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The History of James Joseph Keppel and His Ties to the Salvation Army
James Joseph Keppel came to this country with another preacher named Ballington Booth. They were officers in the Salvation Army and arrived to found the movement in New York City. After getting things started and buying a building, Ballington's father, the commander of the New York City operation, demanded that the two men mortgage the building and send the proceeds to England. Ballington refused, broke with his father, and proceeded to found the Volunteers of America. To this day, there stands the Bowery Mission, at 14th Street in Cooper Union Square. In it is a plaque with James Joseph Keppel's name.
My research showed an immigration record for James Joseph as:
Estimated Birth Year: 1863
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Port of Departure: Liverpool, England
Destination: United States of America
Place of Origin: Ireland
Ship Name: Oregon
Port of Arrival: New York
Line: 8, Microfilm Roll: 479, List Number: 1088
James Joseph married Mary Discoe Hamilton about 1887 in Maine. This information was obtained from the 1900 census. I haven’t been able to find any information on this, but am still looking. Mary was born November 22, 1862 on Chebeague Island, Cumberland County, Maine. The records I’ve found show her as the daughter of Andrew J. Hamilton and Amelia M. Ross.
About 1940,just before the war, Mary moved to California with her daughter, Louise and her husband Joe Boylan, and their daughter Kathleen (Cara), to be near son Charles. She died 28 April 1949. Her obituary states”
Beloved mother of Mrs. Louise K. Boylan, Charles J. and George H. Keppel, sister of Mrs. Nellie Price: also survived by 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Services Saturday at the Church of the Recessional. Forest Lawn Mortuary in charge.
from Los Angeles Times April 29, 1949 part 1 page 21
His record from the Salvation Army files is as follows:
Age 22 when accepted into the Salvation Army in 1885.
Married, one child (no names available)
Instruments: Cornet and Concertina
Nationality; Irish
Had been a soldier 5 months
Out of corps: New York #1, NY
Appointments
March 28, 1885 Philadelphia #2, PA - Cadet/Lieutenant
May 28, 1885 Philadelphia #2, PA - Captain
August 28, 1885 Maine District - Aide de Camp
March 17, 1886 Ohio Division - Aide de Camp
October 4, 1886 New York and New Jersey Division - Staff Captain
February 1, 1887 West Pennsylvania District
July 4, 1887 New Jersey and New York Division - Major
August 15, 1889 Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska Division
Iowa and Dakota Division
November 1, 1892 Pacific Coast Division
1894 Brigadier
** Ballington Booth separated from The Salvation Army in 1896 to form the Volunteers of America."
(Source; American headquarters of Salvation Army)
My new cousin, Bert Keppel, was gracious to provide the following article. He said the family history indicated that James Joseph died as a result of a blister on his foot, obtained while he was preaching on the streets of New York City. James was buried in Westwood, Bergen County, New Jersey. His headstone was donated by the Volunteers of America and the inscription reads:
Erected in loving memory of their colonel by his comrades of the Eastern Regiment of the Volunteers of America.
As you read the following, imagine how proud I am as his Great-Granddaughter. I had no knowledge of this part of my family until the last few years of my life, and I’m extremely proud to learn I descend from this great man.
From "The Volunteers' Gazette" - Official Organ Of The Volunteers of America
New York, March, 1921 - No. 904 Price 10 cents
COLONEL JAMES JOSEPH KEPPEL PASSES TO PEACE AND REWARD
Comrades and Friends Pay Tribute of Love to Colonel Keppel
Funeral Services conducted by the General and Attended by a Host of Volunteers
For over thirty years our Volunteer leaders and most of their Cabinet members have known and worked with Colonel James J. Keppel. The passing of this dear comrade means a loss to the Volunteers of America such as they have not been called upon to face in all their years of public service. He will especially be missed in the conferences where his voice was ever raised in wise counsel and where his judgment, ably and candidly expressed, always materially aided the assembly.
The officers and soldiers of the Eastern Regiment, which he commanded for the past ten years, will feel more keenly than others his loss, for they were his spiritual children and have sought with him the upbuild of the work in and around New York City. His life and service were, indeed, their inspiration. They followed gladly because of his consecrated life, and that life so faithfully lived before them is still a precious memory.
His death on January 30th, its suddenness in the midst of extensive plans for Folunteer advancement, was a great shock to all who knew him, especially his comrades who, in a measure, shared his enthusiasm in the upbuild of the work.
Who will enlist to take up this work, or, in a measure, fill his place in the effort of seeking out and saving the lost? For that was his first consideration in life; his prayer by day and his dream by night.
