Ch 9 1.3.5 Peter Keslar (1778-1860)

Botetourt County, Virginia

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Generation 3  |  Ref. Identifier: 1.3.2

1.3.2 Johannes ‘John’ Kesler b: 24 May 1772 Jefferson, Md. d: 1 Feb 1850 Botetourt, Va.
1.3.2a Nancy Waskey (Waschke) b: 1779 Jefferson, Md. d: 1852 Botetourt, Va.
John Kessler

From Jefferson Township to Botetourt County, Virginia

Andreas’ second son, Johannes, or John was born in Jefferson, Frederick County, Maryland just before the start of the Revolutionary War. He died on 1 Feb 1850 in Botetourt County, Virginia at the age of 77 years.

Although we don’t know the extent of family awareness of current events in the late 1700s, it is likely that Andreas and his sons were aware that there was a rebellion against English rule during the 1770s and 1780s. By the time that John reached early adulthood, England had conceded the war and the colonies were working to build an effective system of governance, first under the Articles of Confederation, and then the U.S. Constitution, finally ratified on 21 June 1788. The new government under the U.S. Constitution began on 4 March 1789, when John was almost 17 years old.

The Kessler farm in Jefferson, Frederick County, Maryland was located close to two farms owned by Waskey family members. This is likely how John met Nancy Waskey. They married on 8 Mar 1794 and had seven children.

Ch 9 – 1.3.5 Peter Keslar (10 Apr 1778-2 Jul 1860) 


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Peter was born 10 April 1778 in Jefferson, Frederick County, Maryland and died on 2 Jul 1860 in Donegal Township, Pennsylvania at the age of 82 years. He and his brothers and sisters were the first generation born in the American colonies — his father, Andreas had arrived from Germany in 1751.

In 1796, at the age of 18, Peter traveled with his father and some of his brothers to western Pennsylvania, helping the family establish a new homestead close to the Westmoreland-Fayette County border. He met Mary Schlater (29 Aug 1780-25 Jun 1853) who was born in Donegal Township, and they married in 1801. Mary’s father, Henry (Heinrich) Schlater had immigrated from Switzerland and fought in the Revolutionary War. He was granted 100 acres of land in 1786, which encompassed three counties: Westmoreland, Fayette, and Bedford.

The 1790 US Census is difficult to interpret in terms of who was living where and with whom, since only the head of household is listed. The other family members are included according to gender and age. In those times, it is likely that married children might still have been living at home, working on the farm, or that cousins or orphaned children could be living with family members or grandparents.

Here is a list of names from the 1790 Census, taken in April 1791, for Jefferson Township in Frederick County, Maryland:

1790 US Census

You can see that there is an Andrew Kesler, likely Andreas on p. 34. There is an entry for John Kesler on p. 12 and a John Fessler on p. 38. Others include Jacob Kesler pm p.20, George Keisler on p.41, and George Kepler on p. 48.

Andreas’ children in 1791 were: Andrew 21, John 19, Mary 17, George 15, Peter 13, Jacob 9, William 7, Samuel 5, Thomas 3, and David 1. So it is unlikely that any of them are listed in the 1790 census, since they would not have been old enough to have the children listed by the names above. Could John Kesler, age 19, on p. 12 be married to Nancy Waskey and operating a nearby farm? Could Andreas’ father Johannes who was still alive in 1790 be one of the males over age 16? Could Andreas’ oldest sons be living on John’s farm, working as farm hands? That could explain the discrepancies in some of the numbers of males and females of different age groups. It is simply not possible to understand the actual situation.

We must assume that in both the 1790 and 1800 U.S. Census, Peter was living with his father Andreas, in Frederick County first and then in Donegal Township. By the 1810 U.S. Census he had married Mary Schlater and his family is listed in the Saltlick, Fayette County census. In the 1820 through 1860 U.S. census, however, Peter and his family were residing in Donegal Township. In June 1860, a month before he died, Peter, age 80 appeared in an entry with these names: Henry Yothers, 30, Hannah 25, William G. 7 months, Susan Slater 58, and Eleanor Slater 60.  The Slaters were relatives of Peter’s wife, Mary, who had passed in 1853. But the relationship to the Yothers family is not clear. Peter’s son, William was residing next door at the time.

Peter and Mary had many, many descendants. They had eight children, 46 grandchildren, and hundreds of great grandchildren. As might be expected, the Peter Keslar/Kesler line migrated over the years from western Pennsylvania to locations throughout the U.S., including Nebraska; Kansas; Upper Seneca, Sandusky, Fostoria, Columbiana, and Lorain, Ohio; Connellsville and Upper Somerset Pa.; West Virginia; Texas; and even California. The names of Peter and Mary’s children and their respective spouses are included in the following image, along with the specific year in which each was located in a US Census entry, and, along the right edge, the year in which they died.

Most of Peter’s (1.3.5) children and Andreas’ (1.3) grandchildren had the misfortune of being born in a period that led up to the Civil War. The family likely was forever changed, as was the nation, but the tumultuous politics leading up to the Civil War and the actual war itself. As noted above, while many remained in the Appalachian Mountain area of western Pennsylvania, a significant number participated in the westward expansion of the United States.

We in modern times can only imagine what it was like to live in those challenging times. Children often died young because of scarlet fever or flu epidemics. Husbands and sons went off to war, sometimes for years. Likely when they returned, they were changed forever from the person they were before they went to war. While husbands and sons were off waging war or dealing with the shortages and consequences of living in an era torn by war, the Kessler/Kesler/Keslar women and oldest children often carried the burden of taking care of and providing for the family.

U.S. Census Entries for Peter Keslar and family:

  • 1790 US Census: Apr 1791 p 34 of 61 (221-222). Likely Andreas. Son Andrew was 21 years old. 5 males under age 15 (including Peter), 3 males age 15 & older, and 3 females
  • 1800: Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa. (p. 8/14 dd mmm) Andw Keppl (Kesler); males 16-25: 3 (George, Peter, William, Thomas ????); males 45+: 1 (Andreas); females 16-25: 2; females 45+: 1 (Mary)
  • 1810: Saltlick Township, Fayette County, Pa. (p. 9/12) Peter Kessler
    1 male<10 = Eli (1807); 2 males 16-25 = ??? Brothers ???; 1 male 26-44 = Peter (1778); 2 females<10 = Agnes Nancy (1805) & Elizabeth (1809); 1 female 10-15 = Sarah (1802); 1 female 16-25 = wife Mary Slater Kessler (1780?); 1 female 44+ = His mother … Mary Rehman Kessler?
  • 1820: Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa. (p. 3/12) Peter Kessler
    3 males <10 = Samuel (1813) John (1815) William (1817); 3 males 10-15 = Eli (1807); 1 male 16-25 = ????; 1 male 26-44 = Peter (1778); 1 female <10 = Barbara (1810); 1 female 10-15 = Sarah (1802) Agnes (1805 ?); 1 female 26-44 = wife Mary Slater Kessler (1780)
  • 1830: Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa. (17/26) Peter Keslar
    –2 males 10-14 John S (1815) & William (1817); –1 male 15-19 Samuel (1813)
    –1 male 50-59 Peter (1778); –1 female 40-49 Mary (1780)
  • 1840: Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa. (136/203) Peter Keslar
    1 male 20-29 = William J (1817); 1 male 60-69 = Peter (1778); 1 female <5 = (grandchild?); 1 female 15-19 = (grandchild?); 1 female 50-59 = Mary (1780)
  • 1850: Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa. (4/61 20 Aug)
    Peter Keslar 70, Mary 69, Martha 17 (probably son Eli’s daughter, who was born in 1833)
  • 1860: Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa. (11/35 12 Jun) Henry Yothers 30, Hannah 25, William G. 7 months, Susan Slater 58, Eleanor Slater 60, Peter Kestler 80 (Peter’s wife, Mary, was a Slater) — living next door to William J. Kestler, Peter’s son

Descendants of Peter and Mary Schlater Keslar/Kesler

As mentioned earlier, Peter and Mary’s descendants represent a significant percentage of Keslar/Kesler/Kessler descendants of all of Andreas’ children. Many of the Kessler, Keslar, and Kesler descendants seeking information about their ancestors will trace their families back to the Peter Keslar line.

For this reason, multiple separate blog pages have been used to identify and describe descendants of Peter and Mary. Those pages include names, dates, locations, census data, and any other information that could be located about the families. Over time, photos and other artifacts will also be added.

We start with Peter and Mary and their children. From there, you can go to the subordinate pages of their descendants to obtain more detailed information about each line.

