1.3.4.2 Andrew Keslar (1801-1884)

1.3.4.2 Andrew Keslar (1801-1884)

Andrew was born on 8 June 1801 in Saltlick Township, Fayette County and died on 8 Mar 1884 in Westmoreland County. He married Elizabeth before 1828 and Sarah L. Blackburn before 1838. Andrew fathered three children with Elizabeth and three with Sarah.

It is not entirely clear whether Andrew (1801-1884) was Andreas’ eleventh child, or if he was George’s son and Andreas’ grandson.

Rationale suggesting that this Andrew was Andreas’ son.

The primary evidence that Andrew (1801-1884) was the son of Andreas comes from a book written by George Dallas Albert, published on January 1, 1882. Andrew was still alive at the time the book was published and it is reasonable to assume that the author had first-hand information about Andrew at the time of publication.

Andrew as son of Andreas p 581

History of the County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania: With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men, Volume 1 by George Dallas Albert, published on January 1, 1882 (L.H. Everts & Company)

This excerpt begins by describing Andreas (known by this time as Andrew), stating that his father, Johann, brought him along at age seven when he migrated from Germany. It also describes Andreas’ move from Jefferson, Maryland to Donegal in 1796, and how he cleared and settled farmland in the area when he arrived. The excerpt also discusses Andreas’ son George, who bought land across the County line.

The next sentence, however, uses the phrase “Another of his sons,” which clearly suggests that Andrew (1801-1884) was one of Andreas’ sons. If we accept that this passage is correct, then Andreas named two of his sons as Andrew.

Rationale suggesting that Andrew was Andreas’ grandson.

It does, in fact, seem strange that Andreas would name his first-born son Andrew (1770-1860) and then 31 years later also use the same name for another son (1801-1884). Perhaps Andreas resented the fact that his first son remained in Maryland and did not accompany him to Pennsylvania, or perhaps Andreas’ wife, Mary, insisted on the name.

Another consideration casting doubt that Andreas was Andrew’s father are the ages of Andreas and Mary in 1801. Andreas was 54 years old and Mary was 49 years old. It was biologically possible, but it would have been dangerous in that era for a woman who was almost 50 years old to still be bearing children.

In the 1810 U.S. Census, which lists only the head of household name, there are two boys under the age of 10 listed for George. While Jonathan was actually 12 years old, he could have been included as one of the two. Who was the other? It could have been Andrew.

Andrew’s last name was spelled ‘Keslar,” the same form used by Andreas’. This differs from the ‘Kesler” form used by George and most of his children. However, there are some instances, such as an inscription at the Keslar Family Cemetery (discussed below), where George’s last name is also spelled with the ‘Keslar’ form.

While the preceding considerations are conjecture, there is one specific fact that is difficult to explain. The 1880 U.S. Census lists  Andrew, age 78, his wife Sarah, age 76, and his sister Maria, age 63. But Andreas did not have a daughter named Maria. This raises the question: How could Andrew (1801-1884) have a sister named Maria living with him in 1880?

1880 Andrew.JPG

Could Andrew (1801-1884) be George’s son and Andreas’ grandson?

There really is no way to know for sure. However, there are a few arguments suggesting that Andrew (1801-1884) was George’s (1776-1840) son:

    • They both lived in Fayette County, even though Andreas lived in Westmoreland County.
    • George had a daughter named Mariah, born about 1815, who would have been 63 or 64 in 1880. If Andrew was George’s son, then Mariah could have been his sister, and the ages in the 1880 U.S. Census approximate their respective birth dates. It is easily feasible that the census-taker did not record what was likely the silent “h” at the end of her name.
    • George and Elizabeth’s first son, Jonathan, was born in 1797, when George was 21 years old. The next child, Ann, was not born until 1804, seven years after Jonathan. Andrew was born in 1801, which would have placed him between Jonathan and Ann.
    • Andrew and Sarah named their first daughter, born in 1825, Maria. She was not the person in the 1880 census because she died in 1871. It is possible that she was named after Andrew’s younger sister.
    • The Keslar Family Cemetery, located in Fayette County, has a marker that includes this inscription: November 21, 1866, Surveyed the above described one acre of ground at the instance of Andrew Keslar and Samuel Keslar out of a tract of land belonging to the heirs of George Keslar, Decd, for the use of a Burial Ground. D.W.A. Diembauley (signed). This suggests that Andrew could be Samuel’s brother one of the heirs of George Keslar.
    • There is a real estate transaction (Pennsylvania Land Warrant) dated 6 Jun 1861 in which Andrew purchased 5.72 unimproved acres in Salt Lick Township, Fayette County, Pa. The purchase is bounded by acreage that Andrew already owns on the north side, bounded by land owned by William Keslar on the south side, and heirs of George Keslar Sr. on the southeast side.
Marriages and Family

