1.3.1.7 Absalom P. Kessler (1818-1899)

1.3.1.7 Absalom P. Kessler (b: 7 Dec 1818-d: 10 Dec 1899 Frederick, Maryland)

Absalom P. Kessler (1818-1899) married Catharine Margaret Wertenbaker (b: 18 Jun 1817-d: Bef. 1880) on 26 Nov 1838.

Absalom and his older brothers Israel (Jerry) and Andrew Jr. were the primary landowners and farmers who inherited their father’s farm and assets and continued to function as successful farmers in Jefferson. Israel inherited the original Kessler family farm, Absalom inherited a farm located on Jefferson Pike, and Andrew Jr. continued to operate his farm on Lander Road as well as develop a farm and homestead on land that he inherited from his father-in-law, Thomas Lamar.

Absalom was very active during the pre-Civil War and Civil War period, serving as Orphans Court Judge from 1859 to 1863, Register of Wills from 1863 to 1867, and Jefferson Post-Master starting in 1866. Based on records found during a visit to the Frederick County Courthouse in the 1980s, Absalom during the Civil War agreed to free his slaves contingent on their enlisting and serving in the Union Army. One of Absalom’s sons, Dr. Albert Morton Kessler served in the Northern Army. These views and actions were a contrast to Andrew Jr.’s clear advocacy for Maryland succession from the union.

US Census Information

  • 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.
  • 1840: Jefferson, Frederick County, Maryland (9/11) Absalom Kesler – Age 20-29, 1 female age 20-29
  • 1850: Jefferson, Frederick County, Md. (7/24 22 Jul) Absalom P. Kessler 32 (farmer), Catherine M. 33, Lavinia 7, Albert M. 4
  • 1860: Frederick, Md. (191/284, 25 Jun) Absolem Kessley 41 (Register of Wills), Catherine 41, Lavinia 19, Albert 14, Mary 10, Earnest 7
  • 1870: Absalom (A.P.) Kessler 51 (retired farmer), Catherine 51, Vinnie C. 26, Albert M. 24, Mamie W. 19
  • 1880: Jefferson, Md. (32/33, 18 Jun) Absalom Kessler 61 (retired farmer), Lavinia Hoffman 36, baby Hoffman 4 months old Jefferson, Frederick County, Md, (20/38 1 Aug)

Their children were:

1.3.1.7.1 Lavinia ‘Vinie’ C. Kessler Hoffman (b: 1843 Jefferson, Md-d: Aft. 1902). She married George H.C. Hoffman (b: 1847-1882) in 1871 in Jefferson County, West Virginia. George H.C. Hoffman was born and raised in Jefferson, Maryland and by 1870 was living in Frederick and had become a physician. Lavinia and he were married in 1871, likely in Shepherdstown, in Jefferson County, West Virginia.

They had a daughter, Janet Gladys Hoffman Easterday (7 Mar 1880-Feb 1970). In the 1880 U.S. Census Lavinia and her daughter are listed twice, once living with Absalom, age 61 in Jefferson, and again with George in Keedysville, Washington, County, Maryland. The two 1870 census entries can likely be reconciled by assuming that she was visiting her father who might have been in ill health at the time of the 1870 US Census but was also identified to the census taker in Keedysville by her husband, even though she was absent when that census was taken.

George Hoffman, MD died in 1882 in Keedysville, Washington County, Maryland. It is possible that Lavinia remarried after George died, but no records can be located to confirm that she did or when she passed.

Their daughter, Janet, was married on 30 Apr 1902 to Charles Braxter Easterday (19 Jul 1874-5 Aug 1934) in Jefferson. Her mother, Lavinia is mentioned in the news account of her wedding. Janet and Charles lived in Baltimore and had two children: James G. Easterday (17 Apr 1903-2 Feb 1991) and Evelyn Lavinia Easterday Steenburg Donehoo (4 Jul 1905-30 Sep 1999).