1.3.5 Peter Keslar (b: 10 Apr 1778-d: 2 Jul 1860 Donegal Township, Pa.) married Mary Schlater (b: 29 Aug 1780-d: 25 Jun 1853 Fayette County, Pa.) on 30 Apr 1801 in Fayette County, Pa. They had eight children, listed below.

1.3.5.1 Sarah Jane Keslar Fleigor (b: 14 Feb 1803 Donegal Township-d: 15 Jan 1887 Salt Lick, Pa.) married William Fleigor/Fligor m: 22 Apr 1821 (b: 20 Sep 1800-d: 5 Dec 1862) on 22 Apr 1821.

1.3.5.1.1 Mary Esther ‘Acie’ Fleigor/Fligor White (b: 06 May 1823-d: 07 Mar 1859-Salt Lick, Fayette County, Pa.) married George White Jr. (b: 9 Nov 1822-d: 30 Apr 1862 Salt Lick, Fayette County, Pa.). They had four children:
— 1.3.5.1.1.1 Sarah E. White-Brown (b: 1849-d: 27 Nov 1911 Los Angeles, CA)
— 1.3.5.1.1.2 John Fligor White (b: 21 May 1852-d: 19 Oct 1954 Dawson, Nebraska)
— 1.3.5.1.1.3 William Fligor White (b: 8 Aug 1854-d: 25 Dec 1892)
— 1.3.5.1.1.4 Andrew Jack White (b: 1855-d: 18 Nov 1938 Colorado)

1.3.5.1.2 Nancy Fleigor/Fligor (b: 29 Mar 1825-d: Aft 1870)

1.3.5.1.3 Peter K. Fleigor/Fligor (b: 05 Aug 1827-d: 22 Sep 1892) married Margaret Jane Smith Fleigor/Fligor m: 4 Sep 1858 Indiana (b: Abt 1842-d: Aft. 1880). They had five children:
— 1.3.5.1.3.1 Pleasant Meade Fligor (male b: Abt 1863-d: 1914)
— 1.3.5.1.3.2 Albert William Fligor (male b: Abt 1868-d: 1948)
— 1.3.5.1.3.3 Keslar Fligor (male b: 1872-d: Bef. 1880)
— 1.3.5.1.3.4 Guy Gilman Fligor (b: 1874-d: 1922)
— 1.3.5.1.3.5 Lena Mae Fligor Stevens (b: 1875-d: 1929)

1.3.5.1.4 John Alex Fleigor/Fligor (b: 26 Sep 1829-d: 22 Sep 1892) married Maria Elizabeth Carmichael (b: Feb 1857-d: 1930 Kansas). They had two children:
— 1.3.5.1.4.1 Sarah Elizabeth Fligor (b: Mar 1874-d: 1954)
— 1.3.5.1.4.2 Margaret E. Fligor Cox (b: Abt 1877-d: 1942)

1.3.5.1.5 Esther Fleigor/Fligor Hays (b:17 Oct 1831-d: 1910-Westmoreland County, Pa.) married John J. HAYS (b: 8 Aug 1830-d: 1891-Westmoreland County, Pa.). They had seven children:
– 1.3.5.1.5.1 William F. Hays (b: 8 Feb 1861-7 May 1909 Uniontown, Fayette, Pa)
— 1.3.5.1.5.2 Sarah E. ‘Sadie’ Hays (b: 1862-Aft. 1929)
— 1.3.5.1.5.3 John Hunter Hays (b: 23 Jun 1864-9 Feb 1921 Mercer, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.1.5.4 Jesse C. Hays (b: 13 Sep 1865-10 May 1929 Westmoreland, Pa)
— 1.3.5.1.5.5 Minda Hays (b: 1867-Bef. 1880)
— 1.3.5.1.5.6 Minetta ‘Nettie’ Hays (b: 1869-Aft. 1929)
— 1.3.5.1.5.7 Mary ‘May’ N. Hays (b: 1872-1957)

1.3.5.1.6 David M. Fleigor/Fligor (b: 19 Feb 1834-d: 1877 Illinois) married Sarah Ann Marks Gordon Fleigor/Filgor (b: 19 Feb 1834-d: 1877 Illinois). They had four children:
— 1.3.5.1.6.1 Frank Fligor (b: 1869-?)
— 1.3.5.1.6.2 Ross Fligor (b: 24 Dec 1872-12 Jun 1940 Carbondale, Il)
— 1.3.5.1.6.3 Anna Fligor (b: 1874-1874)
— 1.3.5.1.6.4 Theodore J. ‘Theo’ Fligor (b: 1874-1949)

1.3.5.1.7 James K. Fleigor/Fligor (b: 01 Mar 1836-d: Aft 1870)

1.3.5.1.8 Isaiah Slater Keslar Fleigor/Fligor (b: 25 Jun 1839-d: 13 Apr 1923-Crawford, Ohio) married Eliza Ann Brooks Fligor m: 1864 (b: 3 Mar 1844-d: 25 Dec 1936-Crawford, Ohio). They had two children:
— 1.3.5.1.8.1 William H. Clymer Fligor (b: 23 Dec 1866-20 Jul 1950 Crawford, Ohio)
— 1.3.5.1.8.2 Rodney Stanley Snyder Fligor (b: 9 May 18757 Feb 1962 Crawford, Ohio)

1.3.5.1.9 William J. Fleigor/Fligor Jr. (b: 25 Oct 1841-d: 28 Apr 1870-Salt Lick, Fayette County, Pa.) married Barbara Robinson Fleigor/Fligor Jr. (b: 13 Mar 1842-d: 5 Feb 1893 Donegal, Pa.). They had four children:
— 1.3.5.1.9.1 Albert R. Fligor (b: 1863-d: 1920)
— 1.3.5.1.9.2 James H. Fligor (never married b: 14 Aug 1864-d: 10 Jun 1933 Westmoreland, Pa)
— 1.3.5.1.9.3 Nancy Jane ‘Jennie’ Fligor Crabtree (b: 1866-d: 1936)
— 1.3.5.1.9.4 William Amos Fligor (b: 1868-d: 1933)

1.3.5.1.10 Sarah Elizabeth Fligor Miller (b: 13 Oct 1844-d: 02 Feb 1899-Salt Lick, Fayette County, Pa.) married Amos H. Miller (b: Abt. 1847-d: 1903-Salt Lick, Fayette County, Pa.). They had seven children:
— 1.3.5.1.10.1 Norman C. Miller (b: 3 Sep 1869-d: 14 Mar 1929 Fayette, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.1.10.2 Rufus James Miller (b: 1871-d: 15 Oct 1897 Fayette, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.1.10.3 Jesse W. Miller (b: 1874-d: 1 Feb 1940 Westmoreland, Pa)
— 1.3.5.1.10.4 Nana Mae ‘Nannie’ Miller Clark (b: 1877-d: 1946)
— 1.3.5.1.10.5 Sarah Sabina ‘Bina’ Miller Sleasman (b: 1879-d: 1932)
— 1.3.5.1.10.6 Lula Miller Kennell (b: 1881-d: 1924)
— 1.3.5.1.10.7 George W C Miller (b: 18 Feb 1884-d: 6 Oct 1938 Westmoreland, Pa)

1.3.5.2 Agnes ‘Nancy’ Keslar Lohr (b: 10 Apr 1805 Donegal Township-d: 7 Mar 1874 Donegal, Pa.) married John Robinson Lohr (b: 15 Oct 1804-d: 29 Sep 1891 Donegal, Pa.) on 11 Jun 1816.

1.3.5.2.1 Mary Lohr (b: 6 Apr 1827-d: 26 Aug 1830 Fayette County, Pa.)

1.3.5.2.2 Elias Lohr (b: 16 Sep 1828-d: 27 Aug 1830 Fayette County, Pa.)

1.3.5.2.3 Jacob Keslar Lohr (b: 30 Jan 1830-d: 8 Feb 1855 Fayette County, Pa.)

1.3.5.2.4 Peter Lohr (b:10 Dec 1831-d: 28 Apr 1833 Fayette County, Pa.)

1.3.5.2.5 Agnes L. Lohr Bowman (b: 12 Dec 1833-d: 26 Oct 1917 Fayette County, Pa.) married Daniel Miller Bowman (b: 20 Nov 1831-d: 10 Dec 1884 Westmoreland County, Pa.). They had nine children:
— 1.3.5.2.5.1 Mary Amanda Bowman Gangaware Whitfield (b: 10 May 1854-d: 9 Aug 1918 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.5.2 Susan Bowman Christner (b: 16 Jan 1856-d: 17 Feb 1933 Fayette, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.5.3 Amelia Artlissa Bowman Bath (b: 1859-d: Aft. 1892 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.5.4 Ezra Boyd Bowman (b: 1861-d: 1937 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.5.5 Milton W. Bowman (b: 1863-d: 1902 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.5.6 Rev. John L. Bowman (no children b: 1 Mar 1866-d: 6 Mar 1950 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.5.7 Adaniram ‘Adan’ Judson Bowman (b: 28 Jun 1868-d: 27 Jun 1957 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.5.8 Nancy Ann ‘Nannie’ Bowman Geary (b: 1874-d: 1948 Westmoreland, Pa.)

