The Kesler Family
Seventh Generation in America
Great Grandchildren of Peter Kesler

97. RACHEL KESLER TAYLOR HAGERMAN⁷ (Josiah⁶, Abraham⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Josiah and Susannah (Stemen) Kesler, was born 14 Mar 1857 in Allen Co., Ohio, . She died 21 Sep 1953 at Toledo, Lucas Co., Ohio. She is buried in Ottawa Park Cemetery there.

She married Franklin P. Taylor. He was born in 1853 in New Brunswick, Canada, and died in 1889 in Chicago, Cook Co., Illinois. Rachel lived several years in Dunkirk, Ohio, after the death of her first husband before she married Samuel A. Hagerman, M.D. She was a member of the Order of the Stars' of Dunkirk, Ohio. Alonzo Taylor, oldest son of Franklin and Rachel, died of diphtheria at age 22 in Chicago, Illinois.

Children:

98. PETER B. KESLER⁷ (Josiah⁶, Abraham⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of Josiah and Susannah (Stemen) Kesler, was born 10 Nov 1858 at Allen Co., Ohio. Peter died on 3 Dec 1938 at Van Wert Co., Ohio. He is buried in Woodland Cemetery at Van Wert, Van Wert Co., Ohio.

He married Harriet Rachel Mihm on 26 Oct 1882 at Mercer Co., Ohio. Harriet, daughter of David and Eliza Delilah (Brouse) Mihm, was born on 30 Apr 1862 at Missouri. Harriet died on 4 Apr 1933 at Van Wert, Van Wert Co., Ohio. She was buried on 8 Apr 1933 in Woodland Cemetery at Van Wert, Van Wert Co., Ohio. Her father was in the Union Army during the Civil War.

Peter was six when his father died. He attended school and when eleven years of age, he went to live with his Uncle George and Aunt Catherine Kesler in Allen Co., Ohio. While there he learned farming methods, hard work, and long hours for a young boy. Later he lived with another uncle in Michigan for sometime, working on his farm, He came back to Van Wert Co., Ohio. [He moved his wife, three sons and two daughters to a farm in Mercer Co., Ohio, near Rockford. There his children attended school in a one room schoolhouse.] After their marriage Peter and Harriet settled in Jackson twp, Van Wert Co., where their first three children were born. Peter then bought a sawmill and moved to Grover Hill, Paulding Co., Ohio, where his fourth child was born. A few years later he sold his sawmill and moved to Elida, Allen Co., Ohio, onto one of his uncle's farms. His children attended school here and they attended the Lutheran Church in Elida. In Mar 1898 he bought land in Harrison twp, Van Wert Co., Ohio, and moved into a log house where his youngest child was born. He and his sons cleared more woods for farming and planted new apple and peach orchards. In 1902 Peter built a nine room home which still stands today (Aug 1980). In 1909 Peter moved his family into Van Wert and bought a grocery business in partnership with his sons Jim and Charles. When the children left home Peter and Harriet built a home on W. Main St., Van Wert, Ohio.

Children:

99. ABRAHAM JOSIAH KESLER⁷ (Josiah⁶, Abraham⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of Josiah and Susannah (Stemen) Kesler, was born 22 Apr 1862 at Ohio. Abraham died 14 Sep 1921 in Ft. Wayne Allen Co., Indiana. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery at Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Indiana.

Abraham married cal886 Mary Druitt probably in Ft. Wayne. She was born Nov 1858 in Inidiana.

Abraham married second Ella Pontias from Sandusky, Ohio, in the summer of 1901. She died in Hollywood, California. She is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery at Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Indiana.

In 1880 Abraham was working as a clerk in a dry goods store and living with H.G. Stemen a physician in Delphos, Ohio. After graduating from the local school Abraham entered medical school at Ft. Wayne, Indiana. After completing medical training, he opened his office and maintained his practice as long as he lived.