    • 1850: Jefferson, Frederick County, Md. (7/24 22 Jul) Absalom P. Kessler 32 (farmer), Catherine M. 33, Lavinia 7, Albert M. 4
    • 1860: Frederick, Md. (191/284, 25 Jun) Absolem Kessley 41 (Register of Wills), Catherine 41, Lavinia 19, Albert 14, Mary 10, Earnest 7
    • 1870: Jefferson, Md. (32/33, 18 Jun) Absalom Kessler 61 (retired farmer), Lavinia Hoffman 36, baby Hoffman 4 months old …. a separate entry: 1870 Frederick, Md, (33/86 Aug 4) George Hoffman 23 (physician) …. living with Gittings family The two 1870 census entries can likely be reconciled by assuming that she was visiting her father who might have been in ill health at the time of the 1870 US Census but was also identified to the census taker in Keedysville by her husband, even though she was absent when that census was taken. 
    • 1880: District 165, Keedysville, Washington County, Md. (14/25, Jun 9) George H. Hoffman 33 (physician), Lavinia C. 35, Janet G. 4/12 (Feb)

1.3.1.7.2 Albert Morton Kessler (b: 7 Jun 1845, Jefferson, Md-d: 26 Dec 1890, Richmond, Va.) served as a sergeant in the 11th Regiment of the Maryland Infantry from May to September 1864 during the Civil War. He married Alice Roberta Koonce (b: 22 Apr 1851, WV-d: 6 Mar 1935 Richmond, Va.) on 22 Feb 1872. Together they had seven children, all whose first names began with the letter ‘A’.

    • 1850: Jefferson, Frederick County, Md. (7/24 22 Jul) Absalom P. Kessler 32 (farmer), Catherine M. 33, Lavinia 7, Albert M. 4
    • 1860: Frederick, Md. (191/284, 25 Jun) Absolem Kessley 41 (Register of Wills), Catherine 41, Lavinia 19, Albert 14, Mary 10, Earnest 7
    • 1870: Jefferson, Frederick County, Md, (20/38 1 Aug) Absalom (A.P.) Kessler 51 (retired farmer), Catherine 51, Vinnie C. 26, Albert M. 24, Mamie W. 19
    • 1880: District 082, Richmond, Va. (22/53 Jun 5) Albert Kessler 34 (paint manufacturer), Alice 23, Albert 6, Lelia 5, Cassy 3, Tinsley 3/12

1.3.1.7.2.1 Albert Ernest Kessler (b: 19 Oct 1873 Maryland-d: 21 May 1959 Richmond, Va.) married Mary Margaret Smith (22 Sep 1888-22 Jul 1939) and they had four children: Albert Ernest Kessler Jr. (18 Mar 1910-22 Aug 1951), Alden Clyde Kessler (22 Jul 1912-7 Mar 1973), Avery Virginia Kessler Irons (4 Feb 1914-4 Apr 1985), Allen Wilson Kessler (14 Oct 1918-8 Mar 1999), and Alene Cassie Kessler Bowman (7 Dec 1919-10 Dec 2011).

      • 1880: District 082, Richmond, Va. (22/53 Jun 5) Albert Kessler 34 (paint manufacturer), Alice 23, Albert 6, Lelia 5, Cassy 3, Tinsley 3/12
      • 1900: District 0068, Richmond, Va. (15/42 Jun 5) Alice 49 (Apr 1851), Ernest Albert 27 (Oct 1872), Lela Lenorie 25 (Apr 1875), Clyde Alden 17 (Feb 1883), Alfred Lynwood 13 (Jun 1886)
      • 1910: District 0077, Henry Ward, Richmond, Va. (1/30 Apr 14) Alice R. 54, Albert E 38 (painter), Clyde A. 26 (saloon bartender), Lynwood A 22 (candy company salesman), Bessie 41 (daughter-in-law)
      • 1920: District 0086 Richmond Lee Ward, Richmond, Va. (21/53 Jan 9) Ernest Kesler 46 (painter), Mary 30, Ernest Jr. 8, Alden C. 7, Avery 5 (female), Allen W. 1 4/12, Alma C. 1/12
      • 1930 & 1940: Not found

1.3.1.7.2.2 Alice Lelia ‘Lenorie’ Kessler Shelton (b: 21 Apr 1875 CT-d: 3 Feb 1961 Va.) married Charles Edwin Shelton (10 Jan 1869-5 Nov 1918).  They had no children. Alice continued to live in the Richmond area until the end of her life. She did not remarry.

