| Description |
: |
William's parents were:
Nathan Keller, b. Apr. 6, 1810 in Rowan County, NC. and d. approx. 1850 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. &
Druzilla Boren, b. Nov. 27, 1812 in Union, Logan County, IL. and d. Jan. 30, 1880 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
*Note: Druzilla also marr. William Alma Young, and third, Benjamin Van Leuven.
On Mar. 29, 1863, William Carlin Keller and Sarah Melvina Lunceford were married in San Luis Obispo county, CA.
William and Sarah Keller's children were:
1. William Nathan Keller, b. Dec....
Read More
|
William's parents were:
Nathan Keller, b. Apr. 6, 1810 in Rowan County, NC. and d. approx. 1850 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. &
Druzilla Boren, b. Nov. 27, 1812 in Union, Logan County, IL. and d. Jan. 30, 1880 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
*Note: Druzilla also marr. William Alma Young, and third, Benjamin Van Leuven.
On Mar. 29, 1863, William Carlin Keller and Sarah Melvina Lunceford were married in San Luis Obispo county, CA.
William and Sarah Keller's children were:
1. William Nathan Keller, b. Dec. 22 (or 29), 1863 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. May 12, 1930 in San Bernardino County, CA. William marr. Mary Elizabeth Heap.
2. George David Keller, b. May 17, 1866 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jan. 31, 1896 at the age of 29 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. George marr. Lucy Elkins.
3. Ally Carlin Keller, b. Jul. 26, 1868 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA. and d. Dec. 28, 1942 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA. Ally marr. Hannah Rachel Sawyer in 1881 and second, Henrietta "Etta" (Hattery) Melton.
4. Oren/Orin Samuel Keller, b. Mar. 17, 1872 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA. and d. Dec. 26, 1941 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA. Oren marr. Mary Cunning.
5. Arden Hyram Keller, b. Oct. 6, 1874 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA. and d. Sep. 9, 1912 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA. Arden marr. Lucy Purcell.
6. Sarah D. Keller (twin), b. May 8, 1882 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA. and d. Mar. 21, 1884 in San Bernardino county, CA.
7. Mary M. Edna Keller (twin), b. May 8, 1882 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA. and d. Aug. 10, 1950 in Orange county, CA. Edna/Mary marr. Omie/Ornie/Jack P. Ward in 1900 and George Clifford Finlayson.
In the 1870 U. S. census, 28 yr. old William Keller, a farmer, b. in OH., was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino county, CA. with his
26 yr. old (inferred) wife, Sarah Keller, keeping house, b. in IL.
6 yr. old (inferred) son, William Keller, attending school, b. in CA.
4 yr. old (inferred) son, George Keller, b. in CA.
1 yr. old (inferred) daughter, Caroline Keller, b. in CA. (*son, Carlin)
William's real estate was valued at $1,500 and his personal estate at $200.
In the 1880 U. S. census, 38 yr. old William C. Keller, a farmer, b. in IL., was living at 25 8th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
36 yr. old wife, Sarah Ann Keller, keeping house, b. in IL.
16 yr. old son, William N. Keller, b. in CA.
14 yr. old son, George D. Keller, b. in CA.
11 yr. old son, Ally C. Keller, b. in CA.
8 yr. old son, Oren C. Keller, b. in CA.
5 yr. old son, Ardent H. Keller, b. in CA.
48 yr. old brother-in-law, Saml. Luncford, a herder, b. in IL.
William's father was b. in PA. and his mother in IL.
Daily Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 5
Tue., Apr. 19, 1892
Birthday party
Sunday, the 17th inst., being the 50th birthday of Mr. W. C. Keller, a complete surprise was given him by his brothers and children. The party, numbering about thirty persons, met a 10 o'clock at his residence of Base Line, with their arms well-filled with the good things of this world, and took complete possession of the Keller ranch. At 10 o'clock lunch was served, to which all did ample justice (excepting H. C., whose appetite failed him at the last moment). After lunch the afternoon was spent in music, song and games, in which both old and young thoroughly enjoyed themselves. At 5 o'clock the party dispersed, after wishing Mr. Keller many more such happy birthdays.
Those present were W. C. Keller and family, Orin, Ardent and Mary; F. M. Keller and family, Frank, Clara, Alma, Henry and Rachel; H. C. Keller and family, Nettie, Cassie and Lela; W. N. Keller and family, Freddie and Barbara; George Keller and family, Ally Keller and wife and Willie Pitcher.
Weekly Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 2
Sat., Jul. 27, 1895
BURNED TO THE GROUND.
