Kellen, Mathias "Matt" 1851-1935

KELLEN, HANSEN, SCHAUL

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

Source: Alton Democrat (4-12-1935)

Born: 1851
Died: 1935

Mathias “Matt” Kellen, beloved old pioneer of Alton, as the result of illness from which he had been suffering since November 26, 1934, passed peacefully away Saturday at his home here. Because of Forty-Hours devotions in St. Mary’s Church, the funeral services were held at 8 o’clock Tuesday morning in the church.

Mathias Kellen was born at Noerdinges, duchy of Luxemburg, Europe on November 24, 1851. He came to America with his parents at the age of 18, the family settling in Houston County, Minnesota, near Caledonia. After five years spent there he came to Sioux County in 1871 to homestead a farm on the prairie here, locating on a quarter section near Carnes. He married Susan Hansen, daughter of Frank and Margaret Hansen, on February 22, 1878. Together they lived 3 ½ miles from Alton which they homesteaded and after that they moved to Granville so the children could attend school there but six years later they moved back to the farm. Nine children were born to them, eight daughters and one son. Mrs. Kellen died at the age of thirty-seven.

Mr. Kellen married Mathilda Schaul on February 9, 1904 and in 1909 they moved into Alton where they have resided. He is survived by one child of this union, Marcella, Grace, Mrs. Maurice M. Smith, Carroll, Iowa.

The following were his brothers and sisters: Margaret, Mrs. M. Reith, deceased; William Kellen, Salem, South Dakota; Peter Kellen, deceased; Camellus Kellen, deceased; Edward Kellen, Minnesota; Catherine, Des Moines, Iowa; and John Kellen, Madison, Minnesota. There are 37 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Solemn High Mass was held at St. Mary’s Church at Alton Tuesday morning at 8 o’clock in memory of the deceased, with the Reverend Rudolph Henrich of St. Paul, Minnesota, a grandson of Mr. Kellen, the celebrant. Very Reverend M.A. Schemel of Alton was deacon, Reverend Henry Pick of Sutherland the sub-deacon. Very Reverend Schemel delivered the invocation and conducted the services at the grave. Pallbearers were four grandsons--Vernon, Raymond, Victor Kellen and Cleophas Bunkers, and two nephews--Henry Kellen and George Kellen.

All the children were present at the funeral services except Mrs. Peter Wagner of Sturgis, South Dakota and Mrs. Tom Anglin of Miller, South Dakota, who could not get here.

First of all, an honorable and upright citizen, Mathias Kellen was beloved by all who knew him. As one of the earliest pioneers of this vicinity, set an example by his honesty and congeniality that were a real inspiration to all with whom he came in contact. He will be missed by a great number of friends and by his sorrowing family. His pleasant personality will remain as an asset to the community in which he so many years made his home.