CHARLES KEELER, a resident of this county since 1840, has been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits here from the time of arriving at sufficient age to engage in manual labor. He is the son of Frederick and Caroline Keeler, who were born in Germany, and who were there married and lived until emigrating to this country. The parents of our subject sailed for the United States in 1833, and upon their arrival located in Ohio. From the latter State they removed to Indiana and there lived for about a year and a half. They then, in 1840, came to this county and settled in Silver Creek Township. There the father continued to reside, engaged the while in agricultural pursuits, until his death. His good wife died in Freeport in the fall of 1882. The product of their union was five sons and five daughters.

Charles Keeler was the sixth, in order of birth, of his parents’ ten children. He was born in Germany Nov. 27, 1832, and was about three months old when brought to this country. Charles continued to make the parental home his abiding-place until 1884, when he moved into Harlem Township, and after a residence there of one year, located in Florence Township, where he now lives. He owns a fine farm of 160 acres in the latter township, and also one of 270 acres in Silver Creek Township. Both places are well improved and stocked. In conducting them Mr. Keeler is meeting with that success which energetic effort, coupled with good judgment, is sure to bring.

Charles Keeler and Miss Minnie Brookmier were united in the holy bonds of matrimony, Sept. 17, 1854, in Silver Creek Township. She is a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Brookmier, natives of Germany, in which country the mother died in 1841. The father came to this country in 1848, and settled in Ogle County, this State, where he met a sad death in the fall of 1869. His house caught fire and he perished in the flames. Christopher and Elizabeth Brookmier became the parents of three sons and three daughters, Mrs. Keeler of this notice being the fifth in order of birth. She was born in Germany May 23, 1836, and was twelve years old when she accompanied her father to this country.

Eleven children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Keeler and their names are, Helen, Elizabeth M., Lorinda, Caroline C., Minnie L., Mary A., Ida O., Charles H., Evaline C., Matilda M. and Floretta. Helen is the wife of Calvin Arsherman, and they are residents of Ogle County, this State. Elizabeth is the wife of Fred Rusenburg, and they also live in Ogle County. Mr. Keeler has followed farming for a livelihood thus far in life. He has held some of the minor offices in his township, and in politics, is a Democrat. Mrs. Keeler is a member of the Reformed Church, and both our subject and his wife are respected and honored citizens of their community.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 276