DAVID P. KELLER When Mr. Keller came to Macon County, IL in 1869, he purchased the tract where he now lives, 240 acres, then entirely in a state of narue, and for which he paid $31.00 per acre. He at once began to improve, and has since added another 40 acre tract, to what is now one of the finest homesteads of the county. It is high, rolling, rich, and healthy, and includes a fine grove of timber, known to old settlers as Hickory Bunch. He has pursued what is often styled as a mixed system of husbandry, raising all the cereals common and usual to the country, and does a business in the line of live stock. He is therefore ready for the market in its different variations. He is a close calculator, a neat workman, and spends money liberally, and every part of his possessions bears the impress of these characteristics. He has not only added a superb estate to the county's wealth, but has built up a beautiful and refined home for his family, which will stand as a monument to his skill, taste and industry, when his remains find a resting- place with his fathers who have gone before. Mr. Keller was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, July 10th, 1834. He was raised to manhood on his father's farm, and was well educated in letters and all branches of practical business. He was first married, Jan. 1st, 1856, to Miss Mary Hampson, who died the same year without issue. Was married again Sept. 20th, 1859, to his present wife, formerly Miss Rebecca McFarland, daughter of Walter and Julia (Wideler) McFarland, early settlers of Fairfield county. Her grandfather McFarland, was from Scotland, and was accompanied to this country by a brother, who became a soldier in the continental army. Her father served his country as a soldier, during the war of 1812. He settled in Fairfield county about the year 1800, when Ohio was a new country. When the late civil war broke out Mr. Keller volunteered, but only remained in the army about a year, when it became his imperative duty to return home, which he did in 1864. The following autumn he came to Shelby county, this state, but not liking the soil so well as that of this county, he sold his farm and moved here. Mr. Keller's ancestors date back to that great "bee-hive of nation"--Germany. His grandfather, Henry, was a native of York county, Pa., and married Miss Catharine Seitz. They raised numerous children who afterward scattered over the West and South. Daniel, Mr. Keller's father, was the sixth and youngest son. He located in Fairfield county, in 1902. His wife was Susanna Ruffner, and they are both still living in their old county, where their parents settled on coming to the state. They raised eleven children, six sons and five daughters, and have three sons and all their daughters still living. Their residences are as follows: Emanuel of Pettes county, Mo., Augustus R., Indian Agent in Montana Ter., Mrs. Lovina (Jonas) Hite, Mrs. Sophia (Jno.) Caldwell, Mrs. Catharine (W.L.) Rigby, and Mrs. Susan (Wm.) Medill, reside in their native county; Mrs. Catharine R. (Jackson) Shaver is a resident of Lasalle county, this state. They are all well circumstances, and all have the highest social standing. Of Mr. Keller it is not necessary to speak, as he is one of the "best acquainted men"of the county, one that is not only known, but also knows everybody. The writer's opinion is that he is a whole-souled, enthsiastic, and high-minded gentleman, not only of high and meritorious standing, but also clear-headed, not only in business matters, but on the great national topic of the age--the currency question. It is needless to say that he is a greenbacker of the first water, and an uncompromising friend of popular government and popular rights. Mr. and Mrs. K. have been highly blessed in their family relations, and are conferring on their children a good education. Names as follows: Walter S., Augustus R., Ada D., Grace, and Julia A. Two of the daughters are now in attendance at the school at Valparaiso, Ind. History of Macon County, Illinois, p.214 Transcribed by Pat Hageman ------------------------------------------------------------ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ------------------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Pat Hageman (© 1997 Pat Hageman)