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Keller Family History & Genealogy

44,994 biographies and 79 photos with the Keller last name. Discover the family history, nationality, origin and common names of Keller family members.

Keller Last Name History & Origin

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Famous People named Keller

Helen Keller

Early Kellers

These are the earliest records we have of the Keller family.

George Keller was born circa 1711, and died at age 71 years old circa 1782. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember George Keller.
Barbara (Keller) Oyster was born in 1788, and died at age 51 years old in 1839. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Barbara (Keller) Oyster.
Johann Carl Wilhelm Keller of Woorak Australia was born in 1804, and died at age 87 years old in 1891 in Woorak.
Balser Keller was born circa 1812 in Lorraine France, and died at age 64 years old circa 1876 in Jennings County, Indiana United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Balser Keller.
Marie Rosina Keller of Nhill Australia was born in 1820, and died at age 84 years old in 1904 in Nhill.
Jacob L. Keller
Jacob L. Keller was born on February 7, 1828 in Pennsylvania United States, and died at age 75 years old on October 21, 1903 in Monticello, Piatt County, IL. Jacob Keller was buried in September 1903 in Monticello. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Jacob L. Keller.
Elizabeth (Garver) Keller
Elizabeth (Garver) Keller was born on October 31, 1830 in Pennsylvania United States, and died at age 78 years old on September 26, 1909 in Cisco, Piatt County, IL. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Elizabeth (Garver) Keller.
Yens Keller of Castlemaine Australia was born in 1831, and died at age 80 years old in 1911 in Castlemaine.
John Keller of Australia was born in 1832, and died at age 34 years old in 1866.
Annie Keller of Bworth Hosp Australia was born in 1833, and died at age 69 years old in 1902 in Bworth Hosp.
Cornelius Keller of Australia was born in 1833, and died at age 24 years old in 1857.
Catherine Keller of Australia was born in 1833 to Veit Johann Keller and Eva Keatz Keller. Catherine Keller died at age 40 years old in 1873.

Keller Family Photos

Discover Keller family photos shared by the community. These photos contain people and places related to the Keller last name.

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Keller Family Tree

Discover the most common names, oldest records and life expectancy of people with the last name Keller.

Most Common First Names

Updated Keller Biographies

James McDonald Keller was born in November 1867 in Alabama United States to Arthur Henley Keller and Sarah E Simpson Keller, and had siblings Newsum Darby Keller, Arthur Keller Jr, Fannie S. Keller, and William Simpson Keller. James Keller died at age 38 years old on May 27, 1906 in Tuscumbia. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember James McDonald Keller.
Judy Pamela Keller of Cranford, Union County, NJ was born on March 12, 1966 in Mannheim, Karlsruhe County, BW Germany, and was the mother of Jessie LeAnne Hudson. Judy Keller died at age 36 years old on July 1, 2002 in New Jersey United States, and was buried at Old Brick Reformed Church 490 County Rte 520, in Marlboro, Monmouth County.
Gladys Keller was born in 1904. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Gladys Keller.
Otto Keller of Morganville, Monmouth County, NJ was born on December 28, 1896, and died at age 73 years old in November 1970.
Rebecca (Keller) Londoner
Rebecca E (Keller) Londoner of Denver, Colorado United States was born in August 1853 in PA, and died at age 59 years old on September 25, 1912 in New York, NY.
Myra Burbridge (Keller) Keeler
Myra Burbridge (Keller) Keeler of Los Angeles, California United States was born on October 16, 1885 in Lexington, MO, and died at age 88 years old on December 5, 1973 in Los Angeles, CA.
Willie L Keller of Lima, Auglaize County, OH was born on September 3, 1921, and died at age 82 years old on January 25, 2004.
Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Mrs. Willie L. Keller.
Phillips Brooks Keller
Phillips Brooks Keller was born on July 4, 1891 in Tuscumbia, Colbert County, Alabama United States to Kate Adams Keller and Arthur Henley Keller, and had siblings Helen Keller and Mildred Campbell (Keller) Tyson. Phillips Keller died at age 79 years old on March 26, 1971 in Dallas, Dallas County, TX. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Phillips Brooks Keller .
William Simpson Keller
William Simpson Keller was born on February 20, 1874 in Tuscumbia, Alabama United States to Arthur Henley Keller and Sarah E Simpson Keller, and had siblings Newsum Darby Keller, Arthur Keller Jr, James McDonald Keller, and Fannie S. Keller. William Keller died at age 51 years old on September 9, 1925 in Montgomery. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember William Simpson Keller.
Arthur Henley Keller was born on February 5, 1836 in Tuscumbia, Colbert County, Alabama United States. He married Sarah E Simpson Keller in 1858, and they were married until Sarah's death on February 18, 1877. They had children Newsum Darby Keller, Arthur Keller Jr, James McDonald Keller, Fannie S. Keller, and William Simpson Keller. He married Kate Adams Keller in 1878, and they were married until Arthur's death on August 29, 1896. They had children Helen Keller, Mildred Campbell (Keller) Tyson, and Phillips Brooks Keller. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Arthur Henley Keller.
Fannie S. Keller was born on February 12, 1871 in Alabama United States to Arthur Henley Keller and Sarah E Simpson Keller, and had siblings Newsum Darby Keller, Arthur Keller Jr, James McDonald Keller, and William Simpson Keller. Fannie Keller died at age 1 year old on September 15, 1872. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Fannie S. Keller.
Arthur Keller Jr was born on May 8, 1865 in United States to Arthur Henley Keller and Sarah E Simpson Keller, and had siblings Newsum Darby Keller, James McDonald Keller, Fannie S. Keller, and William Simpson Keller. Arthur Keller died at age 47 years old in 1912. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Arthur Keller Jr.
Newsum Darby Keller was born in 1859 in United States to Arthur Henley Keller and Sarah E Simpson Keller, and had siblings Arthur Keller Jr, James McDonald Keller, Fannie S. Keller, and William Simpson Keller. Newsum Keller died at age 60 years old in 1919. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Newsum Darby Keller.
Sarah E Keller was born on March 21, 1839. She was married to Arthur Henley Keller in 1858, and they were together until Sarah's death on February 18, 1877. Sarah Keller had children Newsum Darby Keller, Arthur Keller Jr, James McDonald Keller, Fannie S. Keller, and William Simpson Keller. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Sarah E Simpson Keller.
Kate Adams Keller was born on October 12, 1856 in Arkansas United States. She was married to Arthur Henley Keller in 1878, and they were together until Arthur's death on August 29, 1896. She had children Helen Keller, Mildred Campbell (Keller) Tyson, and Phillips Brooks Keller. Kate Keller died at age 65 years old on November 15, 1921 in Montgomery, Montgomery County, AL. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Kate Adams Keller .
Mildred Campbell (Keller) Tyson was born on October 26, 1886 in Tuscumbia, Alabama United States to Kate Adams Keller and Arthur Henley Keller, and had siblings Helen Keller and Phillips Brooks Keller. Mildred Tyson died at age 83 years old on December 18, 1969 in Montgomery. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Mildred Campbell (Keller) Tyson.
Helen Keller
