1.3.1.1 Samuel Kessler (1799-1830)

1.3.1.1 Samuel Kessler (b: 12 Feb 1799-d: 9 May 1830 Frederick, Md.)

Samuel was the oldest son of Andrew and Catherine. He was born on 12 Feb1799, married Mary Ann Stonebreaker on 14 Dec 1822, and lived in Maryland until his death at age 31. Samuel and Mary Ann had five children. Samuel is likely listed as one of his father’s dependents in the 1800, 1810, and 1820 U.S. Census. Since he passed in 1830 at age 31, it is unlikely that he would be listed in the U.S. Census for that year. After Samuel’s death, Mary Ann remarried on 18 Apr 1833 to Frederick Nicodemus and she had two additional children by Frederick.

There are a number of interesting stories in this family line. Many of Samuel’s descendants moving first to the Midwest and then to California. Some eventually found their way to Australia, where they live today. Three children of 1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2 Howard Leach Kessler Jr. (b: 1 Apr 1922-d: 8 Jan 2014) moved with their mother, 1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2b Gerda Kessler Bursztyn (9/11/1919-3/7/2022) to Melbourne: 1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.6 Patricia Jean ‘Patsy’ Kessler (2 Apr 1947), 1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.7 William Omer ‘Bill’ Kessler (5 Jun 1950), and 1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.8 Barbara Kessler Rozan Nirens (2 Aug 1952).

There are also two very detailed and interesting biographies included herein for relatives who lived in Fulton County, Illinois. 

Samuel and Mary Ann Stonebreaker U.S. Census Entries

  • 1800: Frederick, District 3, Md. (p. 12/22 dd mmm) Andrew Keffer (Kesler), 4 males under 10, 1 male 26-44, 1 female 26-44.
  • 1810: Frederick County, Md. (p. 74/105) Andrew Kepler (Kessler)
    3 males under 10 – Israel (1808), Emanuel (1809), William (1810)
    1 male 10-15 – Samuel (1799)
    1 male 16-25 – ?
    1 male 26-44 Andrew (1770)
    1 female 45+ Catherine ??? (1773)
    2 slaves.
  • 1820: Election District 3, Frederick County, Md. (p. 14/14) Andrew Kesler, 1 male under 10, 1 male 10-15, 2 males 16-25, 1 male 45+, 1 female under 10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 26-44, 3 slaves. Note: Hard to locate the 1820 Census record. When Census digitized, they listed his name as Ambrud Kuter, but the handwritten version of the Census is very clear and it says Andrew Kesler.

Samuel and Mary Ann had three children. They and their descendants are described below.

Samuel’s first child:

1.3.1.1.1 Henry Nelson Kessler was born in Maryland on 11 Nov 1823 and died in Iowa on 11 Mar 1911 at age 88. He married Mary Ann Keifer (28 Nov 1828-6 Feb 1809) in 1849 at age 26 and they had eight children. He worked various occupations including as a merchant in Maryland, a carpenter while living in Illinois, and a farmer in Iowa. He left Maryland and moved to Illinois sometime between 1850 and 1860. He was living with his daughter Lida Kessler Rouse and her husband in Iowa in his later years, according to the 1900 and 1910 censuses.

Henry Nelson Kessler

Census information about each of Henry and Mary Ann’s eight children is included below.

  • 1850: District 2, Washington County, Maryland (78/135 Aug 1) Nelson Kesler 26 (merchant), Mary A. 22, Mary 4/12, Samuel 22 (clerk)
  • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b: Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b: Illinois)
  • 1870: Toulon, West Jersey Township, Stark, Illinois (7/33 Jun 4) Henry N Kepler 44 (farmer), Mary A Kepler 40, May Kepler 20, Velma Kepler 18, Samuel T Kepler 17 (farm hand), Lida Kepler 14, Louie Kepler 9, Lillie Kepler 6, Albert Thompson 24 (farm hand), William Kepler 12
  • 1880: District 012 Union, Boone, Iowa (8/19 Jun 9) H. N. Nelson 52 (farmer from Maryland), May 50, William 22 (farmer), Lily 16
  • 1885 Iowa Census: Henry Kessler 64, B: abt. 1821 in Maryland, Census date 1885, place: Perry, Dallas, Iowa, USA, Gender Male, Marital Status Married: Henry Kessler 64 self, Mary Kessler 53 wife, Howard Rouse 31 (son-in-law), Lidia Rouse 29 daughter
  • 1900: District 0014 Spring Valley, Iowa (26/32 Jun 11) Howard A. Rouse 45 (railroad clerk), Louie 38 (Jun 1861), James N. 20 (Feb 1880), Lyle D. 18 (daughter Aug 1881), Eugene F. 3 (Jan 1897), Nelson H. Kessler 75 (Nov 1824)
  • 1910: District 0013 Perry Ward 2, Dallas, Iowa (13/35 Apr 15) Howard A. Rouse 56 (real estate agent), Lida V. 52, Lilian M. 22, Henry M. 87 (father-in-law), Fern Newbury 18 (niece)

1.3.1.1.1.1 May Kessler Hulhizer (b: 20 Mar 1850 Maryland-d: 21 Mar 1918 Clinton, Missouri) married Samuel C. Hulsizer on 20 Dec 1870 in Stark, Illinois. Samuel was a traveling salesman. They had five children: Grace Mae Hulsizer Hultz (4 Jun 1871-23 Mar 1947), George Arthur Hulsizer (1 Dec 1872-20 Aug 1960), John Harry Hulsizer (6 Sep 1874-4 Oct 1931), Charles Samuel Hulsizer (29 Aug 1977-15 Mar 1966), and Guy Joseph Hulsizer (6 Mar 1884-19 Dec 1966).

May Kessler Hulhizer
    • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b: Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b: Illinois)
    • 1870: Toulon, West Jersey Township, Stark, Illinois (7/33 Jun 4) Henry N Kepler 44 (farmer), Mary A Kepler 40, May Kepler 20, Velma Kepler 18, Samuel T Kepler 17, Lida Kepler 14, Louie Kepler 9, Lillie Kepler 6, Albert Thompson 24, William Kepler 12
    • 1880: District 005 Ogden, Boone, Iowa (12/12 Jun 4) Samuel Hulsizer 33, May 30, Grace 9, George 7, Harry 6, Charles 3
    • 1900: District 0042 Shoal, Clinton, Missouri (4/19 Jun 7) Samuel Hulsizer 52 (dry goods merchant Jul 1847), May 50 (Mar 1850), Harry 29 (Sep 1875)
    • 1910: District 0042 Cameron Ward 2, Clinton, Missouri (2/21 Apr 19) Samuel Hulsizer 63 (dry goods merchant), May 60, Guy 25 (son), Grace 23 (daughter-in-law)

1.3.1.1.1.2 Velma Kessler Burnham (b: 19 Sep 1851 Illinois-d: 30 Sep 1935 KC Missouri) married John Henry Burnham (8 Jan 1837-17 Dec 1917) on 14 Feb 1872 in Stark, Illinois. John was a farmer. Velma and John had eight children: Nellie E. Burnham Parker (May 1874-1951), Henry Rufus Burnham (8 Apr 1875-27 Nov 1953), Mamie Burnham (23 Feb 1877-18 Nov 1883), Lottie V. Burnham Fleenor (10 Oct 1878-18 May 1967), Ernest Beckwith Burnham (31 Oct 1882-15 Jun 1966), Tressie Hazel Burnham Strait (19 Feb 1886-15 May 1958), William Pitt Kellogg Burnham (4 Jul 1891-19 Nov 1954), and Mark Reynolds Burnham (12 May 1893-29 Jan 1953).

Velma Kessler Burnham
    • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b: Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b: Illinois)
    • 1870: Toulon, West Jersey Township, Stark, Illinois (7/33 Jun 4) Henry N Kepler 44 (farmer), Mary A Kepler 40, May Kepler 20, Velma Kepler 18, Samuel T Kepler 17 (farm hand), Lida Kepler 14, Louie Kepler 9, Lillie Kepler 6, Albert Thompson 24 (farm hand), William Kepler 12
    • 1880: District 147 Homer, Bates, Missouri (9/16 Jun 16) John H. Burnham 43 (farmer), Velma 27, Nellie E. 6, Henry R. 5, Mamie 3, Lottie V. 2
    • 1900: District 0007 Homer, Bates, Missouri (7/22 Jun 16) John H. Burnham 63 (farmer Jan 1837), Velma 48 (Sep 1857), Tressie 14 (Feb 1886), William K. 8 (Jul 1891), Mark R. 7 (May 1893)
    • 1910: Not found.
    • 1920: District 0174 Kansas City Ward 11, Jackson, Missouri (12/25 Jan 8) William Burnham 28 (life insurance agent), Velma 67 (mother), Ernest 38 (brother), Nellie Palmer 45 (sister)
    • 1930: District 0061 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (13/46 Apr 6) Ernest D. Burnham 47 (apartment manager), Mary G. 38, Velma 79 (mother)

1.3.1.1.1.3 Samuel Kessler (b: Apr 1854 Ohio-d: Bef. 1920 Muskogee, Oklahoma) married Ida May Beebe Kessler (b: 10 Apr 1856 Syracuse, NY-d: 8 Sep 1937 Alabama). Samuel worked in various jobs including a framer, sawmill operator, and for a paving company. He and Ida May had two children: Preston Beebe ‘Pressie’ Kessler (23 Oct 1875-6 Jul 1931) and Clyde Nelson Kessler (16 Mar 1880-23 Feb 1936).

