1.3.5.8.1 John Wesley Keslar (1845-1927 Donegal)

1.3.5.8.1 John Wesley Keslar (b: 18 Mar 1845 Donegal-d: 6 Apr 1927 Donegal) was the oldest child of William J. Keslar (20 Oct 1817- 31 Aug 1884) and Barbara Eshelman (20 Dec 1814 Bullskin, Pa-18 Nov 1862). His views and perspectives were shaped by events in the 1840s and 1850s dominated by westward expansion, growing sectional conflict over slavery, and rapid economic and technological change. Major events included the Mexican American War, the Texas and California Gold Rush, and the passage of the Compromise of 1850, which intensified tensions between the North and South. During this time, the nation’s industrial base grew, transportation networks expanded with railroads and telegraphs, and immigration surged, especially from Europe.

The Civil War started while John was still in his teens. He joined the Union Army on 18 Feb 1864, serving in the Pennsylvania 11th Regiment, Infantry Company K. By the time he left military service when the 11th mustered out on July 1, 1865, he had attained the rank of corporal. While John served, his Regiment fought in the Overland Campaign which was commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant. Engagements in 1864 and 1865 included: Battle of the Wilderness, Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Battle of North Anna, Battle of Cold Harbor, and the Siege of Petersburg. It also fought in the final campaign of the war, the Appomattox Campaign, that led to General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House in April 1865.

After serving, John returned to Westmoreland County and assumed duties as a farmer, likely working with his father William, and eventually taking over the family farm. He married Mary Amanda “Minnie” Mosholder Keslar (Abt 23 May 1846 Donegal-21 Jun 1944 Westmoreland County Pa) and they had thirteen children between 1868 and 1896. John lived to the age of 82 and Minnie lived to age 98.

The following US Census entries highlight John and Minnie’s lives:

• 1850(John): Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa. (2/61) William J. Keslar 33 (farmer), Barbara 34, Westly 5, David 3, Sonny 2 months, Barbara Bungard 23
  • (Minnie): Stonycreek, Somerset, Pa. (30/34) John Mosholder 26 (farmer), Louisa 21, Mary A. 2 (future wife of John Westley Keslar (1845-1927), Emeline 8/12
• 1860: Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa. (p. 11/35 12 Jun) William J. Keslter 43, Barbara 44, John Westly 15, David E. 13, Peter 9, Morrison 4, Hetty Erwin 12, Susanah Wasabaugh 22
• 1870: Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa (16/34 26 Jun) William J. Kesler 52, Mary A. 44, John W. 26, Peter 20, Morrison 14
• 1880: District 090, Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa (2/29 2 Jun) John W. Kesler 34 (farmer), Mary A. 31, Annie 12, Lloyd 6, Mary 4, Charles 2 Note: Lives 2 doors away from another John who is same age, son of Eli, John’s uncle
• 1900: District 090, Four Mile Run, Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa (8/12 26 Jun) John W. Kesler 54 (farmer), Mary M. 51, Charles 22 (Mar 1878), Harry 18 (Jul 1881), Lizzie A. 17 (Apr 1883), Jenny M. 12 (Dec 1887), Ida 10 (Nov 1889), James W. 8 (Mar 1892), Elroy 4 (Feb 1896)
• 1910: District 0116, Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa (5/14 19 Apr) John W. Keslar 64, Mary A. 58, Ida B. 18, James W. 17, Elroy 1
• 1920: District 0089 Donegal Township (p. 8/13 13 Jan) Wesley Keslar 74, Minnie 69, Lloyd 39, James 25
• 1930: District 0037, German, Fayette County, Pa (15/25 8 Apr) Ida Kerfoot 38 (head), Thomas Kerfoot 18 (son), Dale Kerfoot 11 (son), Minnie Kessler 81 (mother)
• 1940: District 26-45, German, Fayette County, Pa (48/60 19 Apr) Ida Keslar Kerfoot 47, Dale Kerfoot 21 (truck driver), Minnie Keslar 91

Child #2: 1.3.5.8.1.2 Lloyd Keslar (15 May 1874-30 Jul 1935)

Child #3: 1.3.5.8.1.3 Mary Elizabeth Keslar Brant (21 Mar 1876-8 Sep 1951)

Child #4: 1.3.5.8.1.4 Charles Orville Keslar (11 Mar 1878-11 May 1960 Donegal, Pa) 

Child #5: 1.3.5.8.1.5 William Keslar (21 Mar 1880-28 Mar 1880 Westmoreland County, Pa)

Child #6: 1.3.5.8.1.6 Harry Harrison Keslar Sr. (3 Jul 1881-25 Sep 1963 Westmoreland County, Pa)