Helen Keller Born Helen Adams Keller June 27, 1880 Tuscumbia, Alabama, U.S. Died June 1, 1968 (aged 87) Arcan Ridge, Easton, Connecticut, U.S. Resting place Washington National Cathedral Occupation Author, political activist, lecturer Education Harvard University (BA) Notable works The Story of My Life Signature Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. The story of Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, was made famous by Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life, and its adaptations for film and stage, The Miracle Worker. Her birthplace in West Tuscumbia, Alabama, is now a museum and sponsors an annual "Helen Keller Day". Her June 27 birthday is commemorated as Helen Keller Day in Pennsylvania and, in the centenary year of her birth, was recognized by a presidential proclamation from Jimmy Carter. A prolific author, Keller was well-traveled and outspoken in her convictions. A member of the Socialist Party of America and the Industrial Workers of the World, she campaigned for women's suffrage, labor rights, socialism, anti-militarism, and other similar causes. She was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame in 1971 and was one of twelve inaugural inductees to the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame on June 8, 2015. Helen Adams Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama.[3] Her family lived on a homestead, Ivy Green, that Helen's grandfather had built decades earlier. She had four siblings; two full siblings, Mildred Campbell (Keller) Tyson and Phillip Brooks Keller, and two older half-brothers from her father's prior marriage, James McDonald Keller and William Simpson Keller. Her father, Arthur Henley Keller (1836–1896), spent many years as an editor of the Tuscumbia North Alabamian and had served as a captain in the Confederate Army.[3][4] Her mother, Catherine Everett (Adams) Keller (1856–1921), known as "Kate",[8] was the daughter of Charles W. Adams, a Confederate general. Her paternal lineage was traced to Casper Keller, a native of Switzerland.[9][10] One of Helen's Swiss ancestors was the first teacher for the deaf in Zurich. Keller reflected on this irony in her first autobiography, stating "that there is no king who has not had a slave among his ancestors, and no slave who has not had a king among his." At 19 months old Keller contracted an unknown illness described by doctors as "an acute congestion of the stomach and the brain", which might have been scarlet fever or meningitis. The illness left her both deaf and blind. She lived, as she recalled in her autobiography, "at sea in a dense fog." At that time, Keller was able to communicate somewhat with Martha Washington, the six-year-old daughter of the family cook, who understood her signs;:11 by the age of seven, Keller had more than 60 home signs to communicate with her family, and could distinguish people by the vibration of their footsteps. In 1886, Keller's mother, inspired by an account in Charles Dickens' American Notes of the successful education of another deaf and blind woman, Laura Bridgman, dispatched the young Keller, accompanied by her father, to seek out physician J. Julian Chisolm, an eye, ear, nose, and throat specialist in Baltimore, for advice. Chisholm referred the Kellers to Alexander Graham Bell, who was working with deaf children at the time. Bell advised them to contact the Perkins Institute for the Blind, the school where Bridgman had been educated, which was then located in South Boston. Michael Anagnos, the school's director, asked 20-year-old former student Anne Sullivan, herself visually impaired, to become Keller's instructor. It was the beginning of a 49-year-long relationship during which Sullivan evolved into Keller's governess and eventually her companion. Sullivan arrived at Keller's house on March 5, 1887, a day Keller would forever remember as my soul's birthday. Sullivan immediately began to teach Helen to communicate by spelling words into her hand, beginning with "d-o-l-l" for the doll that she had brought Keller as a present. Keller was frustrated, at first, because she did not understand that every object had a word uniquely identifying it. In fact, when Sullivan was trying to teach Keller the word for "mug", Keller became so frustrated she broke the mug. But soon she began imitating Sullivan’s hand gestures. “I did not know that I was spelling a word or even that words existed,” Keller remembered. “I was simply making my fingers go in monkey-like imitation.” Keller's breakthrough in communication came the next month, when she realized that the motions her teacher was making on the palm of her hand, while running cool water over her other hand, symbolized the idea of "water". Writing in her autobiography, The Story of My Life, Keller recalled the moment. "I stood still, my whole attention fixed upon the motions of her fingers. Suddenly I felt a misty consciousness as of something forgotten — a thrill of returning thought; and somehow the mystery of language was revealed to me. I knew then that w-a-t-e-r meant the wonderful cool something that was flowing over my hand. The living word awakened my soul, gave it light, hope, set it free!" Keller then nearly exhausted Sullivan demanding the names of all the other familiar objects in her world.
Wayne Edward Keller was born on March 14, 1950 in Gladewater, Gregg, Texas to parents Charles Edward Keller (1926-1952) and Emma Louise Lively (1933-1991). He had a brother Robert Earl Keller 91951-2007). At the age of 2, Wayne's father passed away. He was married twice in his life. Wayne first married Barbara S Keller on February 2, 1969. The couple had two children together and divorced on February 18, 1977 in Gregg, Texas, USA. Wayne then married Deborah Jane Weddle on July 28, 1981 in Bexar, Texas, USA.
Wayne Francis Keller was born on February 25, 1937 in Texas to parents Daniel Benjamin Keller (1902-1989) and Frances Martha Kobs (1903-). He had a brother Gordon Daniel Keller and they grew up in Houston, Harris, Texas, USA. On September 7, 1957 he married Peggy Ann Price in Harris, Texas, USA. The couple had 4 children together and later divorced on March 27, 1978 in Austin, Texas, USA. A few months later, on August 26, 1978 he married Sherry L Winder in Harris, Texas, USA. The couple resided in Houston, TX and Beeville, TX.