Samuel Kessler’s wife Ida Mae Beebe was a concert pianist.  She was quite talented. A family story goes that Samuel left her for her brother William Beebe’s wife Grace, and the two ran off together.  That is who you see in the 1910 Census with Samuel along with her son Orin from her marriage to William. The 1910 census lists Grace as Samuel’s Sister-in-Law, which is true… But the next census lists her as his “Daughter”.  which is incorrect. 
Ida May Beebe Kessler
    • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b: Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b: Illinois)
    • 1870: Toulon, West Jersey Township, Stark, Illinois (7/33 Jun 4) Henry N Kepler 44 (farmer), Mary A Kepler 40, May Kepler 20, Velma Kepler 18, Samuel T Kepler 17 (farm hand), Lida Kepler 14, Louie Kepler 9, Lillie Kepler 6, Albert Thompson 24 (farm hand), William Kepler 12
    • 1880: District 125 Cedar, Knox, Illinois (12/21 Jun 22) Samuel Kessler 25 (framing), Ida M. 22, Preston 4, Clyde 1
    • 1900: District 0079 Citronelle, Mobile, Alabama (20/43 Jun 9) Samuel Kessler 47 (May 1853 saw mill operator), Ida M. 43 (Apr 1857)
    • 1910: District 0110 Muskogee Ward 1, Oklahoma (4/59 Apr 16) Samuel Kessler 58 (paving company teamster), Grace Beebe 38 (sister-in-law), Orion Beebe 15 (nephew), Jennie Rector 57 (border)

1.3.1.1.1.4 Lida Virginia Kessler Rouse (b: 20 May 1856-d: 23 Apr 1913 Dallas, Iowa) married Howard A. Rouse (Dec 1858-2 Oct 1913 Dallas, Iowa) on 9 Oct 1978 in Boone, Iowa. They had two children: Howard A. Rouse Jr. (1883-1883) and Lillian Marie ‘Lilie’ Rouse Barney (Apr 1887-16 Oct 1934 LA, California). 

    • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b: Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b: Illinois)
    • 1870: Toulon, West Jersey Township, Stark, Illinois (7/33 Jun 4) Henry N Kepler 44 (farmer), Mary A Kepler 40, May Kepler 20, Velma Kepler 18, Samuel T Kepler 17 (farm hand), Lida Kepler 14, Louie Kepler 9, Lillie Kepler 6, Albert Thompson 24 (farm hand), William Kepler 12
    • 1880: District 046 Perry, Dallas, Iowa (1/20 Jun 16) H. A. Rouse 27 (bank cashier), Lida 23
    • 1900: District 0014 Spring Valley, Iowa (15/32 Jun 7) Howard A. Rouse 47 (insurance & real estate agent Dec 1852), Lida V. 45 (May 1855), Lillie M. 13 (Apr 1887), Anna K. Wright 43 (border May 1857)
    • 1910: District 0013 Perry Ward 2, Dallas, Iowa (13/35 Apr 15) Howard A. Rouse 56 (real estate agent), Lida V. 52, Lilian M. 22, Henry M. 87 (father-in-law), Fern Newbury 18 (niece)

1.3.1.1.1.5 William Henry Kessler (b: Aug 1857 Illinois-d: 30 Mar 1936 Kansas City, Missouri) married Mary Ann Leach Kessler (b: May 1859 Iowa-d: 28 Oct 1925 Kansas City) on 7 Sep 1881 in Boone, Iowa. William and Mary Ann had three children: Della Kessler Richardson Beyer (19 Apr 1882-Jul 1967), Ralph William Kessler (6 Nov 1887-12 Aug 1917), and Howard Leach Kessler (18 Aug 1895-3 Dec 1969). After Mary Ann died, he remarried to Edith Plankart Funston Kessler (b: Abt. 1877-d: 1970 Missouri) on 20 Oct 1926. 

Edith Plankart Funston Kessler
    • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b: Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b: Illinois)
    • 1870: Toulon, West Jersey Township, Stark, Illinois (7/33 Jun 4) Henry N Kepler 44 (farmer), Mary A Kepler 40, May Kepler 20, Velma Kepler 18, Samuel T Kepler 17 (farm hand), Lida Kepler 14, Louie Kepler 9, Lillie Kepler 6, Albert Thompson 24 (farm hand), William Kepler 12
    • 1880: District 012 Union, Boone, Iowa (8/19 Jun 9) H. N. Nelson 52 (farmer from Maryland), May 50, William 22 (farmer), Lily 16
    • 1900: District 0004 Denver, Adams, NE (10/14 Jun 13) William H. Kessler 42 (Aug 1857 farmer), Mary A. 41 (May 1859), Della 18 (Apr 1882), Ralph W. 16 (Nov 1888), Howard L. 4 (Aug 1895)
    • 1910: District 0030 Fulton Ward 3, Callaway, Missouri (6/19 Apr 16) W. H. Kessler 52 (shoe merchant), M. A. 52, Ralph W. 22, Howard E. 14
    • 1920: District 0164 Kansas City Ward 10, Jackson, Missouri (13/25 Jan 10) William H. Kessler 62 (railway laborer), Mary A. 59, Howard L. 24 (sheet metal worker), Florence 17 (daughter-in-law), Rose Marie 3 (granddaughter)
    • 1930: District 0079 Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri (17/24 Apr 10) William H. Kessler 70 (odd jobs laborer), Edith 53

1.3.1.1.1.5.1 Della Kessler Richardson Beyer (b: 19 Apr 1882-d: Jul 1967 Colorado) married Arthur E. Richardson (10 Dec 1876-17 Sep 1941). They were divorced by 1920. She later married someone with the last name Beyer. Della and Arthur had two daughters: Grace Evelyn Richardson Mellott (3 Apr 1904-Mar 1973) and Marguerite Richardson Lane (28 Jun 1907-6 May 1982).

      • 1900: District 0004 Denver, Adams, NE (10/14 Jun 13) William H. Kessler 42 (Aug 1857 farmer), Mary A. 41 (May 1859), Della 18 (Apr 1882), Ralph W. 16 (Nov 1888), Howard L. 4 (Aug 1895)
      • 1910: District 0014 Hastings Ward 4, Adams, NE (8/29 Apr 16) Arthur E. Richardson 31 (farmer), Della 26, Grace E. 6, Marguerite 3
      • 1920: Laird, Phelps, Nebraska (7/16 Jan 16) Arthur Richardson 43 (farmer), Grace Richardson 15, Margaret Richardson 13 Della was divorced from Arthur by 1920. These are his details in US Census.
      • 1930: Not found
      • 1940: District 1-30 Aurora, Adams, Colorado (30/39 Apr 20) Della Beyer 56 (lodger, married)
      • 1950: District 25-56 Provo, Utah (21/41 Apr 8, 1950) William C. Lane 43 (turn foreman, steel manufacturer), Marguerite 42 (wife), Shirley Jean 17 (daughter), Della Beyers 68 (mother-in-law, Iowa)

1.3.1.1.1.5.2 Ralph William Kessler (b: 6 Nov 1887-d: 12 Aug 1917 Kansas City, Missouri) married Elsie Marie Daniel (22 Sep 1895-4 Apr 1980). Ralph died of tuberculosis. Before the development of antibiotics in the 1940s, there was no cure for tuberculosis. Elsie married twice more, living to 1990, when she died in Sonoma, California.

