  the  miners. 
The  train  started  but  was  hindered  by  cattle  on 
the  track;  then  a  butcher  drove  along  on  the  track 
for  some  distance  but  the  train  did  not  overtake 
him.  Philip  says  :  "I  do  not  remember  of  hearing 
a  man  swear  until  we  reached  Carbon  County." 
They  did  not  like  the  looks  of  Mauch  Chunk,  so 
they  went  on  down  the  river,  the  Lehigh,  to  Le- 
highton,  for  the  night.  Next  morning  they  went 
on  down  the  river  to  the  Blue  Mountain,  through 
the  Wind  Gap  over  into  their  own  old  Northampton 
County;  then  through  Nazareth,  Filetown,  &c.,  to 
their  Plainfield  homes. 

Facts  were  furnished  by  Philip  Keller.  In  the 
light  of  the  modern  modes  of  travel,  the  preceding 
sketch  is  very  instructive  to  all  of  us. —  [Ed.] 


CHAPTER  XX 

REUNION  AND  ASSOCIATION  HISTORY 

Even  before  any  reunions  were  held  or  a  formal 
organization  effected,  the  matter  of  family  g^ather- 
ings  had  received  some  attention  by  several 
branches  of  the  Keller  connection.  Also,  the  hope 
was  expressed  that  at  some  time  there  might  be  a 
representative  gathering  at  the  old  historic  place 
in  Pennsylvania,  where  the  original  American 
head  of  our  family  settled.  But  for  a  long  time 
none  of  these  fond  hopes  or  anticipations  were 
realized.  The  sentiment,  expressed  later  by  the 
author  of  this  book,  had  been  13'ing  quiet  in  many 
a  Keller  soul;  and  when  read  to  the  gathering  of  a 
large  portion  of  the  Western  families,  it  met  with 
an  enthusiastic  response.  Dr.  Eli  Keller  (IV,  6) 
said:  "I  am  an  advocate  of  family  reunions. 
There  should  be  in  every  family  a  family  pride,  or 
call  it  a  family  consciousness.  It  is  very  much  the 
same  as  home-feeling,  not  centering  in  locality 
only  or  mainly,  but  in  'Kith  and  Kin.' 

"Family  reunions,  if  rightly  observed,  must 
strengthen  and  sanctify  family  ties.  Our  social 
nature  requires  more  than  merely  to  know  that  this 
man  or  this  woman  is  a  relative;  more  than  to  at- 
tend the  funeral  of  a  relative  and  mingle  our  tears 
with  those  of  sorrowing  friends.  It  means  also  to 
rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice;  it  means  to  look 
into  unbeclouded  eyes  and  to  come  into  touch  with 
(158) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY        159 

those  whom  God  has  made  to  be  in  a  special  sense 
'of  one  flesh.' 

"If  such  family  reunions  are  gfood  in  a  general 
way,  they  must  be  good  for  our  Keller  family,  and 
should  find  a  heart}'  support." 

Of  this  family  life  and  of  this  spirit  of  family 
unity,  the  Association  and  Reunions  were  born. 

I 

The  first  reunion  was  held  June  8,  1893,  at  the 
home  of  Philip  Keller  (IV,  1),  in  Sandusky  Town- 
ship, Crawford  County,  Ohio. 

Rev.  Eli  Keller,  D.  D.,  (IV,  6),  of  Zionsville, 
Pa.,  the  prime  mover  in  the  matter,  was  present 
and  called  the  meeting-  to  order.  A  scripture  lesson 
was  read,  prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  Joseph  A. 
Keller,  D.  D.,  (IV,  11),  of  Hartville,  Ohio,  and 
then  the  Doxologfy  was  sung". 

Dr.  Eli  Keller  was  elected  President;  John  H. 
Keller  (V,  6),  Secretary,  and  Christian  A.  Keller 
(V,  29),  Treasurer. 

An  address  was  made  by  the  President,  and 
Philip  Keller  made  remarks  along-  the  same  line. 

Joseph  A.  spoke  of  the  history  and  future  aims 
of  the  family.  Rev.  J.  B.  Shumaker,  D.  D.,  (IV,  14) 
in  very  appropriate  words,  paid  a  special  tribute 
to  g-randmother,  Mary  Eng-ler  Keller  (III,  33). 
Several  made  tender  and  loving-  reference  to  the 
Civil  War  and  the  deaths  of  Captain  Amos  (IV,  5) 
and  Lieutenant  Aaron  (IV,  10)  Keller. 

The  matter  of  the  next  reunion  was  referred  to 
the  following-  Committee  of  Arrangements:  Rev. 
Eli,  John  H.,  and  Christian  A.  Keller. 


160       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

Dinner  and  supper  were  served  to  all.  Fifty- 
two  persons  were  present. 

II 

As  stated  in  the  introductory  words  to  this 
chapter,  the  question  of  reunions  was  thought  of  a 
g-reat  deal,  but  no  one  had  a  plan  formulated  by 
which  to  bring-  about  the  reunions  so  much  longed 
for.  Therefore,  there  seemed  to  spring-  from  the 
thinking  of  some  one  the  idea  of  having  reunions 
by  families.  This  led  to  the  first  reunion  at  the 
home  of  Philip  Keller  (IV,  1)  in  Sandusky  Town- 
ship, Crawford  County,  Ohio;  and  to  the  second  at 
the  home  of  Joseph  Keller  (IV,  17)  in  Sandusky 
Township,  Crawford  County,  Ohio,  about  one  week 
later  than  the  first  reunion.  This  reunion  was  in- 
formal. The  forenoon  was  spent  in  a  free,  social 
way.  The  splendidly  loaded  table  was  placed  in 
the  large  east  room  and  repeatedly  filled  with  Kel- 
lers. The  afternoon  was  spent  in  the  large  west 
room.  Here  the  proceedings  were  so  informal  that 
nearly  everyone  contributed  in  some  way  to  the  joy 
and  happiness  of  those  who  have  Jacob  Keller  (III, 
34)  and  Elizabeth  Shook  Keller  (III,  35)  for  their 
grandparents. 

There  were  about  forty  present. 

Ill 

The  third  reunion  was  held  in  the  hall  of  Bid- 
die  G.  A.  R.  Post,  Sulphur  Springs,  Ohio,  June  1, 
1899. 

The  President  being  absent,  Philip  Keller 
(IV,  1)  called  the  meeting  to  order.     Rev.  Joseph 


1   .u..      -. 

K"^    ^^^^^^^^H 

^p^l^^r^  JIH^^SI^EIH 

C  ^^  ^^l^^^B 

^^^^^Hm      .  -di|^^^||ttjw^%r"  "^^^^^^^.^^^ 

l^^v.          -'"■S^'^B 

(■g^F^JHH^ 

K  f^ 

^                         '   ;  ^^K^S  .     S||^^| 

fi 

1^^^"^ 

.;    f|^ 

ITiii^l 

HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       161 

A.  Keller,  D.  D.,  (IV,  11)  was  then  elected  Presi- 
dent, and  Rev.  Reuben  Keller,  (V,  76)  Secretary. 
After  this  all  participated  in  a  banquet. 

At  1:30  o'clock  the  Association  was  again 
called  to  order  by  the  President,  who  made  very 
appropriate  introductory  remarks.  A  hymn  was 
sung,  and  prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  E.  D.  Wet- 
tach,  D.  D.,  (V,  32).  After  another  song,  a 
motion  prevailed  to  make  the  organization  perma- 
nent, with  head-quarters  at  Sulphur  Springs,  and 
that  a  reunion  be  held  once  every  three  years.  C. 
A.  Keller  (V,  29)  was  elected  Treasurer,  and  Dr. 
Eli  (IV,  6)  and  Amos  Keller  (V,  13),  Historians. 

Ellen  Keller  (V,  9),  Clara  Norton  (V,  37),  and 
Geo.  P.  Rader  (V,  34)  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  arrange  for  the  reunion  in  1902. 

Sympathy  was  expressed  in  regard  to  holding 
a  reunion  in  Pennsylvania  at  some  time,  but 
definite  action  was  deferred.  Another  song  was 
sung. 

The  President  read  a  letter  from  Dr.  Eli 
Keller,  which  was  full  of  sympathy,  reminiscence 
and  suggestion.  This  letter  was  ordered  published 
in  the  county  papers  and  will  be  found  in  full 
printed  form  in  the  records  of  the  Association. 

A  telegram  of  fraternal  greetings  was  ordered, 
and  immediately  sent  to  Dr.  Eli  Keller. 

The  subject  of  a  family  history  was  considered 
and  on  motion  the  Historians  were  requested  to 
consider  further  the  advisability  of  publishing  such 
a  book. 

Sixty-seven  persons  were  present. 


162       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

IV 

The  fourth  reunion  was  held  at  the  beautiful 
and  inviting-  home  of  Joel  F.  Keller,  one  mile  south 
of  Sulphur  Springs,  Aug.  21,  1902. 

