History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc, Part 97

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USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 97
USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 97


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GEORGE GETTER, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Germany December 27, 1819, son of George and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Getter, also natives of Germany, and who had a family of fifteen children, twelve of whom attained maturity. Our subject's father, by occupation a farmer and carpenter, served as a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte, and after his discharge from the army worked at farming in Ger- many until 1823, when he came to America, and being a poor man it took the most of what he had accumulated to move his large family to Baltimore County, Md. He was very devoted to his family, and the anxiety for their welfare, the sea voyage and exertion of traveling so far. proved almost too much for him; but he was energetic, and soon ob- tained a position on the Baltimore Railroad. He was accidentally killed nine weeks there- after. and the children were thus thrown on their own resources in a strange country. Our subject, the tenth born, was one month in the poor house and while there attended school. He was then bound out till he was twenty-one to a man living at Newville, this county. After serving his term of service he hired out to the same man three years longer. He was married, in 1841. to Miss Mary, daughter of lIenry Kendig, also of German origin. Of the twelve children born to this union seven are living: Naney Ellen, Henry K., David. Philip R., Weine, Leo and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. Getter are members of the Church of God, in which he is elder, trustee and deacon. In business Mr. Getter has met with marked success, and by his own exertions has acquired the well improved farm where he now resides. Politically he is a Republican.


GEORGE B. WAGGONER, farmer and stock-grower, Carlisle, was born in Perry County. Penn., July 4, 1845, son of Peter and Mary (Snider) Waggoner, natives of Penn- sylvania and of German origin. Peter Waggoner, who has made merchant milling the occupation of his life, bas met with marked success; he moved to Missouri in 1868, where he resides at the present time, and is engaged extensively in the milling business. George B., the sixth in a family of seven children, grew to manhood in Cumberland County, and learned milling of his father. When troops were called for during the late civil war he enlisted in Company E. One Hundred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and at the expiration of his time re-enlisted in an independent regiment which was raised in Cumberland County, and in which he served until the close of the war. He was in sev-


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eral battles and skirmishes, among which may be named Fredericksburg and Chancellors- ville. After the war he went to Missouri, where he followed farming for two years, but on account of ill health he returned to Pennsylvania, and then entered the employ of C. W. Ahl, for whom he worked eleven years in the iron ore mines, being foreman for five years. In 1886 he bought his present farm of 120 acres in North Middleton Township, where he now resides. In 1868 he married Mary A., daughter of Simon B. Mountz, and of German origin. The children born to this union, now living, are William, Minnie, Maud, Charles, George, Mary and Grace. In politics Mr. Waggoner is a Republican.


HENRY F. WAGGONER, carpenter, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Perry County, Penn., January 8, 1841. son of Ilenry W. and Elizabeth (Wagner) Waggoner, natives of Pennsylvania and of German lineage. His father in early life was a carpenter, but in later years followed farming. Henry F., the sixth in a family of twelve children (eleven of whom attained maturity), was reared on the farm, attending the common school. He worked with his father on the farm until he was eighteen, when he learned the carpenter's trade, and followed this occupation until 1872, when he bought the farm of 97 acres well improved land, in this township, from which he lately retired to follow his trade, his sons carrying on the farm. The Waggoner family is prominently identified with the history of this county, the grandfather, Abram Waggoner, being an early settler and widely known: he served as a soldier in the war of 1812. During the late Rebellion, Henry F. Waggoner entered the army, in 1862, as a teamster in Col. Hunt's reserve heavy artillery, and served all through the Peninsular campaign, and until after the Pope campaign; then returned home to assist on his father's farm, while his hrothers were serving as volunteers in the Army of the Potomac; then, in 1863, his brother B. F.'s term having expired, the latter took the place, at home, of our subject, who enlisted in the army and served to the close of the war. He was in the Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Fort Steadman and Petersburg. In politics Mr. Waggoner is a Democrat. He has been inspector and coustable of this township four years. He was married, in 1868, to Rebecca, daughter of Phelix and Mar- garet (Minich) Swigart, and this union has been blessed with eight children: Angeline C., Elmer K., Estella J., Ida M., Loris F., Alvin B., Cora Ellen (deceased), and Althea Idene.