Children:

100. MARY KESLER BARTER⁷ (Josiah⁶, Abraham⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Josiah and Susannah (Stemen) Kesler, was born 3 Mar 1864 in Ohio. She died 20 Jun 1911 at Huntington, Huntington Co., Indiana. She is buried at Huntington, Huntington Co., Indiana.

Mary married about the year 1887, George Barter. George was born in England in 1850 and immigrated to this country in 1875. He was a boilermaker.

George and Mary resided at Whiting, Illinois, and later Huntington, Indiana.

Children:

101. SIMON WILLISON "WILL" KESLER⁷ (Peter⁶, Abraham⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of Peter and Elizabeth (Crites) Kesler, was born 3 Apr 1870 in Allen Co., Ohio. He died 11 May 1954 in Allen Co., Ohio. He is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery at Elida, Allen Co., Ohio.

Will married Flora Gertrude Sherrick on 30 Nov 1893 at Elida, Allen Co., Ohio. Gertrude was born 8 Jun 1874 in Sugar Creek Twp, Allen Co., Ohio. She was a member of the first graduating class of Elida High School. She died 23 Apr 1955 in Allen Co., Ohio. She is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery at Elida, Allen Co., Ohio.

Will and Gertrude set up housekeeping near Wetzel, Van Wert Co., Ohio. In Feb 1895 when Gertrude was expecting, Will's brother Bert drove a horse and sleigh 25 miles to Elida to bring Gertrude's mother to be present at the birth. In 1896/7 Will bought a farm north of Elida in Sugar Cheek twp. About the year 1910 Will became interested in raising registered Jersey cattle. He showed his stock in county fairs as far away as Michigan receiving considerable honor and recognition. He would take his cattle by wagon to Elida and transport them by rail to the various county fairs when possible. Later as trucks became available for transportation he used them. In 1936 Will sold his cattle and retired. He and his wife lived on their farm until their deaths.

Ronald W. Kesler, son of Will and Gertrude, was born 10 Dec 1897 in Allen Co., Ohio. He married Grace Shook on 3 Feb 1926. He engaged in farming most of his life and was a member of the Allen County Horseman's Association. He died 24 Nov 1959. His sister Gertrude E. Kesler Atmore was born 9 Jul 1914 in Allen Co., Ohio. She married Douglas Atmore on 23 Mar 1946 in Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elida. She and her husband presently reside in Lima, Ohio. She is an active member of the Lutheran Church and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Children:

102. ELIAS ALBERTUS "BERT" KESLER⁷ (Peter⁶, Abraham⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of Peter and Elizabeth (Crites) Kesler, was born 27 Aug 1872. He died 9 Apr 1968. He is buried in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert Co., Ohio.

Bert married Eva Angevine -. Eva was born 26 Feb 1876. She died 26 Apr 1924. She is buried in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert Co., Ohio.

Bert was a life long member of the Masonic Lodge. Besides Charles, Bert and Eva had two children who died in infancy.

Child:

150 i. Charles W. 1912-1975 m. Zanta Lilliam Owen

103. JULIA KESLER MCGINNIS⁷ (Peter⁶, Abraham⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Crites) Kesler, was born on 23 Apr 1878. She died on 4 Jun 1956.

Julia married Winfield McGinnis on 14 Nov 1901. Winfield was born on 31 Aug 1870. He died on 7 Apr 1946.

Children:

104. HARLEY WADE KESLER⁷ (Elias⁶, Abraham⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of Elias and Carolyn (Albrecht) Kesler, was born in Sep 1882 in Allen Co., Ohio. Harley died in 1969 in Allen Co., Ohio. He is buried at Lima, Allen Co., Ohio.

He married Alta Faye Bodell 24 May 1913 in Allen Co., Ohio. Alta was born 31 Aug 1891 at Harrod, Allen Co., Ohio. She died 23 Nov 1955 at Lima, Allen Co., Ohio. She is buried at Lima, Allen Co., Ohio.