1.3.5.2.6 Ester Ann Lohr (b: 5 Oct 1836-d: 12 Jan 1855 Fayette County, Pa.)

1.3.5.2.7 Milton Sutton Lohr (b: 1 Nov 1838-d: 10 Nov 1914 Westmoreland County, Pa.) married Mary Ann Hays Lohr (b: 17 Sep 1840-d: 19 Jul 1880 Westmoreland County, Pa.). They had seven children. After Mary Ann died in 1880, Milton remarried to Melvina M. Cooper Lohr (b: Dec 1845-d: Jan 1905 Westmoreland County, Pa.). Children of Milton and Mary Ann were:
— 1.3.5.2.7.1 Ira Tinsman Lohr (b: 2 Jun 1868-d: 11 Feb 1917 McKeesport, Allegheny, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.2 James Turney Lohr (b: 5 Feb 1870-d: 5 Oct 1941 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.3 Leroy Meade Lohr (b: 17 Nov 1871-d: 14 Aug 1936 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.4 Katherine ‘Kate’ Estelle Lohr (never married b: 3 Nov 1873-d: 18 Apr 1965 Allegheny, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.5 Laura Erminda ‘Minda’ Lohr Sherrick (b: 10 Jan 1876-d: 26 Aug 1961 Allegheny, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.6 Aletta ‘Lettie or ‘Stella’ Lohr Hardy (b: 1 Sep 1878-d: 21 Jul 1948 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.7 Mary Ann Lohr (b: 1880-d: 1880 Westmoreland, Pa.)

1.3.5.2.8 Amanda Fuller Lohr (b: 13 Oct 1841-d: 6 Mar 1845 Fayette County, Pa.)

1.3.5.2.9 Keslar Lohr (b: 18 Mar 1844-d: 18 May 1846 Fayette County, Pa.)

1.3.5.2.10 Adaniram Judson Lohr (b: 20 Nov 1845-d: 25 Oct 1918 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) married Samaria America Bennett Lohr (b: 17 Aug 1847-d: 15 Jun 1908 Greely, Colorado). They had eight children:
— 1.3.5.2.7.1 John R. Lohr (b: 23 Jul 1869-d: Nov 1869 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.2 Minnie F. Lohr (b: 1874-d: Aft. 1880 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.3 Adaniram Judson Lohr (b: 7 Oct 1877-d: 12 Jan 1931 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.4 Eurilda Maud Lohr (b: 1879-d: ? Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.5 Winfield H. Lohr (b: 1881-d: ? Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.6 Mary E. Lohr (b: Feb 1883-d: Aft. 1910 Westmoreland, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.2.7.7 Charles S. Lohr (b: 2 Mar 1885-d: 5 Nov 1956 Colorado)
— 1.3.5.2.7.8 Leroy S. Lohr (b: 26 Oct 1887-d: 26 Sep 1907 Colorado)

1.3.5.3 Elias ‘Eli’ Keslar (b: 20 Jan 1807 Donegal Township-d: Aft. 1870 Salt Lick, Pa.) married Eleanor ‘Ellen’ Hunter (b: 30 Dec 1810-d: Aft. 1880) about 1832. They had four children, as listed below.

1.3.5.3.1 Martha Ann Keslar Flack m: 7 Aug 1853 (b: 19 Jan 1833 Donegal Township, Pa.-d: Feb 1913 Strawn, Kansas) married Lewis H. Flack (b: 12 Nov 1833 Donegal Township, Pa.-d: 1907 Kansas).
— 1.3.5.3.1.1 Mary Belinda Flack Kimble (b: 10 Dec 1853 Ohio-d: 30 Mar 1918 Lyon County, KS)
— 1.3.5.3.1.2 John E. Flack (b: 31 Dec 1854 Ohio-d: 1856 Upper Sandusky, Ohio)
— 1.3.5.3.1.3 William Ray Flack (b: 6 Nov 1862 Ohio-d: 1934)
— 1.3.5.3.1.4 Ida Ellen Flack Mcauley (b: 1 Oct 1865 Ohio-d: 3 Dec 1943)
— 1.3.5.3.1.5 Lula ‘Lulu’ M. Flack (b: Abt 1874 Kansas-d: Aft. 1940)
— 1.3.5.3.1.6 George W. Flack (b: Aug 1876 Kansas-d: Aft 1900)

1.3.5.3.2 Sarah Jane Keslar Lohr (b: Sep 1836 Donegal Township, Pa.-d: 25 Dec 1913 Fayette County, Pa.) married William Hess Lohr (b: 3 Sep 1836 Donegal Township, Pa.-d: 4 Feb 1923 Fayette County, Pa). They had three children:
— 1.3.5.3.2.1 Elton Lohr (b: Jun 1861 Donegal Township, Pa.-d: Aft. 1900-Bef. 1941)
— 1.3.5.3.2.2 Jesse Fulwood Lohr (b: 1 Jun 1866 Donegal Township, Pa.-d: 19 Jun 1941 Fayette County, Pa.) married Mary Kathryn ‘Kate’ Wilson Lohr (b: 4 Aug 1871-d: 20 Jan 1928 Allegheny Cty, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.3.2.3 Harry Shupe Lohr (b: 17 Sep 1879 Donegal Township, Pa.-d:31 Mar 1952 Uniontown, Fayette, Pa) married Minnie B. Finley Lohr m: 29 Jul 1904 (b: Sep 1881 Fayette Cty, Pa.-d:Aft. 1928 Uniontown, Fayette, Pa)

1.3.5.3.3 Peter J. Keslar (b: 16 Feb 1838 Donegal Township-d: 12 Feb 1915 Fayette County, Pa.) married Amanda J. Randolph Keslar (b: 1 Nov 1846-d: 28 Jan 1938 Fayette County, Pa). They had nine children:
— 1.3.5.3.3.1 Permilla ‘Millie’ Keslar (b: 24 Oct 1868-d: 13 Sep 1877 Fayette County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.3.2 McIntyre Keslar (b: 24 Oct 1869-d: 13 Sep 1870 Fayette County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.3.3 Annie Keslar (b: 7 Oct 1871-d: 15 Aug 1873 Fayette County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.3.4 Ellen ‘Ella’ Keslar (b: 25 Mar 1873-d: 28 Jan 1890 Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.3.5 Jessie Keslar (b: 16 Jan 1876-d: 13 Jun 1879 Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.3.6 Edward Forrest Keslar (b: 28 Jun 1877-d: 12 May 1935) married Mary Dowling Keslar (b: 26 Jul 1896-d: 21 Feb 1956 Connellsville, Pa) married
— 1.3.5.3.3.7 Leroy ‘Roy’ Keslar (never married b: 28 Jan 1880-d: 19 Jul 1958 Pittsburgh)
— 1.3.5.3.3.8 Lewis Peter Keslar (b: 1 Apr 1884-d: 9 Nov 1967 Connellsville, Pa) married Elizabeth ‘Eliza’ Florence Frew Keslar (b: 13 Mar 1887-d: 4 Mar 1984 Connellsville, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.3.9 Charles Beswich Keslar (b: 12 Jul 1887-d: 18 Feb 1947 Connellsville, Pa) married Sue J. Ayers Keslar (b: 7 Feb 1888-d: 5 Aug 1945 Connellsville, Pa)

1.3.5.3.4 William Hunter Keslar (b:19 0ct 1842 Donegal Township-d: 14 Jan 1926, Somerset, Pa.) married Rebecca A. Correll Keslar m: Apr 1864 (b: 1845 Somerset Cnty Pa-d: Mar 1870 Westmoreland County, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.3.4.1 John Albert Keslar (b: 1 Mar 1868 Donegal-d: 16 Apr 1927 Connellsville, Pa) married Alice Blanche Horner Keslar m: 7 Apr 1904 (b: 14 Mar 1876 Donegal-d: 28 Dec 1959 Connellsville, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.4.2 Margary Keslar Nickelson (b: 22 Mar 1874-d: 15 Jan 1925 Somerset, Pa.) married Winfield Scott Nickelson m: 25 May 1896 (b: Nov 28, 1858-d: 29 Mar 1934 Somerset, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.3.4.3 Elton Lora Kesler (b: 7 Aug 1875-d: 23 Feb 1938 Somerset County, Pa) married Sadie Phillippi Kesler m: 27 May 1897 (b: 28 Jul 1877-d: 5 Jan 1932 Somerset County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.4.4 Charles ‘Charley’ Keslar (b: 21 Jun 1879 Somerset County, Pa.-d: 8 Aug 1891 Ursina, Somerset County, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.3.4.5 Lewis Fleck Keslar (b: 11 Oct 1880 Somerset County, Pa-d: 29 Dec 1950 Pittsburgh, Pa) married Ida L Sweitzer Keslar (b: May 1882-d: 2 Oct 1947 Somerset County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.4.6 Lavinia Lorena Kesler McClintock (b: 30 Mar 1882-d: 10 May 1959 Somerset County, Pa) married Russell Grover McClintock (b: 28 Mar 1884-d: 19 Mar 1959 Somerset County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.4.7 Grover Cleveland Keslar (b: 10 May 1884-d: 20 Mar 1956 Somerset County, Pa) married Pearl Anna Colflesh Keslar (b: May 8, 1891-d: Mar 8, 1912, Somerset County, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.3.4.8 Anna ‘Annie’ E. Keslar (never married b: 16 Mar 1886-d: 13 Nov 1956 Confluence, Somerset, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.3.4.9 Harry Squire Keslar (b: 8 Feb 1888-d: 17 Mar 1948 Somerset County, Pa) married Sadie Romesburg Keslar m: 17 Apr 1912 (b: 9 Apr 1891 Somerset County, Pa-d: Jan 1970 Fayette County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.4.10 Alice Martha Kesler McClintock m: 20 Jan 1916 (b: 16 Jan 1891-d: 9 Oct 1968 Somerset County, Pa) married Melvin Harvey ‘Harry’ McClintock (b: 12 Sep 1893-d: 9 Feb 1963 Somerset County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.4.11 Wilbert W. Kesler (never married b: 4 Apr 1894-d: 15 Apr 1949 Lower Turkey Foot, Somerset County, Pa)

1.3.5.3.5 Mary A. Kesler (b: 1844-d: Bef. 1926)

1.3.5.3.6 John Keslar (b: Oct 1845-d: 7 Mar 1907 Donegal, Pa.) married Sarah Nedrow Keslar (b: 1850-d: 1893).

1.3.5.3.6.1 William W. Keslar (b: 24 Mar 1873-d: 30 Jul 1949 Westmoreland County, Pa) married Laura Matilda ‘Tillie’ Kineer Keslar m: 25 Jun 1894 (b: 1 Apr 1871 Pa-d: 4 Jan 1944 Connellsville, Fayette County, Pa). They had thirteen children:

— 1.3.5.3.6.1.1 Edwin Washington Keslar (b: 22 Feb 1895-d: 15 Apr 1926 East Huntingdon, Westmoreland County, Pa) married Rachel Harriet Kreinbrook Keslar Ronschke (b: 8 Aug 1908-d: 23 Oct 1985 Cuyahoga, Oh)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.2 Lula Grace Keslar Foster (b: 6 Sep 1896-d: 14 Apr 1947 Westmoreland County, Pa) married Emmett Ray Foster (b: 16 Sep 1891-d: 9 Dec 1983 Westmoreland County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.3 Ray John Keslar (b: 13 Dec 1897-d: 1 Jul 1983 Bucks, Pa) married Annie Pritts Keslar (b: 9 Jul 1903-d: 20 Dec 1980 Fayette County, Pa.)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.4 Thomas Elton Keslar (b: 20 Jan 1899-d: 1 Feb 1924 Cambria County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.5 William Clinton Keslar (b: 26 Jul 1900-d: 29 Apr 1935 Connellsville, Fayette County, Pa) married Arzetta Mae ‘Zettie’ McConnell Keslar Evans (b: 29 May 1910-d: 28 May 1979 Petersburgh, Va)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.6 Beula M. Keslar (b: 1901-d: 27 May 1916 Montana)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.7 Sadie E. Keslar Dull (b: 23 May 1902-d: 8 Aug 1992 Westmoreland County, Pa) married George Alfred Dull (b: 7 Feb 1897-d: 8 May 1986 Westmoreland County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.8 Ethel M. Keslar Glover Lawler (b: 25 Jul 1905-d: 29 Aug 1984 Florida) married Edward Glover (b: Abt 1900-d: Abt. 1934)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.9 Donald Franklin Keslar (nevr marrd b: 20 Nov 1906 Billings, MT-d: 19 Apr 1929 Westmoreland Cnty, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.10 Hazel M. Keslar Pirl (b: 13 Jan 1908 Montana-d: Aug 1984 Connellsville, Fayette County, Pa) married Kenneth Roy ‘Harry’ Pirl (b: 8 Dec 1908 Pa-d: 14 May 1986, Connellsville, Fayette, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.11 Walter James Keslar (b: 2 Mar 1911 Billings, MT-d: 22 Apr 1956 Westmoreland County, Pa) married Mary Elizabeth Hone Keslar (b: 14 Feb 1915-d: 28 Mar 1984 Westmoreland County, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.12 Robert Wilson Keslar (b: 21 Nov 1912 Osborn, MT-d: 3 Feb 1995 Westmoreland County, Pa) married Blanche Gwendolyn Reese Keslar (b: 25 Jun 1912 Westmoreland County, Pa-d: 2 Jul 2000 Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.6.1.13 Arthur Frances ‘Art’ Keslar (b: 14 Apr 1916 Montana-d: 24 Jul 2000 Westmoreland County, Pa) married Myrtle Irene Miller Keslar m:18 Sep 1944 (b: 21 Sep 1921 Fayette County, Pa-d: 2005 Westmoreland County, Pa)

1.3.5.3.6.2 Frank David Keslar (b: 18 Jan 1875-d: 9 Mar 1972 Indiana County, Pa) married Bella Hunter Reed. Keslar m:20 Dec 1906 (b: 15 Apr 1883-d: 1910 Westmoreland County, Pa.)

1.3.5.3.6.3 Mamie K. Ulery (b: 13 Sep 1876-d: 15 Jun 1954 Westmoreland County, Pa) married Orren R. Ulery m:18 Feb 1896(b: 23 Apr 1872-d: 12 Feb 1943 Westmoreland County, Pa). They had two children:

— 1.3.5.3.6.3.1 Marie S. Ulery Sheets (b: 14 May 1896-d: 13 Nov 1973 Donegal, Pa)
— 1.3.5.3.6.3.2 Grace B. Ulery Roadman Montigue (b: 14 Jun 1903-d: 15 Jun 1986 Donegal, Pa)

1.3.5.3.6.4 Elton E. Keslar (b: Abt 1878-d: Bef 1900)

1.3.5.3.6.5 Harriett W. Keslar Bossart (b: Oct 1879-d: 25 Nov 1918 Alliance, Ohio)

1.3.5.3.6.6 Charlotte ‘Lottie’ A Keslar (b: Jun 1883-d: ?)

1.3.5.3.6.7 Jesse Hunter Keslar (b: 14 Apr 1885-d: 14 Mar 1967) married Francis Haugar Keslar (b: Mar 1889-d: 11 Oct 1975 Donegal, Pa. The had one son:

— 1.3.5.3.6.7.1 Kenneth F Keslar (b: 24 Apr 1918-d: 2 Feb 2008 Normalville, Pa)

1.3.5.3.6.8 Olive ‘Ollie’ May Keslar Campbell (female b: 26 May 1887-d: Feb 1972 Donegal, Pa.)

1.3.5.3.6.9 Walter John Keslar (b: 30 Mar 1889-d: 18 Mar 1975 Hialeah, Florida) married Grace Lee Hudson Keslar (b: 12 Mar 1898 Campbell, Va-d: 19 Dec 1973). They had two children:

— 1.3.5.3.6.9.1 Walter John Keslar Jr. (b: 12 Dec 1914 Scottdale, Pa-d: 29 Mar 1978 Wayne County, MI) married Thelma Grace Guest Keslar Slaughter (b: 19 Mar 1918 Scottdale, Pa-d: 16 Mar 2005 MI)
 1.3.5.3.6.9.2 Mildred Ruth Keslar McCrory (b: 4 Aug 1921 Scottdale, Pa-d: 9 Dec 1983 Dade County, Fl)

1.3.5.3.6.10 Lulu Sarah Keslar McKnight (b: 9 Mar 1891-d: 21 Feb 1939 Ohio)

1.3.5.3.7 Elizabeth ‘Eliza’ H. Kesler Cummings (b: 18 Jun 1848 Donegal Township-d: 9 Jun 1929 Connellsville, Fayette County, Pa)

1.3.5.3.8 David F. Keslar (b: 1852 Donegal Township-d: 1926)

1.3.5.4 Elizabeth Keslar (b: 26 Sep 1809 Donegal Township-d: at birth)

1.3.5.5 Barbara Keslar (b: 10 Oct 1810 Donegal Township-d: 14 Nov 1825 Salt Lick-Keslar Cemetery)

1.3.5.6 Samuel Keslar (b: 11 Jan 1813 Donegal Township-d: 27 May 1877) married Elizabeth Slater 14 Sep 1834 (b: Abt. 1811-d: 26 Sep 1861). They had 10 children. After Elizabeth died, Samuel married Martha A. Campbell 21 Sep 1863 (b: 17 Feb 1833-d: 27 Mar 1927) and they had five additional children.