WILSON J. WAGNER, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born in North Middleton Township, this county. October 20, 1850, son of George and Sarah (Strohm) Wagner, whose ancestors came from Switzerland. His father, who was a farmer all his life, died in this county in 1877 at the age of sixty-six years; he was a thorough business man, and met with marked success at farming, being at the time of his death worth about $75,- 000, most of which he had made by his own exertions. He was a Democrat in politics, but no office seeker and could not he induced to hold any official position. His name was originally spelled Waggoner, but he instructed his sons to spell their name Wagner. Our subject, the second in the family of seven children (five of whom are still living), was reared on the farm and received his schooling in North Middleton Township. He has made ag- riculture his business, and is the owner of a farm of 127 acres with first class improve- ments. Onr subject has been twice married, first, in 1877, to Emma, daughter of William Jacoby, who died in 1880, leaving two children: George and Sidney. Mr. Wagner was married on the second occasion, in 1883, to Anna, daughter of John Armstrong. Politi- cally he is a Democrat.


CHAPTER LV. PENN TOWNSHIP.


JOHN SAMUEL BURKHART, tinner, P. O. Dickinson, was born in Newville, this county, March 8, 1839. His father. Jacob, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Burkhart, residents of this county from childhood, married Martha, daughter of John and Elizabeth Diller, who were also children of early settlers of this county. The ancestors on both sides were of the old Mennonite faith. After attaining his majority our subject moved, with his widowed mother and half brother, to Selins Grove, Snyder Co., Penn., where he entered a missionary institute, to prepare for the ministry; he taught in the intervals and had the care of the family. In August, 1862, Mr. Burkhart enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and was discharged in May, 1863, with the rank of orderly sergeant, leaving a record as a brave and faithful soldier. Returning to Snyder County, Penn., he was compelled to give up his course for the ministry, on account of an


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affection of the throat contracted while in the army. In 1865 he purchased a tin and stove store, which was destroyed by fire February 25, 1872. Our subject married Miss Elizabeth A. Schock, February 25, 1868, and they returned to thiscounty in May, 1872. After devot- ing some years in looking after the interests of his mother's farm, and two years (1876-78) in teaching, he established his shop in the village of Centreville, this county; he does a general business, roofing, spouting, repairing and dealing in stoves, tinware, etc. Mrs. Burkhart died April 29, 1882, a devoted wife and mother, an earnest Christian, and her death was mourned by a large circle of friends. Of her eight children only three are now living: Mary Emma, Miriam May and Samuel Bruce. Mr. Burkhart is a life-long Repub- lican: an earnest member of the Lutheran Church. He is an upright and worthy citizen, highly respected.


SAMUEL CAROTHERS farmer, P. O. Dickinson, was born March 10, 1839. in Penn (then Dickinson) Township, this county. His father, John M. Carothers, came from York County, Penn., in early manhood, with his parents, Samuel and Jane (Nesbet) Caroth- ers, and married Miss Sarah Jane Carothers, a very distant relative, a native of Huntingdon County, Penn. She died in 1842, and John M. Carothers again married, in Adams County, Penn., moved to Franklin County, and finally to this county, where he died. Our sub- ject. Samuel Carothers, was reared by his paternal grandfather, in Penn Township, this county, and began life farming his grandfather's place. He married, December 2.1, 1859, Miss Rebecca C'arl, daughter of Peter and Eliza Carl, early settlers of this county, he from Perry County and she from Lancaster County, Penn. Since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Carothers have resided in Penn Township. this county, where they have a pleasant and comfortable home and a tract of about 19 acres of fertile and well improved land. The widowed mother of Mrs. Carothers now resides with them. To our subject and wife have been born two sons: Samuel Henderson and James Elder, who have both made thorough preparation for the profession of teaching, and are doing useful service in that noble pro- fession, giving excellent satisfaction as faithful and efficient educators. James E. is a graduate of the State Normal School at Shippensburg. Samuel Carothers is a life-long Democrat. He has served his township as assessor one year, and also as school director and as supervisor. He and his worthy wife are consistent members of the United Breth- ren Church. He is an upright and worthy citizen, respected and esteemed by all who know him.