Popular Keller Biographies

Helen Keller
Helen Keller Born Helen Adams Keller June 27, 1880 Tuscumbia, Alabama, U.S. Died June 1, 1968 (aged 87) Arcan Ridge, Easton, Connecticut, U.S. Resting place Washington National Cathedral Occupation Author, political activist, lecturer Education Harvard University (BA) Notable works The Story of My Life Signature Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. The story of Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, was made famous by Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life, and its adaptations for film and stage, The Miracle Worker. Her birthplace in West Tuscumbia, Alabama, is now a museum and sponsors an annual "Helen Keller Day". Her June 27 birthday is commemorated as Helen Keller Day in Pennsylvania and, in the centenary year of her birth, was recognized by a presidential proclamation from Jimmy Carter. A prolific author, Keller was well-traveled and outspoken in her convictions. A member of the Socialist Party of America and the Industrial Workers of the World, she campaigned for women's suffrage, labor rights, socialism, anti-militarism, and other similar causes. She was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame in 1971 and was one of twelve inaugural inductees to the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame on June 8, 2015. Helen Adams Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama.[3] Her family lived on a homestead, Ivy Green, that Helen's grandfather had built decades earlier. She had four siblings; two full siblings, Mildred Campbell (Keller) Tyson and Phillip Brooks Keller, and two older half-brothers from her father's prior marriage, James McDonald Keller and William Simpson Keller. Her father, Arthur Henley Keller (1836–1896), spent many years as an editor of the Tuscumbia North Alabamian and had served as a captain in the Confederate Army.[3][4] Her mother, Catherine Everett (Adams) Keller (1856–1921), known as "Kate",[8] was the daughter of Charles W. Adams, a Confederate general. Her paternal lineage was traced to Casper Keller, a native of Switzerland.[9][10] One of Helen's Swiss ancestors was the first teacher for the deaf in Zurich. Keller reflected on this irony in her first autobiography, stating "that there is no king who has not had a slave among his ancestors, and no slave who has not had a king among his." At 19 months old Keller contracted an unknown illness described by doctors as "an acute congestion of the stomach and the brain", which might have been scarlet fever or meningitis. The illness left her both deaf and blind. She lived, as she recalled in her autobiography, "at sea in a dense fog." At that time, Keller was able to communicate somewhat with Martha Washington, the six-year-old daughter of the family cook, who understood her signs;:11 by the age of seven, Keller had more than 60 home signs to communicate with her family, and could distinguish people by the vibration of their footsteps. In 1886, Keller's mother, inspired by an account in Charles Dickens' American Notes of the successful education of another deaf and blind woman, Laura Bridgman, dispatched the young Keller, accompanied by her father, to seek out physician J. Julian Chisolm, an eye, ear, nose, and throat specialist in Baltimore, for advice. Chisholm referred the Kellers to Alexander Graham Bell, who was working with deaf children at the time. Bell advised them to contact the Perkins Institute for the Blind, the school where Bridgman had been educated, which was then located in South Boston. Michael Anagnos, the school's director, asked 20-year-old former student Anne Sullivan, herself visually impaired, to become Keller's instructor. It was the beginning of a 49-year-long relationship during which Sullivan evolved into Keller's governess and eventually her companion. Sullivan arrived at Keller's house on March 5, 1887, a day Keller would forever remember as my soul's birthday. Sullivan immediately began to teach Helen to communicate by spelling words into her hand, beginning with "d-o-l-l" for the doll that she had brought Keller as a present. Keller was frustrated, at first, because she did not understand that every object had a word uniquely identifying it. In fact, when Sullivan was trying to teach Keller the word for "mug", Keller became so frustrated she broke the mug. But soon she began imitating Sullivan’s hand gestures. “I did not know that I was spelling a word or even that words existed,” Keller