1.3.5.6.1 William J. S. Keslar (b: 8 Mar 1835 Donegal Township, Pa.-d: 4 Oct 1844 age 9)

1.3.5.6.2 Peter S. Keslar (b: 5 Sep 1836 Donegal Township, Pa.-d: 30 Sep 1844 age 8)

1.3.5.6.3 John J. S. Keslar (b: 20 Sep 1836 Donegal Township-d: 1 Oct 1844 age 8)

1.3.5.6.4 James S. Keslar (b:2 Sep 1840 Donegal Township-d: 18 Dec 1862)

1.3.5.6.5 Matilda Keslar (b: 22 Sep 1842-d: 26 Sep 1844 age 2)

1.3.5.6.6 Henry S. Keslar (b: 19 Sep 1844 Donegal Township-d: 9 Apr 1864 age 19)

1.3.5.6.7 Harriett S. Keslar (b: 2 Dec 1846-d: 22 Oct 1861 age 15)

1.3.5.6.8 Jemima Elizabeth Keslar (b: 24 Nov 1848 Donegal Township-d: 5 Aug 1873 Fayette County, Pa.)

1.3.5.6.9 Slater Keslar (b: 5 Jan 1852 Donegal Township-d: 12 May 1863 age 9)

1.3.5.6.10 Mary Ann Keslar (b: 24 Feb 1854 Donegal Township-d: 25 Apr 1864 age 10)

1.3.5.6.11 Emma S. Keslar (never married b: 26 Aug 1864 Donegal Township-d: 30 Dec 1913 Salt Lick)

1.3.5.6.12 Frank Elmer Keslar (likely never married b: 2 Oct 1866 Salt Lick Township-d: 27 Apr 1952)

1.3.5.6.13 Anna Martha Keslar (never married b: 1 Oct 1868 Salt Lick Township-d: 1 Jan 1956 Uniontown, Pa.)

1.3.5.6.14 Robert Bruce Kessler (b: 25 Feb 1872 Salt Lick Township-d: 18 Sep 1963 Ohio) married Margaret Louisa McIntosh Kessler m: 21 Aug 1907 (b: 28 Jul 1875 Columbiana, Ohio-d: 21 Dec 1971 Columbiana Ohio)

1.3.5.6.15 Isabella ‘Belle’ Jane Clark Keslar (Coffman b: 24 Oct 1874 Salt Lick Township-d: 3 Apr 1933) married Albert White Coffman (b: 31 Mar 1869 Salt Lick Township-d: 11 Feb 1958 Connellsville, Pa)

1.3.5.7 John S. Keslar (b: 13 Aug 1815 Donegal Township-d: 6 Mar 1845) married Elizabeth ? before 1844 (b: Abt. 1822-d: aft 1900). After John’s death in 1845, Elizabeth married Jacob Ulery (Jacob’s stepfather) after 1845 (b: Feb 1827-d: May 1904)

1.3.5.7.1 Jacob ‘Jake’ Kesler (b: 6 Jun 1844 Salt Lick Township-d: 27 Jun 1916 Westmoreland, Pa.) married Eliza Jane Crossland (b: 14 Dec 1847 Bullskin-d: 4 Mar 1893 Fayette County, Pa.)

1.3.5.7.2 Mary Elizabeth Ulery Halfhill (b: 1 Dec 1848-d: 3 Jan 1931 Connellsville, Fayette County, Pa) Note: Not a Kessler … Jacob’s half sister

1.3.5.7.3 Sarah Ann Ulery Davis (b: 25 Jul 1850-d: 1896) Note: Not a Kessler … Jacob’s half sister

1.3.5.8 William J. Keslar (b: 20 Oct 1817 Donegal Township-d: 31 Aug 1884) married Barbara Eshelman m:28 May 1844 (b: 20 Dec 1814 Bullskin, Pa-d: 18 Nov 1862). After Barbara died, William married Mary A. Keslar m: aft 1862 (b: Abt 1826-d: ?). They had five children.

1.3.5.8.1 John Wesley Keslar (b: 18 Mar 1845 Donegal-d: 6 Apr 1927 Donegal) married Mary Amanda “Minnie” Mossholder Keslar (b: Abt 23 May 1846 Donegal-d: 21 Jun 1944 Westmoreland Cty Pa)

1.3.5.8.2 David E. Keslar (b: 29 Dec 1845-d: 29 Dec 1920 Westmoreland County, Pa.) married Susan Caroline Moody Keslar (b: Feb 1856-d: 26 Mar 1943)

1.3.5.8.3 Peter Eshelman ‘Sonny’ Keslar (b: 20 Jun 1850 Donegal-d: 7 Jan 1922 Westmoreland Cty, Pa) married Mary Ann Bruner m: 1883 (b: 15 Oct 1859-d: 1 Dec 1892 Westmoreland County, Pa)

1.3.5.8.4 Morrison ‘Morris’ Wesley Keslar (b: 29 Feb 1856 Donegal-d: 25 Jul 1936 Snyder County, Pa.) married Sarah Catherine Coffman Keslar (b: 20 Oct 1861-d: 23 Apr 1926 Fayette, Pa)

1.3.5.8.4.5 Eva Blanche Keslar Pfirrman (no children b: 16 Mar 1902-d: 22 Sep 1969 San Diego, Ca) married Frank Peter Pfirrman m: 18 Apr 1939 (b: 18 Jan 1909-d: 25 Feb 1968 San Diego, Ca)

One particular topic of current genealogical interest to some family members involves Andreas’ son, John Kessler.  He and his wife Nancy grew up in Jefferson Township but migrated to Botetourt County, Virginia. There is both anecdotal and scientific evidence of this connection. A 2006 DNA match between descendants of both branches provided irrefutable evidence. Maps from the 1800s show that the Kessler and Waskey farms were located very close to each other in Jefferson Township, providing strong anecdotal evidence.

The Waskey family arrived in the colonies in the early 1700s. A book titled Botetourt County Virginia Heritage 1770-2000 by S. E. Grose provides a detailed history of the Waskey family. George Waschke (1712-1766) arrived at Savannah, Ga. on 7 April 1735 after a journey from Moravia to Germany to England. On 23 Feb 1736 his mother Anna and Juliana Jaeschke arrived at Savannah and George married Juliana on 10 Jun 1738. At the end of 1738 they moved from Georgia to Germantown near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their son George Waskey Jr. (1741–1787) married Margaret Heim (1744-1827) and they lived in Frederick, Maryland. Their daughter Nancy Waskey married John Kessler in Frederick, Maryland in 1794.

In 1791, Nancy’s mother, Margaret Heim Waskey purchased land in Frederick County, Maryland. On Jun 5, 1798 she subsequently purchased 378 acres of land from John and Mary Hamilton in Rockbridge County, Virginia near the location of the now famous natural bridge. She and Nancy Waskey’s father George Jr. relocated to Rockbridge County after making this purchase while John and Nancy Waskey Kessler remained on Margaret’s farm near Frederick.

Nancy Waskey’s brothers George Waskey III (1776-1850) and E. Christopher Waskey (1778-1850) also relocated to and eventually died in Botetourt County. Christopher Waskey purchased Beale’s Mill in 1818 and turned it into Waskey’s Mill which was operated there until at least 1846.

