The Keller’s of Hamilton Township, David H. Keller, M. D., Chapter VII., p. 40 - 48. THE FAMILY OF PHILIP BOSSARD In Mathew's History of Monroe County the statement is made that Philip Bossard was born in 1706 in Alsace, emigrated in 1730 to Pennsylvania and settled at Bossardsville in 1745. These facts are probably approximately correct though it is believed that the date of arrival in Philadelphia was not 1730 but rather September 30, 1740. The list of immigrants taking the oath of allegiance does not contain any Bossards for the year 1730 and there is no Philip Bossard or any name similar till the list giviing the male passengers over 16 years of age on the ship "Samuel and Elizabeth"-William Chilton, commander, from Rotterdam, last from Deal, England. The ship carried 206 passengers and arrived at Philadelphia September 30, 1740. Among the list of males over 16 is that of "Philip Bosser", followed by a star (*) to indicate that it was written by a clerk and not an autograph. We see later on that the family name was frequently spelt as pronounced and even today it is spelt Buzzard, Bossert and Bossard, so we can easily see how an English clerk, unfamiliar with German names, might have written "Bosser" for Bossert. As the family name "Bosser" does not occur in either the list of Pennsylvania Militia nor in the 1790 census for Pennsylvania it becomes more apparent that this was really a clerical error and that it is reasonably sure that this "Philip Bosser" was our ancestor. The year 1744 finds him established in Cherry Valley occupying a plantation or farm on the main road between the Wind Gap and the settlements on the Delaware River at Depui's. His house was easy of access being later on described as being "twelve miles from Fort Norris and seven miles from Fort Hamilton." The family name of his wife has not been determined but it seems from the baptismal records where they served as sponsors that her Christian name was Eva Catharine. They had at least one daughter, and probably four sons. Of the five children only the daughter and one son survived to middle life, the three sons being killed in the Indian attacks of 1756-57. It is probable that in 1749 John George Hartlieb, his second wife, the widow of Christopher Keller (No. 1) and the two step children, Christopher Keller (No.2) and Margaretha Catharine arrived from Philadelphia, through the Wind Gap, probably stopping at Delabole to visit the family of Joseph Keller, and then up through Cherry Valley to the Bossard plantation. Doubtless Philip Bossard, George McDowell, Conrad Bittenbinder and Peter Soan assisted in the building of the first log hut for the Hartlieb family. Some measure of prosperity shone on the entire community and everything was peaceful till the 11th of December, 1755, when a war party of over 200 Indians simultaneously attacked settlements in what is now Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe Counties in a determined effort to drive the white settlers south of the Blue Mountains and keep them there. The Minisink was harrassed down to Shawnee, and all buildings north of Brodhead's plantation in East Stroudsburg, then known as Dansville, were burned and the people killed, taken prisoners or made fugitives. A few weeks later, about January 15th, 1766, the first attack was made on the Cherry Valley settlers. Philip Bossard had a Palatine named Mulhausen working for him. While Mulhausen was breaking flax one day he was attacked by a party of five Indians and shot through the body. One of Philip's sons came to his rescue but was at once shot and killed. Philip now appeared and seriously wounded one of the foe but would have probably been killed himself had not his neighbors come to his assistance. Following this the settlements on both sides of the Blue Mountains were kept in a constant state of anxiety. To protect the settlers and help them remain on their farms a chain of forts was built along the Blue Ridge from the Susquehanna to the Delaware - of these forts only four were in the region we are especially interested in. These were Fort Norris near Kresgeville, Fort Hamilton at Strousburg, Fort Depui at Shawnee and Fort Hyndshaw at Bushkill. Bossard's plantation was nearly half-way between Fort Norris and Fort Hamilton and when General James Young made an inspection of the Provincial forts in 1756 he spent the night of June 23rd at Bossard's, leaving there at 4 A. M. so he could get to Fort Hamilton early in the day. This example was frequently followed by the officers and troops during the French and Indian War, as we find frequent mention of persons stopping to feed their horses or stay all night at the Bossard plantation. On or about the 20th of April, 1757, a second attack was made on Cherry Valley and the surrounding territory which was considered grave enough to warrant the sending of Michael Roup to Easton to make a deposition or affidavit. This is of such interest to us that it is worthy of repetition. DEPOSITION OF MICHAEL ROUP. The 24th day of April, one thousand, seven Hundred and Fifty seven, appeared before me, William Parsons, esquire, one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Northampton, Michael Roup, of Lower Smithfield, in the said County, aged 52 years, a person to me well known and worthy of credit, and being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and declare, that his neighbor, Philip Bozart, being at Fort Norris last Saturday week, heard a letter read there, which was dispatched by Major Parsons to acquaint the Garrison that he had received Information that some Enemy Indians intended shortly to come and attack the inhabitants at and about Minisink and to desire them to be upon their Guard; which was soon made known to all the Neighboring Inhabitants. And this Deponent further saith, That on Friday Morning last John Lefever passing by the house of Philip Bozart and this Deponent, informed them that the Indians had murdered Casper Gundryman last Wednesday Evening; whereupon this deponent went immediately to the House of Philip Bozart to consult which was best to be done. Their House being about half a mile apart That they concluded it best for the Neighbors to collect themselves together, as many as they could in some one House. And this Deponent further saith, that he immediately returned home and loaded his Waggon as fast as he cou'd with his most valuable Effects which he carried to Bozart's House. That as soon as he had unloaded his Waggon he drove to his Son-in-law Peter Soan's House about two miles, and loaded as much of his Effects as the Time and hurry would admit, and took them also to Bozart's where 9 families were retired; That a great number of the inhabitants were also retired to the Houses of Conrad Bittenbender and John McDowel; That Bozart's House is 7 miles from Fort Hamilton and 12 from Fort Norris. And this Deponent