remembered. “I was simply making my fingers go in monkey-like imitation.” Keller's breakthrough in communication came the next month, when she realized that the motions her teacher was making on the palm of her hand, while running cool water over her other hand, symbolized the idea of "water". Writing in her autobiography, The Story of My Life, Keller recalled the moment. "I stood still, my whole attention fixed upon the motions of her fingers. Suddenly I felt a misty consciousness as of something forgotten — a thrill of returning thought; and somehow the mystery of language was revealed to me. I knew then that w-a-t-e-r meant the wonderful cool something that was flowing over my hand. The living word awakened my soul, gave it light, hope, set it free!" Keller then nearly exhausted Sullivan demanding the names of all the other familiar objects in her world.
Judy Pamela Keller of Cranford, Union County, NJ was born on March 12, 1966 in Mannheim, Karlsruhe County, BW Germany, and was the mother of Jessie LeAnne Hudson. Judy Keller died at age 36 years old on July 1, 2002 in New Jersey United States, and was buried at Old Brick Reformed Church 490 County Rte 520, in Marlboro, Monmouth County.
Matilda  (Beaver) Keller
Matilda Lena (Beaver) Keller of Conyngham, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania United States was born on August 7, 1859 in Columbia County, and died at age 75 years old on January 17, 1935 at Geisinger Memorial Hospital in Montour County. Matilda Keller was buried in 1935 in Aristes, Columbia County.
Anna Magdalen (Barthel) Keller
Anna Magdalen (Barthel) Keller was born in 1882, and died at age 91 years old in 1973. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Anna Magdalen (Barthel) Keller.
Rosa Linda Keller was born on September 26, 1886. She was in a relationship with Joseph Leslie Aucoin, and had a child Ray Emile Aucoin. Rosa Keller died at age 101 years old on April 9, 1988. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Rosa Linda Keller.
Mary E Keller
Mary E Keller was born on April 16, 1856. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Mary E Keller.
John Keller
John Christopher Keller was born on June 8, 1880. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember John Keller.
Gladys Keller was born in 1904. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Gladys Keller.
Geraldine Martha (Drummond) Keller was born on July 3, 1921. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Geraldine Martha Keller.
Joseph H. Keller
Joseph H. Keller was born on March 14, 1856 in Pennsylvania United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Joseph H. Keller.
Garfield Jackson Keller of new cumberland, hancock County, West Virginia us was born on December 9, 1919, and died at age 78 years old on April 10, 1998. Garfield Keller was buried on April 14, 1998 in Weirton.
Henry George Keller
Henry George Keller was born on August 26, 1888. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Henry George Keller.
James McDonald Keller was born in November 1867 in Alabama United States to Arthur Henley Keller and Sarah E Simpson Keller, and had siblings Newsum Darby Keller, Arthur Keller Jr, Fannie S. Keller, and William Simpson Keller. James Keller died at age 38 years old on May 27, 1906 in Tuscumbia. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember James McDonald Keller.
Balser Keller was born circa 1812 in Lorraine France, and died at age 64 years old circa 1876 in Jennings County, Indiana United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Balser Keller.
Leo Francis Keller II was born on January 24, 1968 in Indianapolis, Indiana United States, and died at age 41 years old on April 2, 2009 in KY. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Leo Francis Keller II.
Steven Paul Keller was born on December 12, 1965 in Saint Marys, Elk County, Pennsylvania United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Steven Paul Keller.
Mary A (/Heisler) Keller was born in February 1846, and died at age 67 years old in 1913 at Atglen,Chester,Pa. - Atglen,Chester,Pa., in Atglen, Chester County, Pennsylvania United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Mary A (/Heisler) Keller.
Alternate names: Mattie P Looman, Mattie Looman, Mathilda Lewman.
Dawn Keller was born to Mildred (Scott) Leber and Charles Leber, and has siblings Joyce Elaine Reisinger and Vincent Leber. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Dawn Keller.

Keller Death Records & Life Expectancy

The average age of a Keller family member is 74.0 years old according to our database of 38,862 people with the last name Keller that have a birth and death date listed.

Life Expectancy

74.0 years

Oldest Kellers

These are the longest-lived members of the Keller family on AncientFaces.

William Keller of Spruce Pine, Mitchell County, North Carolina was born on October 15, 1855, and died at age 111 years old in May 1967.
111 years
Elery E Keller was born on July 19, 1886, and died at age 110 years old on August 31, 1996. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Elery E Keller.
110 years
Mary Keller of Altoona, Blair County, PA was born on March 19, 1876, and died at age 110 years old in March 1986.
109 years
Gussie Keller of Bronx, Bronx County, NY was born on July 31, 1872, and died at age 108 years old in November 1980.
108 years
Josie S Keller of West Point, Calaveras County, CA was born on August 10, 1889, and died at age 107 years old on January 11, 1997.
107 years
Mary N Keller of Johnson City, Washington County, TN was born on January 11, 1896, and died at age 107 years old on January 25, 2003.
107 years
Grace A Keller of Alhambra, Los Angeles County, CA was born on September 1, 1882, and died at age 106 years old on January 21, 1989.
106 years
Alice Keller of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin was born on October 13, 1877, and died at age 106 years old in July 1984.
106 years
Emma S Keller of Reading, Berks County, PA was born on September 19, 1885, and died at age 106 years old on May 30, 1992.
106 years
Grace M Keller of Algoma, Kewaunee County, WI was born on September 8, 1894, and died at age 107 years old on December 8, 2001.
107 years
Mabel A Keller of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA was born on January 29, 1894, and died at age 106 years old on March 31, 2000.
106 years
Alvina Keller of Winona, Winona County, Minnesota was born on May 3, 1878, and died at age 106 years old in July 1984.
106 years
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A history of the Keller family was read by Ralph Keller of Clearfield, a son of Adam Keller also of Clearfield. The history was taken from the family records and was written at a previous time.

The Keller family history was read by Ralph Keller of Clearfield as follows:

As far back as the Kellers can be traced is to Loudon county in Virginia. From there they moved to Noble county in Ohio. There were three brothers, John, Benjamin, & Levi, & the first two named came to Iowa. Levi remained in Ohio, but his son,
I.W. Keller, came to Iowa and Ringgold county in 1855 and in the fall of that year Benjamin Keller, Sr. & his family left Ohio for Iowa. Other families coming at the same time were James Shafer, William Everly, & Alfred James. After two weeks in Iowa, Mr. & Mrs. James returned to Ohio.

The route traveled in coming to Iowa was from Mount Ephraim, Zanesville, Columbus, Springfield, and Dayton, crossing into Indiana near Richmond. They crossed into Illinois at Danville through Urbana, Bloomington, & Peoria and crossed the Mississippi at Burlington. In Iowa they came by way of Birmingham, Keosauqua, Bloomfield, Centerville, Corydon, Leon, & Mount Ayr, to Jefferson Township.

Only ten days after their arrival 22 October 186, Mrs Eleanor Keller died and was buried in the Keller cemetery northwest of Diagonal. There was no casket for burial so a tree was cut in the timber and sawed to make a casket.