      • 1880: District 082, Richmond, Va. (22/53 Jun 5) Albert Kessler 34 (paint manufacturer), Alice 23, Albert 6, Lelia 5, Cassy 3, Tinsley 3/12
      • 1900: District 0068, Richmond, Va. (15/42 Jun 5) Alice 49 (Apr 1851), Ernest Albert 27 (Oct 1872), Lela Lenorie 25 (Apr 1875), Clyde Alden 17 (Feb 1883), Alfred Lynwood 13 (Jun 1886)
      • 1910: District 0077, Henry Ward, Richmond, Va. (1/30 Apr 14) Charles E. Shelton 39, Lela 26 (living next door to Lela’s family)
      • 1920: Not found
      • 1930: District 0036, Richmond, Va. (17/41 Apr 10) Alice R. 75, A. Clyde 47 (advertising salesman), Alice L. Shelton 55 (daughter, bog factory operator)
      • 1940: District 118-181, Richmond, Va. (21/31 Apr 26) Alice L. Shelton 65

1.3.1.7.2.3 Alline Cassie Kessler Shelton (b: 1878 Virginia-d: 11 Jan 1896 Richmond, Va.) married the brother of her sister’s husband, James David Shelton (3 Sep 1863-29 Aug 1932) on 3 May 1895, but died the next January, at age 18.

      • 1880: District 082, Richmond, Va. (22/53 Jun 5) Albert Kessler 34 (paint manufacturer), Alice 23, Albert 6, Lelia 5, Cassy 3, Tinsley 3/12

1.3.1.7.2.4 Austin Tinsley Kessler (b: Abt. 1880 Maryland-d: 11 Apr 1881 Maryland) died in infancy in Richmond, Virginia.

      • 1880: District 082, Richmond, Va. (22/53 Jun 5) Albert Kessler 34 (paint manufacturer), Alice 23, Albert 6, Lelia 5, Cassy 3, Tinsley 3/12

1.3.1.7.2.5 Alden Clyde Kessler (b: 11 Feb 1883 Maryland-d: 4 Apr 1934 Richmond, Va) married Fannie Kessler (1886-1972) on 19 May 1903. They divorced 17 years later when Fanny cited desertion as the reason, on 17 Mar 1920. Alden Clyde died in Richmond, Virginia at age 51. There were no children.

      • 1900: District 0068, Richmond, Va. (15/42 Jun 5) Alice 49 (Apr 1851), Ernest Albert 27 (Oct 1872), Lela Lenorie 25 (Apr 1875), Clyde Alden 17 (Feb 1883), Alfred Lynwood 13 (Jun 1886)
      • 1910: District 0077, Henry Ward, Richmond, Va. (1/30 Apr 14) Alice R. 54, Albert E 38 (painter), Clyde A. 26 (saloon bar tender), Lynwood A 22 (candy company salesman), Bessie 41 (daughter-in-law)
      • 1920: District 0076, Richmond Clay Ward, Richmond, Va. (13/52 Jan 6) Alice R. 66 (tobacco factory inspector), Clyde A. 33 (none), William Dorand 62 (lodger)
      • 1930: District 0036, Richmond, Va. (17/41 Apr 10) Alice R. 75, A. Clyde 47 (advertising salesman), Alice L. Shelton 55 (daughter, bog factory operator)

1.3.1.7.2.6 Alker Linwood Kessler (b: 11 Jun 1886 Richmond, Va-d: 1919 Wilmington, DE) married Bessie L. Angle (Feb 1888-unknown) on 14 Jan 1907. It is not known if Bessie died or if she and Alker divorced, but before 1913 Alker married Anita W. Hopkins Kessler Ground (b: 26 Oct 1894 Baltimore, Md-d: 17 Nov 1985 Macomb, Michigan). They had two children: 1.3.1.7.2.6.1 Frederick Williamson Kessler (b: Abt. 1913 Pennsylvania-d: 23 Dec 2015 Wilmington, DE) and 1.3.1.7.2.6.2 Alice Kathleen Kessler Switzer (b: 5 Aug 1915 Pennsylvania-d: 14 Sep 1975 Macomb, MI).