1.3.4.2 Andrew Keslar (b: 8 Jun 1801 Westmoreland County, Pa-d: 8 Mar 1884 Bullskin, Fayette County, Pa.) married: Elizabeth bef. 1828 (b: 2 Jul 1805-d: 8 Sep 1829). They had three children before Elizabeth passed at age 24 in 1829. She might have died in childbirth, since her son Jeremiah was born in 1829.

Andrew then married Sarah L. Blackburn (b: abt. 1804-d: 24 Jul 1885) and they also had three children.

    • 1840: Bullskin, Fayette County, Pennsylvania (11/16) Andrew Kessler
      1 male 10-15 (Jeremiah 1829), 1 male 30-40 (Andrew 1801), 2 females under 5 (Sarah 1838 and Martha 1839), 1 female 10-15 (Maria 1825), and 1 female 20-30 (probably Sarah Blackburn, but she really was about 36 years old)
    • 1850: Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA (33/34 9 Sep) Andrew 49 (farmer), Elizabeth 22, Jeremiah 21, Sarah 12, Martha 11, Andrew 8
    • 1860: Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA (29/38 7 Aug) Andrew 60 (farmer), Sarah 60, Andrew 18, William Stern 7
    • 1870: Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA (30/43 15 Jun) Andrew 68 (farmer), Sarah 68, Mariah 45
    • 1880: Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, PA (20/29 15 Jun) Andrew 78 (retired farmer), Sarah 76, Maria 63 (sister)

1.3.4.2.1 Maria Keslar (b: Abt. 1825-d: 1871) – there is little information about Maria in the records.  Although not listed by name, a female age 10 to 15 is listed as living with Andrew Keslar in the 1840 U.S. Census. According to the 1870 U.S. Census she is listed as living with the family. But no other records have been located.

1.3.4.2.2 Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Keslar Blackburn (b: abt. 1828-d: 1883 Westmoreland, Pa) married farmer John Anthony Blackburn (b: 9 Jan 1830-d: 16 Feb 1898 Westmoreland, Pa.) sometime before 1854. John served in as a private during the Civil War with the Pennsylvania 211th Infantry. Lizzie and John had six children, listed below.

    • 1840: Bullskin, Fayette County, Pennsylvania (11/16) Andrew Kessler
      1 male 10-15 (Jeremiah 1829), 1 male 30-40 (Andrew 1801), 2 females under 5 (Sarah 1838 and Martha 1839), 1 female 10-15 (Elizabeth? 1828), and 1 female 20-30 (probably Sarah Blackburn, but she really was about 36 years old)
    • 1850: Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA (33/34 9 Sep) Andrew 49 (farmer), Elizabeth 22, Jeremiah 21, Sarah 12, Martha 11, Andrew 8
    • 1860: Donegal, Westmoreland County, PA (3/35 Jun 2) John Blackburn 30 (farmer), Elizabeth 32, Lora 7, Ausburg 4/12, Samuel Deeds 12
    • 1870: Donegal, Westmoreland County, PA (2/34 Jun 20) John Blackburn 39 (farmer), Elizabeth 41, Laura 16, Asbery 10, Ida 8, Annie 6, Elsworth 3, Wesley 1
    • 1880: District 090, Donegal, Westmoreland County, PA (14/29 Jun 11) John Blackburn 50 (farmer), Elizabeth 52, Asbury 20, Ida 18, Annie 16, Elsworth 13, Wesley 11 Note: Living next door to Elizabeth Kesler (62) and Jemima Kesler 56

1.3.4.2.2.1 Laura J. Blackburn Thompson (b: 10 Jan 1854-d: 13 Apr 1926 Westmoreland, Pa.) married James S. Thompson (16 Jul 1854-20 Feb 1923). They had one daughter: Lula M. Thompson (b: Feb 1878-?).