further saith, that yesterday Morning about 9 o'clock the said Peter Soan and Christian Klein with his daughter about 13 years of age went from Bozart's House to the house of the said Klein and thence to Soan's House to look after their cattle and to bring off more effects. And this Deponent further saith, that about a half an hour after the above 3 persons were gone from Bozart's House, a certain George Hartlieb, who also fled with his family to Bozart's and who had been at his own house about a mile from Soan's to look after his Creatures and to bring away what he cou'd, return'd to Bozart's and reported that he had heard 3 guns fired very quick one after the other and towards Soan's Place w'ch made them all conclude the above 3 persons were killed by the Indians. And this Deponent further saith, that their little Company were afraid to venture to go and see what had happened that day, as they had many Women and Children to take Care of, who if they had left might have fallen an easy Prey to the Enemy. And this Deponent further saith, That this Morning 9 men of the Neighborhood armed themselves, as well as they could, and went towards Peter Soan's place, in order to discover what was become of the above three persons. That when they came within about 300 yards of the House, they found the bodies of the said Soan and Klein lying about 20 feet from each other, killed and scalpt, but did not find Klein's daugther. Soan was killed by a bullet which enter'd the upper part of his back and came out at his breast. Klein was killed with their tomahawks. The 9 men immediately returned to Bozart's and reported as above. That this Deponent was not one of the 9, but that he remained at Bozart's with the women and Children. That the rest of the people desired this Deponent to come to Easton and acquaint the Justice with what had happened. That the 9 men did not think it safe to stay to bury the Dead. And further this Deponent saith not. The mark (x) of MICHAEL W. ROUP. Col. Rec., vii, p.493. Following close after this came an ambuscade in which Conrad Bitten-bender, John NoIf, Peter Roth, and two sons of Philip Bossard were killed. It was after this that many families fled to Easton and from there on July 25th, 1757, a petiton was sent to Governor Denny which is of especial interest because it is signed by two of the members of our family. The Petition of sundry Persons, formerly inhabitants beyond the Mountains, humbly Sheweth: That we, your Petitioners, having made Settlements beyond the Mountains, have been obliged to leave them; that we last fall sowed some grain which is now fully ripe and should be cut down, but for fear of being way laid and murdered by our enemies we dare not go to reap it, and without it we and our families must be exposed to want and become a burden to our Country. We therefore humbly pray that the Governor will be pleased to order us a guard of Soldiers to protect us, till we can reap and remove our grain to this Side the Mountain, and your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. Signed: FILIB POSSERT Signed: MELCHER STECHER. his Signed: GEORGE (X) MENINGER mark Signed: JOHANNES BIDENBENDER Signed: KROG HADLIEB his Signed: MICHALE (X) RAUPP. mark AND OTHERS. Penn. Arch. lii, p.238. The French and Indian War finally ended and Hamilton and the surrounding region was free from the necessity of keeping constant guard. But three of the young Bossards had paid their lives as a part of the price for the security of the new country. Philip now had only two children remaining, Melchior and his sister Christina. These, on reaching adult life, intermarried with the two Keller children, Christopher (No.2) and his sister, Margaretha Catharine. It is only fair to say that another Bossard appears in the church records named Henry. His wife was Anna Catharine. The relationship cannot be determined at this time though he may have been a brother or son of Philip. As Philip left no will the exact data concerning the family is impossible to determine. In 1767 regular services were begun in the Hamilton Square Church and among the earliest records we find the four children in the two families going to church together, acting as god-parents and finally bringing children of their own to be baptized. Philip Bossard and his wife, Eva Catharine, appear on the Hamilton records as Sponsors for at least two of their grandchildren. The second child of their son Melchior Bossard and his wife, Margaretha Catharine Keller, was born March 27th, 1771. It was baptized two days later on March 29th at which time it was christened after the grandmother, Eva Catharina, and the grandparents, Philip and Eva Catharine Bossard, are recorded as the Sponsors. Five years later, on the 3rd day of May, 1776, a son was born to their daughter Christina who had married Christopher Keller (No.2) and this son was called Johannes Philip Bossert after the grandfather, who with his wife acted as Sponsors. It is interesting to note here that the name is recorded "Johannes Philip". There seems to be no doubt that this was the full name of the emigrant but the first riame was rarely used the same being the case with Johannes Georg Hartlieb. It is unlikely that Philip took any active part in the Revolutionary Mar being at least 70 years old when it began. However, as his son and son-in-law were soldiers and both had families there is no doubt but that the grandfather was busy providing for his daughters and grandhildren and could at least be classified as a Revolutionary Patriot and Farmer as well as a soldier of the French and Indian War. He took an active interest in the welfare of the community and ocasionally served as a viewer of new roads. In September, 1762, a petit)n was presented to the court at Easton for a road from Shoemaker's lills to Dansbury (now East Stroudsburg) and from there to Mount ~ul and the Wind Gap. This petition was signed by John McDowell, Philip Bossard, Lawrence Romig, John Hillman, Abram Miller and Wilam Smith, and these petitioners were appointed as viewers. On September 1st, 1761, a tax of 3 pence per pound was levied to pay the expenses of Representatives, to erect public buildings and to destroy wolves, foxes and crows. Among those in Lower Smithfield whose names we are interested in, the following appear on this list: Philip Bossard, 8 pounds; George Hartlieb, 6 pounds, and Michael Roup, 5 pounds. They were living in Lower Smithfield at that time as the township of Hamilton was not organized till a year later in 1762. While Philip donated the land that the Hamilton Square church was built on in 1775 it was not till some years later that this was deeded to the church trustees by his son Melchior. This gift from the Bossard family to the community has been fully discussed in a previous chapter and need not be repeated at this time. The tax list of 1785 does not show Philip's