KELLAR, John F. (1842-1925)

KELLAR

Posted By: Karon King (email)
Date: 5/19/2010 at 18:20:12

JOHN FRANCIS KELLAR

From the obituary of John Francis Kellar: John Francis Kellar, son of Harrison and Catherine Kellar, was born August 10, 1842, in Noble County, Ohio. He was raised to manhood in Ohio and enlisted in the Seventh Company, Independent Ohio Cavalry in 1863 and served during the remainder of the War of the Rebellion. His company was detailed for some time as a body guard for President Abraham Lincoln, and Mr. Kellar was on duty in Washington the night of the assassination. He personally carried the message from the Adjutant General to the Army which was encamped at Alexandria. Among his prized possessions was a photograph of Lincoln given to him with other members of his company by the martyred president.

Following the War, Mr. Kellar moved with his family to Prole, Iowa, a short distance south of Des Moines and forty-two years ago moved to Nebraska, spending sixteen years on a farm near Steele City, five years as a resident of Lincoln, and the last twenty-one years of his life on a ranch near Crookston.

He is survived by his wife, Matilda J. Kellar, three daughters; Mrs. Carrie Backon of Ardmore, Oklahoma, Mrs. W.G. Smith of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Miss Venia M. Kellar, who is Director of Domestic Science at the University of Maryland, and one son, E.M. Kellar of Crookston, Nebraska. Three brothers, Thomas, Henderson and William Kellar of Prole, Iowa; a sister, Mrs. Jennie Davis of Des Moines, and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive him.

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Note: John Francis Kellar died April 25, 1925, in Hot Springs, SD. The original obituary is the property of Pierce Raubach. The source is unknown.