In  1899,  the  da}^  was  so  rainy  that  shelter  had 
to  be  sought  in  a  hall.  This  day  was  clear,  com- 
fortable and  all  that  the  most  interested  or  fastid- 
ious could  desire.  The  recreations,  fellowship  and 
social  enjoyments  were  in  beautiful  harmony  with 
the  delightful  day.  The  members  of  the  family 
and  others  present  ranged  from  the  aged  fathers 
and  mothers  of  four-score  years  to  the  cooing  babe 
in  its  mother's  arms.  After  hand-shakings,  intro- 
ductions and  cordial  greetings,  a  rich  and  rare  feast 
was  enjoyed  at  tables  under  the  spreading  trees  in 
the  house  yard. 

After  this  a  feast  of  a  higher  order  was  also 
participated  in  and  relished  by  all  in  the  observ- 
ance of  the  following  program  : 

Song — "As  the  Years  Roll  On" — By  a  family 
chorus. 

Prayer— By  Rev.  J.  B.  Shumaker,  D.  D.,  of 
Tiffin,  Ohio. 

Chorus  Songf — "Memory  Bells." 

Reading  of  Minutes. 

Recitation — By  Lois  Keller. 

Chorus  Song- — "We  Shall  Never  Pass  Again 
This  Way." 

A  letter,  bearing  affectionate  greeting  from 
Dr.  Eli  Keller,  read  by  the  President. 

Song— "The  First  Robin"— By  Ruth  Keller 
and  Florence  Rader. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY       163 

Remarks  on  the  Family  Tree — By  the  Sec'y. 

Piano  Solo— By  Anna  Gertrude  Wettach. 

Vocal  Solo — "Mizpah,"  and  encore,  "The  Four- 
leaf  Clover" — By  Anna  M.  Shumaker. 

The  matter  of  publishing-  a  family  history  in 
book  form  received  thorough  consideration,  favor- 
ing such  project,  Dr.  Wettach  (V,  32),  Prof.  A.  D. 
Keller  (V,  84),  Samuel  Keller  (V,  15),  and  the 
President  (IV,  11). 

On  motion  it  was  decided  by  unanimous  voice 
to  publish  such  a  history  and  that  Dr.  Eli  Keller 
(V,  6)  be  requested  to  prepare  manuscript  for  same. 
Also  the  following"  committees  were  appointed  : 

To  assist  Dr.  Keller  in  gathering  material  for 
the  book— Amos  Keller  (V,  13),  J.  A.  Keller  (IV, 
11),  Reuben  Keller  (V,  76),  Elias  Keller,  J.  A. 
Welsh,  and  Samuel  Keller  (V,  15). 

On  publication  of  the  History — A.  D.  Keller 
(V,  84),  J.  A.  Keller  (IV,  11),  and  Reuben  Keller 
(V,  76). 

On  arrangements  for  the  reunion  in  1905 — O. 
J.  (V,  71),  Amos  (V,  13),  Abbie  (V,  10),  and  Mil- 
ton Keller  (V,  41),  and  Mary  J.  Rader  (V,  33). 

Song — "God  be  with  You." 

Benediction — By  the  President. 

Ninety-four  persons  were  present. 


PEOPLE,  PLACES,  AND  INCIDENTS 


Abbott  on  the  War..83,84,85,87 

Adopted  by  Indians 48 

Akron 100,  105,  106,  120 

Alabama 84 

AUentown,  Pa 97 

Alliance,  O 99 

Alps 15 

America 14,  16,  17,  19,  148 

America,  Why  to 16 

Amerikanischer  Bot- 

schafter  77 

American  Messenger 77 

Amusements 76 

Andre,  Leonard 49 

Annapolis,  O., 

81,  82,  83,  94,  116,  117 

Bangor,  Pa 21,  103 

Bartholomew,  Frederic 79 

Battle,  Killed  in 84,  85 

Battle  of: 

Chicamauga 124 

Corinth 124 

Fort  Donaldson 138 

Gettysburg 85 

Liberty  Gap 124 

Mission  Ridge 124 

Murfreesborough 138 

N.  and  S.  C.  Campaigns  ..125 
Raid   Around    Hood's 

Army 125 

Resaca   and  Atlanta 

Campaigns 125 


Sherman's  March   to 

the  Sea 125 

Shiloh 124 

Siege  of  Atlanta 124 

Stone  River 98,  124, 138 

Surrender  of  Joseph  E. 
Johnson  at  Greens- 
borough,  N.  C 125 

Bavaria 14,  15 

Belleville,  Pa 121 

Bellevue,  0 96,  102 

Bender,  Christian,  128, 130, 131 

Bible,  Family 22,  65 

Biographical  Sketches, 

94,  100,  116,  119 

Bippus,  John  96 

Black  Death 15 

Bloomville,  O 100 

Blue  Mountain, 

21,  49,  133,  137,  148,  154,  157 

Boeman,  J.  J 119 

Bonds,  Plainfield  73 

Botschafter,  Amerikan- 
ischer  77 

"Boxer-Troubles"  107 

Braddock 27 

Bragg's  Raid 98 

Brokensword 105 

Brokensword  Creek 81,  82 

Bruch,  Jacob 154 

"Bucks-Berg" 28 

Bucyrus  Charge 96 


(164) 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


165 


Bucyrus,  O.,   74,  81,  82,  85,  95, 
96,  98,  101,  102,  119,  142 

Bull 150,  151 

Buttermilk  Falls 155 

Camp  Noble 84,  124 

Canada 26,  30,  48,  60 

Canal  Winchester 96 

Canton,  China 107 

Canton,  O 100 

Capital  Stock  Food  Co 108 

Captain: 

Carter,  John 18 

Keller,  Amos 79,  84,  87 

Captivity,  Experiences  in, 

29,  30,  48 

Captives,  Indian 49 

Captured;  Mother,  Sons,  28,64 

Castle  Thunder 124 

Catechism,  Heidelberg-  ...22,  23 

Centerville,  Pa 37 

Cemetery  Laid  out,  A 74 

Chamberlain,  Thomas. ..78,  79 

Cherry  Valley 49 

"Cherry  Valley  Creek" 49 

Chestnut  Tree,  The  Old, 

141,  150,  151,  152,  153 

Chicag-o,  University  of 123 

Christian  Scalped  28,  35 

Church,  Reformed,  17,73,82,94, 
99,100,103,105,106,120,122,148 

Civil  War 119,  120,  123 

Clarke,  Dr 139 

Clarksville,  Tenn.  138 

Cleveland,  0 125 

Clyde,  O 100 

College: 

Columbus,  Medical 102 

Franklin  and  Marshall  ...96 


Heidelberg,  74,  82,  83,  98, 99, 
105,  107,  122,  147 

Marshall 96 

Spencerian,  Business 108 

Toledo,  O,,  Medical 119 

Ursinus 100,  103,  107 

Committees: 

Arrangements,  On 163 

Gather  Historical  Data..l63 
Publication  of  History. ...163 

Company  C,  49th  O.  V.  1 124 

Company  H,  65th  O.  V.  1 119 

Condolence,  Col.  Wm. 

Gibson 86,  87 

Congregation,  Plainfield, 

Organized 33 

Constantine,  Mich 121 

Continent,  Western 35 

Corporal 124 

Crawford  County,  O., 

73,  80,  81,  101,  142,  159,  160 

Crestline,  0 105 

Cumberland  River 138 

Cured,  Discontent 71 

Dayton,  O.  100,  138 

Delabole,  Pa 73,  78,  132,  146 

Delaware  River 21,  71,  148 

Delaware  Water  Gap  ..  .49,  136 

Delp,  Michael 132 

Denver,  Col 99 

Detroit,  Mich 120 

Discontent  Cured  71 

Dover,  England 18 

Dying  in  the  Lord 74 

Dying  out  of  Consumption. .67 
Easton,  Pa., 

71,  80,  121,  126,  127,  132 
Emancipation  Proclamat'n,84 


166 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Emmerling,  John 134 

Employment  Found 19 

England 26 

Engler,  Casper 137 

Engler,  George 71 

Engler,  Joseph 71,  109 

English,  The 30,  31 

Enlisting 84 

Erbach  River 15 

Ernsweiler 17 

Experiences  in  Captivity, 

29,  30,  48 

Family  Bible 22,  65 

Febles,  Frederick 137 

Fireside,  O 104 

Flax  Hatcheled 128 

Forest,  0 138 

Fort,  Jacob  Ruth 146 

Fostoria,  O 103 

Fourth  Commandment 135 

Found,  Employment... 19 

France 15,  16,  26 

Free,  Prisoners  Set 31 

French,  The 30 

"French  and  Indian  War," 

26,  2>Z 

"Frontier  Forts" 26,  30 

Galion,  O 80 

General: 

Johnson,  Joseph  E. 125 

Reynolds  85 

Rosecrans 85 

Sherman 125 

Germany 16 

Gibson,  Col.  Wm. .Letter  of, 

86,87 

Good,  Jacob  148 

Good,  Dr.  J.  H...99,147,148,149 


Good,  Prof.  R 99 

Goshen,  Ind. 122 

Gottschall,  John 134,  135 

Greenville,  O 104 

Hardt  Mountains 14,  21,  148 

Harrisburg,  Pa 121 

Hartville,  0 99,  104, 159 

Harvest  Joy  77 

Harvest  Scene 77 

Hay-Making,  Death  in 68 

Hazleton,  Pa 157 

Heckerinan,  Dr 107 

Heidelberg  Catechism  ...22,  23 
Heidelberg: 