name. It appears that his son Meichior was the virtual owner of the lands of his father as in that year Melchior paid 1 pound, 8 shillings, 3 pence on 300 acres of land, 3 horses and 5 cows. It was not, however, till July 27th, 1790, that Philip deeded to his son, Melchior Bossard, this land; the deed being recorded in Deed Book B2, page 102, at Easton, reading in part as follows: Deed: Philip Bossert To Meichior Bossert. July 27, 1790. Consideration the natural love and affection which he hath and doth bear toward his said son as well as for the sum of four hundred pounds-that plantation tract or piece of land situate in Hamilton township 250 acres and allowances of six per cent - it being the same tract which Edward Farmer Oct.11, 1752 granted and sold unto a certain John Moor and the said Philip Bossert and the said John Moor by and endorsement on said indenture released all his part thereof unto the said Philip Bossert, etc. Following this deed to his son, Philip lived on as the grand old man of Cherry Valley, not dying till 1796 at the age of 90 years. There have been few, if any, in the family who have reached this age. We cannot be sure as to the date of his wife's death but as she did not sign the 1790 deed, she must have died prior to that date. Her name appears in the communion record frequently but it is probable that the Eva Catharine Bossard who took communion on Christmas 1790 was the grand daughter, the second child of Melchior. Philip Bossard was emigrant, pioneer settler, Indian fighter, Revolutionary farmer, and lived to be a possible voter for the first President of the United States. Though losing three sons in the French and Indian War he lived to see his grand children and great grand children, the descendents of his son Meichior and daughter Christina Keller. As a family we can be as proud of him as any of our forebears. His tombstone in the Hamilton Square churchyard states that he died in his 90th year, while near it is a stone which states that "Eva Bossert" died in her 77th year. It is interesting to note that here the name is "Bossert" while in the church records it was usually "Possert" In this study we have used the spelling "Bossard." While this stone marks his grave we can feel that the town of Bossardsville, the Hamilton Square Church and the road to the Wind Gap stand as better monuments to his industry and character. The exact date of the birth of the children of Philip Bossard is unknown. From the tombstone of Melchior we know he was born in 1745, but we have nothing to determine the year his sister Christina was born in. The earliest record we find of them is at the first church meeting recorded on the second Sunday past Trinity in 1768. At that time Christopher Keller and Margaretha Catharina Keller are entered immediately under the names of George Hartlieb and Margarethe, while John Melcher Possert and Christina Possert are just above their mother, Eva Catharine Possert. In the same year Melchior and Margaretha Catharine Keller (both single) are recorded as sponsors for Johanne Meichior, son of John and Maria Catharine Cherpentier. This sponsorship was soon followed by a double wedding as on September 21, 1769, we find a record that Christopher Keller (No. 2) and his wife, Christina, were sponsors for Christina, daughter of John Melchior and Margaretha Catharine Bossard. Thus from the record of the communion service in 1768 and the baptismal record of 1769 we can definitely place the year of their marriage as the latter part of 1768. The attachment between the two families must have been strong. We have seen that in 1757 when George Hartlieb with his family fled from the Indians he selected the house of Philip Bossard as a place of refuge. Later we find Melchior and Christopher (No.2) in the same militia companies and in 1795 when Christopher (No.2) made his will he selected Melchior as the one to trust in the capacity of guardian for his minor children. On the 27th of March, 1771, a second daughter was born to Melchior and Margarethe Catharine Bossard. This little girl was called Eva Cathanne after the grand mother who with her husband Philip acted as sponsors. In the same year Melchior and his wife acted as sponsors at the baptism of Margaretha Catharina, daughter of John and Margaretha Meixel. On August 8th, 1772, their first son was born and it is an added testimony to the respect all held for George Hartlieb and his wife that they were asked to be sponsors, the boy being named after the godfather, Johannes Georg. The 28th of December, 1773, brought to the same parents a belated Christmas present in the shape of twin boys. As far as we have found this is the only record of twins in the family. They were baptized on the 23rd of the following January, 1774, at which time Johannes Philip Bossard and his wife were sponsors for little Johannes Philip while Christopher Keller (No.2) and wife were god-parents for the other twin, Christopher. In 1775, on the 21st of May, Melchior and his wife were sponsors for Margareth Muller, while in 1776 they were sponsors for Johannes Melchior, son of Peter Conrad. On the 4th of February, 1782, their son Andrew was born and at the christening Lorentz Gunckel and wife served as god parents. In 1793 they were sponsors for Susanna DePui, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth DePui. In the same year they served in a similar capacity for John, son of Daniel and Charlotte Buttain, and also for Jacob, son of Michael and Catharine Butz. This Catharine Butz was the daughter of Christopher Keller (No. 2). The church activities of Melchior and his wife are shown by a study of the Hamilton Church records. From 1767 to 1793 their names appear frequently as communicants. After 1793 his name appears alone and it is therefore fair to presume that she died in that year. Christmas and Easter were favorite Sundays for the entire family to attend church, no doubt visiting with each other after the services. As an example on Christmas, 1772, we find the names of Johannes Georg Hartlieb, Anna Margarethe, Ux.; Christopher Keller, Christina, Ux.; Johannes Melcher Possert and Eva Catharina Possert (the wife of Philip). On Christmas, 1773, the names are recorded in the following order: Georg Hartlieb, Anna Margareth, ux.; Johannes Melchior Possert, Margareth, ux.; Eva Catharina Possert (the wife of Philip); Christopher Keller, Christina, ux. On Easter Sunday, 1790, the four Bossard boys, Georg, Melchior, Philip and Christopher, were confirmed and joined the church. Their grandparents, Philip and Eva Catharina Bossard, were present at this service. In the same year on June 1st, we have among the list of communicants nearly all of the grandchildren. Melcher Bossert, Christopher Bossert, Eva Bossert, Christina Keller, Andreas Keller and Christoph Keller (No.3). There is no definite record of any combat service performed by Melchior Bossard in the Revolution. However, as his name appears m five muster rolls, there is no doubt that he was called out at various times to serve as a 30, 60 or 90 day man. The record is interesting, not only as a proof of service but also as showing the many ways the name was spelled by illiterate clerks. The record is as follows: 1778- May 14~6th Bn.