Rev. R. W. Keeler – Died 1899

KEELER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 10/5/2020 at 10:32:38

Source: Decorah Republican Aug. 24, 1899 P 4 C 2

A Des Moines dispatch says that Rev. R. W. Keeler died in that city on Thursday last. He was one of the oldest and most widely known Methodist ministers of the state, having been connected with the Upper Iowa Conference very many years, and filling very many of its most important appointments, and was especially prominent in educational work of his church. The dispatch says: The remains were taken to Marshalltown Friday for burial. In 1857 Dr. Keeler organized and was president of Cornell College at Mt. Vernon, the college succeeding a Methodist seminary already in existence there. At the end of two years he resigned at Mt. Vernon and took charge of Epworth seminary in Dubuque county. After five years at Epworth he was chosen presiding elder of the Davenport district, where he served the full four years, His career since that time included four years’ service as presiding elder of Charles City district, a like term in same capacity in Dubuque district, pastorates at Cedar Falls, a second term at Davenport, Toledo, Dyersville and Fayette, and six years as dean of theology of Central Tennessee college at Nashville, although keeping his residence in Iowa.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he died Aug. 17, 1899 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery.