BIO: John Peter KELLER, Dauphin County, PA

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http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/runk/runk-bios.htm
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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, 
Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the 
Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: 
J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, pages 202-203. 
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  KELLER, JOHN PETER, son of Charles Andrew Keller and Judith Barbara 
Bigler, was born at Lancaster, Pa., September 28, 1776.  His ancestor 
belonged to one of the oldest families in Switzerland, and emigrated to 
America in 1735.  John Peter learned the trade of a brass founder, 
coming to Harrisburg in 1796.  In 1801 he established himself in 
business as "brass founder and rope-maker," which proved successful, 
and afterwards in general merchandising.  He was a member of the 
borough council almost continuously from 1810 to 1824, and was quite 
prominent and influential in the public affairs of his day.  He was 
identified with nearly all the early enterprises of the town, such as 
the Harrisburg Bridge Company, Harrisburg and Middletown Turnpike 
Company, and at his death was the last survivor of the original board 
of directors of the Harrisburg Bank.  He was a gentleman of thrift, 
industry and indomitable energy, upright, honored and respected by his 
fellow-citizens.  He was no less decided and influential as a 
Christian, being one of the founders of the Lutheran church in 
Harrisburg.  He died at Harrisburg October 1, 1859, in the eighty-
fourth year of his age.  Mr. Keller was twice married.  His first wife 
was Catharine Schaeffer, daughter of Rev. Frederick Schaeffer, D.D., of 
Lancaster, born November 6, 1774, died December 19, 1842, and by whom 
he had the following children:  Frederick, George, Rev. Emanuel, Eliza, 
M. James R. Boyd, Maria, M. Lewis L. Plitt, Catharine, M. James 
Gilliard, John Peter, Sophia, M. Thomas Montgomery, William, Frederick, 
George, Benjamin, Peter, Charles and Charles Andrew.  His second wife 
was Mrs. Rachel Cochran, widow of William Cochran, formerly sheriff of 
the county, who survived him thirteen years.