-Sth Co.-7th Class-Melchior Buzard. 1780- 5th Bn.-8th Co.-7th Class-Melher Busard. 1781- 5th Bn.-Sth Co.-7th Class-Walker Basard. 1782- 5th Bn.-8th Co.-7th Class-Melker Buzzard. 1784- Captain Keller's Co.-Col. Kerns' Battalion-Melchior Bossart. In the Heads of Families, Census 1790, the name of Meicher Buzart appears with twelve persons in the household, four males over 16, four males under 16, and four females. In 1795 Christopher Keller (No.2) decided to make his will. Wishing to select a proper guardian for his minor children he could think of no one more suitable than his brotherAn-law. As young boys they had faced the Indian peril of 1756-57. They had frequently been fellow communicants; each had married the sister of the other. During the Revolution they had served in the same company. The years of association had deepened the affection they held for each other. It was with these thoughts in mind that Christopher wrote at the end of his will: "And I do hereby nominate, ordain and appoint Meichior Bossert, guardian of my minor children." There is no doubt but that as guardian Melchior did his best to look after the financial interests of these children. Further data concerning the family has not properly a place in this history and no effort has been made to trace the succeeding generations. Many of Melchior's children moved to New York State but the family still remains in Monroe County. Although the name is spelled in different ways at present there seems to be no doubt that all are descended from Philip Bossard. As we have stated his daughter, Christina, married Christopher Keller (No.2) and thus some Alsatian blood came into the Keller family. The son Melchior is buried in the Hamilton Church graveyard, his stone stating that he died on the 9th of February, 1830, at the age of 85. While we know but relatively little concerning Philip we have enough to know that he was an energetic, fearless, religious pioneer and as such no doubt left a definite heritage not only to his descendants in the Bossard but also in the Keller family. CHAPTER IX, p. 53 - 62. CHRISTOPHER KELLER (No.2) BY DAVID H. KELLER, M.D. Christopher Keller (No.2) was born in Europe on the 12th of October, 1743. One story would place his birth in Holland, another in the Palatinate. It is only fair to say that we have no definite information as to which is correct. All we know that is positive is that as a child he sailed from Rotterdam, Holland. The various arguments concerning the dates of sailing from Rotterdam and arrival in Philadelphia have been thoroughly discussed in the previous chapter. It is probable that at the age of six years he, with his mother and sister, Margaretha Catharine, arrived in Philadelphia and began the journey to their ultimate home in Hamilton Township. We may surmise that the journey was interrupted by visits with the Kellers of Bucks County and the Kellers of Delabole but no documentary proof presents itself that these families were related. The first actual proof of their being in Hamilton Township is furnished by the Michael Rupp affidavit which states that one George Hartlieb and his family, fleeing from the Indians, took refuge with other families at the home of Philip Bossard. As we know that George Hartlieb married the widow of Christopher Keller (No.1) this statement proves the location of Christopher (No.2) in 1757. The first time that we find the name of Christopher Keller (No.2) is in the Hamilton Church records for 1767 when he and Elizabeth Douselerine were sponsors for Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholaus and Anna Margaretha Romstein. The following year, 1768, on the second Sunday past Trinity, he took communion with his mother, step-father, sister, future brother-in-law and his fiancee, Christina Possert (Bossard). From this time on till his death in 1795 there is an interesting documentary story concerning him which enables us to draw a pen portrait which marks him as an individual of definite courage, sobriety, honesty and character. While it is probable that he and his sister (who married Melchior Bossard) were married about the same time, the Bossards had the first baby, and naturally called on the Kellers to act as sponsors. This baby, Christina Bossard, was born September 15th, 1769, and baptized September 21st of the same year. In the same year Christopher Keller and ux. Christina appear among the communicants thus giving another proo that the marriage was late in 1768 or early 1769. On the 6th of April, 1770, their first child, Margaretha Catharine, was born, being baptized on April 13th, at which time the uncle and aunt, Meichior and Margaretha Catharine Bossard, acted as sponsors. Now follows numerous records of baptisms of their own children and sponsorships for other children. For sake of clearness these will be grouped together. The second child of Christopher (No.2) and Christina, named after the mother Christina, was born on March 17, 1772. When this daughter was baptized on March 22, 1772, the grand parents, George Hartlieb and his wife, Margaretha Catharine, acted as sponsors. On March 5th, 1774, the third child and the first son was born. This child was christened on the 13th of March and was called Johannes Georg after the grandfather, Johannes Georg Hartlieb, who with his wife acted as sponsors. The second son and fourth child was born May 3rd, 1776, and named Johannes Philip after the grandfather, Johannes Philip Bossard, who with his wife Eva Catharine served as sponsors. This child is not mentioned in the will and probably died in early childhood. It is interesting to note that this is the only child who failed to survive to adult life which speaks well for the industry and intelligence of Christopher (No.2) and his wife, Christina. Any mother in those days who was able to raise seven out of eight children to adult life certainly was a rather unusual woman and deserves at least a word of praise. Doctors were few in those days and the death rate in infancy high. The third son and fifth child was Andrew who was born on August 8th, 1788, but not baptized until April 30th of the following year. The uncle and aunt, Melchior and Margareth Bossard serving as sponsors. The next two children were girls, Maria, born April 15th, 1782, and baptized May 9th of the same year, John Scherpanter (Carpenter?) and wife serving as sponsors; and Susanna, born August 2nd, baptized August 29th, 1784, named after Susanna Heller, who, with her husband Johannes acted as