College,  74,  82,  83,  98,  99,  105, 
107,  122,  147 

Theological  Seminary, 

98,  100,  103,  105,  122, 147 

University,  Financial 

Sec.  of 100,  105 

University. .105,  106,  108,  123 

Heights  of  Abraham 31 

Heller,  Daniel 117 

Heller,  Jacob 130,131 

Henning,  David  153 

Hicksville,  0 100 

History,  Traditional 14 

Home  Again 31 

Home  Industry  24 

Home,  The  Oldest,  Sold 81 

Home,  New 21 

Homes,  Other  Keller 82 

House,  First 22 

Holland 18 

Hong  Kong,  China 107 

Horn,  Maria 69 

Hospital: 

Camp  Dennison,  0 125 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


167 


Louisville,  Kentucky 125 

Murfreesboroug-h 125 

Nashville 85,  125 

New  Albany,  Ind 125 

Howell's  Store 71 

Hymn  Book 22 

Illinois 80 

Indians,  Adopted  by 48 

Indian  Captives 49 

Indian  Life,  Tired  of 49 

Indians,  24,26,27,28,29,30,37, 
48,  64,  146,  147,  149 

Indian  Raids 32,  35,  37,  65 

Industry,  Home 24 

Inspection,  Tour  of 80 

"Jake's  Kop," 

110,  116,  140,  149,  153 

Johnsonville,  Pa 37 

Joseph's  Love-Making 19 

Journey,  Western 73 

Joy,  Harvest 77 

Kaltenbach,  Mr 142,  143 

Karstarphon,  Rev 139 

Kefauver,  Rev.  L,.  H 99 

Keil,  John 142,  143 

Kern,  Leonard 128 

Killed  in  Battle 84,  85 

Kingston,  Pa 155 

Kirchen  Zeitung 97 

Kratzer,  John 110 

Koeppen,  Prof.  A.  L, 15 

Lackawanna  River 155 

Lafayette  Post,  G.  A.  R 125 

Laid  Out,  A  Cemetery 74 

Lancaster,  Pa 15,  96,  100 

"Lang  Schwamm" 110 

Laurel  Hill 28 

Learned  Trades 78 


Lehighton 157 

Lehigh  River 68,  157 

Lehigh  Water  Gap 136 

Letter  of  Col.  Wm.  Gibson, 

86,87 

Leverne,  Tenn 125 

Lexington,  N.  C 125 

Libby  Prison 124 

Liberty  Center,  O 99 

Lieutenant: 

Keller,  Aaron  H 79,  84,  87 

Keller,  Eli 79 

Keller,  Philip 79 

Life,  Religious 77, 78 

Lincoln,  Abraham 109 

Lindsey,  O 122 

Lookout  Mountain 123 

Lost,  John  Jacob 64 

Louisville,  Ky 138 

Love-Making,  Joseph's 19 

Lower  Mt.  Bethel  Tp 71 

Mammoth  Cave,  Ky 140 

Manchester,  O 100 

Mansfield,  0 124 

Marion,  O .' 102 

Marriage,  Philip's 68 

Martins  Creek 148 

Mauch  Chunk 157 

Maximillian  Insurrection  ..124 

McFall,  John 137 

Medicine,  Starling  School  of, 

107 
Medical.Columbus  College,102 

Meeting,  Prayer 78 

Mercersburg: 

Academy 96 

Classis 96 

Theological  Seminary,  73,96 


168 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Mexico ."...124 

Miller,  Alexander 156 

Ministers: 

Keller,  Eli,  72,  79,  82,  91,  95, 
102, 133-8. 140.  142, 143,  147, 
149,  158-9,  161, 162,  163 
Keller,  Frederick  H., 

91,  92,  103 

Keller,  Joseph  A.,  72,  82-5, 

93,  96,  98,  138,  159,  161,  163 

Keller,  Reuben,  115,116,122, 

142,  144-6,  149,  154,  161,  163 

Shumakcr,  Howard  K., 

M.  D 94,  106 

Shumaker,  J.  B., 

94,  99,  159,  162 
Wettach,  E.  D., 

92,  104,  105,  161,  163 

Mississippi,  The 26,  84 

Montreal,   Canada,  29,30,31,48 

Moselle  River 15,  148 

Murfreesborough  84,  85,  98 

Musgrave,  William 97 

Names, Scripture, prevalent,23 

Nanticoke 71,156 

Nashville,  Tenn 85,98,  138 

Nazareth,  Pa 157 

Neriah,  Mich 122 

New  Home 21 

New  Jefferson,  O 122 

Niemeyer,  Maria, «^^  Horn,  69 

Niemeyer,  Rev.  Peter  F 69 

Northampton  Co.,  Pa.,  21,  31, 
69,  71,  81,  100,  127,  131,  157 

North,  The 83 

Observance,  Sabbath 77 

Ohio,  Removal  to 80 

Ohio  Synod,  67,100,103,105,122 


Old  Fort,  0 107 

Old  Home 49,  65 

Oldest  Home  Sold 81 

Org-anized, Sunday  Schools,  77 

Orville,  O 104,  105 

Ox  Conquered 70 

Ox-Teams 60 

Paulding,  0 119,  120 

Pennsburg,  Pa 103 

Penna.  German  Society 26 

Perkiomen  Seminary 103 

Petersburg,  0 104 

Petoskey,  Mich 120 

Philadelphia,  Pa.,  15, 17,  31,37 
Physicians: 

Flavien,  Edward  Bower,  112 

Flavien,  William 112,119 

Keller,  Calvin 91,  92,  102 

Keller,  David 91,  102 

Shumaker,  H.  K 94,  106 

Pietists 78,  96 

Pittston,  Pa 155 

Plainfield 71,  118 

Plainfield: 

Bonds 73 

Church,  21,  37,  69,  73, 146,153 

Good  Enough 71 

Grave  Yard ,  ..36 

Homes 157 

Reformed  Cong'n,  33,78,132 

Township 126,  128 

Pleasures  and  Toils 76 

Pocono  Mountain 155 

Pomp,  Rev.  Thomas 78,  132 

Prayer  Meetings 78 

Prisoners  at: 