The funeral took place on the Tuesday following his death, at his home town, Westwood, N. J., and was conducted by our leader, General Ballington Booth. A consecration meeting for Volunteer officers was held at the family residence, where, in a brief address, the General reminded us that "in the midst of life we are in death," and urged our reconsecration to God and the service our dear comrade loved so well. After speaking, the General called on Colonel McIntyre, a long-time friend of the deceased, who, in a beautiful prayer, led us to the throne of grace, and we then repaired to the Calvary Baptist Church where the public service was conducted. Here we found a large gathering of the townspeople, including members of the Board of education and not a few of the brothers of the Masonic fraternity. The Pastor, Rev. Dr. Westmeats, announced one of Colonel Keppel's old favorite songs and we sang the Coronation Hymn, after which Mrs. Major Niederbuehl offered a touching and uplifting prayer. Somehow Heaven seemed nearer and dearer to us while this petition was being offered.
In his address to the large assembly, the General spoke first of the many excellent qualities of our beloved Colonel, - those graces that at once endeared him to us and made him most useful in the world of men and women about him; his ever wilingness to help where help was needed; his manliness; his fearlessness in the right; his geniality, even in the face of difficulty; his spiritual life, which always predominated. The General found it difficult to control his emotion while he paid fitting tribute to the memory of our precious comrade; indeed there was scarcely a dry eye in the church while he spoke from his own knowledge and observation. Once he called out to Brother Keppel to witness our reconsecration for a greater service to God. Our leader read a number of telegraphic messages that had been received by Mrs. Keppel and others, all conveying sympathy and hopes for her comfort in this sorrow and bereavement.
Following the General, the Rev. Dr. Westmeats, the Pastor of the church, spoke of Colonel Keppel as he had found him, a father and counsellor; told us how he should miss him, "but the lessons I have learned from this great and good man," said he, "I can never lose. They will stay with me to the end, and I will be a better man for having learned them." Then, stepping forward past the pulpit and looking down at the casket, he said; "Brother Keppel, we will not forget the influence of your life and fellowship in this community and in this church. These are beautiful flowers that surround your casket. Can anything earthly be more beautiful? We are going to meet you one glad day for you are gone where the flowers are more beautiful, and in that city our God is the light." His tribute of praise was given in words well chosen and from a heart that burned in sympathy for the bereaved.
The pall-bearers were Colonels Crafts, Duncan, Herron and Merril, and Majors Niederbuchl and Zabel. There were some fift officers present to pay this last tribute to our departed comrade as we laid away in the snow-covered cemetery at Westwood all that was mortal of this beloved comrade, brother and friend. All heads were bowed as we bid him a silent farewell and asked God to bless and continue the work our comrade loved so well.
The following are some of the messages sent to Mrs. Colonel Keppel and to National Headquarters. They bespeak loving sympathy and the prayers of the senders:
Mrs. James J. Keppel:
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to you in the great loss you have sustained in the death of Commander Keppel. His life was devoted to the alleviation of all kinds of need and distress. He leaves an example of unselfish, effort which will be an inspiration to those who carry on his humanitarian work.
John F. Hylan
Mayor, New York City
Mrs. Colonel J. J. Keppel:
Permit me to extend to you my sincere sympathy in the loss of hour husband. His services to the cause will always be a tribute to his memory.
Nathan L. Miller
Governor, State of New York
General Ballington Booth:
The death of our dear Colonel Keppel has greatly upset us, and we feel we have indeed lost a dear brother. We pray for the family and for you at the National Centre.
Colonel & Mrs. Fred Lindsay
Mrs. J. J. Keppel:
Though unable to be with you, I send you expression of my deepest sympathy with you in this our united loss of our comrade, Colonel Keppel. The Lord who has never failed us with His grace will sustain you and all our officers.
Maud B. Booth
General Ballington Booth:
Deep Sorrow and sympathy for Mrs. Keppel and family, and for all of you.
Mr. And Mrs. George Sully, Philadelphia, PA
General Ballington Booth:
San Francisco officers and members deeply mourn the loss of Colonel Keppel and extend our sympathy and prayer to Mrs. Keppel and the New York Staff. We appreciated his holy life.
Lieut.-Major Barlar, San Francisco
General Ballington Booth:
Deeply grieved to learn of the death of our dear comrade, Solonel J. J. Keppel. Express our sympathy and love to Mrs. Keppel and family.
Colonel and Mrs. A. C. Wright, Denver, Cal.
Mrs. J. J. Keppel:
I deeply sympathize with you. The patriotic and distinguished service which your husband rendered and his devotion to the relief of humanity make all of us share with you in sorrow at his death.
Josephus Daniels, Washington, D. C.
Colonel J. W. Merrill:
Am shocked at item in paper of Colonel Keppel's death. Accept and convey to family our sympathy.
Major Roberts, Minneapolis
General Ballington Booth:
Leaving at midnight. Both Mrs. Duncan and myself shocked and grieved beyond words.
Colonel Duncan, Boston, Mass.
General Ballington Booth:
Shocked to learn of death of beloved Colonel Keppel. Mrs. Logan joins me in expression of sympathy to Headquarters Staff. Regret unable to attend funeral.
Adjutant Logan, Baltimore, MD
General Ballington Booth:
Telegram just received regarding Colonel Keppel's death. The shock is too great for us. We have no words to express our sympathy for deat Mrs. Keppel, the family and the Movement. Can we do anything?
