Multnomah-Wasco County OR Archives Biographies.....Keller, Andrew August 16, 1861 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Ila L. Wakley iwakley@msn.com and   July 11, 2006, 11:25 pm

Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company

History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Volume II, 
Page 135

ANDREW KELLER.  Along the path of opportunity open to all Andrew Keller 
arrived at the goal of success, placing his dependence upon the indispensable 
qualities of industry and perseverance, and is now living retired at The 
Dalles, which for forty-five years has numbered him among its loyal and 
valuable citizens.  A native of Baden, Germany, he was born August 16, 1861.  
His parents, John G. and Annie Keller, were lifelong residents of that 
country, and in their family were nine children, five of whom survive.
	Andrew Keller was reared on his father’s farm and attended the public 
schools of Baden, afterward becoming a baker’s apprentice.  In 1877 he sailed 
for America in company with an uncle, J. S. Keller, who had emigrated to this 
country in 1849, when gold was discovered in California.  Fortune eluded him 
and in the ‘60s he opened a meat market in Portland, Oregon.  While thus 
engaged he revisited his old home in Germany, returning to the United States 
with his nephew, and conducted the business in Portland until his death.
	At the age of sixteen Andrew Keller severed home ties.  His education 
was completed in the old Central school in Portland and while learning how to 
read and write English he was employed in his uncle’s shop, working from four 
in the morning until it was time for school to open.  When the pupils were 
dismissed for the day he returned to the market and frequently remained there 
until eleven o’clock at night in order to complete his tasks.  In 1878 he 
entered the Force & Fieur Bakery on Washington street, between Second and 
Third, and spent two years with that firm.  He went to California in 1880, 
following his trade for a few months in San Francisco, and in the same year 
returned to Portland.  In 1883 he left the Rose city, locating at The Dalles, 
and for a short time was employed in the Newman bakery.  Having accumulated 
sufficient capital, Mr. Keller ventured in business for himself and opened a 
high class bakery, of which he was the proprietor until 1907.  After disposing 
of the enterprise he purchased an interest in the August Bigler brewery, with 
which he was connected until 1911, when he disposed of his interest and 
entered the field of contracting in partnership with Charles Johnson.  From 
the start the undertaking was a success and among the notable structures which 
they erected in The Dalles were the Wasco warehouse and elevators, a large 
flour mill and the new home of the First National Bank, an imposing building 
which is five stories in height.  In the execution of contracts they were 
prompt, reliable and efficient, displaying keen sagacity in the management of 
their affairs, and in 1920 Mr. Keller was able to retire.
	Mr. Keller was married in 1882 to Miss Klootz, also a native of 
Germany, and their union was severed by her death in October, 1926.  She had 
become the mother of five children.  The eldest, Mrs. Emma Miller, who was 
born in Germany and is living in Lodi, California, has a family of three 
children:  Lena, Grace and Otto.  Annie, the second daughter, became the wife 
of William Ross, of Seattle, Washington, and is deceased.  Josephine, a native 
of The Dalles, was married to Edward Boyd, a locomotive engineer for the Union 
Pacific Railroad Company, living at The Dalles and they have a son, Lloyd.  
Bertha, the next of the family, is the wife of Benjamin Pundt, of The Dalles.  
Otto, the fifth in order of birth, also a native of The Dalles, is married and 
has a daughter, Bertha, whose brother, Andrew, the first born, is deceased.
	Mr. Keller is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and 
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.  His service as water commissioner 
covered three terms and for four years he was one of the councilmen of The 
Dalles, discharging his public duties in a manner that won strong 
approbation.  The community has profited materially by Mr. Keller’s 
constructive efforts and a useful, upright life has enabled him to win and 
retain the esteem of his fellowmen.


Additional Comments:
History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Volume II, 
Chicago, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1928

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