Castle  Thunder 124 

Libby  Prison 124 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


169 


Prisoners  Set  Free 31 

Proclamation,  Emanci- 
pation   84 

Quebec 31 

Rader,  Aaron 79 

Rader,  Peter .79 

Raids,  Indian 32,  35,  37,  65 

Rebellion,  The 74,  82,  83,  87 

Reedsburg-,  0 105,  106 

Reformed  Church,  17,73,82,94, 
99,100,103,105,106,120,122,148 

Reformed  Synod 14 

Reform,  Temperance 77 

Regiment,  8th  O.  V.  1 83 

Regiment,  Co.  C.,49th 

O.  V.  1 84.  124 

Reichard,  Mr 33 

Religious  Life 77,  78,  86 

Removal  to  Ohio 80 

Reunions,  Happy 31 

Revolutionary  War,32,33,36,49 

Revolutionary  Soldiers 49 

Rexroth,  Sarah 138 

Rheinpfalz 14 

Rhine  River 15,148 

Richards,  Hon 26 

Richmond,  Va 124 

Ross,  John  126,  127,  131 

Rotterdam 18 

Ruppert  Farm 81,  82 

Saar  River 15,  148 

Sabbath  Day 77,  135,  152 

Sabbath  Observance 77 

Sad  Accident,  A 68 

Sandusky  River 74 

Sargeant 124 

Saylersburg,  Pa 155 

Scalped,  Christian 28,  35 


Scene,  A  Harvest 77 

Schaff,  Rev.  Dr 96 

School  in  a  Dwelling 69 

Schwartzenacker 14 

Schwova  Fens 149 

Scott,  A.  J. 121 

Scripture  Names  Prevalent,23 

Seneca  County 99 

Separatists 78 

•'Settlemant" 68 

Shawnee  Valley 71 

Shelley,  John 156 

Shook,  Henry 155 

Shook,  Jacob 109 

Shook,  Peter 110 

Shot,  A  Skillful 48 

"Shover's  Gap" 133 

Shumaker,  Mr 80 

Sketches,  Biographical, 

94,  100, 116,  119 

Snyder,  Gottlieb 132,133 

Southey 141 

South  McAlester,  I.  T 120 

South,  The 83 

Starling  School  of  Med- 
icine  107 

Steltzner 78 

Stern,  Rev.  Dr.  Max 80 

"Stocking" 71 

Storrs,  Harrison,  Nursery 

Co 108 

Sulphur  Springs,  O.,  81,94,97, 

104, 105, 106, 117, 119, 120,  121, 

122,  160,  161,  162 

Sunday 17,  22,  77,  135 

Sunday  School  Hymnal 122 

Sunday  School  Organized,  77 
Susquehanna  River 71 


170 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


"Swiss"  15 

Switzer,  Matthew 18 

Switzerland 33 

Sycamore,  O. 105 

Teed  Blockhouse 30 

Tell,  William 15 

Temperance  Reform 77 

Tennessee 84,  138 

"Three  Churches" 71 

Tiffin  Classis 99,  103,  122 

Tiffin,  O.,  82,84,  98,  99,  100,103, 
105,  107,  162 

Tippy 150,  151 

Tiro,  O 119 

Toils  and  Pleasures 76 

Toledo,  O 105 

Tour  of  Inspection 80 

Tow 128 

Trades  Learned 78 

Traditional  History 14 

Tunkahannock,  Pa 156 

Union  Church 94 

United  Brethren  Church  ...107 

University  of  Chicago 123 

University,  Vanderbilt 123 

University,  Wooster 106 

Ursinus  College 100 

Valley,  Cherry 49 

Vanderbilt  University  123 

Vandranil,  Gen 31 

Victoria,  Texas 124 


Victorious  Wrestler,  A 69 

Victory,  An  Easy 69 

Virginia 14 

VoUmer,  Rev.  Dr.  P 15 

Volunteers,   74,119,120,123,124 

War,  Tired  of 49 

Washington,  Gen.  George, 

31,36 

Wathena,  Kan 104 

Weisz,  Rev.  George 67 

West  Alexandria,  0 122 

Western  Continent 35 

Western  Journey  73 

Wilkes  Barre 71,  155,  156 

Will,  The  Joseph  Keller 126 

"William" 18 

Wind  Gap,  Pa., 

103,  117,  136,  155,  157 

Wolfe,  Gen 31 

Wolff,  Rev.  Dr 96 

Work,  Products  ...24,  25,  75,  77 

Wrestler,  A  Victorious 69 

Wurtemburg 78,  96 

Wyoming  Co.,  Pa 154 

Wyoming  Valley 155 

Young,  John 130 

Youngstown,  0 104, 105 

Zionsville  Charge 96 

Zionsville,  Pa 159 

Zweibrucken 14,15,17,22,148 

Zwingli 15 


MEMBERS  OF  KELLER  FAMILY 


Note— Names  indicated  (a)  will  be  found  in  the  Addenda. 


Abel,  Matilda 40 

Achenbach,  Lucinda 40 

Minnie  S 39 

Ackerman,  Charles  S 90,101 

Lydia  A.,  nee 

Keller 90,  101 

Naomi  Edith 90 

Ainsworth,  Nettie 89 

Algert,  Andrew 59 

Cath.  Ann  59 

Catharine  59,  61 

Christine,  nee  Beck..60 
Eliza.w^^  DeRemer..59 

Ella  A 60 

George  W 59 

Hannah 60 

Henry SO 

Henry  Francis 60 

Henry  N 59 

John 59,  60 

Joseph 59,  60 

Julia 59,61 

Julia,  nee  Houck 60 

Luella,  nee  Sturgis..60 

Mabel  Cleveland 61 

Mahala 59 

Margaret 59 

Maryette 60 

Mary 61 

Mary,  nee  Keller 50 

Philip 59,69 

Rachel 60 


Algert,  Robert  James 60 

Willis  P 60 

Sarah  Elizabeth 59 

Alsover,  Ella,  nee  Gum 41 

Lucy  41 

Willis 41 

Anderson,  Anna  T 89 

Andre, Maria  Magdalene, 49, 50 
Bacon,  Cath.  Ann,  nee  Al- 
gert   59 

Bacon, 59 

Bader,  Eliza,  nee  Rhoads 63 

John 63 

Bair,  Daniel  Upton 114,121 

Ellen  M.,  nee  Bower, 

114,  121 

MonaB 114 

Myrtle  E 114 

Ruth  Emeline 115 

Sarah  Elizabeth 115 

Shafer  Bowers 115 

Baker,  Mary 51 

Batto,  Jacob 38 

Beck,  Christine 60 

Jessiah 38 

Maria,  nee  Muffly 38 

Beekly,  Eliza 54 

Besaker,  Mrs.  Simon,  nee 

Keller 56 

Bevington,  Anna  T.,  nee 

Anderson 89 

Harold  Paul 89 


(171) 


172 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Bevington,  John  Carleton....89 
Lorenzo  D.  89,100 
Lorenzo  Keller,89 
Maria,  nee  Kel- 
ler  89,  100 

Mary  M.,  nee 

Hart 89 

Mervin  Henry  ..89 
Nettie, «^^  Ains- 

worth 89 

Orton  Philip 89 

Bitja,  Mary 62 

Boeman,  Martha 112 

Bonen,  Ellis (a) 

John S3 

Lula,  nee  Smalley....53 
Bower  (Bauer),  Abraham,  82, 
110,111,116,117,119,121 
Alice  A.,  nee 

Sprague 112 

Alice  J Ill,  114,  121 

Anna  Laura.. ..Ill,  114 

Archer  A 113 

Archie  Earle 114 

Catharine  S., 

Ill,  113, 120 

Clara  Ethel 114 

Clara  May 113 

Clyde  Keller 114 

David  D Ill 

Delia  I.,  nee  Hall.  .113 

Don  Sprague 112 

Edith  Esther 114 

Edna 113 

Ella,  nee  Johnson..ll3 

Ella,  nee  Jones 113 

Emma  Elizabeth, 

111,  112,  119 


Bower,  Glen  E 114 

Grace  Stough 114 

GuyH 113 

Homer  A. 113 

Jacob Ill,  113,  120 

James 113 

Jemima 112 

Jessie  E 113 

John  Henry, 

111,  113,  120, 124 
Josephine  M.,  nee 

Markley 114 

Lena 113 

Leslie  G 113 

Lloyd  1 113 

Lynn  A 113 

Madge  Alice 112 

Malinda....lll,  112,  119 
Martha,  nee  Boe- 
man   .112 

Mary  A.,  nee  Hess. .113 
MaryEllen.lll, 114,121 

Myrtle  May 114 

Nellie  Eveline 114 

Nellie  yi.,nee  Buck, 113 

Ralph 113 

Ralph  Dwight 114 

Ray  Elwood 114 

Reuben  T.,  111,114,120 

Rodric  B 113 

Rodric  B 113 

Roy  Markley 114 

Ruth  Frances 113 

Sarah,  tiee  Keller, 

111,  116, 119 

Tilghman Ill 

Uriah  B., 

111,112,  119,  124,125 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


173 


Bower,  Walter  Scott 114 

Brown,  Flora  % 51 

H.  P 39 

Lizzie  G.,  nee  Mc- 

Cammon 39 

Buck,  Nellie  M 113 

Burroughs,  Addie  M.,  nee 

Doug-lass 112 

Edgar  Allen. ...112 
Howard  Doug- 
lass  112 

James  Lucius..ll2 
John  Harold  ....(a) 

Levi  S 112,119 

Malinda,  nee 

Bower 112,119 

Mary  Gertrude  112 
Ralph  Bowers,  112 
Ross  Gordon.  .112 
Bush,  Anna  Louise,  nee 

Hunsberger 61 

Dr 61 

Butcher,  Amanda, «^^Keller,S3 

Hezekiah 53 

Jennie  S3 

Butz,  Anna  42 

Bysher,  nee 39 

Causebaam,  Hannah,  nee 

Algert 60 

Mr 60 

Carrothers,  Maudesta  H 90 

Cheeseman,  Brayton  (a) 

George S3 

Georgie (a) 

Hazel (a) 

Isaac (a) 

Minnie,  nee 
Smalley S3 


Chinancc,  Callie,  nee 

Muffly  41 

Frank 41 

Christine,  Annie 44 

Coleman,  Wm.  V 61 

Sarah  Lilian,  nee 

Richards 61 

Converse,  Ella 112 

Datesman,  Alice,«^^  Kiefer,46 

Judson 46 

Davidson,  Florence  Maud. ...93 

Dech,  Elmira  E.  39 

Decker,  Mrs.  Horace,  nee 

Keller 56 

Delts,  Carrie  Ellen,  nee 

Richards 61 

Chas.  H 61 

Dennis,  Charles  K 58 

Elizabeth 58 

Emma 58 

Henry 58 

Jacob 58 

Jennie 58 

Kate 58 

Lange 58 

Lucy 58 

Martha  Jane  58 

Mary  Alice 58 

Mary  Ann,  nee 

Keller 58 

Nancy 50 

Theodore 58 

DeRemer,  Eliza 59 

Dickson,  Eleanor 61 

Dipper,  nee  37 

Dixon,  John 63 

Matilda, «^^  Rhoads,63 
Dodge,  Mr 59 


174 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Dodge,  Sarah  Elizabeth,  nee 