      • 1900: District 0004 Denver, Adams, NE (10/14 Jun 13) William H. Kessler 42 (Aug 1857 farmer), Mary A. 41 (May 1859), Della 18 (Apr 1882), Ralph W. 16 (Nov 1888), Howard L. 4 (Aug 1895)
      • 1910: District 0030 Fulton Ward 3, Callaway, Missouri (6/19 Apr 16) W. H. Kessler 52 (shoe merchant), M. A. 52, Ralph W. 22, Howard E. 14

1.3.1.1.1.5.3 Howard Leach Kessler (b: 19 Aug 1895 Hastings, NE-d: 3 Dec 1969 Illinois) married three times. His first wife, Rosa Nell Salisbury died in 1920, his second wife, Florence Ellis Evans died in 1922, and this third wife, Aline J. Bessie died in 1983. Each is his marriages and children produced in each marriage are listed below.

U.S. Census before getting married:

          • 1900: District 0004 Denver, Adams, NE (10/14 Jun 13) William H. Kessler 42 (Aug 1857 farmer), Mary A. 41 (May 1859), Della 18 (Apr 1882), Ralph W. 16 (Nov 1888), Howard L. 4 (Aug 1895)
          • 1910: District 0030 Fulton Ward 3, Callaway, Missouri (6/19 Apr 16) W. H. Kessler 52 (shoe merchant), M. A. 52, Ralph W. 22, Howard E. 14

First wife: Rosa Nell Salisbury (1897-1920) was born and died in Labelle, Kansas. They had one daughter: Rose Marie Kessler Buck Stout (15 Apr 1916-26 Jul 1996 Texas) 

Second wife: Florence Ellis Evans (1902-25 Jun 1920). They had one son before Florence died in 1922: Howard Leach Kessler Jr. (b: 1 Apr 1922-d: 8 Jan 2014). 

          • 1920: District 0164 Kansas City Ward 10, Jackson, Missouri (13/25 Jan 10) William H. Kessler 62 (railway laborer), Mary A. 59, Howard L. 24 (sheet metal worker), Florence 17 (daughter-in-law), Rose Marie 3 (granddaughter)

Third wife: Howard married Aline J. Bessie Kessler (b: 10 Aug 1893 France-d: 24 Jan 1983 Collinsville, Illinois) and they had two children: Yvonne Bessie Kessler (b: 4 May 1924-d: 25 Sep 1945 Missouri) and Kaye Don Kessler (b: 21 Aug 1931 Missouri-d: 23 Jun 2000 Indiana).

          • 1930: District 0229 Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri (31/243 Apr 10) Howard L. Kessler 35 (dairy man), Aline J. 36, Marie R. 14, Howard Jr. 9, Yvonne B. 6
          • 1940: District 48-31 Blue, Jackson, Missouri (4/53 Apr 4) Howard L. Kessler 44 (crew foreman), Aline J. 46, Yvonne B. 15, Don Kaye 8
          • 1950: District 82-61 Washington Park, St. Clair, Illinois (5/8 Apr 25, 1950) Howard L. Kessler 55 (operator, grocery store), Aline. 55 (wife, helper, grocery store)

1.3.1.1.1.5.3.1 Rose Marie Kessler Buck Stout (b: 15 Apr 1916-d: 26 Jul 1996 Texas). It appears that Rose Marie was married twice. In the 1930s she married someone with the last name of Buck, but we can’t find any records about the marriage. By 1942 she married Bradley Edwin Stout (21 Jul 1907-Dec 1969). Bradley is listed as a commercial illustrator and also as an artist. That could explain why he and Marie lived in various places other than Kansas City, including Detroit and Texas.

          • 1920: District 0164 Kansas City Ward 10, Jackson, Missouri (13/25 Jan 10) William H. Kessler 62 (railway laborer), Mary A. 59, Howard L. 24 (sheet metal worker), Florence 17 (daughter-in-law), Rose Marie 3 (granddaughter)
          • 1930: District 0229 Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri (31/243 Apr 10) Howard L. Kessler 35 (dairyman), Aline J. 36, Marie R. 14, Howard Jr. 9, Yvonne B. 6
          • 1940: District 116-110, Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri (10/43 Apr 11) Claire Yaryan 35, Rose Marie Buck 23 (lodger, PBX operator)
          • 1950: District 48-100, Blue Springs, Jackson, Missouri (37/51 May 26) Brad Stout 42 (artist, advertising), Marie 34 (wife), Brad Jr. 6 (son), Greg W. 4 (son)

1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2 Howard Leach Kessler Jr. (b: 1 Apr 1922-d: 8 Jan 2014) served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was married two times. He first married Vera Mae Tolle (b: 1922-d: 2014) in California.

Howard Leach Kessler Jr.

Howard and Vera Mae had five children:

1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.1 Judith Ann ‘Judy’ Kessler Pepiot (29 Sep 1941, Los Angeles, Ca.)
1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.2 Howard Timothy Kessler (Jun 1952, Los Angeles, Ca.)
1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.3 Mark Terryl Kessler (6 Feb 1954, Los Angeles, Ca.)
1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.4 Teresa Rene ‘Terry’ Kessler Torres (8 Dec 1955, Los Angeles, Ca.-14 Aug 2024)
1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.5 Tamara ‘Tami’ Kessler Drake (18 Jan 1957, Los Angeles, Ca.)

Howard met and married Gerda Arndtheim Kessler Bursztyn (11 Sep 1919-7 Mar 2022). She was born in Berlin, Germany and was a German holocaust survivor. They had three children. They were living in Los Angeles in 1950. Gerta and Howard later divorced, and she remarried and moved with her three children to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The children by his marriage to Gerta, who all live in Melbourne, Australia, are:

1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.6 Patricia Jean ‘Patsy’ Kessler (2 Apr 1947, Melbourne, Australia)
1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.7 William Omer ‘Bill’ Kessler (5 Jun 1950, Melbourne, Australia)
1.3.1.1.1.5.3.2.8 Barbara Kessler Rozan Nirens (2 Aug 1952, Melbourne, Australia)

U.S. Census details for Howard Leach Kessler, Jr.:

          • 1930: District 0229 Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri (31/243 Apr 10) Howard L. Kessler 35 (dairyman), Aline J. 36, Marie R. 14, Howard Jr. 9, Yvonne B. 6
          • 1940: 1027 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California (4/53 Apr 4) Ellen Acser 17 Head, Reid Acser 22 Husband, Ted Komila 19 Lodger, Howard Kessler 19 Lodger (sheet metal worker), Walter Rolison 20 Lodger, Royal Hom 45 Lodger, Warren Washburn 27 Lodger
          • 1950: Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA (30/85 May 3) Howard L Kessler 28 (hydraulic specialist, air freight co.), Gerta Kessler 31, Patricia J Kessler 3

1.3.1.1.1.5.3.3 Yvonne Bessie Kessler Miller (b: 4 May 1924-d: 25 Sep 1945 Missouri) married Alfred Leroy Miller (23 Dec 1923-6 Jul 1965) on 10 Jul 1944 in Norfolk, Virginia. She died only 14 months later at 21 years of age. Alfred went on to serve 20 years in the U.S. Navy.

          • 1930: District 0229 Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri (31/243 Apr 10) Howard L. Kessler 35 (dairyman), Aline J. 36, Marie R. 14, Howard Jr. 9, Yvonne B. 6
          • 1940: District 48-31 Blue, Jackson, Missouri (4/53 Apr 4) Howard L. Kessler 44 (crew foreman), Aline J. 46, Yvonne B. 15, Don Kaye 8

1.3.1.1.1.5.3.4 Kaye Don Kessler (b: 21 Aug 1931 Missouri-d: 23 Jun 2000 Indiana) married Betty Lee McDaniel (abt. 1933-living ?) on 26 Jul 1969 in East Saint Louis, Illinois. Kaye served 20 years in the U.S. Army, from 24 Jun 1957 to 30 Jun 1977. He remarried to Marsha Lynn Hubbard (abt. 1948-living) on 4 Apr 1979 in Marion, Indiana.

          • 1940: District 48-31 Blue, Jackson, Missouri (4/53 Apr 4) Howard L. Kessler 44 (crew foreman), Aline J. 46, Yvonne B. 15, Don Kaye 8
          • 1954 State Census: Kay Kessler, 1 Mar 1954, Delano, Sedgwick, Kansas, USA

1.3.1.1.1.6 Leroy Kessler (b: Apr 1860 Canton, Il-d: 4 Jun 1870 Stark, Illinois) died at the age of 10.

      • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b: Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b: Illinois)

1.3.1.1.1.7 Louise L. ‘Lou’ Kessler Rouse (b: Jun 1861 Iowa-d: 14 Jan 1932 Chicago, Illinois) married William Albert Rouse (Dec 1854-20 Mar 1924 Dallas, IA) on 27 Feb 1879 in Boone, Iowa. They had five children: James Nelson Rouse (21 Feb 1880-16 Dec 1952), Daisy Lyle Rouse Thorsen (23 Aug 1881-1 Aug 1955), Mildred A. Rouse Sullivan (20 Jul 1890-30 Aug 1955), Eugene F. Rouse (2 Jan 1897-3 Aug 1944), and Stanley Albert Rouse (25 Nov 1905-17 Sep 1983).

      • 1870: Toulon, West Jersey Township, Stark, Illinois (7/33 Jun 4) Henry N Kepler 44 (farmer), Mary A Kepler 40, May Kepler 20, Velma Kepler 18, Samuel T Kepler 17 (farm hand), Lida Kepler 14, Louie Kepler 9, Lillie Kepler 6, Albert Thompson 24 (farm hand), William Kepler 12
      • 1880: District 012 Union, Boone, Iowa (12/19 Jun 15) William A. Rouse 24 (farmer), Louise 19, James N. 4/12
      • 1900: District 0014 Spring Valley, Iowa (26/32 Jun 11) Howard A. Rouse 45 (railroad clerk), Louise 38 (Jun 1861), James N. 20 (Feb 1880), Lyle D. 18 (daughter Aug 1881), Eugene F. 3 (Jan 1897), Nelson H. Kessler 75 (Nov 1824)
      • 1910: District 0014 Perry Ward 2, Dallas, Iowa (6/35 ?) Albert W. Rouse 52 (railroad machinist), Louise L. 48, Eugene F. 13, Stanley A. 4
      • 1920: District 0016 Perry Ward 3, Dallas, Iowa (12/35 Jan 14) William A. Rouse 65 (railroad store keeper), Lois L. 59, Eugene F. 22, Stanley A. 14
      • 1930: District 0210 Chicago 1-250, Cook County, Illinois (3/58 Apr 5) Louise L. Rouse 68, Mildred A. Russell 39 (daughter), Stanley A. 24 (son)

1.3.1.1.1.8 Lillian ‘Lily’ Kate Kessler Brown (b: 6 Jan 1867 Illinois-d: 13 Oct 1943 LA, California) married Frank Immanuel Brown (Mar 1866-14 Dec 1927 LA, California). They had three sons: Bruce Kessler Brown (25 Apr 1899-1 Nov 1968), Duke Kelly Brown (13 Apr 1902-26 Aug 1977), and Frank Ellsworth Brown (27 Feb 1907-6 Oct 1988).

Frank Immanuel Brown
      • 1870: Toulon, West Jersey Township, Stark, Illinois (7/33 Jun 4) Henry N Kepler 44 (farmer), Mary A Kepler 40, May Kepler 20, Velma Kepler 18, Samuel T Kepler 17 (farm hand), Lida Kepler 14, Louie Kepler 9, Lillie Kepler 6, Albert Thompson 24 (farm hand), William Kepler 12
      • 1880: District 012 Union, Boone, Iowa (8/19 Jun 9) H. N. Nelson 52 (farmer from Maryland), May 50, William 22 (farmer), Lily 16
      • 1900: District 0948 Chicago Ward 30, Cook, Illinois (18/34 Jun 6) Frank Brown 34 (clerk Mar 1866), Lillian K. 33 (Jan 1867), Bruce K. 1 (Apr 1899), Nellie Burnham 26 (niece May 1874)
      • 1910: District 1326 Chicago Ward 31, Cook, Illinois (12/24 Apr 20) Frank Brown 43 (railroad auditor), Lillian K. 42, Bruce K. 10, Duke K. 8, Frank E. 3, Daisy L. Rouse 26 (niece), Mildred O. Rouse 22 (niece)
      • 1920: District 0093 Peoria Ward 4, Peoria, Illinois (6/17 Jan 3) Frank Brown 52 (chief clerk, railroad), Lillian K. 52, Bruce K. 20, Duke K. 17, Frank E. 12
      • 1930: District 0014 Los Angeles 1-250, California (27/47 Apr 8) Lillian K. Brown 63, Bruce K. 30, Bertha 32 (daughter-in-law), Frank E. 23
      • 1940: Chicago, Cook, Illinois (23/34 Apr 4) Joseph Toole 57 Head, Maude Toole 55
        Wife, Lillian Brown 76 Mother-in-law (widowed), Joseph Hart 25 Nephew, Mary Jane Portman 18 Niece

Samuel’s second child:

1.3.1.1.2 William Edward Kessler (2 Dec 1827-7 Sep 1905) married Ann Catherine McLain (17 Aug 1831-19 Jan 1884) in 1853 and they had ten children. After Ann died in 1884, William married Rebecca Ann (b: May 1843, Maryland-d: 15 Jul 1926 Canton, Illinois) in 1892. William died in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois at the age of 77. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. Canton is just east of the Iowa state border.

Here is an excerpt from a history document of Fulton County, Illinois:

William Edward Kessler. Among the biographical sketches and portraits presented to the readers of this volume, is that of Mr. Kessler, a retired farmer residing at No. 516 North Main Street, Canton. He is enterprising and well-to-do and from his valuable property derives a handsome income. He is regarded with great respect by all who know him, as a man of solid worth and unswerving integrity. Of serious religious character, he was formerly connected with the Lutheran Church, but is now an esteemed member of the Baptist Church of Canton. Politically, he was a one-time Democrat, but now he and his family are firm Prohibitionists. 

In the vicinity of Jefferson, Washington County, Md., Mr. Kessler was born December 2, 1827, and is of German descent. The father, Samuel Kessler, who was born in the same place and is the son of Andrew Kessler, married Miss Mary Ann, daughter of John Stonebreaker, and of German antecedents. She was also a native of Maryland, where she was reared and married, and where both she and her husband died. The latter passed from the scenes of an active life when his son, our subject, was only four years old, and at the age of nineteen, his life was further saddened by the death of his mother. They were honorable and upright citizens and were universally esteemed for their many sterling traits of character. 

The parental family comprised five children, of whom our subject and a brother, Henry N., a resident of Perry, Iowa are the only survivors. John and Samuel died after attaining their majority; Mary M. died at the age of 11 years. At the time of their mother’s death, William was engaged in learning the trade of a carpenter. He had received a good common-school education at Clear Springs, Md., but was compelled to leave school at the age of fifteen years and start out in life for himself. Being a conscientious workman, he acquired a thorough knowledge of his trade, and in his early manhood went to Dayton, Ohio where he found employment as a carpenter. Later he removed to Polo, Ogle County, Ill.

For fifteen years after Mr. Kessler’s arrival in Fulton County, which important event occurred in 1857, he carried on his business as a carpenter and builder. At the expiration of that time, he located on a farm which he had purchased in Canton Township. Here he continued to reside for the ensuing eighteen years, improving the place and bringing the land to a high state of cultivation. He became well-known throughout the township as a man of sterling enterprise and worthy character and was one of the prominent farmers of the community. Finally, feeling that the years of his more active labor were ended, he resolved to move to the city of Canton. 

Accordingly, after renting his farm, Mr. Kessler moved into his present substantial, well-furnished residence in Canton. By wise economy and excellent management, he has acquired wealth, and among other valuable possessions owns several good houses in Canton, whose rental brings him in a goodly sum of money, and he is still the owner of the farm. He was greatly aided by his faithful wife and devoted helpmate, to whom he was united in marriage in 1851. The bride was Miss Ann, daughter of a Mr. McLane, a native of Maryland, in which State she was also born. She possessed a noble character and was a loving wife and wise mother. 

Ten children were born to our subject and his estimable wife, eight of whom are now living: as follows: Mary L., wife of Thomas Gentle; William, deceased; John L., a farmer in Farmington Township; Anna, who became the wife of Mitchell Harper and lives on the old homestead; Eva, at home; Mida, wife of William Myers of this township; Carrie, who is at present a student in the University at Normal, Ill.; and Blanche, at home. The two children who died in infancy were named Edward Nelson and Grace. In 1884 death crossed the threshold of this happy home and removed its wife and mother. She was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church and was a woman of many Christian virtues. 

      • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b: Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b: Illinois)
      • 1865 (Illinois State Census): Illinois State Census Collection
        Canton, Fulton County, Il (3/20 Jul 3) William E. Kessler
        2 males 10 & under (William & John), 1 male 21-30 ?, 1 male 41-50 (William), 2 females 10 & under (Anna & Eva), 1 female 11-20 (Mary Lillian), 1 female 31-40 (Ann Catherine)
      • 1870: Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (4/53 Jul 29) William Kessler 43 (farmer, b: Maryland), Catherine 38 (b: Maryland), Mary 16 (b: Ohio), William 14 (b: Illinois), John 12 (b: Illinois), Anna 9 (b: Illinois), Eva 5 (b: Illinois), Mida 2 (b: Illinois), Eddie 1/12 (b: Illinois)
      • 1880: District 042 Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (19/22 Jun 14) William Kessler 42 (farmer, b: Maryland), Ann C. 48 (b: Maryland), William M. 25, John L. 22, Anna V. 18, Eva 14, Maria L. 12, Carrie 9, Blanche 7
      • 1900: 414 N. Main St — District 0009 Canton Ward 02, Fulton County, Il (3/30 Jun 1) William E. Kessler, 72 (landlord b: Dec 1827), Rebecka H. Kessler 53 (May 1843) NOTE: Rebecca lives on E. Olive Street in 1920 US Census, which is right around corner from this location

1.3.1.1.2.1 Mary Lillian ‘Lida’ Kessler Gentle (b: 26 Oct 1853 Maryland-d: 1 Jun 1933 Farmington, Il) married Thomas S. Gentle (26 Jun 1845-8 Dec 1899) and they had four children: Anna Mae Gentle Brown (1878-1960), Ralph William Gentle (11 Oct 1883-1956), George Edward Gentle (6 Feb 1888-30 Jan 1984), and Grace Louise Gentle Kesler (1891-1960).

Mary Lillian Kessler Gentle

Here is another except from a Fulton County history document: 

Thomas S. Gentle: In all the broad expanse of the Prairie State there is no county which affords sustenance to a greater number of agriculturalists than this, whose productive soil, commercial facilities and advanced development make it pre-eminently a farmer’s home. One of its comfortable and attractive abodes is that of the subject of this notice, who occupies the parental homestead in Farmington Township, having an undivided interest therein. He also owns one-hundred and twenty-nine acres on sections 14 and 15, which is now rented, as he carries on the John Gentle estate. 

The Gentles were originally French, settlement being made in Maryland by members of the family in colonial times. In that State the late John Gentle was born, accompanying his parents to Ohio in 1810 when a child of about two years. He grew to manhood near the city of Cincinnati, marrying a native of the Buckeye State who bore the name of Louisa Higdon. Her father, Peter Higdon, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Gentle reared a family of nine children, having had eleven born to them. They came to Illinois with their family in 1855, and selecting a location in Fulton County, established a home from which the husband and father was removed in the spring of 1884. The widowed mother is still living and has now reached the age of seventy-seven years. She makes her home with her children.

The subject of this biographical notice (Thomas S. Gentle) was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, June 26, 1845, and was therefore about ten years old when he came to this state. He began his school attendance in Ohio and continued to study in the district schools of Farmington Township. At the age of twenty-one years, he entered Lombard University at Galesburg, pursuing his studies there for four terms. He had an experience in the work of an instructor, teaching two winter terms in Peoria and two in Fulton County. His knowledge is amply sufficient to enable him to secure a fine position as a teacher, but his taste does not lie in that direction, although he has met with good success while he was thus employed.

In 1876, Mr. Gentle was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Kessler, a well-educated lady of estimable qualities, who was born in Ohio, but educated in the Canton, Ill. High School. Her father, W. E. Kessler a native of Maryland, went to the Buckeye State when a young man, learned the trade of a carpenter and established himself there. He married Kate McClain who bore him eight children, of whom Mrs. Gentle is the eldest. The Kesslers came to this county and for several years Mr. Kessler was engaged in farming was well as carpenter work; he is now living in Canton. Mr. and Mrs. Gentle have become the parents of four children, the eldest of whom is now twelve years old. They are named, respectively, Anna May, Harry J., Ralph W., and George. 

Immediately after his marriage our subject settled on the homestead, remaining there until 1881, when he purchased ninety-five acres in Ford County and removed thither where he remained two years when he came back and settled on the homestead. In April 1889, he sold that property and purchased his present estate. He was appointed administrator of the John Gentle estate by Judge Boyd, and also of that of his brother, James B. Gentle. He has a decided political bent and works earnestly to promote the interests of Democracy. He has served as school director for several years and in 1889 was elected Township Supervisor. He belongs to Farmington Lodge, No. 192, F. & A. M., in which he filled the chair of Master in 1875-76-77. The sterling qualities of Mr. Gentle are recognized by all who know him, and his genial manners prepossess strangers in his favor. He is deeply interested in the welfare of his children and future generations, and therefore ready to bear a part in all those movements which will enhance the material, educational, and moral prosperity of the nation. He has succeeded well in worldly affairs and is able to surround his family with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.  

      • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b: Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b: Illinois)
      • 1865 (Illinois State Census): Illinois State Census Collection
        Canton, Fulton County, Il (3/20 Jul 3) William E. Kessler
        2 males 10 & under (William & John), 1 male 21-30 ?, 1 male 41-50 (William), 2 females 10 & under (Anna & Eva), 1 female 11-20 (Mary Lillian), 1 female 31-40 (Ann Catherine)
      • 1870: Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (4/53 Jul 29) William Kessler 43 (farmer, b: Maryland), Catherine 38 (b: Maryland), Mary 16 (b: Ohio), William 14 (b: Illinois), John 12 (b: Illinois), Anna 9 (b: Illinois), Eva 5 (b: Illinois), Mida 2 (b: Illinois), Eddie 1/12 (b: Illinois)
      • 1880: District 042 Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (17/22 Jun 12) Thomas Gentle 36 (farmer), Mary L. 26, Anna May 2
      • 1900: Salem, Knox, Illinois (18/34 Jun 28) Mary L Gontle 46 Head (farmer), Annie M Gontle 21 Daughter, Harry J Gontle 19 Son, Ralph W Gontle 16 Son, George E Gontle 12 Son, Grace L Gontle 9 Daughter
      • 1910: District 0180 Salem, Knox, Il (26/29 Apr 30) Lillian M. Gentle 56 (widow), Ralph W. 26 (farmer), George E. 22, Grace L. 19
      • 1920: Gold Street, Farmington, Fulton, Illinois (8/54 Jan 5) Lalian Gentle 66 Head, Ollie Hooper 61 Companion
      • 1930: District 0026 Farmington, Fulton, Il (39/46 Apr 17) Lillian M. Gentle 76 (widow), Velma Morris 17 (servant)

1.3.1.1.2.2 William M. Kessler (b: 20 Jul 1855 Illinois-d: 18 Sep 1884 Illinois) – likely never married. He died at age 29.

      • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b:Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b:Illinois)
      • 1865 (Illinois State Census): Illinois State Census Collection
        Canton, Fulton County, Il (3/20 Jul 3) William E. Kessler
        2 males 10 & under (William & John), 1 male 21-30 ?, 1 male 41-50 (William), 2 females 10 & under (Anna & Eva), 1 female 11-20 (Mary Lillian), 1 female 31-40 (Ann Catherine)
      • 1870: Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (4/53 Jul 29) William Kessler 43 (farmer, b: Maryland), Catherine 38 (b: Maryland), Mary 16 (b: Ohio), William 14 (b: Illinois), John 12 (b: Illinois), Anna 9 (b: Illinois), Eva 5 (b: Illinois), Mida 2 (b: Illinois), Eddie 1/12 (b: Illinois)
      • 1880: District 042 Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (19/22 Jun 14) William Kessler 42 (farmer, b: Maryland), Ann C. 48 (b: Maryland), William M. 25, John L. 22, Anna V. 18, Eva 14, Maria L. 12, Carrie 9, Blanche 7

1.3.1.1.2.3 John Loose Kessler (no children b: 5 Oct 1857 Illinois-d: 12 Oct 1896) married Eliza Jane ‘Lida’ Harper Kessler (b: 25 Dec 1852 Illinois-d: 24 Jan 1896) on 5 Feb 1885. Lida died less than 10 years after they wed, and John died ten months later.

      • 1860: Canton, Fulton County, Il (36/92 Jun 9) Henry Kessler 38 (carpenter), Mary 27, May 10 (b: Maryland), Velina 8 (b: Ohio), Samuel 6 (b: Ohio), Lida 4 (b: Illinois), William 2 (b:Illinois), Leroy 2/12 (b:Illinois)
      • 1865 (Illinois State Census): Illinois State Census Collection
        Canton, Fulton County, Il (3/20 Jul 3) William E. Kessler
        2 males 10 & under (William & John), 1 male 21-30 ?, 1 male 41-50 (William), 2 females 10 & under (Anna & Eva), 1 female 11-20 (Mary Lillian), 1 female 31-40 (Ann Catherine)
      • 1870: Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (4/53 Jul 29) William Kessler 43 (farmer, b: Maryland), Catherine 38 (b: Maryland), Mary 16 (b: Ohio), William 14 (b: Illinois), John 12 (b: Illinois), Anna 9 (b: Illinois), Eva 5 (b: Illinois), Mida 2 (b: Illinois), Eddie 1/12 (b: Illinois)
      • 1880: District 042 Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (19/22 Jun 14) William Kessler 42 (farmer, b: Maryland), Ann C. 48 (b: Maryland), William M. 25, John L. 22, Anna V. 18, Eva 14, Maria L. 12, Carrie 9, Blanche 7

1.3.1.1.2.4 Anna ‘Amy’ Virginia Kessler Harper (b: 21 Jul 1861 Illinois-d: 18 Oct 1944 Santa Clara, CA) married Mitchell Harper (b: 8 Sep 1850 Illinois-d: 4 Oct 1940 LA, Ca) on 14 Jan 1885. They had no children. Mitch was a farmer.

Anna Virginia Amy Kessler Harper
      • 1865 (Illinois State Census): Illinois State Census Collection
        Canton, Fulton County, Il (3/20 Jul 3) William E. Kessler
        2 males 10 & under (William & John), 1 male 21-30 ?, 1 male 41-50 (William), 2 females 10 & under (Anna & Eva), 1 female 11-20 (Mary Lillian), 1 female 31-40 (Ann Catherine)
      • 1870: Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (4/53 Jul 29) William Kessler 43 (farmer, b: Maryland), Catherine 38 (b: Maryland), Mary 16 (b: Ohio), William 14 (b: Illinois), John 12 (b: Illinois), Anna 9 (b: Illinois), Eva 5 (b: Illinois), Mida 2 (b: Illinois), Eddie 1/12 (b: Illinois)
      • 1880: District 042 Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (19/22 Jun 14) William Kessler 42 (farmer, b: Maryland), Ann C. 48 (b: Maryland), William M. 25, John L. 22, Anna V. 18, Eva 14, Maria L. 12, Carrie 9, Blanche 7
      • 1900: District 019 Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (16/36 Jun 12) Mitchell Harper 49 (Sep 1850 farmer), Anna V. 38 (Jul 1861)
      • 1910 District 0039 Long Beach Ward 2, California (19/46 Apr 25) Mitchell Harper 59, Anna V. 48
      • 1920: District 0092 Long Beach Ward 2, California (12/33 Jan 7) Mitchell Harper 69, Anna V. 58
      • 1930: District 1105 Long Beach Ward 2, California (3/20 Apr 3) Mitchell Harper 79, Anna V. 68
      • 1940: District 59-58 Long Beach, California (19/34 Apr 12) Mitchell Harper 89, Anna V. 78, Clara McIntyre 69 (nurse)

1.3.1.1.2.5 Eva Katherine ‘Katie’ Kessler Whiting (b: 6 May 1865 Illinois-d: 11 Nov 1957 LA California) married James Graves Whiting (4 Aug 1866-12 Mar 1924) on 15 Oct 1891 in Fulton County, Illinois. James was a dentist. They had one son: Charles Edward Whiting (11 May 1901-Jul 1965 Washington, DC).

Eva ‘Kate’ Katherine Kessler Whiting
      • 1865 (Illinois State Census): Illinois State Census Collection
        Canton, Fulton County, Il (3/20 Jul 3) William E. Kessler
        2 males 10 & under (William & John), 1 male 21-30 ?, 1 male 41-50 (William), 2 females 10 & under (Anna & Eva), 1 female 11-20 (Mary Lillian), 1 female 31-40 (Ann Catherine)
      • 1870: Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (4/53 Jul 29) William Kessler 43 (farmer, b: Maryland), Catherine 38 (b: Maryland), Mary 16 (b: Ohio), William 14 (b: Illinois), John 12 (b: Illinois), Anna 9 (b: Illinois), Eva 5 (b: Illinois), Mida 2 (b: Illinois), Eddie 1/12 (b: Illinois)
      • 1880: District 042 Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (19/22 Jun 14) William Kessler 42 (farmer, b: Maryland), Ann C. 48 (b: Maryland), William M. 25, John L. 22, Anna V. 18, Eva 14, Maria L. 12, Carrie 9, Blanche 7 (Investigate …. parent ages do not match!!!!)
      • 1900: District 0008 Canton Ward 1, Fulton County, Il (16/28 Jun 6) James G. Whiting 33 (Aug 1866 dentist), Eva 35 (May 1865)
      • 1910 District 0073 Canton Ward 3, Fulton County, Il (12/20 Apr 20) James G. Whiting 43 (dentist), Eva 44, Charles E. Whiting 9 (son)
      • 1920: Not found
      • 1930: District 2122 Evanston, Cook County, Il (57/79 Apr 21) Eva Whiting 64 (widowed)
      • 1940: District 60-254 LA California (21/32 Apr 18) Eva Whiting 74
      • 1950: District 1-571 Washington, DC (8/26 Apr 19) Charles E. Whiting 49 (Public Accountant, DOD),Jessie 46 (wife), Alan W. 18 (son, clerk, hardware store), Mary E. 15 (daughter), Eva K. Whiting 86 (mother) 

1.3.1.1.2.6 Maria ‘Mida’ Lillie Kessler Myers (b: 19 Sep 1867 Illinois-d: 5 Jul 1935 Canton, Il.) married William Henry Myers (30 Dec 1885-30 Dec 1933 Farmington, Il.) on 29 Dec 1886 in Fulton County, Il. They had two children: Carrie Maria Myers Barron (25 Feb 1889-23 Nov 1975) and Grant Kessler Myers (21 May 1890-16 May 1942).

Maria ‘Mida’ Lillie Kessler Myers
      • 1870: Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (4/53 Jul 29) William Kessler 43 (farmer, b: Maryland), Catherine 38 (b: Maryland), Mary 16 (b: Ohio), William 14 (b: Illinois), John 12 (b: Illinois), Anna 9 (b: Illinois), Eva 5 (b: Illinois), Mida 2 (b: Illinois), Eddie 1/12 (b: Illinois)
      • 1880: District 042 Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (19/22 Jun 14) William Kessler 42 (farmer, b: Maryland), Ann C. 48 (b: Maryland), William M. 25, John L. 22, Anna V. 18, Eva 14, Maria L. 12, Carrie 9, Blanche 7 (Investigate …. parent ages do not match!!!!)
      • 1900: District 0008 Canton Ward 1, Fulton County, Il (16/28 Jun 6) William H. Myers 44 (Dec 1855), Mida 32 (Sep 1867), Carrie 10, (Feb 1890), Grant 9 (May 1891) Living close to sister — Eva in 1900.
      • 1910 District 0070 Canton Ward 1, Fulton County, Il (3/24 Apr 16) William H. Myers 55 (own income), Mida 43, Grant K. 20, Carrie 21
      • 1920: District 0067 Buckheart, Fulton County, Il (29/45 Jan 18) William Myers 64, Lilly Myers 54
      • 1930: District 0013 Canton, Fulton County, Il (1/32 Apr 2) William H. Myers 74 (own income), Mida 62, Omar Meshe 29 (roomer), Albert Spikler 37 (roomer)

1.3.1.1.2.7 Edward ‘Eddie’ Nelson Kessler (b: 20 Jul 1870 Illinois-d: 22 Aug 1870 Canton, Il.) lived only about a month.

      • 1870: Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (4/53 Jul 29) William Kessler 43 (farmer, b: Maryland), Catherine 38 (b: Maryland), Mary 16 (b: Ohio), William 14 (b: Illinois), John 12 (b: Illinois), Anna 9 (b: Illinois), Eva 5 (b: Illinois), Mida 2 (b: Illinois), Eddie 1/12 (b: Illinois)

1.3.1.1.2.8 Carrie May Kessler Gentle (b: 17 Sep 1871 Illinois-d: 30 Dec 1958 Marion County, Oregon) married Thomas Higdon Gentle (1 Aug 1870-21 May 1951 Oregon) on 15 Oct 1892 in Fulton County, Illinois. Carrie’s older sister, Mary Lillian also married someone named Thomas S. Gentle, like a cousin or other relative of Thomas Higdon Gentle. They had five children: James William Gentle (14 Jul 1893-30 Oct 1970), Catherine Margaret Gentle (11 Aug 1896-14 Jan 1983), Hjalmar Thomas Gentle (19 Sep 1898-21 Aug 1968), Ermine Kessler ‘EK’ Gentle (22 Sep 1899-15 Jul 1991), and Maurice McMillan Gentle (12 Feb 1903-14 Feb 1980). Many of Carrie’s children were teachers. 

Carrie May Kessler Gentle

Second daughter Catherine was born in Jena, Thüringen, Germany in 1895, a region recognized for its universities. It is likely that Thomas was studying there at the time. The city’s Friedrich-Schiller University was founded in 1548 as an academy and was raised to university status in 1577. It flourished under the duke Charles Augustus, patron of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, from 1787 to 1806, when the philosophers Johann Fichte, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, and Friedrich von Schelling and the writers August von Schlegel and Friedrich Schiller were on its teaching staff. It was long in the forefront of German universities in the liberal acceptance of new ideas. The evolutionist Ernst Haeckel was prominent at the university in the mid-19th century, and Karl Marx received a doctor’s degree in absentia in 1841. A prominent landmark in Jena is the university’s tower (400 feet).

      • 1880: District 042 Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (19/22 Jun 14) William Kessler 42 (farmer, b: Maryland), Ann C. 48 (b: Maryland), William M. 25, John L. 22, Anna V. 18, Eva 14, Maria L. 12, Carrie 9, Blanche 7
      • 1900: District 0049 Platteville, Grant County, WI (23/32 Jun 14) Thomas Gentle 29 (algebra teacher Aug 1870), Carrie 28 (Sep 1871), James 6 (July 1893), Catherine 4 (Aug 1895), Hjalmar 1 (Sep 1898), Ermine 8/12 (Sep 1899), Nora Ratinger 16 (house servant, Sep 1893 England)
      • 1910 District 0040 Platteville Ward 4, Grant County, WI (15/17 Apr 27) Thomas H. Gentle 39 (teacher), Carrie 38, James 16, Catherine 14, Hjelmar 11, Ermine 10, Maurice 7
      • 1920: District 0375 Northeast Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (1/7 Jan 5) Thomas H. Gentle 50 (English teacher), Carrie M. 49, James W. 26, Catherine M. 24, Hjalman 21, Ermine K. 20, Maurice M. 16
      • 1930: District 0033 Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (9/10 Apr 4) Thomas H. Gentle 59 (teacher, state university), Carrie M. 58, Catherine 34
      • 1940: District 27-28 Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (9/14) Thomas H. Gentle 69, Carrie M. 68
      • 1950: District 27-31 Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (9/14) Thomas H. Gentle 79, Carrie M. 78, Maurice M. 46 (son, clerical, City Hall), Catharine M. 54 (daughter, elementary teacher)

1.3.1.1.2.8.1 James William Gentle (b: 14 Jul 1893 Illinois-d: 30 Oct 1970 Oregon) married Olive Elizabeth ‘Eli’ Schmitt (2 Jul 1894 WI-15 Jun 1979 Oregon). They had two children: Margaret Gentle Hall (b: 1922-living) and Caroline May Gentle Ward (5 Apr 1924 OR-5 May 2019 OR).

        • 1900: District 0049 Platteville, Grant County, WI (23/32 Jun 14) Thomas Gentle 29 (algebra teacher Aug 1870), Carrie 28 (Sep 1871), James 6 (July 1893), Catherine 4 (Aug 1895), Hjalmar 1 (Sep 1898), Ermine 8/12 (Sep 1899), Nora Ratinger 16 (house servant, Sep 1893 England)
        • 1910 District 0040 Platteville Ward 4, Grant County, WI (15/17 Apr 27) Thomas H. Gentle 39 (teacher), Carrie 38, James 16, Catherine 14, Hjelmar 11, Ermine 10, Maurice 7
        • 1920: District 0375 Northeast Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (1/7 Jan 5) Thomas H. Gentle 50 (English teacher), Carrie M. 49, James W. 26, Catherine M. 24, Hjalman 21, Ermine K. 20, Maurice M. 16
        • 1930: District 0033 Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (10/10 Apr 5) James W. Gentle 36 (operator, dairy farm), Olive 35, Margaret 8, Carolyn 5
        • 1940: District 27-28 Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (9/14) James Gentle 46 farmer), Olive 45, Margaret 18, Caroline 16
        • 1950: District 27-31 Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (2/27) James W. Gentle 56 (farmer), Olive E. 55 (secretary, insurance), Joseph Hall 30 (son-in-law, Schools Dept head), Margaret C. 28, Steven G. 5 grandson

1.3.1.1.2.8.2 Catherine Margaret Gentle (never married b: 11 Aug 1895 Germany-d: 14 Jan 1983 Oregon) was a schoolteacher.

        • 1900: District 0049 Platteville, Grant County, WI (23/32 Jun 14) Thomas Gentle 29 (algebra teacher Aug 1870), Carrie 28 (Sep 1871), James 6 (July 1893), Catherine 4 (Aug 1895), Hjalmar 1 (Sep 1898), Ermine 8/12 (Sep 1899), Nora Ratinger 16 (house servant, Sep 1893 England)
        • 1910 District 0040 Platteville Ward 4, Grant County, WI (15/17 Apr 27) Thomas H. Gentle 39 (teacher), Carrie 38, James 16, Catherine 14, Hjelmar 11, Ermine 10, Maurice 7
        • 1920: District 0375 Northeast Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (1/7 Jan 5) Thomas H. Gentle 50 (English teacher), Carrie M. 49, James W. 26, Catherine M. 24, Hjalman 21, Ermine K. 20, Maurice M. 16
        • 1930: District 0033 Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (9/10 Apr 4) Thomas H. Gentle 59 (teacher, state university), Carrie M. 58, Catherine 34
        • 1940: District 1-8 Baker County, Oregon (12/35 Apr 9) Catherine Gentle 44 (public school teacher)
        • 1950: District 27-31 Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (9/14) Thomas H. Gentle 79, Carrie M. 78, Maurice M. 46 (son, clerical, City Hall), Catharine M. 54 (daughter, elementary teacher)

1.3.1.1.2.8.3 Dr. Hjalmar Thomas Gentle (b: 14 Jul 1893 Illinois-d: 30 Oct 1970 Oregon) married Gertrude Muriel Tormoen (9 Feb 1902 MN-5 Jul 1989 Oregon). Their daughter, Alice Gentle Alleman provided information about the family. Hjalmar died in a Portland hospital August 21, 1968. He was a family doctor, and practiced in Medford and Eugene, Oregon. During WW II he was a doctor with the navy, stationed in Seattle. Gertrudes’ family was Norwegian, and she was born in Proctor, Minn. She died in Eugene July 5, 1989. According to a June 1943 newspaper account, Dr Hjalmar Gentle was a graduate of OCE, the University of Oregon and the University Medical School in Portland. He interned in the Civilian Conservation Corps and became district surgeon for the northern California and Southern Oregon CCC locations. At the outbreak of war, he served as surgeon on board troop transportation in Alaskan waters, covering over 25,000 miles in this service, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

Hjalmar Gentle

Children:

1.3.1.1.2.8.3.1 Anne Louise Gentle Morris (26 Oct 1931-28 Aug 2007) was born in Salem, Oregon. She married Kimball ‘Kim’ Warren Morris (7 Feb 1935-4 Apr 2000) on June 30, 1956. Her husband Kim was an artist and Anne taught Home Economics. 

1.3.1.1.2.8.3.2 Alice E Gentle Alleman (12 Jul 1937-23 May 2024) married James L. Alleman on 23 Aug 1958. He was a banker and died June 28, 1993. They had two daughters:  Cynthia Alleman B. (13 Dec 1959) who became a teacher, and Stephanie (13 Sep 1962), who married Clinton Jones on 30 Nov 1985. Stephanie and Clinton have three children: James Alexander Jones (20 Aug 1985); Andrew Nathaniel Jones (18 Oct 1988), and Aimee Michele (30 Aug 1993) and two grandchildren: Annastassia Rosemarie (24 Sep 2013) and Nathaniel Leray Ellis (16 Feb 2015).

1.3.1.1.2.8.3.3 Thomas Higdon GENTLE II (9 Sep 1940) was born in Medford, Or1.3.1.1.2.8.3.3. He married Patricia Meyers, and they have no children.

          • 1900: District 0049 Platteville, Grant County, WI (23/32 Jun 14) Thomas Gentle 29 (algebra teacher Aug 1870), Carrie 28 (Sep 1871), James 6 (July 1893), Catherine 4 (Aug 1895), Hjalmar 1 (Sep 1898), Ermine 8/12 (Sep 1899), Nora Ratinger 16 (house servant, Sep 1893 England)
          • 1910 District 0040 Platteville Ward 4, Grant County, WI (15/17 Apr 27) Thomas H. Gentle 39 (teacher), Carrie 38, James 16, Catherine 14, Hjelmar 11, Ermine 10, Maurice 7
          • 1920: District 0375 Northeast Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (1/7 Jan 5) Thomas H. Gentle 50 (English teacher), Carrie M. 49, James W. 26, Catherine M. 24, Hjalmar 21, Ermine K. 20, Maurice M. 16
          • 1930: Could not locate Hjalmar Thomas Gentle in the 1930 U.S. Census, but if you examine the 1940 U.S. Census you can see that he was the “district surgeon” for the Civilian Conservation Corps, so perhaps during 1930 he was either in medical school or living in one of the CCC camps.
          • 1940: District 15-46 Medford, Jackson County, Oregon (8/12 Apr 24) Hjalmar T. Gentle 40 (district physician, CCC), Gertrude 36, Anne Louise 8, Alice E. 2
          • 1950: 1500 McClay Avenue, North Davis, Lane, Oregon, USA (9/39 4/25) Hialmar T Gentle 53 (physician, MD), Gertrude A Gentle 50, Anne L Gentle 18, Alice E Gentle 12, Thomas H Gentle 9

1.3.1.1.2.8.4 Ermine Kessler ‘EK’ Gentle (b: 22 Sep 1899 Wisconsin-15 Jul 1991 Oregon) married Frances Marion Douglas (7 Mar 1902 SLC, Utah-7 Jun 1993 Oregon). They had two children: Frances Virginia Gentle Gillis (27 Jun 1925 SLC, Utah-20 Dec 2014 Oregon) and Thomas Douglas Gentle (never married 30 Aug 1938 OR-30 Oct 1999 OR). Ermine was a teacher and administrator in the public-school systems of California, Utah, and Oregon. In addition, he worked as a journalist, and he owned businesses in Oregon and Washington. He was appointed U.S. Postmaster of Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon in 15 Sep 1950 and served in that position for almost 20 years.

Ermine Kessler Gentle
        • 1900: District 0049 Platteville, Grant County, WI (23/32 Jun 14) Thomas Gentle 29 (algebra teacher Aug 1870), Carrie 28 (Sep 1871), James 6 (July 1893), Catherine 4 (Aug 1895), Hjalmar 1 (Sep 1898), Ermine 8/12 (Sep 1899), Nora Ratinger 16 (house servant, Sep 1893 England)
        • 1910 District 0040 Platteville Ward 4, Grant County, WI (15/17 Apr 27) Thomas H. Gentle 39 (teacher), Carrie 38, James 16, Catherine 14, Hjelmar 11, Ermine 10, Maurice 7
        • 1920: District 0375 Northeast Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (1/7 Jan 5) Thomas H. Gentle 50 (English teacher), Carrie M. 49, James W. 26, Catherine M. 24, Hjalman 21, Ermine K. 20, Maurice M. 16
        • 1930: District 0005 Praire City, Grant County, Oregon (3/7 Apr 24) Ermine K. Gentle 29 (teacher, public schools), Francis D. 27, Francis V. 4 4/12
        • 1940: District 4-21 Leavenworth, Chelan County, Oregon (11/16 Apr 23) Ermine K. Gentle 39 (manager, variety store), Francis D. 37 (clerk, variety store), Virginia 14, Thomas D. 1
        • 1950: 1500 McClay Avenue, North Davis, Lane, Oregon, USA (9/39 4/25) Ermine K Gentle 50 (high school administrator), Frances D Gentle 44, Thomas D Gentle 11, William M Gentle 

1.3.1.1.2.8.5 Maurice McMillan Gentle (never married b: 12 Feb 1903 Wisconsin-d: 14 Fen 1980 Oregon) was likely a career military officer. He is listed in a 1944 registry as a Navy Ensign. Since he was 41 at the time, he likely enlisted and rose through the ranks, earning a commission during World War II.

Maurice McMillen Gentle
        • 1900: District 0049 Platteville, Grant County, WI (23/32 Jun 14) Thomas Gentle 29 (algebra teacher Aug 1870), Carrie 28 (Sep 1871), James 6 (July 1893), Catherine 4 (Aug 1895), Hjalmar 1 (Sep 1898), Ermine 8/12 (Sep 1899), Nora Ratinger 16 (house servant, Sep 1893 England)
        • 1910 District 0040 Platteville Ward 4, Grant County, WI (15/17 Apr 27) Thomas H. Gentle 39 (teacher), Carrie 38, James 16, Catherine 14, Hjelmar 11, Ermine 10, Maurice 7
        • 1920: District 0375 Northeast Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (1/7 Jan 5) Thomas H. Gentle 50 (English teacher), Carrie M. 49, James W. 26, Catherine M. 24, Hjalman 21, Ermine K. 20, Maurice M. 16
        • 1930: Could not locate. It is possible that he was career military during this period.
        • 1940: Civilian Conservation Corps Camp F-392, Shasta, California (11/16 Apr 23) Maurice M Gerrett 37 (teacher, college 4 years)
        • 1950: District 27-31 Monmouth, Polk County, Oregon (9/14) Thomas H. Gentle 79, Carrie M. 78, Maurice M. 46 (son, clerical, City Hall), Catharine M. 54 (daughter, elementary teacher)

1.3.1.1.2.9 Hattie Blanche Kessler Gilroy (b: 28 Feb 1873 Illinois-d: 20 Oct 1965 Orange County, Ca.) married Wilbur Fenwick Gilroy (20 Jan 1872-30 Sep 1950) on 7 Jul 1892 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. They had four children: Austin K. Gilroy (8 Dec 1896-17 Apr 1975), Mary O. Gilroy White (5 Feb 1901-19 Mar 1990), James Gilroy (abt. 1903-aft. 1940), and John Wilbur Gilroy (25 Mar 1906-18 Dec 1984).

Hattie Blanche Kessler Gilroy
        • 1880: District 042 Farmington Township, Fulton County, Il (19/22 Jun 14) William Kessler 42 (farmer, b: Maryland), Ann C. 48 (b: Maryland), William M. 25, John L. 22, Anna V. 18, Eva 14, Maria L. 12, Carrie 9, Blanche 7
        • 1900: District 0009 Canton Ward 2, Fulton County, Il (18/38 Jun 8) William Gilroy 28 (Jan 1872 grocer), Blanche 26 (Feb 1874), Austin 3 (Dec 1896)
        • 1910 District 0072 Canton Ward 2, Fulton County, Il (2/22 Apr 16) William Gilroy 38 (grocery salesman), Blanche 37, Austin 13 (grocery clerk), Mary 9, John 4
        • 1920: District 0073 Canton Ward 2, Fulton County, Il (1/18 Jan 2) William Gilroy 47 (retail merchant-grocery), H. Blanche 46, Austin K. 23 (auto salesman), Mary O. 18, John W. 14
        • 1930: District 0827 Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California (36/37 Apr 17) William Gilroy 58 (insurance salesman), Hattie B. 57, Mary O. 29 (schoolteacher), John W. 24 (electrician)
        • 1940: District 19-41 Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California (33/45 Apr 15) Wilbur F. Gilroy 68 (insurance partner), Hattie B. 67, James 37 (owner, florist shop)
        • 1950: 237 S. Clark Drive Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California (29/35 Apr 6) Wilbur F Gilroy 78, Blanche Hattie Gilroy 77

1.3.1.1.2.10 Grace Kessler (b: 20 Aug 1874 Illinois-d: 28 Aug 1874 Illinois) lived for only one week.

There is a mystery that needs to be further investigated. In 1.3.1.1.2 William’s last will and testament he leaves items to his children and two grandchildren: William Kessler and Edith Kessler. Since these grandchildren have the Kessler surname, their father was likely 1.3.1.1.2.2 William M,. who died in 1884. However, I have not been able to locate information about these two, who were likely born after 1880, since William M. is listed with his parents in the 1880 U.S. Census and before he died in 1884.

Samuel’s third child:

1.3.1.1.3 Samuel T. Kessler (22 Jan 1828-29 Apr 1853), the third and last child of Samuel Kessler and Mary Stonebraker Kessler, never married and died at age 25 in Green County, Ohio, near Dayton. In the 1850 U.S. Census he was working as a clerk in his brother Henry Nelson’s store in Washington County, Maryland.

  • Note: Samuel’s father died in 1830 and his mother, Mary Stonebraker remarried. Consequently, he was living with her and her second husband in 1830 and 1840: 
    • 1830: Name Mary Ann Kessler, Female, Spouse’s Name Fredrick Nichodemus, Marriage Date 18 Apr 1833, Marriage Place Berkeley, West Virginia, Father’s Name John Stonebraker
    • 1840: Name Frederick Vickedemus, Home in 1840 (City, County, State) Clear Spring, Washington, Maryland
  • 1850: District 2, Washington County, Maryland (78/135 Aug 1) Nelson Kesler 26 (merchant), Mary A. 22, Mary 4/12, Samuel 22 (clerk)