Included below is a map of the Catawba Creek area in Botetourt County dated 1885. Note that there are several Kessler homes noted on this map on or near the Fincastle-Covington Turnpike, north-west of Fincastle. These are likely our relatives since one home next to a Kessler home is labeled Dooley. John and Nancy Kessler’s daughter, Nancy Mary married Stephen Dooley on Oct. 8, 1832. This is likely her home.

John and Nancy’s first three children were born in Frederick, Maryland: Polly in 1794, Samuel in 1795 and Christopher Lee in 1802. The remaining children were born in Virginia: Margaret Agnes in 1803, John in 1804, Sophia in 1806 and Nancy in 1810. According to land records Margaret Heim Waskey sold her land in Frederick, Maryland to John Kessler’s brother Andrew Kessler on Oct 31, 1804. Based on this evidence it can be concluded that John and Nancy likely relocated from Frederick to Rockbridge County, Virginia and began searching for suitable acreage sometime in 1802 or early 1803.

On March 21, 1805, John Kessler of Rockbridge County, Virginia purchased 156 acres located in Botetourt County, Virginia from Michael C. Stevens named Cedar Ridge (now named Simmons Ridge). The acreage was on Catawba Creek, a tributary of the James River beginning at 2 White Oaks corner to Greenwoods. On November 23, 1808, an additional 73 acres was purchased from Frances Preston, William Kyle and Peter Crowder. It is important to note that this land was purchased in close proximity to land purchased by Jacob Kessler in 1785 and there IS NO KNOWN relationship between these two Kessler families.

Karen Kessler <kesslerwv@aol.com> Tue, Mar 26, 2013 at 11:17 AM

To: Thomas Kessler <kesslertg@gmail.com>

Name: John KESSLER

Birth: 1775 PA
Death: Feb 1850 Botetourt Co., VA
Religion: German Baptist
Father: Andreas KESSLER (1746-1809)
Mother: Anna Maria (Rehmen) RAMA (1752-1840)

Misc. Notes
Please note—
It has not yet been proven that Andrew and Anna Kessler are Johns parents. It should not be assumed that this is so. Death date of John Kessler son of Andreas and Mary Rama Kessler is reported to be 16 Dec 1840. From the 1850 Botetourt Co., VA mortality schedule we see that John’s widow Nancy reported the death of John was in Feb 1850 at the age of 75 years, caused by old age, and was born in Pennsylvania. This would make him born in 1775. Bible records from the Andrew Kessler family show that their John was born 24 May 1772—–

According to a deed dated 23 Nov 1808 this John came from Rockbridge Co., VA to purchase 156 and 73 acres on the waters of the Catawba Creek. Deed book 9 :545. This land happens to be located about one mile from the tract purchased by a Jacob Kessler in 1785. The land was at Cedar Ridge (now called Simmons Ridge) at the headwaters of Catawba Creek, 5 miles north of Fincastle, VA on old Rt 655 which was the old turnpike to Covington, on the east side of the road. (I don’t think this Jacob Kessler is related. KC)

It is reported that John and Margaret Kessler (John’s daughter) Hamilton acquired the John Kessler farm with Issac Austin after John died in 1850. The farm was sold to a widow, Mildred Elizabeth Slusser in 1871. By 1891 Mrs Slusser had married a Nicholas Co., WV man named C.C. Cahoon. July 1, 1895 as a result of a suit the land was conveyed to Mildred E Cahoon, wife of C C Cahoon and children, deed book 54 pg 508. Mrs. Cahoon sold the farm to George Simmons in 1891. In 1935 C. V. Holt bought the farm from the Simmons family and was still living there in 1993. Mr Holt was 94 years old and had the farm up for sale at $1000. per acre in 1995.

Feb 2002- Charlotte Haymaker writes- In 1995 Mark (her husband) and I found C.V. Holt as the last owner of John Kessler property. I called Mr. Holt and ask permission to go on his land and search for the old cemetery. Mark found it and it has about 45 graves, with two or three head stones. One of them was a Simmons lady. He also found the remains of an old saw mill. Mark told Conrad Riffle where it was. The property has been sold. The old Holt house has been replaced with a new one. I heard people up north bought it. I would guess that John Kesler is buried in the cemetery on the farm. The Simmons are in there too. We talk to a neighbor and he told us the Kessler house was torn down in the eighty’s. Told us he played in it as a child. The stone fireplace was still standing. In May 2002 we went to see the cemetery but were refused to be allowed on the property by the new owners.

Conrad Riffle says they were married at Mount Zion Lutheran Church 3 miles north of Jefferson, MD

According to Morris Kessler, author of “Out From The Blue Ridge”, there were three John Kessler’s living on the Catawba Creek at about the same time our John lived there.

Author’s note (TK) about Morris’ book: I own this book. There are numerous mistakes in the book about our line of Kesslers. Readers should take care about assuming that all the information is correct.

The following information was submitted by Conrad Riffle to the 1999 Botetourt, VA Heritage Book:

John Kessler had lived near Jefferson, Maryland, and the Waskey families lived on adjoining farms next to the Kessler farms. John Kessler married Nancy Waskey, the daughter of Margaret Waskey. The proof that our John Kessler was the son of Andrew Kessler in Jefferson has turned out to be the hardest task of my many years of research. Andrew’s son Peter left behind his old family Bible showing a John Kessler born May 24, 1772, which is very close to the age we calculated for John’s birth. Circumstantial evidence points to Andrew Kessler. A strong point is that Andrew Kessler Jr. bought the farm of Margaret Waskey, in 1804 and she moved down to Natural Bridge, VA. The 1808 Deed says John Kessler previously lived at Natural Bridge, VA. It is easy to conclude that Nancy and John lived with Margaret at Natural Bridge until they purchased their farm on Rt 655.

Notes about John Kessler (Charles T. Burton, researcher, Troutville, VA)

“Recently I located the papers of a Chancery Suit over the land that was once owned by this John Kessler, on the waters of Catawba Creek.

This suit was brought by James H. Crowder against John Hamilton and other heirs of John Kessler, who died without a will leaving “Samuel, Christopher, John, Polly (who married Barton Ray) Margaret (who married the said John Hamilton), Sophia (who married John Bierly), Nancy (who married John (this was a mistake on Mr. Burtons part…his name is Stephen Dooley).

By consent of their heirs, sons Christopher and John have received their part of the land. Son-in-law John Hamilton purchased the interests of the other heirs except that of Polly Ray (who had moved west) and except the interest of Margaret, his first wife, who was a daughter, and who was deceased. Margaret’s children and heirs were: David Hamilton (m. Nancy), George Hamilton, Madison W. Hamilton, James Hamilton (m. Ellen), Mary Hamilton, widow of Absalom D Hamilton, etc.”

On these sheets I spell the name with two “s’s, but in most of the records, only one is used.

Chancery suit, Crowder vs Hamilton (concluded 1933)

To the Hon. R. M. Hudson, Judge of the Circuit Court of Botetourt: Humbly complaining, showeth unto your Honor, your orator, James H. Crowder, that on the 16th day of March 1866 he bargained with John Hamilton for a certain tract of land containing about 160 acres, & the said John Hamilton sold to your orator the said tract upon the conditions named in the article of agreement between the said Hamilton & your orator, which is here with marked (A) & prayed to be read as part of this bill.

Your orator furthers represents that the land was formerly the property of one John Kessler, who died intestate leaving, (1) Samuel Kessler, (2) Christopher Kessler, (3) John Kessler, (4) Polly Kessler who married Barton Ray (5) Margaret who married the said John Hamilton, (6) Sophia who married John Bierly (7) Nancy who married Stephen Dooley, his children and heirs at law. —-that Christopher & John have had their portions assigned them (by consent) out of the land left by the said John Kessler Sr., ** and the said John Hamilton purchased all the interest of the other heirs, except that of Polly Ray and Barton Ray her husband (who have removed to the west) & your orator is not informed, nor are her relatives here informed of her residence) & also except the portion of his first wife, Margaret Hamilton who was a Margaret Kessler, in which portion the said Margaret, having departed this life; the said John Hamilton has now a new life estate as tenant by courtesy; & the remainder being in the children of the said Margaret by the said Hamilton & the wives of such are married, to wit:

(1) David Hamilton and wife Nancy, (2) George W. Hamilton, Madison W. Hamilton, (4) James Hamilton and wife Ellen, (5) Absalom D Hamilton, deceased, his wife Mary and her children by the said A D Hamilton, and the heirs of Samuel Kessler, deceased, having deeded their portions to John Hamilton as to the court will more fully appear by reference to exhibit marked (B) and Stephen Dooley and Nancy his wife, having given a title bond for the interest of the said Nancy in the said land, & all the purchase money having been paid as will appear by exhibits marked (C) & (D), & John Bierly, and Sophia his wife, having given their bond herewith filed marked (E) and prayed to be read as part of this bill to give good title to their interest in said land to Isaac Austin, by the said Austin having transferred the same to John Hamilton, as will fully appear from above exhibits.