JACOB G. CROMAN, merchant, residence South Fairview, P. O. Dickinson, Was born October 9, 1843, in Penn Township, this county. His father, Jacob Croman, a native of Berks County, Penn., came to this county when a young man, and married Margaret Vance, a native of this county and daughter of John and Susan (Glenn) Vance, who re- sided in Penn Township, this county, until their death. Our subject's father was among the early settlers of Brushtown District (now South Fairview), Penn Township, and built the fifth house in the neighborhood. He was the father of seven children: Mrs. Sarah Neff. John W., Mrs. Eliza Sellers, Mrs. Ellen Cooper, Mrs. Susan Schroyer, Jacob G., and Isabelle (deceased). Jacob G. Croman enlisted, September 15, 1862, in the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, serving in the historic campaigns of Virginia; he took part in the hard fought battles of Chancel- lorsville. Beverly Ford, Alldee and Upperville, in Virginia; Gettysburg. Penn .; Boonsboro, Md .: Williamsport, Brandy Station. Culpeper, Stephenshurg, the various battles in the Wilderness, Civilians Station, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Rock Fish Creek, Five Forks and various other engagements up to Appomattox, where he personally witnessed the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee. He was wounded while on pieket at Garrisonville, Va., and he also received a life-long injury by the fall of his horse at the same place. He received his discharge in June, 1865, and left a record as a brave and faithful soldier, al- ways ready for the call of duty. Returning home he married Miss Mary A. Rexroth, July 20. 1865; her parents, Henry and Mary Rexroth, natives of Saxony, came to this county in 1843, and resided many years in Pine Grove, Cook Township, where she was born : they afterward resided in Penn Township until their death; the mother died in 1875, and the father January 1, 1884, in his eightieth year. Mr. and Mrs. Croman have resided in South Fairview, Penn Township, this county, ever since their marriage. He followed shoe-mak- ing for three years; then established a store, which he still carries on. His children are William Glenn. Anna M. C., Henry Carol, Rosa Maud, Jacob Herman and Grace. In polities our subject is a Republican. Hle and his wife are members of the Disciples Church. Mr. Croman is a man of upright principles, a worthy citizen, respected by all who know him.


JAMES DUNLAP, farmer, P. O. Newville, was born in Penn (then Dickinson) Township, this county, February 20, 1819, son of William and Elizabeth (Sproat) Dunlap, both natives of this county, and who resided here until their death; he died in October, 1826, and she in 1839. Of their children, six grew to maturity, three of whom are now living: William, in Urbana, Ohio: James and Miss Nancy E., residing in Newville, this county. The subject of this sketch has resided on the old homestead farm of his great- grandfather Sproat all his life. lle married Miss Lucetta Hays February 26. 1846. They have a fine farm of abont 200 acres of fertile and well improved valley land, besides a


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farm of 145 acres in Newton Township, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have been born nine children, two of whom died in infancy. Those now living are: William S., Robert Hays, Mrs. Margaret Jane MeCullough, John Armstrong. Lillie Belle, Fred S. and James Wallace. Our subject is a life-long Republican. He and his worthy wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Newville, this county. Mr. Dunlap has taken a deep interest in the education of his children, and they are taking a high position in business and social circles. He is a man of firm principles, an upright and worthy citizen, a liberal patron of useful public enterprise, and is respected and esteemed.


ELIAS B. EYSTER, P. O. Walnut Bottom, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, July 16, 1809, son of John and Susan (Booz) Eyster, natives of Berks and Adams Counties, Penn., respectively, who, after their marriage, moved to Columbiaua County, Ohio, where they remained until their death. They were among the earliest and most respected pioneers of Ohio. Elias B. Eyster left Ohio when he was twenty-one years of age. and came to Berks County, Penn. He there married, December 5, 1835, Miss Helena Dresher, and in 1837 they came to Oyster Point, this county, within two miles of Harrisburg. They kept the "Oyster Point Hotel" for five years, and then moved up the Cumberland Valley to the place where they now reside, in Penn Township, this county. They pur- chased " Long Meadow Hotel," and conducted it for a period of forty years (the house was built in 1780 and is still standing and occupied). Elias B. Eyster was a genial and popular landlord, and his house was a favorite resort for travelers seeking entertainment, good-cheer and rest, in the good old days long past. In 1855 Mr. Eyster purchased the mill on Yellow Breeches Creek, since known as Eyster's Mill, which he still owns, and in addition he has acquired here five farms, aggregating over 500 acres of fertile and well improved land, much of which he has given to his children. September 20, 1878, Mrs. Eyster departed this life, aged sixty-six years, six months and eight days. To our sub- ject and wife have been born the following named children: Thomas Jefferson (deceased), Angelina, Elias G, Helena Jane, Mrs. Sarah Ann Moore, Charles J. (deceased), Mrs. Frances Josephine Myers, Laura Elizabeth (deceased), Margaret M. (deceased) and Will- iam L. Mr. Eyster is a life-long Democrat. He has filled most of the township offices at various times, and has held the position of director of the poor for one term (1870-73). He and his family attend the Lutheran Church. His wife has been a member of that church nearly her entire life. Mr. Eyster has led an active and useful life, and is honored and respected by his descendants and his fellow-citizens of this county.


