OBIT: W. H. KEFFER, 1885, Lancaster, Lancaster County, PA

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Prof. W. H. Keffer, the well-known musician, died at his residence No. 42 North 
Prince street, of consumption, this morning at 8:30 o'clock in the 57th year of 
his age, after an illness of about six months, though he was confined to his 
room only about two weeks.

Mr. Keffer was a son of the late Peter Keffer, and a brother of the late John, 
Peter and Dr. Julius Keffer.  He was born in Lancaster and educated in the 
schools of this city.  At a very early age he acquired a taste for music and 
became a good performer on several instruments, his favorite being the violin, 
of which he was a master player.  After leaving school he went to Baltimore and 
studied music under Prof. Boushee.  He also spent some time in music stores in 
Baltimore and Philadelphia, to perfect his musical education.  On returning to 
Lancaster he opened a music store on East Orange street, near North Queen, 
conducting it for some years.  About 1852 he organized the Lancaster 
Philharmonic society, one of the best and most popular musical associations ever 
organized in this city.  He also organized Keffer's orchestra, and was its 
leader for many years.  It was composed of fine musicians, and had a high 
reputation, and was engaged for years to furnish orchestral music at the opera 
house, and to play for balls and other entertainments in this and many other 
cities and towns in Eastern Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Many years ago Mr. Keffer opened a musical institute at his residence, North 
Prince street, and gave instruction to many pupils, and had classes in various 
other cities.  He did more, perhaps, than any man in Lancaster to cultivate a 
taste for and elevate the tone of the art of music.  And it was not only in his 
profession that he held high rank.  In his earlier life he was regarded as an 
amateur actor of no small merit; in social events he always took a prominent 
part; as a companion he was entertaining and agreeable; as a husband and father 
loving and indulgent, and as a citizen upright and honorable.  His death will be 
sincerely mourned by a wide circle of friends and admirers.

About 1852 Prof. Keffer was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Moss, of Buffalo, 
N.Y., by whom he had six children, five of whom are living – namely:  Carrie, 
the wife of Chas. R. Kline, esq.; Dr. Edw. –ngerich Keffer, dentist of 
Philadelphia; Hallie(?) and Ellie, twin daughters and Boehm, the youngest son.

A peculiarly distressing feature of Prof. Keffer's death is the fact that his 
wife has for weeks been lying seriously ill in the same room with him, and 
family and friends have been almost daily expecting the death of both of them.

Lancaster Daily Intelligencer, April 20, 1885