Your orator thus shows that John Hamilton had a good and valid title to all the said land except the interest of Barton Ray & Polly his wife, & that of his own wife Margaret, and had a life estate by courtesy in the last-named interest. The said Barton Ray and Polly his wife cannot be heard from.

Your orator would further aver that the sale of this land is an advantageous one to the infant heirs mentioned.

In consideration of the premises & in as much as your orator is remediless save in Court of Equity, when matters of this kind are properly cognizable, your orator prays that john Hamilton, and Elizabeth his wife, David Hamilton and Nancy his wife, George W. Hamilton, Madison W. Hamilton, James Hamilton & Ellen his wife, Mary Hamilton, widow of Absalom D. Hamilton, infant children of the Mary Hamilton by the said Absalom D. Hamilton, & Barton Ray & Polly his wife, may be parties defendant to this suit, & that said defendants may make full and true discovery of the matter aforesaid, – that a proper guardian ad litem, may be appointed the infant defendants to defend their interest in this suit, – that your Honor may confirm the above mentioned sale to your orator 7 appoint & Commissioner to make a good & valid title to said land as soon as the purchase money shall be paid, and that said Commissioner be directed to collect the balance due under the contract & make distribution to them entitled thereto, & that your Honor will make such order in reference to the portion of Barton Ray & Polly his wife as may seem right, — and give such other further & general relief as the nature of this case requires, or to equity may seem meet & your orator will pray etc etc….. He asks the court to decree a sale and distribution.

In 1871 a supplemental bill was filed saying that Christopher was dead and that his son Archibald was his only heir and ask that Archibald Kessler and Christopher’s widow Elizabeth Kessler be added to the list of defendants.

Another supplemental bill explained that the land involved in the suit was four-seventh’s of John Kessler’s 229 acres which was 5 miles from Fincastle on the East side of the turnpike to Cton, (Note: this was the 156 plus 73 acres purchased in 1808 by John Kessler of Rockbridge Co., VA from John Blaze, et 1 July 1895 As a result of this suit, the land was conveyed to Mildred Elizabeth Cahoon, wife of C.C. Cahoon, & her children (see Deed book 54 page 508) and was called 155 acres.

John Kessler had no will. Each child received 24 acres, but Christopher was in the process of buying John Kessler Jr’s 24 acres when Christopher died, Conrad Riffle has the deed where John Kessler Jr. and his wife Susan completed the sale to Christopher’s second wife Elizabeth (Hamilton) Kessler. Then John Hamilton and his wife Margaret (Kessler) Hamilton bought up some of the other particles of that land from other members of the family. John Hamilton ended up owning 5/7ths of John Kessler………….

I have a deed dated 16 Mar 1869 made between A W Kessler of Greenbrier Co, WV and Elizabeth A Kessler of Botetourt Co., VA.

pgs 87-89 Bill of Sale (John Hamilton of John Kessler dec.d Pg 87)

  • Page 87John Hamilton 3 Barrels .25
    Philip Manga shot gun 1.75
    John Keslar 3 flower barrels .20
    Richard Peacok 2 crocks .17
    Phillip Manga 4 crocks .13
    Elizabeth Thomas 2 crocks .08
    John Hamilton 1 crock .13
    Elizabeth Thomas 1 stone jar .25
    John Hamilton 1 jug .01
    Isaac Austin 1 churn .15
    Chr Kessler 1 fat can .20
    Elizabeth Thomas basket and Lot of Irons .31
    John Hamilton 2 half bushels .13
    James M. Feral Bucket and can .13
    Chr Kessler shovel and tongs . 92
    Chr Kessler Hilliands?? 1.15
    John Hamilton 1 kettle .26
    George Croft tee kettle .85
    George Croft Oven .57
    Elizabeth Thomas Small oven .32
    John Hamilton skillet and lid .13
    Richard Peacock iron wedge .31
    James Thomas Hoes and fork .16
    ? Teril? set of gears .41
    John Hamilton pot rack .75
    ? Kessler crop and cut saw 5.50
    David Noffsinger flax Heackel? 2.00
    Isaac Austin Clevice .06
    James Thomas Pot Hook .25
    Richard Peacock Box .16
    Phillip Magna Bread baskets .07
    End of page $18.99
  • page 88
    Isaac Austin Horie? .26
    John Austin Dough Tray .06
    Phillip Magna small tray .02
    Jno Kessler foots Adz .60
    Phillip Magna Axe and braf? bit .03
    John Kessler hatchet .20
    James Thomas Axe .31
    Chr Kessler Bread .25
    Chr Kessler drawing knife .29
    A. Wright Harnesses .06
    Chr Kessler Augers .27
    John Kessler Lot of chisels .38
    John Hamilton Lot of chisels .52
    Jno Hamilton hand saw .30
    John Kessler Lot of augers .28
    James Thomas Augers .50
    John Kessler Harrow 1.20
    John Thomas cow bell .52
    Chr Kessler Sithe anville .23
    Chr Kessler one Peck .20
    James Thomas bucket .36
    Chr Kessler Lot of Iron .12
    John Kessler Lot of Iron .12
    James M. Feriell Lot of Iron .13
    John Thomas Cag .28?
    Philip Manga powder horn .06
    John Kessler 3 barrels .06
    Isaac Austin chest .25
    George Croft Cow and calf 15.00
    Elizabeth Thomas Cow 18.80
    John Hamilton 2 Hogs 3.80
    Jacob Soop one hog 3.??
    End of page $48.41
  • pg 89
    Chr Kessler 2 bolts .13
    Jno Hamilton set of plates .10
    John Hamilton set of cups and saucers .10
    James Thomas set of cups and saucers .15
    Richard Peacock 1 set plaits .10
    John Hamilton 1 set knives and forks .10
    William Dooley pitcher .12
    John Thomas set of plates .10
    John Thomas coffee mill .13
    A Wright coffee pot .13
    Elizabeth Thomas cannisters .08
    Philip Manga looking glass .08
    John Hamilton Quilt .63
    William Dooley Quilt .90
    A W Kessler Quilt 1.70
    John M Mading table cloth .13
    John Kessler table cloth .13
    John Hamilton table cloth .58
    John Hamilton tow lining .45
    John Hamilton set of chairs .25
    John Kessler folding leaf table 2.00
    John Thomas cupboard 1.75
    John Kessler chest .50
    John Hamilton 1 Bead 1.50
    11.60
    48.21
    18.99
  • Kept by the widow 1 Bead and one chest at the appraisement 11.50
    $89.40

Aft Botetourt Co ???? Court, 1850: This Sale Bill of the  personal property of John Kessler dec. was returned to court and ordered to be recorded. A copy Teste
Wm. Robinson D.C.

Name: George WASKEY
Birth: ca 1712 Kunewalde, Morvaia
Death: aft 1779 Philadelphia, PA
Occupation: Carpenter
Father: Unknown WASCHKE (1678-1722)
Mother: Anna UNKNOWN (ca1682-1752)

Misc. Notes

Original name was spelled Waschke. Sept 2005-The spelling of Waschke changed when the family learned to speak English. In the records of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frederick, Maryland there are three spellings Waschke, another, and Waskey. Notice that we still pronouce it as Wasch ke. This means that the sound is there even though it is not indicated in the current spelling of Was-key. To be spelled as we pronounce it our name would have to be spelled Wask-key. BTW in Moravia the name is known in both its German and Czech forms as Waschke and as Vas^ek– the ^ is a “hi-czech” and indicates in Czech that the s is a sh. So the name is Va shek. Which derives most likely from the Czech word for Vlad or Romanian.
Jack Waskey jwaskey@daltonstate.edu

Moravian immigration to the British Colonies of North America dates from the year 1735, when in March, the Ship “Two Brothers” , Capt. Thompson, landed at Savannah, GA. George Waschke was a passenger. On Feb 16 1736, the “Simonds”, Capt Frank Cornish, landed at Savannah the second colony: Anna Waschke and Juliana Jaeschke were passengers.