Children:

105. CHLOE DELILA "DELLA" KESLER LOCKART⁷ (Peter⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Peter and Martha Ann (Johnson) Kesler, was born 7 Oct 1875 at Van Wert Co., Ohio. She died 4 Aug 1907 at Van Wert Co., Ohio. She is buried at Ridge Township Cemetery, Van Wert Co., Ohio.

Della married Walter L. Lockart on 2 Aug 1896 at Shelby Co., Illinois. Walter was born abt 1878 at Illinois. He married second Anna B. - about the year 1909. She was born about the year 1877 at Ohio.

Walter and Della were living with Della's parents at Ridge Twp., Van Wert Co., Ohio, in 1900. Walter moved back to Shelby Co, Illinois, where he was living when the 1910, 1920, and 1930 census enumerations were taken. In 1910 he is listed as married to Anna B. They had been married a year. It was his second marriage.

Child:

106. JOSEPH EDWARD KESLER⁷ (John⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of John and Hannah S. (DeCamp) Kesler, married Sarah J. Harris.

Child:

i. Clara May

107. ALMEDA KESLER CRITES⁷ (John⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of John and Hannah S. (DeCamp) Kesler, married Mr. Crites.

Child:

i. Lottie

108. SAMUEL KESLER⁷ (Reuben⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of Reuben and Samantha Jane (Rush) Kesler, was born about 1876 at Ohio.

Samuel married Ollie, who was born about 1875 at Ohio.

They were living in Van Wert Co., Ohio, in 1920.

Children:

109. MYRTLE KESLER GAMBLE⁷ (Reuben⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Reuben and Samantha Jane (Rush) Kesler, was born in 1875.

Myrtle married Harvey Lee Gamble.

Children:

110. FLORENCE KESLER SHOWALTER⁷ (Reuben⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Reuben and Samantha Jane (Rush) Kesler, was born in Apr 1878.

Florence married Mr. Showalter.

Child:

i. Esther

111. CLARENCE M. KESLER⁷ (Reuben⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of Reuben and Samantha Jane (Rush) Kesler, was born in Jan 1882 at Ohio.

Clarence married Bertha O., who was born about 1883 at Ohio.

They were living in Van Wert Co., Ohio, in 1930.

Children:

112. DELILA M. KESLER POTTS⁷ (Reuben⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Reuben and Samantha Jane (Rush) Kesler, was born in Mar 1885.

Delila married a Mr. Potts.

Child:

i. Hazel m. Mr. Cartmill.

112A. AGNES CORA D. KESLER POLLOCK⁷ (Reuben⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Reuben and Samantha Jane (Rush) Kesler, was born in Jul 1887.

She married a Mr. Pollock.

Children:

112B. CASA GRACE KESLER SMITH⁷ (Reuben⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Reuben and Samantha Jane (Rush) Kesler, was born in Jul 1890.

She married a Mr. Smith.

Child:

i. Anita m. Mr. McCash

113. EARNEST LEE KESLER⁷ (Reuben⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of Reuben and Samantha Jane (Rush) Kesler, was born in Mar 1892 at Ohio.

Lee married Nellie, who was born about 1890 at Ohio.

They were living in Van Wert Co., Ohio, in 1920.

Children:

114. ELZA ALLISON KESLER⁷ (Charles E.⁶, Samuel⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of Charles E. and Jennie Kesler, was born on 31 Jul 1877 at Ohio. He died on 20 Jan 1947 at Toledo, Lucas Co., Ohio.

Elza married Grace Binkley. Grace, daughter of Jacob and M. Emma (Staup) Binkley, was born on 22 Apr 1882 at Ohio. She died on 19 Dec 1955 at Toledo, Lucas Co., Ohio.

Elza married second Cora B. Freinser. Cora was born on 10 Apr 1877. She died on 23 Jun 1899.