Algert 59 

Dohm,  Maryette,«^^  Algert,60 

Mr 60 

Doney,  John 42 

Rose  Ellen,  nee 

Repsher 42 

Douglass,  Addie  M 112 

Downing,  Grace  D S3 

Drake,  Catharine  Jane 56 

Charles 62 

Clayton 62 

Elmira,  nee  Keller. ...62 

Emelia 62 

Lewis 62 

lyilyan 62 

Nelly 62 

Willie 62 

Drumm,  John  Adam 17,  19 

Mary  Engel  ..17,19,21 

Dunning,  George,  Sr. 56 

George,  Jr. 56 

Irwin  G 56 

Jennie 56 

Mary  M 56 

Minnie,  nee 

Rhodes 56 

Oswin 56 

Th.  W 56 

Eckert,  Abraham 46 

Mrs.  Abraham,  nee 

Gruber 46 

Frances  E 47 

Frank 46 

Mrs.  Frank,  nee 

Seiple 46 

George 46 

Hyrem 46 


Eckert,  John 46 

Katy  Ann 46 

Malinda 46 

Sarah,  nee  Muffly  ...46 

Edinger,  Minnie 41 

Eldridge,  Harry 44 

Harvey 44 

Ida 44 

Lizzie 44 

Mahlon 44 

Mamie 44 

Martin 44 

Mrs.  Martin,  nee 

Raraple  44 

Sarah  Ann,  nee 

Ruth 44 

William 44 

Ely,  Kate 54 

Emert,  Charles  Wm 66 

Edwin  John 66 

Herbert  Keller 66 

Jennie  Louise 66 

Mary  Elizabeth,  nee 

Keller 66 

William 66 

Engler,  Mary 72 

Susannah 69 

Fagan,  Aceph  S 51 

Amanda  Lotitia 51 

Celia  Minnette 51 

Edward  C 51 

Emma,  nee  Hager- 

man  51 

Flora  E.,  nee 

Brown 51 

Henry 51 

Hettie,  nee  Keller  ...51 
Kate  Ina 51 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


175 


Fagan,  Russell  L, 51 

Walker  V 51 

Farley,  Caryl  E (a) 

Jennie, «^^  Butcher, S3 
Farst,  Bertha  Sarah,  nee 

Heller 113 

Hellen  May 114 

W.  F 113 

Felker,  Mary  Ann 62 

Fell,  nee 40 

Mary 43 

Fellenser,  Elizabeth,  nee 

Keller 59 

Fred 63 

George 63 

John 59 

Laura 57 

Lewis 63 

Sarah  Jane,  nee 

Keller 63 

Fisher,  Elizabeth 50 

Flavien,  Edward  Bower 112 

Ella,  nee  Con- 
verse  112 

Emma  Elizabeth, 
nee  Bower  ..112,119 

Grace  Ellen 112 

Maude  Mitchel....ll2 

Mildred 112 

William 112,  119 

Flory,  Annie 40 

Carrie  40 

Charles 40 

Clifford 40 

Edna 40 

Katie,  nee  Gum 40 

Theodore 40 

Wilmer 40 


Fouse,Ada  E.,«<?i?Keller,93,106 

Howard  Keller 93 

James  Kenneth 93 

William  F 93,  106 

Fritz,  Reuben 46 

Sarah,  nee  Kiefer 46 

Frost,  Eva  L.,  nee  Keller  ...52 

Jesse  C 52 

Fuller,  Manley  C... 114 

Nellie  Eveline,  nee 

Bower 114 

Geib,  Maria 51 

Gentner,  Lilly  May 92, 104 

Getz,  Daniel 38 

Mary  Ann,«^^  Muffly..38 
Sally  Ann,«^£?  Muffly..38 

William 38 

Good  (Guth)  Mr.,  14,  17,  19,147 

Mrs 14 

The  Son 14 

Gruber,  Miss 46 

Gum,  Aaron 40 

Annie,  nee  Itterly 41 

Annie  K 40 

Charles 41 

Dorothy 41 

Elizabeth,  «e^  Muffly..40 

Ella 41 

Eugene 40 

Hannah 40 

Hattie 40 

Irwin 41 

James  E 40 

Katie 40 

Lewis 41 

hilly, nee  Keiper 41 

Lucinda,  nee  Achen- 
bach 40 


176 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Gum,  Lucy  'S, 41 

Mabel  41 

Mary  40 

Minnie 40 

Myrtle 41 

Raymond 41 

Guth  (Good),  Mr.,  14,17, 19,147 

Haden,  Harry 63 

Mary,  nee  Long 63 

Hagerman,  Emma 51 

Hahn,  Alfred 39 

Anna 39 

Annie 39 

Bertha ,39 

Clark 39 

Bmma  Frances,  nee 

Klein 39 

Frederic 39 

Ida,  nee  Siegfried 39 

Jeremiah  F 39 

Lucy 39 

Lucy  A.,  nee  Mc- 

Cammon 39 

Minnie  S.,«^<?  Achen- 

bach 39 

Richard  Samuel 39 

Robert  C 39 

Samuel 39 

Halbach,  Mark 92,  104 

Mary  Julia,  nee 

Keller 92,  104 

Hall,  Delia  I. 113 

Harper,  Edna  0 54 

Levi 54 

Philip 55 

Harrington,  Mahala,  7iee 

Algert 59 

Mr 59 


Hart,  Mary  M 89 

Hartzell,  Abr 39 

Florence  R.,  nee 

Klein 39 

Hatch,  Anna 57 

Heft,  Salome 53 

Heller,  Abysene,  nee  Zuber..42 

Amy  Jeannette 114 

Bertha  M.,  nee 

Mitchell 114 

Bertha  Sarah 113 

Catharine  S.,  nee 

Bower 113,  120 

Dorothy  Jeannette, 114 

Edward 42 

Elizabeth 55 

Louise 63 

Matilda 63 

Robert  Bower 114 

Thomas 113,  120 

Hersh,  Katie  Sophia 91 

Hess,  nee 59 

Alice  J 114,  121 

Alice  J.,  nee  Bower. ..114 

Frank  M 114,  121 

Mabel  E 114 

Mary  A 113 

Hinton,  Anna  L.,  nee  Nyce..57 

John  C 57 

Sally 63 

Hirn,  Grace  EM«^^Flavien,112 

Harvey  Earl 112 

Margaret  Elizabeth..ll2 

Hoffeditz,  Emma  Julia 91 

Houck,  Arlington 39 

Edwin  J. 39 

Elizabeth,  nee  Mc- 
Cammon 39 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


177 


Houck,  Jennie,  nee  Stocker..39 

Julia 60 

Karl  39 

Lester 39 

Lizzie 39 

Mary,  nee  Schoch 39 

Reuben 39 

Russell 39 

Sarah  Alice 39 

W.  Oliver 39 

Hunsberger,  Abraham  C 61 

Anna  Louise  ..61 

Fanny  A 61 

Henry  C 61 

Joseph  61 

Ju\ia.,nee  Al- 

gert 61 

Mary  C 61 

Itterly,  Annie 41 

Johnson,  Ella 113 

Mary 51 

Mary  Elizabeth, 

nee  Richards 62 

Wm 62 

Jones,  Aulef 42 

Edward 41 

Ella 113 

Mary  Ellie,  nee 

Strauss 41 

Mildred 42 

Jump,  Ellsworth 52 

Floyd 52 

Martha  Idell,  nee 

Kiefer 52 

Kaufman,  Charles 47 

Kaufmann,  Adam 43 

Anna  Maria,«^^ 
Muffly 47 


Kaufmann,  Caroline 43 

Catharine 43 

Catharine,  nee 

Kuntzman 44 

Charles  42 

Charles 43 

Charles 43 

Charles 44 

Clara 43 

Elizabeth 43 

Elizabeth 44,46 

Elsie 43 

Emma 44 

Frank 44 

George 43 

Ida 44 

Jennie 43 

Jessie..: 43 

John 43 

John 43 

Jonathan 44 

Maria 43 

Martha 43 

Mary,  nee  Fell  ..43 
Mary,  nee 

Muffly 42 

Mrs.,  nee 

Reimel 43 

Oliver 43 

Samuel 43 

Samuel 44 

Sarah 44 

Sarah,  nee 

Kunsman 43 

Sarah,  nee 

Weidman 43 

Sarah,  nee 

Wolff 43 


178 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Kauf  mann,  Sobina,  nee 

Ruth 43 

William 43 

William 43 

Keiper,  Lilly  41 

Keller,  Aaron  Henry, 

72,  79,  82, 84,  85,  98, 159 

Abbie 54 

Abilene  L 89,101,163 

Ada  Ellen....92,  93,  106 

Adam 50 

Adam 50 

Adam 68 

Addie  Florence 116 

Addie  Florence,  nee 

Keller 116 

Albert  David, 

lis,  116,  123,  163 

Alice 57 

Alice,  nee  Spencer. ...58 

Allen 62 

Amos,72,  78,  82,  83,  84. 
98, 159 

Angeline 57 

Anna 72,82,90,95,101 

Anna 92,  104 

Anna,  nee  Hatch 57 

Anna  I< 58 

Anna  Margaret, 

23,  29,  31,35,  39 
Anna  May,  nee 

Ivccrone 92 

Anna  ^.,nee  Smith,93 

Ardie  Ruth 92 

Beatus 91 

Bertha 92 

Bessie 54 

Betsey 51 


Keller,  Blaine  Reynolds  ...116 

Callie 54 

Carrie 58 

Catharine 55,  56 

Catharine  Jane,  ttee 

Drake 56 

Charles 55,56 

Charles 62 

Charles  Frederick. .57 

Chester 63 

Christian 23,28,35,36 

Christian 57 

Christian  Alfred, 

92,  104,  121,  159,  161 

Christopher 51 

Claris  F 53 

Clarissa  Sabina  ..92,93 

Claudius  Argyle 116 

Clayton  57 

Clayton 63 

CleoT S3 

Constance  Rebecca..90 

Cuba 54 

Daniel 55,  56 

David 91,  102 

David  Hersch 92 

Davie 57 

,  nee  Dipper  ....37 

Donald  D. S3 

Edward 62 

Elias 51,52,  163 

Eliza 62,63 

Elizabeth 31,  36 

Elizabeth 50,59 

Elizabeth,  nee 

Fisher 50 

Elizabeth,  nee 

Heller 55 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


179 


Keller,  Elizabeth. «^^  Shook, 
109,110,111,122,152,160 

Ella 56 

Ella 63 

Ella  F. 58 

Ella  C.,«^^Sexauer..90 

Ellen  S 89,101,161 

Eli,  72,79,82,91,95,102, 
133,134,  135,  136,  137, 
138.140,  142,  143,  147, 
149,158,  159,161, 162-3 