sponsors. There was an eighth child, a son, named Christopher (No. 3). We have been unable to find his baptismal record but the New York records place his birth in 1786. He lived to be 92 years of age, the oldest Keller that this search has disclosed. In Christopher's (No.2) will the children are named as follows: Mary, Susanna, Catharine, Christopher, Andrew and George. Another daughter, Christina was living when the will was made but is not mentioned. John Philip, the eighth child, was undoubtedly deceased. In 1774 Christopher Keller (No.2) and wife were sponsors for Christina, daughter of Peter Conrad and wife. She was born on the 30th of October. In 1775 they were sponsors for a little girl, Christina Siegle, born August 1st. In 1777 they served as sponsors for Christopher Kins, who was born June 24. In 1781 they attended the baptism of Elizabeth Roth as godparents. In 1787 appears the first mention of their relation with the Storm family when they served as sponsors for Andrew, son of Andrew and Christina Storm. This Storm family was at one time very prominent in the history of Monroe County giving the bar one of its most distinguished members in the person of Judge John B. Storm. In 1789 appears the last record where Christopher (No.2) and wife served as sponsors - they being the god-parents of Christina Leder who was born January 23rd. Now appears an interesting entry - Christina, the second daughter had married Conrad Dieter. On the 15th of March, 1794, their first child was born and baptized May 4, 1794. For some reason Christopher (No. 2) refused to attend the christening and the grandmother stood alone as sponsor for the little girl, Susanna Dieter. The next year when Christopher (No.2) drew up his will he does not mention this daughter Christina, but says: "Which said bequests unto my three daughters (Catharine, Mary and Susanna hereinafter named, do in my opinion by no means overrun the advantage and allowance which my son-in-law, Conrad Dieter, obtained of me in the purchase of his land." It was at first thought that Conrad's wife was dead but later study showed that such was not the case. Only one interpretation is possible and that is the fact that Christopher (No.2) disinherited this daughter and showed his displeasure at her conduct (though what she did we do not know) as early as May 4, 1794, when he refused to serve as sponsor for the first daughter in the Dieter family. The widow Christina Keller last served as sponsor in 1805 when she was godmother for her granddaughter, Catharine, daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Keller) Schafer. Christopher (No.2) and his wife frequently attended communion. A study of the list of communicants from 1768 to 1795 show their names frequently - so often that it appears that only sickness or military service kept them away from this form of religious service. Finally, the wording of Christopher's (No.2) will, shows him to have held a profound respect for honesty and righteous living. In reading the will one cannot but be impressed with the fact that he was a true gentleman. So much for the information obtained from the Church records. The legal records are equally interesting. The tax list of 1772 does not contain his name as an owner of land, but his step-father, George Hartlieb, paid taxes in that and previous years. No doubt Hartlieb took land grants or made purchases as head of the family. In 1785, however, when a Federal Tax was first levied, Christopher (No.2) paid 2 pounds 6 shillings on 300 acres of land, 3 horses and 6 cattle. In 1786 he paid the same amount on a grist mill, saw mill, 4 horses and 8 cattle and repeated this tax in 1787 and 1788. Part of his property he obtained by purchase, part was willed him by his step-father and part he took up from unseated or state lands. The Pennsylvania Archives show that he thus obtained by survey on May 13th, 1789, 40 acres; on April 14th, 1792, 200 acres, and on November 8th, 1792, 45 acres. The grist mill and two tracts of land were purchased from Peter Conrad. The grist and saw mill, dwelling house and 150 acres of land willed to the son Andrew by Christopher (No.2) has a particularly interesting history as far as the land is concerned. It was first granted on September 29, 1761, by Thomas Penn and Richard Penn to Timothy Horsfield; granted on January 4, 1764, by Timothy Horsfield to Elias Beidleman; conveyed by Elias Beidleman to George Hartlieb; willed by George Hartlieb to Christopher Keller, willed by Christopher Keller (No.2) to his son Andrew, and deeded by Andrew and his wife Elizabeth to Conrad Dieter. The deed to this tract of land from Andrew Keller to Conrad Dieter appears in the chapter on the New York Kellers. It is simply mentioned here to show that part at least of Christopher's (No.2) estate was inherited from his step-father. It is singular that this will of George Hartlieb was not probated and it is still hoped that it will eventually be located at Easton. Its discovery would help to clear up at least a few points which at the present time are slightly doubtful. However, the wording of this deed explains the origin of two of the family traditions: one, that most of Christopher's (No.2) wealth came from his step-father and second, that he bought land from the Penns. As we have seen the tract was 150 acres instead of 600 acres and was originally bought from the Penns by Timothy Horsfield passing through several hands before it became the property of Christopher (No.2). The military history of Christopher (No.2) is not only interesting but also disappointing. His name appears frequently as a private in the Northampton County Militia during the Revolution but we have no proof of actual combat service. However, as we know that many of the militia was called out for short terms of service there is no reasonable doubt that Christopher (No.2) saw at least some service if only as a 30, 60, or 90 day man. Even if he did not there is some measure of excuse as he had a mother, wife and at least four or five children to care for and support during the Revolutionary period. The spelling of his name in the muster rolls shows the same peculiar mutilations that we have seen in the case of Melchior Bossard. It was not till Christopher (No.2) was elected Captain of the Hamilton Company that the name was spelled correctly. The Pennsylvania Archives; Series 5, Vol.8, gives the following military record: Page 433-May 14, 1778, Northampton County Militia, 6th Bn. 5th Co., 8th class, 5th name, privat~Christopher Celler. Page 383-1780-Northampton County Militia, 5th Bn. 8th Co., 8th class, 3rd name.-Private Stophel Heller. Page 416-1781-Northampton County Militia, 5th Bn. 5th Co. 8th class, 8th name.-Private Stophel Keller. Page 403-178~Northampton County Militia, 5th Bn. 8th Co. 8th class, 8th name.-Private Stophel Keller. Page 422-May 27, 1783-Northampton County Militia, 5th Bn. 7th Co.