Total Loss of W. C. Keller's House - Personal Effects Saved
The residence of W. C. Keller, on the south side of Base Line, caught fire Friday morning about 8 o'clock, while the family were out attending to their work about the place, and despite the hard work of the occupants and neighbors it was quickly burned to the ground.
While the origin of the fire was unknown, it is supposed to have caught from the kitchen stove, and from that communicated to the roof. When discovered it had gained such headway that it was impossible with the inadequate help at hand to stop it, and although the bucket brigade that was quickly organized did excellent work, the flames were soon beyond control.
Some of the personal effects of the family were saved, but in an attempt to get at a portion of the contents, Mr. Keller and his son were overcome by the heat and smoke and came near losing their lives.
The loss is estimated at about $3,000, and the insurance on building, furniture and wearing apparel is $1,700. Through the heroic efforts of the neighbors, the fire was kept confined to the house, although the flying sparks often threatened the barn and other outbuildings. Mr. and Mrs. Keller are prostrated over their sudden loss, and their son is suffering from a few burns received while attempting to save some of their belongings.
In the 1900 U. S. census, 58 yr. old William C. Keller, a farmer, b. Apr. 1842 in IL., was living in a home he owned free and clear at 104 4th St. on the north side, in San Bernardino Ward 2, San Bernardino, CA. with his
56 yr. old wife, Sarah M Keller, b. Feb. 1844 in IL.
18 yr. old married daughter, Edna Ward, b. May 1882 in CA.
21 yr. old son-in-law, Ornie Ward, a common laborer, b. Jun. 1879 in OH.
William and Sarah had been married for 37 years.
Sarah was the mother of 7 children, only 5 still alive by this census.
Edna and Ornie had been married for only 3 months.
William's father was b. in PA. and his mother in IL.
William had been unemployed for 12 months.
In the 1910 U. S. census, 68 yr. old William C. Keller, a retired farmer, b. in IL., was living in a home he owned free and clear at 104 Fourth St. in San Bernardino Ward 2, San Bernardino, CA. with his
66 yr. old wife, Sara M Keller, b. in IL.
41 yr. old widowed son, Allie C Keller, a forest ranger in a forest reserve, b. in CA.
35 yr. old divorced son, Arden H Keller, a laborer doing odd jobs, b. in CA.
8 yr. old grandson, George C Ward, b. in CA.
This was a first marriage for William and Sara. They had been married for 47 years.
Sara was the mother of 7 children, only 5 still alive by this census.
William's father was b. in NC. and his mother's birthplace was unknown.
Sara's father's birthplace was unknown but her mother was b. in UT.
George's father's birthplace was unknown but his mother was b. in CA.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P.6, Col. 2
Tue., Apr. 1, 1913
Item from: Social Happenings
Golden Wedding Anniversary Kept -
The golden wedding anniversary of a pioneer couple of San Bernardino was kept on Sunday, being made a very happy occasion for the members of the family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Keller, who gathered at their home, 104 East Fourth street.
A beautiful decorative arrangement was given the home, the color of the anniversary being attractively prominent. Long sprays of the yellow Banksia rose were gracefully placed and bowls of daffodils added their vivid color. In the dining room a canopy of yellow was completed in the center with a depending (deepening?) cluster of orange blossoms. More daffodils brightened the table, across which bands of yellow ribbon were laid flat.
Four generations were represented among the family guests of the golden wedding couple, their son, W. N. Keller, his daughter, Mrs. Ned L. Godbey, of Bakersfield, and little Margret Godbey. Pictures were made of this group and of the entire company during the afternoon.
A family dinner was served at noon and in the afternoon a large company of friends, including many members of the Pioneer society, called, being received by Mr. and Mrs. Keller, senior, Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Keller and Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Keller. A register was kept of the guests as an interesting souvenir of the occasion. Refreshments were served from the pleasing table in the dining room with its golden tone.
The romance of the golden wedding couple began when they were schoolmates in San Bernardino, and the girl sweetheart was, when she answered to her full name, Sarah Melvina Lunceford. Soon the sweetheart schoolmate was whisked away with her family to a home near San Luis Obispo. In two years, however, the San Bernardino swain departed on a horseback trip to the middle of the state, with the intent of bringing home a bride.
In those days ministers were not always at hand for the marrying of lovers. In this instance, a 12-mile ride was undertaken in search of a justice of the peace to perform the ceremony. The prospective bride and groom, the bride's sister, and neighboring friends, started on the pre-wedding trip.
The personage sought was away from home, but luck was with the lovers, and the party met him in the public highway as they turned back in disappointment. Forthwith the bridal group was formed, with a live oak forming a leafy wedding bower, and the knot, which has endured happily through 50 years of married life, was tied.