Children: (of Elza and Grace Kesler)

Children: (of Elza and Cora Kesler)

114A. EVA KESLER WILLIAMS⁷ (George⁶, Eli⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of George and Mary (Eberly) Kesler, was born on 20 Nov 1869. She died 5 Dec 1929 and is buried at Zion Church Cem., Fulton Co., Ohio.

Eva married Jeremiah "Jerry" Williams on 20 Mar 1889. Jerry was born 2 Aug 1867. He died 9 Apr 1938 and is buried at Zion Church Cem., Fulton Co., Ohio.

Jerry was a farmer as listed in the 1920 census.

Children:

114B. EMMET VERNON "VERN" KESLER⁷ (George⁶, Eli⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of George and Mary (Eberly) Kesler, was born on 15 Sep 1871. He died in 1956 and is buried at Zion Church Cem., Fulton Co., Ohio.

Vern married Anna Jane Lilly. Anna was borin in 1869 and died in 1940. She is buried at Zion Church Cem., Fulton Co., Ohio.

Children:

115. MERTIE AGNES KESLER NEWCOMER⁷ (George⁶, Eli⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of George and Mary (Eberly) Kesler, was born on 28 Jan 1873 in Ohio. She died 8 Apr 1956 and is buried at Wauseon Union Cem., Fulton Co., Ohio.

Mertie married Frank Newcomer on 24 Dec 1891. Frank was born 28 Oct 1870 and died in Jun 1923. He is buried at Wauseon Union Cem., Fulton Co., Ohio.

Children:

115A. FRANK H. KESLER⁷ (George⁶, Eli⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of George and Mary (Eberly) Kesler, was born in Aug 1877 in Ohio. He died 7 May 1960 at Toledo, Lucas Co, Ohio. He is buried at Zion Church Cem., Fulton Co., Ohio.

Frank married Luella D. Whitaker. She was born in 1885 in Ohio. She died in 1968. She is buried at Zion Church Cem., Fulton Co., Ohio.

Frank was a farmer.

Children:

115B. CLARENCE BURR KESLER⁷ (George⁶, Eli⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of George and Mary (Eberly) Kesler, was born on 8 Mar 1880 in Ohio. He died on 1 Mar 1941 at Fulton Co., Ohio, and is buried at Zion Church Cem., Fulton Co., Ohio.

Burr married Verna Lilly. She was born 28 Aug 1883 in Ohio and died 27 Mar 1972 at Henry Co., Ohio. She is buried at Zion Church Cem., Fulton Co., Ohio.

Burr was a farmer.

Children:

115C. AMZY EARL KESLER⁷ (George⁶, Eli⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of George and Mary (Eberly) Kesler, was born on 20 Aug 1882 in Ohio. He died 27 Dec 1962 in Fulton Co., Ohio.

Earl married Dora Poths on 17 Jul 1904. Dora was born 11 Jun 1886 at Fulton Co., Ohio. She died 12 Mar 1981 at Fulton Co., Ohio..

Earl was a farmer.

Children:

116. KIRBY KESLER⁷ (William⁶, Peter⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of William and Anna (Madden) Kesler, married Adalaide Hixson.

Children:

117. GUY KESLER⁷ (William⁶, Peter⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), son of William and Anna (Madden) Kesler, was born on 5 Aug 1890. He died on 21 Sep 1974. He is buried at Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio.

He married Helen Ridenour. Helen was born on 14 May 1896. She died on 14 Feb 1982. She is buried at Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio.

Children:

118. ILA KESLER HAMPSON⁷ (William⁶, Peter⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of William and Anna (Madden) Kesler, married Charles Hampson.

Children:

119. NELLIE KESLER CRIST⁷ (Thomas Perry⁶, Peter⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Thomas Perry Kesler, married Mr. Crist.

Child:

i. William

120. MARY KESLER BRINKER⁷ (Thomas Perry⁶, Peter⁵, Peter⁴, Johann Matthaeus³, Johann Philip², Johann Adolph¹, Georg Philip, Theiss), daughter of Thomas Perry Kesler, married Mr. Brinker.

Child:

i. Martha Mary

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