Eliza,  nee  Beekly 54 

Ellsworth  Spencer. ...58 

Elmira 62 

Emelia 91,  102 

Emma  57 

Emma  Eliza- 
beth    lis,  123 

Emma  Julia,  nee 

Hoffeditz 91 

Emma  Ruth 53 

Emma  S 58 

Ernest 57 

Eva  L 52 

Flora  Ann,  nee 

Neimeyer  91 

Florence  Gertrude. ...91 
Florence  Maud,  nee 

Davidson 93 

Francis  Amos,  89,  90, 
102,  161,  163 

Frank 57 

Frederick 91,92,103 

George 50,62 

George 54 

George 62 

Grace  D.,  nee 

Downing S3 


Keller,  Hannah  T.,  nee 

Stocker....88,  100,  101 

Hattie,  nee  Rader 93 

Helena  Amelia 66 

Helen  Caroline 57 

Helen  May 11'5 

Henry 50,  59 

Henry 51 

Henry  Adam 23,  36 

,  nee  Hess 59 

Hettie 51 

Horace 62 

Horatio 63 

Howard  Albert 92 

Ideletta 91 

Irene  Adele 91 

Jacob 50 

Jacob 66 

Jacob,  68,73,81,82,109, 

111,116,  122,123,151, 
152,  154,  160 

Jacob  157 

Jacob  Samuel, 

92,  93,  106 

Jennie  Amanda 115 

Jeremiah, 

115,  121,  124.  125,  153 
Jesse  C,  nee  Frost...  52 
Joel  Frederick,  72,  79, 

80,  82,  92,  97,  104,  162 

John 50,  51 

John 51,  54 

John 51,  52 

John 54 

John 55 

John 62 

John 66 

John  Abraham 115 


180         HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Keller,  John  Calvin  ..91,92,10z 

John  Carrother* 90 

John  Henry,  68,  72,  75, 
88,94,97,109,137,154 
John  Henry, 

89,  90,  94,  101,  159 

John  Henry 115,  123 

John  Jacob,  23,28,29,64 
John  Jacob, 

23,  65,  129,  130 

John,  Rev 66,  67 

Joseph,    14,16,17,19,21, 

64,65,126,128,130,131, 

146,147,148,149 

Joseph,  23,28,29, 31, 32, 

48,49,50,127,129,130 

Joseph 37 

Joseph 50 

Joseph 51,  54 

Joseph 66 

Joseph,  82,110,111,115, 

117,  123,  144,  146,153, 

154,  155,  157,  160 

Joseph  Allen,  72, 82, 83 

84,85,93,96,98,138,159 

160,  163 

Joseph  J 55,58 

Josiah 115,  117,  121 

Julia,  nee  Werk- 

heiser 58 

Kate,  nee  Ely  54 

Katie  Sophia,  nee 

Hersch 91 

Laura,  nee  Fellen- 

ser 57 

Laura  Mauree 93 

Lavine,  nee  Smith. ...56 
Leonard 50 


Keller,  Lewis 55,  58 

Lewis 62,  63 

Lillian,  nee  Leibert,92 

Lillie  Doane 116 

Lilly  May,  nee 

Gentner 92 

Linford 62 

Lloyd (a) 

Lois  Rebecca 90, 162 

Louise  50 

Louise 55 

Louise 66 

Louise,  nee  Heller. ...63 

Lovina  Bowden 116 

Lovina,  nee  Kline, 

115,  118,  153 

Lovina,  nee  Lern 62 

Lucinda 62,  63 

Lucy 51,  53 

Lucy 66 

Luther  Keller 56 

Lydia  A 89,  90,  101 

Lydia,  nee  Preish  ...66 

Magdalene 37 

Magdalene,  nee 

Schauwecker 52 

Manelva  Wylie 116 

Margaret 66 

Margaret  A 57 

Margaret  J.,  nee 

Reynolds 115 

Maria 88,  89,  100 

Maria  Ann 37,  38 

Maria  Dorothy,  nee 

Metz 65,  66 

Maria,  nee  Geib 51 

Maria  Magdalene, 

nee  Andre 49,  50 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


181 


Keller,  Marshall 63 

Martha,  nee  Staples,S9 

Mary 50,59 

Mary 51,54 

Mary 51 

Mary  Ann 55,58 

Mary  Ann,  nee 

Felker 62 

Mary,  nee  Baker 51 

Mary,  nee  Bitja 62 

Mary  Catharine, 

115,  123 

MaryE 57 

Mary  Elizabeth 66 

Mary  Emily,  nee 

Musgrave 116 

Mary  Engle,  nee 

Drumm 21,127,128 

Mary,  nee  Engler, 

72,  137,  159 

Mary  Henrietta 90 

Mary  J.,  nee 

Rhoads 58 

Mary,  nee  Johnson  ..51 
Mary  Josephine, 

92,  93,  106 

Mary  Julia 91,92,104 

Matilda 66 

Matilda  Alice  ...115,123 
Matilda,  nee  Heller..63 
Matilda,  nee 

Marietta 54 

Maudesta  H.,  nee 

Carrothers 90 

Milton 62 

Milton  Melanchthon, 

92,  93,  106,  163 
Morris  Keller 56 


Keller,  Mr 14 

Nancy 51,  52 

Nancy,  nee  Dennis. ...50 

N«wton 58 

Older  Son 14 

Oliver  Jacob, 

115,  121,  124,  163 

Orion 63 

Orlando  W 54 

Oscar  N 57 

Paul  Davidson 93 

Paul  Eli 91 

Peter 50,  55 

Philip,  23,37,68,69, 109, 
128,  129,  130,  132 

Philip 51 

Philip 66 

Philip,  72,  78,79,  82,88, 
94,  97,  100,  101,  136, 
154,  156,  157,  159,  160 

Ralph  Carleton 92 

Rebecca Ill,  118 

Reuben,    115,  116,  122, 

142,  144,  145,146,  149, 

154,  161,  163 

Rhea 54 

Riegcl,  Miss 50 

Robert  Warren 90 

Rowland  Sneath  ...116 

Russell  G 53 

Ruth  Ellen 90,  162 

Sabina  E 89,  100 

Salome,  nee  Heft S3 

Samuel 62 

Samuel 91,  102,  163 

Samuel 157 

Sarah 50,  62 

Sarah 51,  53 


182 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMHY 


Keller,  Sarah 51,  52 

Sarah 55 

Sarah 68,  69,  71 

Sarah 111,116 

Sarah  A 89 

Sarah  Jane 62,  63 

Sarah,  nee  Kemerer,S8 

Sarah,  7tce  Kulp 93 

Sarah  L.,  nee  Mc- 

Creary 52 

Sarah,«(?(?Miller,68,132 
Simon,  23,36,37,129,130 
Sobina,  nee  Werk- 

heiser 115 

Sophia,  nee  Rolfs  ....(a) 