Colonel Fegley, New Orleans
Mrs. Colonel Keppel:
Words are inexpressible at the great loss of your dear husband. He was loved by us all. May the great God sustain you in this crucial trial.
Major and Mrs. McCormick, Omaha
Colonel J. W. Merrill:
We mourn the loss of our dear Colonel Keppel. Surely we have lost a great and good man. We can only say, "God's will be done."
Major Fannie Duquette, Buffalo, N. Y.
Colonel J. W. Merrill:
We go into our meeting with sad hearts as we learn of the death of Colonel Keppel. Please extend our sympathy to Mrs. Keppel and her family.
Major and Mrs. Illsley, Des Moines, IA
General Ballington Booth:
I have just received your telegraphic message telling us of the death of Colonel Keppel. We are surely broken up over the news. We shall miss him as a comrade and friend. All will feel his loss to the Movement.
Colonel Wm. M. Hughes, Los Angeles, Cal.
Page 16
MANY VISITORS HELP IN MEETINGS
Paterson, N. J. Post - Our hearts are broken with grief over the loss of our dear Colonel James Keppel, but we are thankful that General Booth has honored Mrs. Colonel Keppel to succeed him, in the capacity of Regimental Officer. We will be looking for a visit to our Post from her as soon as she can arrange to visit us.
OUR COMRADE - COLONEL JAMES JOSEPH KEPPEL - PASSES FROM OUR MIDST
The General's Letter to the Field
MY COMRADES AND FRIENDS:
In a few hours the last of the manuscript should leave for the compositor. There is therefore but brief opportunity to write for this edition respecting the sad and sudden news of our Comrade, Colonel James J. Keppel.
So sudden was the illness that we had not time to grasp its seriousness; so unexpected was his passing away that we could scarcely believe that he was no longer with us. So severe a shock is the report of our loss that it is difficult to control one's emotions. Colonel Keppel was not weak and sickly, but a strong, healthy, well-built man. None who saw him a few days previous to his departure from the world could doubt that his constitution would enable him to successfully overcome the effects of his illness. But it was not to be, and though all the human skill and experience on the part of the surgeons and specialists could achieve was done, the poisoned blood spread through his body and our good, brave Comrade died.
What can I say in the hour left me? I am writing too soon after his death! What can we learn from his life of long service, earnestness and devotion? Consider with me a few moments our Comrade's character and spirit.
Colonel Keppel was a manly man. He had the courage of his convictions. It can be truly said that he never permitted any circumstances, no matter how adverse or difficult or self-sacrificing, from expressing his belief upon any subject or action. In council, on the platform, and during his individual dealings with his officers, he came out frankly - and sometimes, as he once told me, "bluntly frank" - withhis expression of opinion and conviction. Right was right to him, and no man on earth could make it appear wrong. We could rely upon the verdict in any case being given according to the high standard of not only justice but of righteousness. He was a man, and you felt his manliness as he entered upon all lines of moral and spiritual problems.
Again, Colonel Keppel was a strong believer in the old-fashioned spiritual and evangelistic work. On several occaasions he expressed to me the satisfaction he felt when he could turn from his office duties and field burdens and take an active part in real deep spiritual endeavor. As a speaker, or shall I say preacher, his mind was somewhat analytical and perhaps argumentative, but it was ever a pleasure to him when he could turn from this side of his subject to emphasize that which represented the decision of the soul to choose God as the Father and Christ as the Saviour of men, and without quivocation or reservation make that decision now. On one occasion in a powerful open meeting, when the altar was thronged with seekers, he turned to me and said, "General, I would rather see that sight than own a fortune. It does my poor heart good." I realized what he felt, and hundreds of our comrades who have tasted this greatest joy will know just what our departed brother meant. He believed in the old-fashioned preaching of the old-fashioned doctrines in the old-fashioned way. None who have ever heard him speak to a crowd in the open air can ever forget the man's intense earnestness and impassioned appeal.
And then not by any means last, for in my opinion it is the greatest qualification, our departed Comrade possessed a large kind heart. He may not have always shown it, but as he said to me, "My heart is all right and sometimes I have hard work to control it." He deeply sympathized with all in trial; he helped all in trouble. His spirit of joy united with your joy and his feelings of sorrow blended with your sorrow. His heartfelt, heart-expressed laughter and tears were ready to supplement yours, and for this reason those who knew him best liked him best.
May God support and comfort his family and may a double portion of His Spirit and Grace begiven to all in the Regiment of which he was the Commander to advance the work that was so near to his heart.
So our Comrade is gone! And we shall all, all miss him. Volunteers, north, south, east and west, are united in the sorrow that has visited us, but we shall also unite in the resolution to become better, truer, and more faithful servants of his Master and more loyal and valiant Soldiers under our Standard, that we may meet him and others in the land of which John wrote when he said, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from Henceforth. Even so saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labors; and their works do folow them." May this also be said of each one of us.
Ballington Booth, President
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