-Captain Christopher Keller. Page 623-1783-Northampton County Militia, 5th Bn. 7th Co.-Captain Christopher Keller. Pennsylvania Archives Series 6, Vol.3, pages 805-8O6~Northampton County Militia, 5th Bn.-Captain Christopher Keller. For several years at least during 1783-84 and 85, Christopher (No.2) was the Captain of this company of militia from Hamilton Township. There are at least two lists of this company - one giving the payroll for the services in the Wyoming campaign in August 1784 and the other being the muster roll of the company for January 10, 1785. The August 1784 campaign was not a Revolutionary one but rather an interstate one being directed against the Connecticut settlers in the Wyoming valley and was a part of the Pennamite war which was not satisfactorily settled till 1806. Captain Keller's Company was under Colonel Nicholas Kern and was a portion of a detachment of three hundred Northampton County Militia which was ordered into the Wyoming valley in August, 1784. Later on in 1784 Conrad Grubb, George and Henry Stocker, Christopher Keller (No.2), Melchior Bossard, James Logan and Clark Winans were employed as waggoners to haul flour and other provisions to the troops stationed in the Wyoming valley, an account of thefr pay being given in Captain Philip Shrawder's journal. The muster and payroll of the Hamilton Company is preserved at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and a photostat of the affidavit to the muster roll is included in this volume. As the list of the members of this Hamilton Company is practically a census of the able bodied males of the community it is given in full, taken from the pay roll. PAY ROLL OF CAPTN. CHRISTOPHER KELLER'S COMPANY OF THE FIFTH BATTALION OF THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY MILITIA COMMANDED BY COL. NICLAS KERN ON THE EXPEDITION TO WYOMING IN AUGUST 1784. Christ'r. Keller Captain John Huston Lieutenant Henry Weiss Ensign Sergeants John Miller Thomas Shafer Henry Woolery Corporal Jacob Cammerer Privates Lewis Bond Jacob Rummage Melchior Bossart Andrew Myer Jacob Miller Sen'r. Jacob Hatmaker Anthony Keantz Jacob Miller Ju'r. Dan'l Minninger Andrew Woodling John Bellesfeld Jacob Lamer Adam Arnold John Karney John Shafer Christ'n Minninger Lewis Rumage Henry Hagle Christ'n Willower Lewis Myer John Shaw Conrad Rader Mid. Sitzer Henry McCormick Dan'l Britain Peter Bellesfeld John Learner Fred'k Storm Peter Conrad Henry Zawits Fred'k Miller Peter Fellemer Jacob Mervine George Road Henry Butz Jos. Van Boskirk George Brinker Richard Shaw Moses Swartwood Charles Willebey Thos. Gillmore Adam Butz Henry Bossart Thos. Handy Jos. Bush John Alexander Felix Weiss Henry Bush John Dieper Wm. Echard John Nagle Jacob Arnold Wm. Bellesfeld Saml. Van Horn Niclas Ramsteain Philip Shafer Among other names of interest we note here that of Melchior Bossard, the brother-in-law of Christopher (No. 2). While written in beautiful and legible English script, we cannot ascertain who wrote this muster roll, but Philip Shrawder, as muster-master, takes the affidavit of Captain Christopher Keller as to its correctness and the signature of both appear on the fourth page of the document. Shrawder's signature being in English while Christopher's (No.2) is in German script. Wliile not directly connected with the family, the Fries' Rebeflion is worthy of notice in connection with Hamilton Township. One of Fries followers, an itinerant clergyman by the name of Jacob Eyerman took upon himself the task of fomenting rebellion in the townships of Chestnut Hill and Hamilton in 1798 and 1799. He succeeded so well that the assessor for these townships fled to Easton and asked for protection from the Federal authorities. The rebllion was short lived and among those arrested and charged with conspiracy and rebellion against the United States Government was Pastor Eyerman. John Sneider of Hamilton, who had taken part in the Revolution, appeared as a witness against him and testified that only one other man in the township stood by him in his support of the government. Unfortunately, he did not name this loyal neighbor so we will have to remain in doubt as to whether Christopher (No.2) took the part of the Government or of Fries in this outbreak against Federal taxation. The census of 1790 shows Christopher Keller (No.2) as the head of the family in Hamilton Township. There were two white males over 16, (the father and son, John George), two white males under 16 (the sons, Christopher and Andrew) and five white females (probably the grandmother, Anna Margaretha, the wife, Christina, and the three daughters, Susan, Mary and Christina.) The fourth daughter therefore must have married Michael Butz prior to 1790. This census shows the grand-mother to have been living in 1790 and as will be seen she was alive five years later being mentioned in her son's will. This will written on the 27th of May, 1795, and probated on the 5th of August, 1795, contained much of interest so it will be given in full. In the name of God, Amen. The twenty seventh day of May in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety five I Christopher Keller of Hamilton Township in the County of Northampton and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Yeoman being very sick and Low in Strength of Body, Yet of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding Praised be God for the same and all other his mercies conferred upon me, And knowing that it is Appointed for all men Once to die, and being Willing & Desirous to Settle all my Wordly Affairs in the best Manner I am able, so that my Children may in Peace Enjoy those Goods wherewith it hath pleased God to bless my Honest Industry in this World, I thought fit to make this my last will and Testament in Manner following First I do order and direct my Executor hereinafter to be named and appointed as Soon as convieniently may be after my decease to Collect and set Apart the sum of three Hundred Pounds the yearly Interest Arising therefrom shall be paid into the hands of my dear Wife Christina all the Term of her Natural life provided she so long Remains my Widow, I further Give Devise & Bequeath unto my said Wife Christina Two Milch Cows her bed Bedstead and Bedclothes Together with as much other Household Goods and kitchen furniture as she shall stand in need of which she shall have and hold all the Term of her Widowhood and Whereas my son George hath faithfully Promised me to find and Provide for his Mother my said Wife A Comfortable dwelling Room during her natural life if she so long Remains my Widow therefore I think it need-less to make any provision for her here, AND I do order direct and Impower my said Executor to make sale of the grist-mill and those two tracts thereunto belonging which I purchased of Peter Conrad, and out of the monies Arising from