BIO: Daniel C. KELLER, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja & Sabrina Marie Robb Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ _______________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _______________________________________________ COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, pages 103-104 DANIEL C. KELLER, of Bellefonte, Centre county, the well-known proprietor of the "Hotel Haag," formerly known as the "Cummings House," is a member of one of the most prominent pioneer families. His great-grandfather, Elder Jacob Keller, a native of Lebanon county, Penn., born in 1753, was an influential worker in the German Reformed Church, and took a leading part in the establishment of his Church in Centre county after he made his home there. He was a patriot and served his country in the Revolutionary war. His children were: Jacob, grandfather of our subject, born February 21, 1779, died September 12, 1835. John, born January 27, 1781, died November 15, 1871. Elizabeth, born March 11, 1785. Margaret, born April 26, 1787. Christian, born in October, 1789. Peter, born January, 1791. Philip, born December, 1794. Jacob Keller (2), our subject's grandfather, was born in Lebanon county, coming with his father to Centre County, and settling in Potter township, at the old Red Mill. He married Elizabeth Kornman, and had seven children: John, born in November, 1801, died in Harris Township, Centre county, October 11, 1865. Jacob (3), our subject's father, of whom mention is made farther on. Catherine, born April 11, 1804, married John Stauffer, who died January 15, 1898, at the age of ninety-four years; she passed from earth December 31, 1897. George, born May, 1806, died September, 1865, near Ravenna, Ohio. Elizabeth, born 1808. Henry, born February 3, 1811, died February 6, 1884. David, born January 25, 1818, a resident of Boalsburg. Daniel, born August 15, 1825, who lives at Warren, Ohio. Jacob Keller (3) was born January 28, 1803, and became a weaver by trade, later engaging in agriculture. He was married December 15, 1826, to Miss Christina Dinges, a native of Centre county, born in Penn township April 22, 1807. Their union was broken by the death of the husband February 10 (or March ?), 1848, and she did not long survive him, her death occurring November 25, 1850. Our subject is now the only living member of a family of seven children, the names with dates of birth and death of the others being as follows: Samuel, May 16, 1828 - October 5, 1875, a farmer in Centre county, and married to Elizabeth Wright; Andrew, February 1, 1831 - December 8, 1881, a laborer, married to Sarah Bubb; Catherine, March 16, 1833 - December 28, 1890, married to John Moyer, of Potter Township, Centre county; Elizabeth, February 11, 18--, lived only twenty days; Christina, September 13, 1838 - August 23, 1881, was the wife of Isaac Gift; Lydia, July 6, 1845 - June 18, 1893. Daniel C. Keller who is the sixth in the order of birth, was born July 18, 1841, and was reared at the old farm in Potter township, receiving but meager educational advantages. He remained at home until his marriage, December 23, 1862, to Miss Julia A. Stump, who was born in Snyder county, June 8, 1844. Her father, William Stump, is now living in Virginia; her mother died in 1865. For three years following his marriage Mr. Keller conducted a hotel at Milroy, Mifflin county, and he spent one year in farming, and managing a hotel at Centre Hall. He then became interested in dealing in implements, and in the cattle business, and remained at Centre Hall until 1881, when he was elected county treasurer, and moved to Bellefonte. He entered upon the duties of his office January 1, 1882, and served three years, returning to Potter township at the close of his term, and erecting one of the finest residences in that section. Farming and dealing in stock occupied his time while there, but in 1883 he sold his farm and moved to Turbotville, Northumberland Co., Penn., to take charge of the "Union Hotel," which he gave up later for his present business at Bellefonte. Success has attended his efforts in these various lines, and he is one of the substantial citizens. He still owns valuable property at Centre Hall, and during his residence there he for several years held the office of justice of the peace. In political faith he is a Democrat and the same genial nature which has so materially aided him to success in the hotel business has given him great influence in local affairs. Like his ancestors, he belongs to the Reformed Church, and he is also a member of the Masonic order, having been one of the nine charter members of the Old Fort Lodge. Mr. And Mrs. Keller have had four children, of whom two are deceased: Jacob W., who was born January 29, 1864, died January 12, 1866, and James D., born August 11, 1868, died January 20, 1872; those living are: John R., born October 14, 1871, and Mary A., born August 19, 1875, both at home.