ELIAS G. EYSTER, farmer, P. O. Walnut Bottom, was born March 27, 1840, at Oyster Point, this county (near Harrisburg). He was brought to Penn Township, this county, with his father's family when he wastwo years of age, and has resided here since. His school course was interrupted in May, 1861, by his offering his services in defense of the Government, in response to President Lincoln's first call for troops. His company was not accepted at that time, but was afterward, at the first call for three years' troops, in August of the same year. Mr. Eyster was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and took part in the historic campaigns in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. He was present at the active engagements of Williamsburg, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Frederieks- burg, Gettysburg, Mine Run, and the various battles of the Wilderness, np to Petersburg, besides a large number of severe skirmishes. He received a gunshot wound through the neck in a skirmish at Hartford Church February, 1863, which laid him up for six months and caused his absence from the battle of Chancellorsville. He was taken prisoner on the last day of the battle of Gettysburg, and was confined for one month in Libby Prison and Belle Isle. He received an honorable discharge from the army August 6, 1864, leaving a fine record as a brave and faithful soldier.


LEWIS GOODHART, farmer, P. O. Dickinson, was born April 15, 1822, in Penn (then Dickinson) Township, this county. His father, Isaac, was a son of Jacob Goodhart, who married Mary W. Shafner and settled in this county with his young family in very early times. The valley was then new and wild, and they cleared up their own farm. Our subject's father, Isaac Goodhart, married Miss Mary Magdalene Palm, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Bishop) Palm, who came from Lancaster County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Goodhart reared a family of ten children: Mrs. Eliza Gibbler (deceased), Will- iam, Beckie, Lewis, Mrs. Mary Piper, Mrs. Ann Bishop, Martin Alex P., Cyrus A. (deceased), Marion Anson, and Mrs. Agnes Druzilla Hess. Lewis Goodhart was edu- cated in the schools of the early times. April 11, 1844, he married Miss Charlotte Farner, who was born in Franklin County, Penn., and came to West Pennsborough Township, this county, in girlhood, with her widowed mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Farner, her father, David Farner, having died in Franklin County, Penn. Mr. Goodhart has resided in Penn Township, this county, since his marriage. He owns a fine farm of 143 acres of fertile and well improved land in the valley, and a fine tract of timber on South Mountain. To Mr. and Mrs. Goodhart have been born ten children: Two died in infancy, and one, Frances Emma, died at the age of thirteen years; those now living are Marion Anson, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Mitten, Mrs. Agnes B. Brandt, Calvin, Theodore, David G. Mcclellan and Clarence Eugene. Two of the sons, Marion Anson and David G. Mcclellan, have pre- pared themselves for the profession of teaching, and are now successfully engaged in that


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noble work. Our subject and wife and four of their children are members of the Presby- terian Church. He is a Democrat in polities, and has served his township in various official capacities. Mr. Goodhart is one of the self-made men of Penn Township. Unaided, and under adverse circumstances, step by step, he has built himself up to his present position in life, and is known and recognized as an upright man, enjoying the respect and esteem of all who know him.


JACOB N. HERMAN, marble cutter and dealer, residence Iloekersville, P. O. Dick- inson, was born in Straban Township, Adams Co., Penn., March 4. 1843. His parents, Col. Jacob and Sophia Ilerman, moved to York County. Penn., in 1864, where they re- sided until their death; the former died in 1875, and the latter in 1876; they had a family of ten children, five still living: George, in Sheridan, Nev .; David, in Adams County, Penn .; Mrs. Irene Knaub, in York County, Penn. : Mary, in Jacksonville, and Jacob N., our subject. Mrs. Herman was a daughter of Jacob and Margretta Gilbert, whose resi- dence was near Arendtsville, Adams Co., Penn. Col. Herman's occupation was honse car- penter and undertaker, which he carried on quite extensively. He was formerly an active officer in the militia service of the State, having received four different commissions from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He served one year as lieutenant, seven years as captain, seven years colonel, three years as brigade-major of the Second Brigade of the Fifth Division, composed of the militia of the counties of York and Adams, Gen. Craig Miller being commander of the Second Brigade of the Fifth Division. J. N. Herman en- tered upon an apprenticeship with Micah Arnold, of York County, August 7, 1865, re- mained there until the spring of 1866, when his employer bought out an establishment in Mechaniesburg, where our subject finished his trade as marble entter August 7, 1868. Mr. Herman worked for Mr. Arnold from 1865 until the spring of 1877, with the exception of a short time in Lancaster City and Glen Rock, Penn. His recommendation from his em- ployer, Mr. Arnold, reads as follows: "Mechanicsburg, April 6, 1877. This is to certify that J. N. Herman has served three years apprenticeship with me at marble-cutting, and after- ward has been foreman in one of my shops for about seven years, and I can recommend him as a first-class workman and a reliable man. (Signed) M. Arnold." (This is quite a compliment to Mr. Herman's integrity and judgment as a skillful artist.) In the spring of 1878 Mr. Herman moved to Middletown, Dauphin Co., Penn., to engage in the marble business with S. A. Landis, of Mechanicsburg, as partner, but remained only there until October 1, same year, at which time J. N. Herman moved to the upper end of this county, to a place known as Big Spring; remained there one year and then moved to Jacksonville, this county, which is on the line of the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad, and finally set- tled in Hockersville, this county, in 1883. Here he has carried on a shop ever since, and has an influential patronage in the surrounding community. Mr. Herman married Miss Maggie Harper, a daughter of the Hon. William Harper of Penn Township, who died March 3, 1873, a strong supporter of the Democratic party, and by that body was elected two terms as member of the Legislature; his wife, Isabella Harper, died March 13, 1863. J. N. Herman gave his services in defense of the government in September, 1864; he was a member of Company I, Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; served in the Army of the Potomac, and took part in the memorable battle known as Fort Steadman.