Susan 55 

Susannah, 

72,  82,  94,  99,  138 

Susannah  E. 89 

Susannah,  7iee 

Engler 69 

Susannah,  nee 

Schaum 92,  104 

Sydenham 62,  63 

Theodore 55,  59 

Thomas 57,  58 

Valeria,  nee 

Nickelson 57 

Waldo  J 53 

William 51 

William 51,53 

William 55,  58 

William 54 

William  Albert 91 

William  Wesley 115 

Kemmerer,  Christian 46 

Elizabeth, widow 
of  Jacob  Ruth,46 


Kemmerer,  Sarah 58 

Kiefer,  Alice 46 

Elsie,  nee  Slack 46 

Sarah 46 

Theodore 46 

Kieflfer,  Bernice 52 

Charles  Wilbur 52 

Elmer  Edson 52 

Esta,  nee  Lehman  ..52 

Esther 52 

Eva 52 

Martha  Idell 52 

Nancy,  nee  Keller  ..52 

Sc-imuel  Newton 52 

Ward  Keller 52 

Klein,  Anna  Maria,  nee 

McCammon 38 

,  nee  Bysher  ....39 

Elmer  J 39 

Emma  Frances 39 

Florence  R 39 

William 38 

Kleintop,  Mary  J 45 

Kline,  Lovina 115,  118 

Kresslcr,  Catherine,  nee 

Kauf  mann 43 

Clara 43 

Lula 43 

Peter 43 

Kulp,  Sarah  93 

Kunsman,  Sarah  43 

Kuntzman,  John 47 

Labar,  Ellen 42 

Elmer 43 

Maria,  nee  Kauf- 

mann 43 

Miss 40 

Lecrone,  Anna  May  92 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


183 


Lehman,  Esta  L.  52 

Iveibert,  Lrillian 92 

Lern,  Lovina 62 

Linn,  Augusta  A.,  nee 

Wertman 55 

Floyd 55 

Randolph  55 

Lockert,  Frances,  nee 

Eckert 47 

Theodore 47 

Lohman, , 38 

Lowine,  nee 

Muffly 38 

Long-,  Clara  63 

Eliza,  nee  Keller 63 

Ella 63 

Flora 63 

Fred 63 

Gertrude 63 

Mary 63 

Mane,  Lizzie 41 

Mann,  Frances.. 41 

Marietta,  Matilda 54 

Markley,  Josephine  M 114 

Martin,  Carrie 56 

Cyril  Baird 112 

Harry  L 112 

Madge  Alice,  nee 

Bower 112 

McCammon,  Aaron 39 

Anna  Maria  ...38 

Caroline 39 

Clara  Y.,nee 

Reich 39 

Elizabeth 39 

Elmira  E.,  nee 

Dech 39 

James 40 


McCammon,  John  39 

John 47 

Lizzie  G 39 

Lucy  A 39 

Samuel 38 

Samuel 39 

Sarah, nee 

Muffly 40 

S.  Caroline 39 

Susan,  nae 

Muffly 38 

McCauley,  Annie  Cath.,  nee 

Richards 62 

Jas 62 

McCreary,  Sarah  L 52 

Mengel,  Mary  K 89 

Messinger,  George  E 39 

Sarah  Alice,  nee 

Houck 39 

Metz,  Maria  Dorothy 65,  66 

Michael,  Callie  M.,  nee 

Keller 54 

Charles 54 

Grace 54 

Harry 54 

Martin 54 

Mattie 54 

Milo 54 

Thomas 54 

Miller,  Captain 31,  32 

Elizabeth 36 

Henry 68,  72 

Margaret,»^^Keller,31 

Mr 36 

Sarah 68 

Mitchell,  Bertha  M 114 

Moser,  Michael 41 

Pauline,»«^  Straus»,41 


184 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Muffly,  Aaron 40 

Anna,  nee  Butr 42 

Anna  Maria 38,  47 

Birdie 41 

Callie 41 

Charles 38 

Charles 42 

Elizabeth 38,  42 

Elizabeth 40 

Elizabeth,  nee 

Reichard 38 

Elizabeth,  nee 

Weidner 38 

Ellen 40 

Ellen,  nee  Labar 42 

,  nee  Fell 40 

Frances,  nee  Mann. .41 

Frank 41 

George 37,38 

Georg-e 38 

Jacob 38 

Jacob 40 

Jacob 40 

John  Louis 41 

Katie  Maria 42 

Kate,  nee  Ratzel 40 

Kate,  nee  Shook 38 

,  nee  Labar 40 

Lewis 40 

Lizzie,  nee  Mane 41 

Lowine 38 

Margaret  M 42 

Maria 38 

Maria  Ann,  nee 

Keller 38 

Mary 38,  42 

Mary  Ann  38 

Mary  Edith 41 


Muffly,  Matilda,  nee  Abel  ....40 

Morris  40 

Peter 40 

Peter 42 

Philip 38 

Sally  Ann 38 

Sarah 38,  46 

Sarah 40 

Sarah 40 

Simon  38,  40 

Simon 40 

Susan 38,  47 

Susan 38 

Susan 47 

Wm.  Henry 42 

Musgrave,  Mary  Emily 116 

Neff,  Christian S3 

Hattie 54 

Ibbie S3 

Ida 54 

Isaac 53 

John 53 

Justus 53 

Loren 53 

Lucy,  nee  Keller S3 

Oscar 53 

Rella 54 

Nelson,  Charles 55 

Florence  M 55 

Horace  V 55 

Lorelda  M.,  nee 

Wertman 55 

Neimeyer,  Flora  Ann 91 

Nickelson,  Carrie,  nee 

Keller 58 

George 58 

Hazel 59 

Leroy  William....59 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


185 


Nickelson,  Mary  Ester 58 

Valeria  57 

Willard  Matthias, 
59 

Norton,  Benjamin  L< 93,  106 

Catharine  Geneva..93 
Clarissa  Sabina.w^^ 

Keller 93,106,161 

Keller  Emerick 93 

Nyce,  Anna  ly 57 

Charles  E 57 

Lester  David 57 

Mary  E.,  nee  Keller. ...57 

Warren 57 

Ogden,  Adele 116 

Charles  R 116 

Lillie  Doane,  nee 

Keller 116 

Robert  Keller 116 

O'Leary,  Jemima,  nee 

Bower 112 

John 112 

Rhea 112 

Vaughn 112 

Osman,  Anna,  nee  Keller, 

90,  95,  101 

Philip  90 

Oyer,  John 38 

Malinda,  nee  Eckert  ..46 

Obadiah 46 

Patchin,  Margaret,  nee 

Algert 59 

Mr 59 

Peacock,  Claud 56 

James 56 

Jennie,  nee 

Dunning 56 

L/Cwis 56 


Philips,  Jessie  E.,  nee 

Bower 113 

Roger  Philips 113 

W.  F 113 

Preish,  Lydia 66 

Rader,  Florence  Elizabeth, 

93,  162 

George  P 93,  106,  161 

Hattie 93 

Mary  Josephine,  nee 

Keller 93,  106, 163 

Ralston,  Elizabeth,  nee 

Zuber 42 

Hugh 42 

Rample,  nee 44 

Ratzel,  Kate 40 

Reich,  Clara  V 39 

Reichard,  Elizabeth 38 

Reid,  Emma,  nee  Keller 57 

William 57 

Reimel,  nee 43 

Reimer,  Elizabeth,  nee 

Kaufmann 43 

Peter  43 

Reph,  Carrie,  nee  Ruth 45 

Marvine 45 

Repsher,  Ammon  N 42 

Benjamin 42 

Charles  Alvin 42 

Edith  Agnes 42 

Emma  Frances  ...42 

Joseph 42 

Katie  Maria,  nee 

Muffly 42 

YizXxz^nee  Strauss, 42 

Minnie  Cath 42 

Rose  Ellen 42 

Rex,  John 56 


186 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Rex,  Nellie,  nee  Rhodes 56 

Reynolds,  Margaret  J., 115, 121 

Rhoads,  Allen  63 

Claude 63 

Eliza  63 

Fannie,  nee 

Schafer 63 

Frederick 63 

Howard 63 

Jacob 63 

Laura  63 

Ivucinda,  nee 

Keller 63 

Mary  J 58 

Matilda 63 

Norman  63 

Owen 63 

Sally,  nee  Hinton  ..63 

William 63 

Rhodes,  Annie,  7iee 

Thomson 56 

Carrie, ^/^<?  Martin  ..56 
Catharine,  nee 

Keller 56 

Merl 56 

Millard  F 56 

Minnie 56 

Nellie 56 

Stella 56 

Stewart  T 56 

Th.  W 56 

Rice,  Ang-eline,  nee  Keller  ..57 

Charles .57 

Elizabeth 57 

Frank 57 

John 57 

Mildred 57 

Richard,  Ilda 54 


Richards,  Annie  Cath 62 

Carrie  Ellen 61 

Catherine,  nee 

Algert 61 

Eleanor,  nee 

Dickson 61 

Irwin 61 

John 61 

Mary  Elizabeth  ..62 

Sarah  Lilian 61 

Rieg^el,  nee 50 

Robinson,  Anna  Laura,  nee 

Bower 114 

David 114 

Rolfs,  Sophia (a) 

Roth,  Ella 45 

Rotzel,  Caroline,  nee 

Kaufmann 43 

Charles 43 

Edith  43 

Edward 43 

Robert 43 

Stella 43 

Ruth,  Adaline 45 

Annie,  nee  Christine. .44 
Annie,  nee  Weidman,45 

Archie 45 

Benjamin 44 

Benjamin 45 

Carrie 45 

Charles 44 

Clarence 45 

Cula  45 

Edward 44 

Elizabeth,  nee 

Kaufmann 44 

Ella,  nee  Roth 45 

Floyd 45 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


187 


Ruth,  Frank 45 

Gertrude 45 

Jacob 44 

Jacob 46 

Joseph 46 

Lilly 45 

Lotty  45 

Luther 45 

Mabel 45 

Martin 45 

Mary  Catharine 44 

Mary  J,, nee  Kleintop,4S 

Raymond  45 

Rebecca,  nee 

Steinmetz 45 

Reuben   45 

Rosie 45 

Sadie 45 

Samuel 45 

Sarah 45 

Sarah  Ann 44 

Sobina 43 

Sybilla,«.f,?  Wilhelm..44 

William 44 

Sanford,  Luther  J 60 

Rachel,  nee 

Albert 60 

Schafer,  Fannie 63 

Schaum,  Susannah  92 

Schauwecker,  Mag-dalene  ...52 
Scheetz,  Annie  K.,  nee 

Gum 40 

John 40 

Mabel 40 

Schlegel,  Chas 66 

Matilda,  nee 

Keller 66 

Schoch,  Mary 39 


Scott,  Gertrude  Eleanor, «^^ 

Teel 90 

Richard  H 90 

Maurice  Teel 90 

Schwartz,  Emelia,  nee 

Keller 91,  102 

Marie 91 

Mark  Keller 91 

Wilsons.  P.,  91,102 

Seiple,  ttee 46 

Settles,  Mary  Gertrude,  nee 

Burroughs  112 

S.  W 112 

Sexauer,  Ella  C 90 

Shade,  Abbie,  nee  Keller  ....(a) 

