Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Keller, Lewis
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joe Patterson, Patricia Bastik & Susan Walters Dec 2009

Source: History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by 
J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887
Bedminster Township


LEWIS KELLER merchant, P.O. Bedminster, oldest son of 
Abraham Keller, was born December 26, 1852.  He worked on 
his father's farm, attending school winters, and was even 
then noted for the qualities which laid the foundation of 
his present prosperity.  At the age of 17 he entered the 
store of J. H. Applebach & Co., his father being a member of 
the firm.  Three years later he bought Mr. Applebach's 
interest, the firm being Keller & Son, the entire capital 
being invested by his father.  Two years later his brother, 
Joseph M., succeeded his father, the firm being Keller & 
Brother.  Three years later Joseph retired and Lewis took 
the entire business on his own hands, also buying the real 
estate.  In 1884 he built a fine new dwelling-house, but 
October 2, 1886, a fire destroyed his entire buildings, 
dwelling, store, furniture warerooms, and all the contents 
except a small part of his stock.  His total loss was 
$30,000, on which he had an insurance of $21,000.  This was 
a crushing blow to the young merchant, but encouraged by the 
sympathy and substantial aid of his neighbors, he at once 
set to work to rebuild, and has now a four-story brick store 
33 by 100 feet, all four floors being filled with goods, 
something rarely seen in a country store.  He carries a 
stock of about $20,000 of goods of all kinds.  The trade of 
the firm when he first entered it was about $12,000 per 
annum.  He is now doing a yearly business of $60,000, a 
result due to his integrity, industry, and business ability. 
December 23, 1876, he was married to Emma J., daughter of 
Amos Harpel.  She was born February 5, 1856.  They have two 
children:  Hiram, born August 9, 1879, and Erwin, born 
November 30, 1882.  In 1875 Mr. Keller was appointed 
postmaster at Bedminster.  He has been elder of the Keller 
Lutheran church and is highly esteemed in the community.