1.3.4.2.2.2 Asbury Blackburn (b: 13 Jan 1860-d: 15 Apr 1945 Westmoreland, Pa.) married Marilla Matthews (10 Nov 1862-13 Jul 1913). They had four children: Meade Milton Blackburn (1886-1969), Elizabeth G. ‘Lizzie’ Blackburn Crouse (1890-1962), Walter James Blackburn (1894-1981), and Glenn Asbury Blackburn (1899-1901).

1.3.4.2.2.3 Ida E. Blackburn, M.D. (b: 29 Mar 1862-d: 21 Feb 1936 Westmoreland, Pa.) was a physician. She never married.

      • 1870: Donegal, Westmoreland County, PA (2/34 Jun 20) John Blackburn 39 (farmer), Elizabeth 41, Laura 16, Asbery 10, Ida 8, Annie 6, Elsworth 3, Wesley 1
      • 1880: District 090, Donegal, Westmoreland County, PA (14/29 Jun 11) John Blackburn 50 (farmer), Elizabeth 52, Asbury 20, Ida 18, Annie 16, Elsworth 13, Wesley 11 Note: Living next door to Elizabeth Kesler (62) and Jemima Kesler 56
      • 1900: District 0100, Greensburg Ward 3, Westmoreland County, Pa (2/19 Jun 1) Ida E. Blackburn 38 (physician Mar 1862), Sue C. Weitzel 45 (druggist Feb 1855), Hallie M. Fillmore 24 (servant)
      • 1910: District 0100, Greensburg Ward 3, Westmoreland County, Pa (2/19 Jun 1) Ida E. Blackburn 46 (doctor), Sue C. Weitzel 51 (druggist), Maud Campbell 27 (servant)
      • 1920: District 0107, Greensburg Ward 4, Westmoreland County, Pa (6/28 Jan 5) Ida E. Blackburn 57 (doctor), Sue C. Weitzel 62 (partner, druggist), Maud Campbell 37 (servant), Glenn K. Campbell 13
      • 1930: District 0037, Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pa (6/14 Apr 9) Ida E. Blackburn 68 (physician), Maud Campbell 47 (servant), Glenn K. Campbell 23 (solicitor)

1.3.4.2.2.4 Anna M. ‘Annie’ Blackburn (b: 17 Apr 1864-d: 14 Sep 1882 Westmoreland, Pa.) died at age 18.

1.3.4.2.2.5 Ellsworth Franklin Blackburn (b: 16 May 1867-d: 14 Oct 1954 Westmoreland, Pa.) married Rosa Mary Benford (24 Jul 1868-27 Jan 1955) on 19 Feb 1892. They had two sons: Paul Morse Blackburn (1892-1998) and Guy Robert Blackburn (1894-1949).

1.3.4.2.2.6 Wesley Blackburn (b: Feb 1869-d: 1906 Westmoreland, Pa.). Never married.

1.3.4.2.3 Jeremiah W. Keslar (b: 30 Mar 1829-d: 16 Feb 1903 Freeport, Armstrong, Pa) married Jane ‘Jinnie’ Elizabeth Elliott Keslar (b: Apr 1839-d: 2 Jul 1919 Pennsylvania). Jeremiah served in the Civil War, enlisting as a private on 2 Nov 1862 in Company G, Pennsylvania 178th Infantry Regiment. He mustered out on 27 Jul 1863. They had two children, Wilbur Andrew and Anna M., listed below.

    • 1840: Bullskin, Fayette County, Pennsylvania (11/16) Andrew Kessler
      1 male 10-15 (Jeremiah 1829), 1 male 30-40 (Andrew 1801), 2 females under 5 (Sarah 1838 and Martha 1839), 1 female 10-15 (Maria 1825), and 1 female 20-30 (probably Sarah Blackburn, but she really was about 36 years old)
    • 1850: Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA (33/34 9 Sep) Andrew 49 (farmer), Elizabeth 22, Jeremiah 21, Sarah 12, Martha 11, Andrew 8
    • 1860: Not found. First child was born in December of 1860, so likely he and Jinnie were married.
    • 1870: Independence, Washington County, PA (24/25 17 Aug) Jeremiah 39 (clergyman), Jinie E. 30, Wilbur A. 10
    • 1880: District 032, West Liberty, Allegheny County, PA (9/18 16 Jun) Jeremiah Kessler 51 (minister), Jennie 41, Wilbur A. 19, Annie M. 7
    • 1900: 176 Franklin Street, District 0013, West Freeport, Armstrong County, Pa (16/36 6 Jun) Jeremiah Kessler 61 (dentist, Mar 1829), Jennie 61 (Apr 1839), Annie M. 27 (Nov 1872)