SAMUEL F. HUSTON, farmer, P. O. Mooredale, was born in Penn Township, this county, February 17, 1859. His parents, James S. and Mary Jane (Brown) Huston, resided in Penn Township until the death of the former in 1865; the latter died in 1876. Of their children, Joseph B. died January 1. 1883; Mrs. Anna M. Caldwell, resides in Newton Township, this county; John R. and Samuel F. reside in Penn Township, this county. Our subject's grandparents, Samuel and Anna Huston, were natives of this county and descendants of early settlers. Samuel F. Huston, the subject of this sketch, completed his education in the schools of the home district, and, at the age of twenty-two years, en- gaged in teaching. He taught for three terms, giving excellent satisfaction as a faithful and efficient educator. November 1, 1883, he married Miss Maggie B. Sharpe, a native of Newton Township, this county, daughter of Samuel M. Sharpe, and they have one son, Samuel Sharpe Huston. Our subject is a life-long and enthusiastic Democrat. He and his worthy wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, at Newville, Penn. Mr. Huston is an intelligent and enterprising young farmer, an upright and worthy citizen, highly respected by the entire community.


RT. REV. DANIEL KELLER, bishop or elder of the German Baptist Church, and farmer, P. O. Iluntsdale, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., September 23. 1813. His father and grandfather were also born in that county, his great-grandfather, a native of Switzerland, having established the family in America. Our subject's mother, Elizabeth Hershberger, was also descended from a Swiss grandfather, who came to this country, and the two families have branched out far and wide in the New World. Elder Keller's father, John Keller, died July 27, 1875, at the age of nearly ninety-one years-all passed in this State. Eller Keller married, December 31, 1833. Miss Catherine Kline, of Lan- caster County. Penn., horn November 4, 1813, and they came to Centreville, this county, in 1845. In 1878 they moved to a farm near Milltown (now Huntsdale), and in 1882 lo-


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cated where they now reside, at Huntsdale, this county. Elder Keller has followed farm- ing all his life, and has been uniformly successful. He has dealt largely in farm property, and was one of the first to establish the custom of liming the soil in this valley, by which course the value of the land in this county has been greatly increased. Elder Keller now owns a fine farm of 160 acres of fertile and well improved land in Penn Township, 320 acres in Russell County, Kas., and a large grist-mill ou Yellow Breeches Creek, at Hunts- dale, this county, also five dwelling houses and lots in Huntsdale. To Elder Keller and wife have been born thirteen children, nine of whom are living: Benjamin, in Shamokin, Penn .; Mrs. Catherine Brandt, uear Centreville, this county; Daniel Jr., in Ellsworth County, Kas .; Mrs. Susanna Russell, in Newburg, this county; Henry, in Wilson, Ells- worth Co., Kas .: Mrs. Hedassah Coover, in Green Vale, Russell Co., Kas .; Samuel, in Bour- bon, Marshall Co., Ind .; Jacob, in Plympton, Dickinson Co., Kas., and Mrs. Sarah Myers, at Huntsdale, this county. Nearly all of Elder Keller's family are members of the German Baptist Church. He joined the church in 1848, was chosen preacher in same in 1850, and ordained bishop in 1861. He is an influential member and a pillar of the church. In all his dealings Elder Keller has been upright and straightforward, generous to those in need and liberal toward public enterprises. He is a worthy and highly-respected citizen, and his name will long be honored by succeeding generations in Cumberland County. Following the non-resisting policy of the church, the Elder takes no part in politics, but is disposed to favor the Republican party. Elder and Mrs. Keller, in their course of life, have thus far experienced much joy, and also much sorrow.




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