Earl (a) 

Shaw,  Robert 62 

Sarah,  7tee  Keller 62 

Shook,  Elizabeth Ill 

Kate 38 

Shumaker,  Anna  Mary, 

94,  108,  163 
Claude  Henry, 

94,  108 
Howard  Keller, 

94,  106 
Joseph  B., 

94,  99,  159,  162 
Susannah,  nee 
Keller  ...72,94,99 

Siegfried,  Ida 39 

Simanton,  Belle 54 

Slack,  Amanda,  nee  Syder  ..46 

Beula 46 

Earl 46 

Elsie 46 

Flora 46 

George 46 


188 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Slack,  Hazel 46 

John 46 

John 46 

Katy  Ann,  nee 

Eckert 46 

Leah 46 

Russel 46 

Smalley,  Amanda 53 

Bessie S3 

Charles  Leroy S3 

Ella,  nee  Ellis S3 

Emma,  tiee 

Richard S3 

Fay 53 

Flo 53 

Franklin  Pierce. ...S3 
Hannah,  nee 

Larcomb S3 

Harry S3 

Isaac 53 

John 53 

John  Keller 53 

Lula (a) 

Minnie (a) 

Priscilla 53 

Sadie S3 

Sarah,  nee  Keller..S3 

Sophia, M^^  Rolfs. .(a) 

Smith,  Adaline,  nee  Ruth  ....45 

Anna  W 93 

Bertha  A 90 

Christian 55 

Clinton 45 

Don  W 55 

Jennie  B.,  nee 

Wertman 55 

Lavine 56 

Ivouis 45 


Smith,  Martin 45 

Roger 45 

Samuel 45 

Spencer,  Alice 58 

Sprague,  Alice  A 112,120 

Staples,  Martha 59 

Steinmetz,  Rebecca 45 

Sterner,  Jacob 61 

Mary,  nee  Algert  ..61 

Stocker,  Hannah  T 88 

Jennie 39 

Strauss,  Amy 42 

Callie 42 

Eli 42 

July  Ann 41 

Katie 42 

lyouis 41 

Maggy 42 

Marcus 41 

Mary  Edith,  nee 

Muffly 41 

Mary  Ellie 41 

Minnie,  nee 

Edinger 41 

Peter  Adison ...41 

Pauline 41 

Sturgis,  Luella  60 

Swink,  Jacob 56 

Mary  M.,  nee 

Dunning  56 

Syder,  Amanda 46 

Teel,  Bertha  A.,  nee 

Smith 90 

Clay (a) 

Donald  Philip 89 

Edna  Elizabeth 89 

Eric  Philip  89 

Esther  Maria 89 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


189 


Teel,  Gertrude  Eleanor..89,  90 

Harold  S 90 

Henry  Clay 89 

Herbert  Keller 89,90 

Leander 89,  100 

Marian  Dorothea 90 

Marjoria  Ima 90 

Martha  Isabel 90 

Mary  K.,  nee  Mengel,89 

Muriel  Henrietta 89 

Robert  M 90 

Sabina,«^^  Keller,89,100 
Thatcher,  Ida.w^i?  Eldridge,44 

Isaac 44 

Thomson,  Annie 56 

Van  Gundy,  Elizabeth 

Minnette 52 

Gordon  K 52 

InaKathryn....(a) 

J.  A 51 

Kate  Ina,  nee 

Fagan 51 

Leah  Jean 52 

William 

Harrison 52 

Van  Home,  Carmen  Ferol,113 
Harman 

Albert 113 

Clara  May,  nee 

Bower 113 

Ronald  Marine, 
113 

Vesper,  Carrie 55 

Christian 55 

Florence 55 

Ida  S.,  nee 

Wertman 55 

Leafy 55 


Wahl,  Lucy,  nee  Keller 66 

Philip 66 

Warich,  Anna  L.,  nee 

Keller 58 

Katie 58 

Simon 58 

Webster,  Mrs 59 

Weidman,  Annie 45 

Sarah 43 

Weidner,  Elizabeth 38 

Welsh,  Bartah  May 52 

CubaLell 52 

James  A 52,  163 

Leafy  Ellen 52 

Leona  Mildred 52 

Sarah,  nee  Keller 52 

Ward  Kenneth 52 

Werkheiser,  Agnes 41 

Charles 41 

Cora 41 

Elmer 41 

Flauncy 41 

Julia 58 

July  Ann,  nee 

Strauss 41 

Lucy  E.,  nee 

Gum 41 

Sobina 115 

Willis 41 

Wertman,  Augusta  A 54,55 

Belle,  nee 

Simanton 54 

Daniel  54 

Daniel  V 54 

Edna  O 54 

Hattie  L 54,  55 

Ida  S 54,  55 

Ilda,  nee  Richard,S4 


190 


HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 


Wertman,  Jennie  B 54, S5 

Leroy 55 

Lorelda  M 54,55 

Mabel 55 

Mary  Belle 54 

Mary,  nee  Keller.. 54 
Perry  Sylvester..54 
Wettach,  Anna  Gertrude, 

93,  163 
Anna,  nee  Keller, 

92,  104 
Edward  D., 

92,104,105,161,163 

Edward  Keller 93 

Florence  Mabel. ...93 

Mary 93 

Wiley,  Cleo 55 

Edward 55 

Glorene 55 

Hattie  L.,  nee 

Wertman 55 

Wilhelm,  David 44 

Emma 44 

Jacob  44 

John 44 


Wilhelm,  Julius 42 

Lizzie 44 

Margaret  M.,  nee 

Muffly 42 

Mary  Catharine, 

nee  Ruth 44 

Raymond 44 

Sybilla 44 

Wolff,  Sarah 43 

Zuber,  Abysene 42 

Charles 42 

Elizabeth 42 

Elizabeth,  Jiee 

Muffly 42 

Jacob 42 

Philip 42 

Simon 42 

Zurbrick,  Albert 66 

George 66,  67 

Louise, «^^  Keller, 

66,67 
William  Warren,  66 

Cannady,  Jennie {a) 

(Name  came  in  too  late  for  proper 
classification.) 


ADDENDA 


THE  corrections  that  follow  are  due  (a  few  cor- 
rections in  spelling-  excepted)  to  the  fact  that 
the  material  came  too  late  to  be  put  into  the 
regular  place  in  the  book  proper.  So  the  reader 
will  please  read  the  corrections  into  the  pag-es 
cited  here.  We  are  g-lad  for  this  added  information, 
even  though  not  in  the  body  of  the  book.  —  [Ed.] 

Pag-e  52.     5*^^  Ina  Kathryn  (Van  Gundy),  b.  Feb. 

26,  1905. 
Page  53.  Part  between  (4^*^  Sarah)  and  (5^"  Franklin 
Pierce)  should  read: 
I''"  Amanda  (Smalley),  mar.  Hezekiah  Butcher. 

1™  Jennie,    mar.  Caryl  E.  Farley. 
2*^"  John  Keller  (Smalley),  mar.  Sophia  Rolfs. 
1^1  Sadie,  d. 
2'^  Harry. 
3^^  Bessie. 
3'-'^  Priscilla,  d. 

4«^  Isaac  (Smalley),  d.,  mar.  Ella  Ellis,  d. 
1^'^  Lula,  mar  John  Bonen. 

1  Ellis. 
2"  Minnie  (Smalley),  mar.  George  Chees- 
man. 

1  Brayton. 

2  Hazel. 

3  Georgie. 

4  Isaac. 

5«9  Franklin  Pierce. 

(191) 


192       HISTORY  OF  THE  KELLER  FAMILY 

Page  54.     1^^  Abbie  (Keller),  mar.  Earl  Shade. 
Pag-e  54.     Z'^^  George(Keller),mar.  Jennie  Cannady. 

1  Lloyd. 
Page  90.     5^32  cj^y  (Teel). 

Page  112.  2^"^  Edgar   Allen  Burroughs,  b.  Oct.  5, 
1870,  mar.  Addie  M.  Douglass. 
1^^  Howard   Douglass,  b.  Aug.  22, 

1900,  d.  Mar.  11,   1904. 
2^^  John  Harold,  b.  Mar.  24,  1905. 
Page  53.     Cheeseman  should  read  Cheesman. 
Page  71.     Nantikoke  should  read  Nanticoke. 
Page  89.     A^^^  Gertrude  Eleonora(Teel)  should  read 

Gertrude  Eleanor. 
Pages   93  and  106.     5^^*  Clarissa  Sobina  (Norton) 

should  read  Clarissa  Sabina. 
Page  100.     Mr.  L.  M.  Bevington  should  read  Mr. 

L.  D. 
Page  102.     David  H.  Keller  should  read  David. 
Page  111.     71^''  Catharine  Bower  should  read  Cath- 
arine S. 
Page  112.     Addie  M.  Douglas  should  read  Addie 

M.  Douglass. 
Page  112.     1^^*  Howard  Douglas  should  read  How- 
ard Douglass.