      • 1900: District 0068, Richmond, Va. (15/42 Jun 5) Alice 49 (Apr 1851), Ernest Albert 27 (Oct 1872), Lela Lenorie 25 (Apr 1875), Clyde Alden 17 (Feb 1883), Alfred Lynwood 13 (Jun 1886)
      • 1910: District 0077, Henry Ward, Richmond, Va. (1/30 Apr 14) Alice R. 54, Albert E 38 (painter), Clyde A. 26 (saloon bar tender), Lynwood A 22 (candy company salesman), Bessie 41 (daughter-in-law)
      • 1.3.1.7.2.6.1 Frederick Williamson Kessler (b: 21 Feb 1914 Pennsylvania-d: 19 Dec 1964 Wilmington, DE) married Isabel Fisk Simpson (13 May 1918-3 May 2008) on 12 Aug 1939 in Caledonia, Vermont.
      • 1920: District 0052 Wilmington Ward 5, New Castle, DE (14/14 Jan 7) Anita Kessler 25 (widowed, bookkeeper-flower shop), Frederick Kessler 7 (b: Pennsylvania), Kathleen Kessler 4 5/12 (b: Pennsylvania)
      • 1930: District 0891 Philadelphia, Pa (15/36 Apr 2) Frederick W. Kessler 16 (student, Girard College)
      • 1940: District 63-88 Albany, NY (35/38 Apr 20) Alfred Simpson 49 (asst commissioner), Hazel 46, Priscilla M. 19, Dexter H. 17, Frederick W. Kessler 26 (draftsman, son-in-law), Isabel Kessler 21 (daughter)

1.3.1.7.2.6.2 Alice Kathleen Kessler Switzer (b: 5 Aug 1915 Pennsylvania-d: 14 Sep 1975 Macomb, MI) married Harold W. Switzer (11 Aug 1910-1 Dec 1995). They had two children: Joan Ellen Switzer (1932-2007) and Patricia Ann Switzer Morrison (1935-1997).

        • 1920: District 0052 Wilmington Ward 5, New Castle, DE (14/14 Jan 7) Anita Kessler 25 (widowed, bookkeeper-flower shop), Frederick Kessler 7 (b: Pennsylvania), Kathleen Kessler 4 5/12 (b: Pennsylvania)
        • 1930: District 0314 Detroit, Wayne County, MI (26/75 Apr 12) Robert J. Ground 33 (florist-flower shop), Anita Ground 35, Kathleen Kessler 14
        • 1940: District 84-1504 Detroit, Wayne County, MI (21/30 Apr 15) Harold Switzer 29 (salesman), Alice 24, Joan 7, Patricia 5

1.3.1.7.2.7 Adele J. E. Kessler (b: Abt. 1891 Richmond-d: 7 Jul 1891 Richmond, Va.) died early at age 4 months and 10 days.

1.3.1.7.3 Mary ‘Mamie’ W. Kessler (b: 1850, Jefferson Township, Md-d: Aft. 1880). It is possible to track the whereabouts of Mamie from 1850 to 1880, but after that there is no additional evidence to suggest whether she married and if she relocated. She is not found in the Jefferson, Frederick County, Maryland section of the 1900 U.S. Census. No burial records have been identified. She is listed in the 1860 and 1870 U.S. Census, living at home with her mother and father. In the 1880 U.S. Census she was living with her mother, Catherine in Jefferson. It is not clear why Catherine was not living with Absalom in 1880. After 1880, we do not know what happened to Mamie and can assume that she potentially passed away before the 1900 U.S. Census or married and changed her last name.

    • 1860: Frederick, Md. (191/284, 25 Jun) Absolem Kessley 41 (Register of Wills), Catherine 41, Lavinia 19, Albert 14, Mary 10, Earnest 7
    • 1870: Jefferson, Frederick County, Md, (20/38 1 Aug) Absalom (A.P.) Kessler 51 (retired farmer), Catherine 51, Vinnie C. 26, Albert M. 24, Mamie W. 19
    • 1880: Jefferson, Md. (22/33 Jun 10) Catherine Kessler 64, Mamie 27 (daughter) Living next door to: Edward Kessler 35 (farmer), Albina 37, Nellie 13, Lavia 12, amd Elizabeth Figgins 66 (mother-in-law)

1.3.1.7.4 Ernest Kessler (b: Abt. 1853 Jefferson Township, Md-d: Bef. 1870). Earnest is listed in the 1860 U.S. Census at age 7, but does not appear in the 1870 or any other census. We should assume that he passed before 1870.