1.3.4.2.3.1 Wilbur Andrew Kessler (b: 18 Dec 1860-d: 2 Jul 1939 Pennsylvania) married Florence Love Davis Kessler (b: 30 Nov 1865-d: 19 May 1946 Pennsylvania). They had three children.

1.3.4.2.3.1.1 Wilbur Davis Kessler (b: 26 Apr 1894-d: 3 Jun 1930 Cabria, Pa) married Florence Love Davis (30 Nov 1865-19 May 1946). They had three children: Wilbur Davis Kessler (1894-1930), Charles Wilmont Kessler (1899-1976), and Florence E. Kessler Degrange (1911-1987).

1.3.4.2.3.1.2 Charles Wilmont Kessler (b: 16 May 1899-d: 4 Apr 1976 Pa) married Elizabeth C. Whitaker (18 Jan 1898-Apr 1992). They had three children: Marjorie A. Kessler Hinsch (25 May 1927-living), Barbara Jean Kessler (1932-living), and John W. Kessler (7 Mar 1936-living).

1.3.4.2.3.1.3 Florence E. Kessler Degrange (b: 24 Sep 1911-d: 8 Oct 1987 Pa) married Alvin J. Degrange (28 Jun 1908-14 May 1994) on 12 Aug 1930. They had three children: David W. Degrange (12 Feb 1931-13 Feb 2011), Nancy M. Degrange (5 Sep 1932-living), and Ronald A. ‘Ronnie’ Degrange (5 Jun 1934-living).

1.3.4.2.3.2 Anna M. Kessler Ross (b: Nov 1872-d: 21 Mar 1961 Pennsylvania) married John Scott Ross (5 Jul 1867-14 Dec 1937) on 19 Mar 1903. They had five children: Raymond Kessler Ross (19 Dec 1903-3 Feb 1907), Vernon Williams Ross (1 Jan 1905-5 Sep 1973), Floyd Richards Ross (28-Jan 1908-26 Apr 1994), Irma Jean Ross (25 Aug 1909-7 Dec 1984), and Willard Lincoln Ross (12 Feb 1912-3 Nov 1973).

      • 1880: District 032, West Liberty, Allegheny County, PA (9/18 16 Jun) Jeremiah Kessler 51 (minister), Jennie 41, Wilbur A. 19, Annie M. 7
      • 1900: 176 Franklin Street, District 0013, West Freeport, Armstrong County, Pa (16/36 6 Jun) Jeremiah Kessler 61 (dentist, Mar 1829), Jennie 61 (Apr 1839), Annie M. 27 (Nov 1872)
      • 1910: 556 Franklin Street, District 0016, Freeport, Armstrong County, Pa (43/45 4 May) Scott J. Ross 42 (locomotive engineer), Anna 37, Vernon 5, Floyd 2, Irma 7/12, Jennie E. Kessler 71
      • 1920: 511 High Street, District 0019, Freeport, Armstrong County, Pa (50/56 Jan 15) John Scott Ross 52 (locomotive engineer), Anna 47, Vernon W 15, Floyd R 11, Irma Jean 10, Willard L. 7
      • 1930: 723 High Street, District 0019, Freeport, Armstrong County, Pa (18/56 Apr 8) John Scott Ross 62 (locomotive engineer), Anna 57, Vernon W 25, Irma Jean 20, Willard L. 18
      • 1940: 723 High Street, District 3-27, Freeport, Armstrong County, Pa (8/38 Apr 9) Anna M. Ross 67, Vernon W 35 (newspaper reporter), Irma Jean 30 (public school teacher), Floyd R. 32 (tree surgeon, horticulturalist)

1.3.4.2.4 Sarah Keslar (b: Abt. 1838-d: unknown). Despite a fairly rigorous search, not information other than the two U.S. census entries could be located about Sarah. Sarah was the first child born to Andrew and his second wife, Sarah, after the death of his first wife, Elizabeth.