said SaIl to pay the debts with which I stand Charged, and out of the overplus of said monies and the monies Arising from the sale of my Personal Estate I make the following Bequests Viz. I Give unto my Daughters Mary and Susanna and unto each of them when they arrive to the age of eighteen years the sum of three Hundred Pounds, AND I Further give devise and bequeath unto Catharine the Wife of Michael Butz the sum of fifty pounds which together with what she has Already received shall be in full of her three hundred pounds I further give devise and bequeath unto my son Christopher the sum of One Thousand Pounds to be paid him when he arrives to the Age of Twenty-one years. I further give devise and bequeath unto my son Andrew and to his heirs and assigns when he arrives to the age of 21 years that Grist and Saw Mill with all the Land thereunto belonging which is now in the Tenure of Simon Fries AND I do Further order and direct that the rent of the said mill and Land so Bequeathed unto my son Andrew as Above mentioned shall be deemed and considered as Belonging to my estate till he arrives to the Aforesaid age, ALL the monies which shall remain in the hands of said Executor after my debts are paid and the above Legacies discharged, together with the money and property which shall fall into his hands after the death or Marriage of my said Wife Christina, the same I give devise and Bequeath in Manner following (that is to say) As my wishes are to give each of my daughters Four Hundred Pounds, therefore I do order and direct my said Executor to divide the money so remaining as Aforesaid Among my three daughters Viz Catharine the wife of Michael Butz, Mary and Susanna and their heirs till each of them have obtained (with the above Legacy Added) the said sum of four hundred pounds AND if anything should then remain, then I do order and direct my said Executor to divide the same to and Among six of my children (Namely) George, Andrew, Christopher, Catharine the wife of Michael Butz, Mary and Susanna and to their heirs (which said Bequests which unto my three daughters hereinbefore named I have made, do in my opinion by no means overrun the Advantages and allowances which my son-in-law Conrad Dieter Obtained of me in the Purchase of his land) AND to the end that my Worldly Affairs may be truly settled I do order and direct my Executor that out of the above legacies and Bequests A Sufficiency shall be retained and applied towards maintaining my Mother during her Natural life AND should it so happen that any of my before named Children should die under Age and without Lawful Issue then and in that case it is my Will that the Portion of the Child so dieing as Aforesaid shall be Equally divided to and amongst my remaining Children Part and share Alike. AND I do hereby authorize Impower and direct my Executor hereinafter to be named to sign seal and Acknowledge the land which I above order to be sold by such Lawful Conveyance as the Counsel the Purchaser shall devise Advise or Require, AND the like Assurance of Grant unto my son Andrew for holding the Mill above Bequeathed him, and also to perform all such other matters and things that I stood Bound to do and perform in my life time as fully and amply as I myself might or could do, AND I do hereby Nominate ordain and appoint Melchior Bossort Guardian of my minor children and my son George the only Executor of this my last Will and Testament Allowing this and no other to be my last Will and Testament, IN Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year abovesaid signed sealed Published Pronounced and declared by the said Testator as and for his last will and testament. Christopher Keller (SEAL). Matthias Otto John Stout George Keller EXr. Sworn 5th Auguts 1795. Northampton County, SS: On the fifth day of August in the year of our Lord 1795 before me John Arndt Register for the Probate of Wills, &, in and for the said County of Northampton personally came Matthias Otto and John Stout the subscribing witnesses to the within Last Will and Testament of Christopher Keller deceased who being duly sworn according to Law did respectfully depose & say that they were present and did see and hear the said Testator sign seal publish and declare the same as and for his Last Will and Testament and that at the doing thereof he the said Testator was of sound mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief; And also that they there deponants subscribed their respective names as Witnesses to the same in the presence and at the request of the said Testator and in the presence of each other. Witness my hand. JOHN ARNDT-Register. In a neglected corner of the Hamilton Church yard was found the tombstone of Christopher Keller (No.2) the progenitor of our family. His descendants had gone forth to many states of our Union finding fame, wealth and honor, and none of them had turned for a moment to wonder where the grave of their fore-father was or whether it was cared for or honored by even a visit to place memorial flowers on his tomb. In fact when this book was first thought of it was a serious question as to whether his grave could be located: however, by some strange Providential direction the winter storms and neglectful years which had shattered the majority of the stones in the cemetery had left unscathed and still legible the simple sandstone tablet of our ancestor. It reads in archaic German: Hier Ruhet In Gott Der Erblasse Leuchnam der Ver storbenen Christofel Keller 1st Gebohren Den 12ten October 1743 und ist Gestorben Den 1Oten Juni 1795 Alt Worden 50 Jahr und 8 monat. We are indebted to Mr. Charles R. Roberts, an eminent German scholar of Allentown, Pa., for the translation. Here Rests in God The Lifeless Body of the Deceased Christopher Keller Born the 12th of October 1743 Died the 10th of June 1795 Aged 50 years and 8 months. It is at once apparent that the age given does not correspond with the dates of birth and death, but it is not our province to find fault with the arithmetical ability of the son, John George, who doubtless gave the order for the stone. Near this stone is that of Christopher's (No.2) wife, which reads: Hier Ruhet Der Eheweib von Christof Keller, em geborne Bossert in ist alt worden 64 Jahr. Mr. Roberts makes the following translation: "Here rests the wife of Christof Keller, born Bossert, was aged 64 years." It is to be hoped that the members of the family will some day endow this grave so that the Kellers of Hamilton in pilgrimages from strange lands may visit the grave yard and see for themselves their sire's grave honored, cared for and cherished. It may well be said in the words of Gray: Beneath those rugged elms, that yew tree's shade Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap, Each in his narrow cell forever laid, The rude Forefathers of the hamlet sleep. For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn, Or busy housewife ply her evening care: No children run to lisp their sire's return Or climb his knee the envied kiss to share. Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield Their furrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke; How jocund did they drive their teams afield! How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke! Let not ambition mock their useful toil, Their homely joys, and destiny obscure; Nor Grandure hear with a disdainful smile The short and simple annals of the Poor. CHAPTER X, p. 63 - 65. THE FAMILY OF CHRISTOPHER KELLER (No.2) BY DAVID H. KELLER, M.D. Search of birth and baptismal records show that Christopher and Christina (Bossard) Keller had eight children. Of these there is no doubt that Philip died prior to 1795 as he is not mentioned in his father's will nor in any subsequent legal papers. While it is true that Christopher (No.2) mentions only six children, and a casual examination of his will would leave one to believe that Christina, the wife of Conrad Dieter, was deceased prior to 1795, there is positive proof that she was alive at that time and had at least one child following her father's death. Apparently there was a deep seated quarrel between Christopher (No.2) and the daughter Christina, probably arising over her marriage and sale of land to the son-in-law, Conrad Dieter, and being still resentful, Christopher (No.2) practically disinherits her. Thus the will shows that there were seven children, three sons and four daughters, living in 1795. Of these George, Margaretha Catharina and Christina were married. The remaining four, Andrew, Christopher (No.3), Mary and Susanna, were under age and were placed by the provisions of the will under the guardianship of their uncle, Melchior Bossard. We have definite history of some of these children and their descendants. In regard to others the search has been very unsatisfactory as to results. No doubt a more prolonged investigation would clear some doubtful points but the scope of this work would not permit of such. George Keller, the oldest son, baptized Johannes Georg, served as the executor of his father's estate. Full information concerning his life and family will be found in a separate chapter. Practically all of the Kellers (of our family) in Pennsylvania are descended from him. Andrew Keller, the second surviving son, sold his property to his brother-in-law, Conrad Dieter, and left for New York State in May, 1798. What we know of him and his descendants is contained in the two chapters "The New York Kellers" and "Family of James and Nancy (Webb) Keller." Christopher (No. 3), the third surviving son, was only seven years old when his father died. He married and had seven children, and then joined his brother, Andrew, in New York State, where he had five more children. The account of Christopher (No.3) and his descendants will be found in the chapter on the "New York Kellers." Margaretha Catharina, the oldest daughter and first child, married Michael Butz. The Hamilton Church Record, the church records in "Early Settlers Forks of the Delaware," her father's will, and the George Keller-Henry Fenner deed of the 22nd of March, 1816, all show this marriage beyond a doubt. All details available concerning her life and descendants, also interesting facts concerning her husband's family will be found in the chapter entitled "the Butz Family of Old Northampton County." The second daughter was Christina. She is the child not mentioned in Christopher's (No.2) will. However he does speak of his "son-in-law Conrad Dieter" and baptismal records show the birth of one child to Conrad Dieter and his wife Christina, in which ceremony the wife of Christopher (No.2) served as sponsor, evidently in an attempt to patch up the quarrel between father and daughter. The Hamilton Church records contain some entries about these young people, Conrad and Christina, that are of interest. On January 1st, 1791, they served as sponsors for Christina, daughter of Ludwig and Magdalena Konchel. Their names are here entered as both single. On May 22nd, 1791, however, Conrad Dieter and his wife Christina served as sponsors for Elizabeth, daughter of John and Maria Lerner, who was born February 13th, 1791. This definitely fixes the date of their marriage between January and May, 1791. On the 15th of March, 1794, their first child, Susanna, was born and was baptized May 4th, 1794, the grandmother, Christina Keller, serving as sponsor. This is the baptism which the grandfather refused to attend. We have a record of this daughter attending communion in 1814. Several months after the death of Christopher (No.2) a second child was born to Conrad and Christina. This son, Andrew, was born on the 13th of November, 1795, and Andrew Keller and Elizabeth Bauer served as sponsors. It is the birth record of this child that makes clear the fact that Christina was disinherited in her father's will. In 1798 this Conrad Dieter buys the property of his brother-in-law, Andrew, for one thousand pounds. A careful study of their descendants has not been made. A third daughter, Susanna, married James Shafer, and moved to New York State, eventually joining her brothers, Andrew and Christopher (No. 3). There was for a while doubt in the minds of some of the New York correspondents as to whether James Shafer's wife was Catherine or Susanna, but a letter from her grandson, Christopher P. Shaffer, of Cuba, states positively that his grandmother's name was Susanna. This is simply one of many proofs that the Cuba Kellers are descended from Christopher Keller (No. 2). What we know of this daughter, Susanna, and her descendants is included in the chapter on the "New York Kellers." There still remains for consideration a fourth daughter, Mary. Not much is known about her except that she married Jacob Dieter, who was probably a brother of Conrad Dieter. This marriage is shown by the Keller-Fenner deed of 1816 and as this mentions all the children and the husbands of the daughters of Christopher Keller (No.2) it is worth quoting in this place. "Containing 14 acres and a half, it being the same tract or piece of land which Michael Butz and Catharine (1), his wife; Conrad Dieter and Christina (2), his wife; Andrew Keller (3) and Elizabeth, his wife; Jacob Dieter and Mary (4), his wife; James Shaffer and Susanna (5), his wife, and Christopher Keller (6) the heirs and legal representatives of Christopher Keller, late of Hamilton Township, deceased, did grant, and convey the same to the said George Keller (7) and to his heirs." It would seen that this passage from the deed made out by George Keller to Henry Fenner in 1816 should settle beyond a doubt just who the seven children of Christopher Keller (No.2) were and who the four daughters married. For further details the reader is referred to the chapters mentioned.