In December of that year Benjamin Keller, Sr. bought 240 acres in Grant Township from Robert Parker. They built a home on what was later known as the Solomon Stahl Farm. Here Nancy Keller was united in marriage to Isaac Talley, 9 February 1860 and on the same day Benjamin Keller, Jr. & Sarah E. Talley were married in the Adam G. Talley home.Benjamin Keller, Jr. served in the war between the states along with I.A. Tally & William Everly, who had married Elizabeth Keller. William Everly died in a hospital 20 October 1864.

Benjamin Keller, Sr. died January 1860 and Daniel Keller drowned in Platte River 8 June 1867.

Six of the thirteen charter members of the Talley Class were from the Keller family. They were Benjamin Keller, Sr., who was class leader, Jackson Keller, Benjamin Keller, Jr., Nancy Keller, Mary Keller, and Sarah Keller.

When the Keller family made their trip from Ohio to Iowa they had their goods shopped by rail to Burlington, thing they would pick them up as they came through, but the goods had not yet arrived and they had to return to Burlington for them. Burlington was the nearest railroad town, and supplies were brought by wagon from
Savannah, Maryville, & St. Joseph, Missouri.
Taken from the Diagonal Reporter 5 July 1956. Page 2.
Talley? Stahl? Keller family histories tell of pioneer days in this community
Methodist Church History
.... on the evening of 4 July 1856, the emigrant wagons of the Adam G. Talley family camped about one forth mile north east of Diagonal. Adam, with his wife Sarah Aldred, their children, Mary & her husband, Michael Stahl and their little daughter, Melisa; Sarah E, and two sons Isaac A. & Benjamin F. The boys were 15 & 18 years of age. Another daughter, Catherine and her husband, Benjamin Ford remained in Ohio. The Talley's left Ohio on the 7th of May, coming to Iowa by way of Jasper county where Michael & Mary Stahl were visiting. They joined the Talley family and came to Diagonal... to the Isaac Reynolds farm. About a year later Michael & Mary received a land grant & the Keller family arrived in late October.
The Keller family consisted of Benjamin, Sr., his wife, Eleanor, and daughters Lucinda, Betsy, Nancy, Mary, & Sarah; and sons, Daniel, Benjamin, & Jackson. Mrs. Keller did not stand the trip well and passed away ten days after arrival... In 1860 two Talley boys married Nancy & Sarah Keller; Ben Keller married their sister Sarah Ellen.
"Grange Corner, Ind., July 8 - On July 6th, at or near the residence of Fred Shanks, occurred one of the most horrible events that has ever occurred in Parke County. The event referred to is one of suicide or cold-bloodied murder. On the day named the family became involved in a quarrel as a result of intimacy, between their daughter Clara (one who has always been respected) and a nearest neighbor, Daniel Keller. This intimacy has prevailed for some time, but was unknown to the parents until a short time before her death. As soon as the news was made known to her parents the fatal trouble began. As they sat down to their last dinner together scarcely none could eat. The poor girl ate but a few bites, and arose form the table, never to be seen alive by any member of the family. After an hour's absence the family became alarmed, and made a search for her, but all in vain. They were informed by Miss Keller and Miss Cox that she was seen by them going east about one hour before, bare-headed and bare-footed. A search was made for her until dark, in the woods, along the road, and every place, but no trace of her could be found. On the day following, her brother went to the falls of Wolf Creek, about three quarters of a mile away, and while hunting for her body in the water, found, to his utmost horror, her dead body. Mr. Shanks returned home and picked up a repeating shotgun and went to Keller's house and called him out. Keller stepped to one side of the door, when Shanks raised his gun and fired, but missed Keller, as he darted to one side and rushed for the door. He was kept at bay by Shanks until some neighbors came, and then Keller made his escape. Hundreds of people gathered, and quiet a number of newspapermen were present. A few scars were found on her face and head. The coroner rendered a verdict of suicide, as no sufficient evidence of murder could be obtained. Interment will probably take place today at the Zackmire cemetery.

Tribune 7-11-1895

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