1.3.1.3 William Kessler (b: 1810-d: 1860 Frederick, Maryland)
William was the son of Andrew and Catherine. The only factual information we know about William is that when his father died in 1860, Andrew left $100 each to the daughters of his deceased son William, Susan and Sarah. There are no other records indicating that William remained in Frederick County, Maryland as he grew to adulthood. There are no marriage records, and he is not listed in the 1850 U.S. Census. Consequently, offering information about his life would be entirely speculative.
We know that his adult years spanning 1830 to 1860 coincided with a great period of westward American expansion. Andrew Jackson was elected President in 1828. During the 1830s the U.S. fought the Mexican American war with Santa Anna which led to annexation of Texas. Railroads began laying track providing travel to the west. Relationships with American Indians deteriorated, leading to the Seven Years War in the 1850s. Whether William was caught up in these events and left Maryland, which is likely, we do not know.
U.S. Census Entries
- 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 (can you believe it – government employees!!!!), but the handwriting is crystal clear and says Andrew Kesler.
- 1830: Election District 1, Frederick County, Md. (p. 29/30) Andrew Kisler, 2 males 10-15, 2 males 20-29, 1 male 60-69, 1 female under 5, 1 female 5-9, 1 female 15-19, 1 female 40-49, 3 slaves.