    • 1840: Bullskin, Fayette County, Pennsylvania (11/16) Andrew Kessler
      1 male 10-15 (Jeremiah 1829), 1 male 30-40 (Andrew 1801), 2 females under 5 (Sarah 1838 and Martha 1839), 1 female 10-15 (Maria 1825), and 1 female 20-30 (probably Sarah Blackburn, but she really was about 36 years old)
    • 1850: Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA (33/34 9 Sep) Andrew 49 (farmer), Elizabeth 22, Jeremiah 21, Sarah 12, Martha 11, Andrew 8

1.3.4.2.5 Martha Keslar (b: Abt. 1839-d: 14 Jun 1854 Fayette County) – Martha died at age 16.

    • 1840: Bullskin, Fayette County, Pennsylvania (11/16) Andrew Kessler
      1 male 10-15 (Jeremiah 1829), 1 male 30-40 (Andrew 1801), 2 females under 5 (Sarah 1838 and Martha 1839), 1 female 10-15 (Maria 1825), and 1 female 20-30 (probably Sarah Blackburn, but she really was about 36 years old)
    • 1850: Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA (33/34 9 Sep) Andrew 49 (farmer), Elizabeth 22, Jeremiah 21, Sarah 12, Martha 11, Andrew 8

1.3.4.2.6 Andrew J. Keslar (b: Abt. 1842-d: 1888 Trumbull County, Ohio) married Hannah J. Elliott Kesler (b: 25 Oct 1842 Westmoreland, Pa-d: 1914 Ohio). They had four children, identified below.

    • 1850: Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA (33/34 9 Sep) Andrew 49 (farmer), Elizabeth 22, Jeremiah 21, Sarah 12, Martha 11, Andrew 8
    • 1860: Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA (29/38 7 Aug) Andrew 60 (farmer), Sarah 60, Andrew 18, William Stern 7
    • 1870: Kinsman, Trubull County, Oh (11/26 Jul 13) Andrew J. Kesler 29 (farm laborer), Hannah 29, Emma M. 4, William Addison 1
    • 1880: District 027, Wayne, Ashtabula County, Oh (14/24 Jun 11) Andrew Kessler 39 (laborer), Hannah 39, Emma M. 13, Addison Wade 11, Mirtia L. 7, Frank E. 5

1.3.4.2.6.1 Emma M. Kesler Wheeler (b: Oct 1867-d: 14 Mar 1945 Los Angeles, Ca) married Loren D. Wheeler (1871-bef. 1900) on 24 Jun 1890 in Trumbull, Ohio. They had two children: Harry L. Wheeler (17 Dec 1891-?) and Earl M. Wheeler (31 Oct 1893-31 Jan 1971).

1.3.4.2.6.2 Addison Wade Kesler (b: Mar 1870-d: 23 Apr 1934 Ohio) married Katherine E. ‘Kate’ Wegele (12 Jul 1866-18 Nov 1952). They had one daughter: Mildred E. Kesler Touvelle (22 Oct 1904-13 Dec 1950).

1.3.4.2.6.3 Myrtle L. ‘Mirtia’ Kesler Berry (b: Nov 1875-d: Ohio) married James Clark Berry (28 Mar 1872-30 Jul 1945). Dr. James Clark Berry was a medical doctor and served overseas during World War I. Tragically, he lost his first wife, Annie Watson Ferrel (2 Sep 1873-5 Jul 1896) and a daughter, Litha Blanch Berry (16 Aug 1894-5 Jul 1896) in a flood that destroyed Dr. Berry’s birthplace, Businessburg, Ohio in 1896.

1.3.4.2.6.4 Frank Wilbur Kesler (b: 29 Mar 1875- Trumbull, Ohio-d: Ohio) – No information about Frank Wilbur can be located after the 1880 US Census. There are a number of records of a Frank Kessler who was born in 1875, worked for the railroad, and lived in the Columbus area, but there is no way to link those records to Frank Wilbur.