The young couple remained near San Luis Obispo until November, when they started for San Bernardino, driving down, the trip taking 10 days.
They lived at the Keller home place in Base Line until the house was lost by fire, when they moved to East Fourth street, which has since been their home.
Of Mr. and Mrs. Keller's children, five sons and two daughters, four are living, W. N. Keller, A. C. Keller, O. S. Keller of Rialto; Mrs. E. C. Finlayson, of Huntington Beach.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 4
Sun., May 4, 1919
WILLIAM CARLIN KELLER
William Carlin Keller passed away early yesterday morning at the age of 77 at the hone, 104 Fourth street with his loved ones watching at his bedside. He was a patient sufferer throughout the long years of his suffering, and well-beloved by neighbors and friends, to whom he was an unfailing source of comfort. The illness which shadowed the end came about two months ago, though the aged man had been failing for some time.
Deceased was the member of a well-known pioneer family of the city, having come here from his home town in Illinois with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Keller, some 65 years ago.
The family came overland in ox-team by way of Salt Lake City. For 30 years William Keller, with his wife, Mrs. Sarah Lunceford Keller, made their home at the ranch on Base Line, where he led the life of a farmer. He retired some years ago.
Beside the widow, there are left to mourn,
three sons, W. N. A. C. and Orrin Keller, all of San Bernardino;
a daughter, Mrs. Mary Finlayson, of Worland, Wyoming;
two brothers, J. C. Keller of Huntington Park, and Barney Keller of this city;
among the grandchildren being Forrest Keller, who made his home with his grandparents in Fourth street; Sergeant Chris Keller of Long Beach, lately of the 160th infantry, and Carl Keller of this city, who is in the army hospital in San Francisco.
Funeral arrangements are waiting word from the daughter, Mrs. Finlayson, and will be announced later. She was here on a visit to her father some two months ago, and it is not expected that she will be able to return at this time.
Odd Fellows, of which order the deceased was a member, will have charge of the last service, with the Mark B. Shaw company conducting. Interment will be in the Pioneer cemetery, in the family lot, beside a daughter and two sons who passed away some years ago.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Col. 3
Sat., Dec. 10, 1938
Covered Wagon Families
CARLIN KELLER CAME WEST AS CRY OF GOLD EXCITED COUNTRY
Wed Girl He Met in Wagon Train To California
KELLER, Carlin, born in Illinois, April 17, 1842, and Sarah Lunceford Keller, born in Illinois, Feb. 18, 1844, married at San Luis Obispo, Calif., March 29, 1863. Arrived at Old San Bernardino in 1852.
Children (see list towards top of this biography).
Carlin Keller traveled with his parents by ox team from Illinois to El Dorado county in 1851, coming down the coast later, arriving and settling near Old San Bernardino in 1852.
In the party of travelers from Illinois was the William Lunceford family, who settled on East Base Line.
The children of both families were school mates and an attachment developed between Carlin Keller and Sarah Lunceford. Later the Lunceford family moved to San Luis Obispo, but the attachment still lingered.
Sometime later Mr. Keller made a trip on horseback to bring Sarah back as his bride. In those days ministers were not always at hand for the marrying of lovers. In this instance a 12-mile ride on horseback was made in search of someone to perform the ceremony.
The prospective bride's sister and a few of her close friends were in the party when they arrived at the home of a justice of the peace. he was not at home, but luck was with the young couple. They met the justice of peace on the road after they had turned back in disappointment. The pair lost no time in forming a bridal group, with a live oak tree as a wedding bower and the knot which endured happily for 58 years was tied.
PURCHASED HOME
Mr. and Mrs. Keller spent their honeymoon at San Luis Obispo, leaving there in November and driving down to San Bernardino and establishing their home at the southeast corner of base Line and Tippecanoe avenue. They purchased the land from the bride's father. It was at that location that they lived and reared their family until the house was lost by fire.
After the fire which occurred about 40 years ago, the Kellers moved to the northwest corner of Sierra way and Fourth street, where both passed away some years ago.
William Nathan Keller was in business in San Bernardino until failing health forced him to retire.
George David Keller followed ranching until his death.
Ally Carlin Keller is widely known throughout the county. He followed ranching for some time and was in business for many years, operating one of the first moving picture machines. He was employed by the United States forest service and later became a foreman at the Santa fe shops. he held that position until an injury forced his retirement.
Orin Samuel Keller was in the transfer and teaming business for a number of years and is now employed by the state division of highways.
Arden Hyram Keller was in business for some years and served in company K during the Spanish-American war.
(*11 more paragraphs follow, with information of the fourth and fifth Generations of the family.) |
