1.3.1.6.7.3 Nellie Virginia Kessler (b: Mar 1898 Jefferson, Md-d: 25 May 1967 Buckeystown, Md) was the third of nine children and second daughter of William Andrew Kessler (29 May 1869-19 Jun 1925) and Alberta Gertrude Castle Kessler (16 Oct 1875-2 Jan 1934). Her nickname was “Hillie” and she grew up during the early years of the 20th century in Frederick County, Maryland.
Nellie married Earnest P. Miss (13 Sep 1888 Buckeystown, Md-24 May 1966 Buckeystown, Md) and they had seven children:
- 1.3.1.6.7.3.1 Richard Edward Miss (b: 13 Apr 1917-d: 8 Jan 1975 Martinsburg, WV)
- 1.3.1.6.7.3.2 Ernest Martin Miss (b: 8 Sep 1918-d: 25 Jul 1974 Frederick, Md)
- 1.3.1.6.7.3.3 Ira William Miss (b: 7 Sep 1920-d: 9 Aug 1983 Frederick, Md)
- 1.3.1.6.7.3.4 Alice May Miss Jenkins (b: 2 Sep 1922-d: 22 Nov 1989 Baltimore, Md)
- 1.3.1.6.7.3.5 Charles Roy Miss (b: 24 Nov 1924-d: 23 Jun 1976)
- 1.3.1.6.7.3.6 Albert Lee Miss (b: 21 Sep 1930-d: 22 Jul 1952 Korea) — Albert was killed in combat during the Korean War.
- 1.3.1.6.7.3.7 Gail Virginia Miss Stockman (b: 2 Jun 1933-d: 8 Mar 2015 Frederick, Md)
Details related to the US Census entries:
1900 US Census: Nellie’s parents were living with her father’s sister, Isabella Kessler Figgins (12 May 1838-31 Dec 1920) and her husband, William Figgins (10 May 1834-21 Oct 1908), who was a farmer. This was shortly after the family bankruptcies following the death of Andrew Kessler Jr. in 1896. Census details: District 0026, Jefferson, Frederick County, Md. (18/30 Jun 16) William A. Figgins 65 (May 1835 farmer), Isabella 62 (Mar 1838), William A. Kessler 41 (brother-in-law May 1859), Alberta G. 23 (Oct 1876), Blanche M. 6 (Nov 1893), Edgar F. 3 (Feb 1897), Nellie V. 2 (Mar 1898), Clara E. 1 (Apr 1899)
1910 US Census: By 1910, William Figgins had passed. Aunt Isabella was 81 and living with her sister, Eugenia. The family resided in Buckeystown, Frederick County, Md. The census, conducted on April 21, listed the family as follows: William A. Kessler 45 (laborer-odd jobs), Alberta G. 33, Blanche M. 16, Edgar F. 13, Nellie V. 12, Charles L. 9, Mabel L. 7, Anna L. 6, Paul 5/12
1920 US Census: Nellie was married by 1920, and she and her husband Earnest had two children. Details: Buckeystown, Frederick County, Md. (20/24 Mar 10) Earnest Miss 30 (laborer at lime kiln), Nellie 22, Richard 2 9/12, Earnest 1 9/12
1930 US Census: District 0002 Buckeystown, Frederick County, Md. (4/15 Apr 14) Earnest P. Miss 40 (laborer at brickyard), Nellie 32, Richard 13, Earnest 11, Ira 9, May 7, Roy 5, Charles E. Hargett 1 8/12 (nephew)
1940 US Census: District 11-2 Buckeystown, Frederick County, Md. (19/38 Apr 8) Earnest P. Miss 53 (steam shovel fireman), Nellie 42, Richard 22, Ira W. 19, Alice May 17, Roy C. 15, Albert L. 9, Gail N. 6
1950 US Census: District 11-3 Buckeystown, Frederick County, Md. (26/36 Apr 20) Earnest P. Miss 63 (brickyard), Nellie 52, Albert L. 19, Robert White 10 (grandson), Betty White 6 (granddaughter)
As noted earlier, son Albert Lee Miss was killed in action during the Korean War. He enlisted on 23 Oct 1951 and was a PFC in the US Army at the time of his death. Private First Class Miss was a member of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on July 22, 1952. Private First Class Miss was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.