WILLIAM N. KELLER.

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         A highly cultivated farm of one hundred and eighteen acres, situated on section 14, Morning Sun township, pays a glowing tribute to the labors of William N. Keller, who is the owner of this property. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, January 31, 1840, a son of George and Mary (McLean) Keller, who were natives of Germany, emigrating to America in their childhood days. They spent their married life in Ohio and there both departed this life. Their marriage was blessed with ten children, only three of whom are now living, namely: Mary F., the wife of James France, a resident of Knox county, Ohio; Adam, who makes his home in Indiana; and William N., of this review.

         William N. Keller enjoyed such educational advantages as are offered by the common schools and the period of his boyhood and youth was spent under the parental roof. He gave his father the benefit of his services until he had reached mature years, and in 1861, the Civil war having been inaugurated, he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of Company H, Eighty-second Ohio Infantry. He remained at the front for three years and in the meantime took part in the battles of Bull Run, Pea Ridge, Winchester, Fredericksburg, and in other minor engagements. He was fortunate in that he never received even a scratch while doing duty at the front. He was mustered out at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after which he returned to his home in Knox county, Ohio, and for three years worked as a farm hand for others. At the end of that time, seeking the broader opportunities of the west, he came to Louisa county and worked as a farm hand here for several years. He eventually established a home of his own by his marriage, after which he located on . . .

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. . . a tract of land which he rented for four years. During that period he saved a sum of money sufficient to invest in farm property and thus became owner of one hundred and eighteen acres on section 14, Morning Sun township. He has made the improvements on this place and it is today one of the attractive as well as cultivable tracts of this township. He carries on general farming but makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs.

         Mr. Keller was married to Miss Margaret D. Cunningham, who was born in Louisa county, March 14, 1854, a daughter of Condy and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Cunningham. The father was a native of Ireland, but the mother claims the state of Ohio as the place of her nativity. They located in Louisa county in 1843 and here spent their remaining years, the mother passing way in 1888, while the father, surviving for a few years, departed this life in September, 1893. They were the parents of four children, only two of whom are now living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keller have been born eight children: Ezra, who is living in the state of Washington; George, at home; Richard, a resident of Oregon; Charles, Lee, Grove and Marion, all at home; and Lena, deceased.

         Mr. Keller always casts his vote for the candidates of the democratic party, but he has never sought nor held office for himself, preferring to devote his entire time to his private business affairs. He and his family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. When on the battlefield Mr. Keller displayed the spirit of loyalty and determination and these characteristics have been strongly manifest throughout his entire life, for when he started out in the business world it was in a humble position, but he has overcome all obstacles and difficulties that have beset his path and today ranks among the men of prominence and influence in his locality.