KELLER, Franklin (1831-1912)

KELLER

Posted By: Jenny Bailey (email)
Date: 8/29/2003 at 20:12:29

Franklin Keller was born in Harrison county, Virginia on the 21st day of March 1831, and departed this life Sept 22, 1912, at the ripe old age of 81 years and 6 months, at the old homestead, which has been his home ever since coming to this state in 1854. His wife preceded him to the better world about 5 years ago, they having lived together over fifty-six years. They were among the very earliest settlers of this part of the state and were among the twenty-eight charter members that founded the Mt. Tabor
society in March 1855. All of these members having gone to their reward except Mrs. Lucy Masterson, now of Glenwood, Iowa, and N.E. Stickel, of New Virginia, Iowa.
He was married to Ellen Jane McIntosh Jan 16, 1851 in West Virginia. Here two children were born to them and with these they came to their western home in the spring of 1854, settling first in Van Buren county. Here they buried their two children. In the fall of the same year they came to Warren county, where they entered the farm on which he has resided for fifty-eight years.

They were the parents of twelve children, four having died in infancy, the rest living to manhood and
womanhood, are married with families of their own. Two of them, John and Rebecca, died leaving
families. Six remain. They are Bollovia, Mrs. Rosa Sanders, Charles, Lee, Mrs. Cyrena Morrison and
Mrs. Ida Taylor, all striving to serve the God of their father and mother, with a hope of meeting the
loved ones gone before. They were all with him during his last days, also a brother, Ira Keller, of West
Virginia, lovingly and tenderly ministering unto him. He often spoke of the loving care of his children.
He leaves, besides his children to mourn his loss, three brothers, Allen, Morgan and Ira, four sisters,
Mrs. Minerva Bryan, Mrs. Hester Murphy, Mrs. Lura Proudfoot, and Mrs. Lucinda Woodford, also thirty-three grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and a host of friends. He was converted at the age of 16
years in the old log church at Pleasant Creek, West Virginia, of which church he remained a member
until marriage, when he changed his membership to the Ebenezer class bringing his letter from this class
in Iowa. He had a clear conversion and his testimony was always clear and direct concerning the saving
power of God and the wonders of His grace. He was a true man of God and though sorely afflicted in the
last few years of the life, he bore it all with patience that becometh God’s children rejoicing in the love
of God. He was a faithful and loyal member of his church which he loved so dearly, and in his last hours
spoke of his church as dearest of all to him. How often have we heard him say, Whom the Lord loveth
He chasteneth. He has finished his course here yet his works will follow him.
His funeral service was conducted at the house by Rev. C.K. Corkill, his pastor, song, Jesus Lover of
my Soul, and prayer, after which the body was taken to Mt. Tabor church, of which class he has been a
member fifty-seven years. The scripture lesson the 91st Psalm and 23rd Psalm using the 15th verse of
the 116th Psalm, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints, for his text. The opening
song, How Firm a Foundation, Safe in the Arms of Jesus, Nearer my God to Thee, Jesus is Mine, Asleep
in Jesus. The church and casket were beautifully decorated with flowers.
Something near forty years ago he was made a Mason and was a member of Neophyte Lodge, No. 301
at New Virginia, Iowa. After the sermon the Masons rendered their beautiful burial service and the body
was laid to rest by the side of his wife at the Mt. Tabor cemetery.