My Genealogy Hound

JACOB KELLER, M.D., who was engaged in the practice of medicine in Steeleville for many years, and was one of its leading citizens, was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1842. His father and mother both died in that city during the cholera epidemic of 1849, which also carried off eight children of the family, leaving Jacob an orphan when only seven years of age. He was reared by an uncle in his native city, and after attending the common schools, was graduated from Washington University of St. Louis, and from the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis. He had determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, and to this end pursued a thorough course of study.

During the late war, Dr. Keller served as surgeon in the Sixth Missouri Infantry, and at the close of that struggle, when his aid was no longer needed, he took up his residence in Chester, Ill. Previous to this time he had gone to Kansas City, Mo., where he edited a medical journal for some time, and then removed to Chester, where he continued in the practice of his profession until the death of his wife.

The Doctor first married Hattie T. Williamson, of Pleasant Hill, Mo., and by their union were born two children, Robert G. and Mamie, both of whom are yet living in Pleasant Hill. In October, 1874, Dr. Keller was again married, his second union being with Mary Glore, a daughter of Jeptha and Margaret (Crisler) Glore, the former born in Kentucky, and the latter near Kaskaskia, Ill. Four children grace the second marriage, all of whom are yet living, namely: Margaret Lulu, Jacob, Hattie Belle and Cinderella.

After the death of his first wife Dr. Keller made a trip to Europe and visited the colleges and medical schools on the continent, thus adding greatly to his knowledge of medical science and to his ability for work along that line. After his return to his native land he again spent a short time in Chester, and then removed to Steeleville, where he continued to reside until called to the home beyond. He was very successful in the practice of his profession, and was regarded as one of the leading physicians and surgeons of southern Illinois, winning a most enviable reputation among his professional brethren and among the people at large. Socially he was a Royal Arch Mason, and was also connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he was a stanch supporter of Republican principles, and was a progressive citizen, who gave his support and hearty co-operation to every enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit. He died May 21, 1885, respected by all who knew him. His wife, a most estimable lady, is living with her four children at their beautiful home in Steeleville. In 1883 the Doctor took a trip through Florida and South America.