((In a message dated 3/30/06 4:48:57 PM, jwaskey@daltonstate.edu writes:
This ship experienced a great storm at sea. The eight Moravians in the company prayed calmly for deliverance for the ship and its passengers. Their prayers made a great impression on John Wesley who was also a passenger. He recorded the event in his diary. So you Methodist should sit up and take notice.

Rev. Jack Waskey, Pastor Morton Memorial PRESBYTERIAN Church))
The Morvians, who had been granted by the Goergia Trustees, in 1734, a tract of 50 acres near Savannah, and in 1735, two lots “in the new town”, began to clear the land and erect dwellings. The prospects of these small colonies, however received a sudden check in 1737, for when the Spaniards of Florida endevored to expel the English from Georiga, the latter called upon the Morvians to join in taking up arms against them. This they refused, having declared in London, “that they neither could nor would bear arms on any consideration”, and eventually those who had not returned to Europe were transferred to Germantown, Pennsylvania in the later part of Jan 1738, and the mission abandoned. The Georiga states were not sold until 1801.

Geri Ellerbrock states in an email May 2003- In 1762/63 his sons George (Jr.) and Christian Waskey were witness for a will of Rudman Robeson – City of Phila. Pa…City of philadelphia-Gentleman book M pg 474 will written 23 Dec 1762 proven 21 Feb 1763 witness: George and Christian Waskey and Nicholas Weber. So we know that in 1763 George ( Jr.) was in Phila. Pa. He is a Revolutionary War Patriot of PA and in 1779 he was still living in Germantown, PA, totally blind and some of his descendents have moved to Baltimore, MD.

George Waschke, his wife and mother arrived in PA from GA 1737

GEORGE WASCHKE, born in Kunewalde, Bohemia; a carpenter; was in Herrnhut in 1733; was reproved for his gay clothing (violette Kleidung) and Augustine Neisser was commended to him as a model for simple and honorable clothing; was one of the first group of ten to go to Georgia; his wife Juliana, nee Jaeschke, who arrived in Georgia February 23, 1736, married Waschke in Georgia, and his mother Anna followed in the second group. The three Waschkes left Georgia for Pennsylvania, probably for Germantown, in 1738. Juliana Waschke died in “the falls of the Schuylkill” in 1766 and was buried in “Levering’s graveyard”. In 1744 he and his five children were in Bethlehem, probably as visitors, for the Waeschkes never joined the Moravian Church in Pennsylvania. In 1779 George was living in Germantown, totally blind. Some of his descendants moved to Baltimore. The house in which George and his children stayed in Bethlehem is called the

Gemeinhaus (built in 1741). I think that translates as church-house. It’s a large cream-colored building with two flights of stairs. I’m pretty sure that there are signs telling about each building.

From the book “The Moravians in Georgia 1735-1740 by Adelaide L. Fries.”

There are several references to Waschke and Jaschke in this book including one on pg. 158 that says “It was a serious mistake that sent Juliana Jaschke to Savannah with the second company. A seamstress was badly needed, and she had been so minded she might have been very useful, but in a list giving very briefly the standing of each one in the ‘Society”, it is curtly stated that she was ill-mannered and obstructing everything.” Soon after her arrival it was suggested that she marry Peter Rose, but the lot forbade and he found a much better helpmeet in the window of Fredrich Riedel. Waschke thought he would like to marry Juliana, but she refused, even though Bishop Nitschmann, Mr and Mrs Toltschig pled with her. Her preference was for George Haverland, and the results was an uncomfortable state of affairs, which disturbed the leaders of the “Society” not a little, for living a they did as one large family it meant constant friction on all sides. They did not know whether to force Juliana to submit to their authority (as a member of the “Society she had pledged herself to obedience to the duly elected officers), or whether they should wait and hope for a better frame of mind. At last, they referred it to the lot which read “Juliana shall not marry anyone yet.” This settled the question for the time being but did not improve the spirits of the parties concerned.

pg 174—-
On the 10th of June the matrimonial troubles of George Waschke and Juliana Jaschke had been happily terminated by their marriage. Waschke had been one of the discontents ever since the arrival of the second company, but when his marriage was finally arranged, he professed himself contrite and promised all obedience to the rules of the “Society,” so long as he stayed in Savannah, though he retained his desire to leave as soon as possible. Juliana also had greatly improved in her behavior before the wedding. This wedding was the cause of a very interesting discussion among the Morvaians as to who should perform the ceremony. “In Afternoon the brethren met to decide who should be appointed to marry Waschke and Juliana.

pg. 188—-
“Gotthard Demuth and his wife, George Waschke, his wife and mother, Augustin Neisser, Gottlieb Demuth, and David Jag, those who remained giving them money and provisions for their journey to Pennsylvania. (It doesn’t say if they traveled by land or sea). Gotthard Demuth and his wife settled in Germantown (and yes, Germantown is a section of Philadelphia) later moving to Bethlehem and joining in the organization of that Congregation. In 1743 they were again living in Germantown, where Gotthard died the following year. Regina subsequently married David Tanneberger and moved once more to Bethlehem. Gottlieb Demuth lived at several places, but finally married, and settled in the Moravin Goshenhopper, and the Waschkes and Augustine Neisser who went to Germantown, never rejoined the Church.

TO AMERICA IN 1735
After an unsuccessful attempt to establish a Moravian settlement in Georgia (1735-1740), the Moravians settled in Pennsylvania on the estate of George Whitefield. Moravian settlers purchased 500 acres to establish the settlement of Bethlehem in 1741. Soon they bought the 5,000 acres of the Barony of Nazareth from Whitefield’s manager, and the two communities of Bethlehem and Nazareth became closely linked in their agricultural and industrial economy. Other settlement congregations were established in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. All were considered frontier centers for the spread of the gospel, particularly in mission to the American Indians.

Bishop Augustus Spangenberg led a party of men to survey a 100,000 acre tract of land in North Carolina, which came to be known as Wachau after an Austrian estate of Count Zinzendorf. The name, later anglicized to Wachovia, became the center of growth for the church in that region. Bethabara, Bethania and Salem (now Winston-Salem) were the first Moravian settlements in North Carolina.

Bethlehem in Pennsylvania and Winston-Salem in North Carolina became the headquarters of the two provinces (North and South), which developed as the Moravian Church in America became established as an autonomous church body after the Unity Synod of 1848. The church spread out from the geographical centers of Bethlehem and Winston-Salem, following German emigrants to the Midwest. At the end of the nineteenth century they responded to the spiritual needs of Moravian refugees of German ancestry who were fleeing to western Canada because of persecution in Eastern Europe. Such wide geographical spread caused the Northern Province to be divided into Eastern, Western and Canadian Districts”

Marriage: 10 Jun 1737 Savannah, Chatham Co., GA
Spouse: Juliana JASCHKE
Birth: 24 Apr 1716 Sehlen, Moravia/Germany
Death: 10 Feb 1766 Falls at Schuylkill, PA
Burial: Leverings Graveyard
Occupation: Seamstress
Father: Kristian JASCHKE (1686-1754)
Mother: Juliana UNKNOWN (1697-1732)

Children
1 M: Christian WASKEY
Birth: 28 Sep 1738 Old Germantown, (now part of Philadelphia), PA
Death: 1817 Harford Co., MD
Spouse: Unknown UNKNOWN

Spouse: Ann BIRKHEAD
2 M: George WASKEY Jr.
Birth: 6 Jan 1741 Old Germantown, (now part of Philadelphia), PA
Death: between1784/93 Rockbridge Co., VA

Spouse: Maria Margaretha HIME
3 F: Unknown WASKEY
Birth: 29 Jul 1742

Death: 9 Aug 1751/52
4 F: Magdalena WASKEY

Birth: 30 Oct 1743
5 M: Augustine WASKEY
Birth: 8 Dec 1746 Frederick, Frederick Co., MD
Death: 10 Dec 1832 Frederick Co., MD

Spouse: Catharina Salome SCHAU
6 F: Sophia WASKEY
Birth: Jan 1750

Death: 7 Aug 1752 Germantown, PA
7 M: Unknown WASKEY
Birth: 29 Jul 1751
Death: 8 Aug 1751

John is believed to have been a Founder. Located just north of Fincastle VA

The following structure is an excerpt from the Excel Family Database. The entires below include name, dates, and locations. The Excel Family Database also includes U.S. census entries for each person.

Excel Family Database
1.3.2 Johannes ‘John’ Kessler (Kesler b: 24 May 1772-1 Feb 1850 Botetourt County, Va.)
1.3.2a Nancy Waskey m:8 Mar 1794 (1779-1852 Botetourt County, Va.)
|1.3.2.1 Mary Polly Kesler Ray (Dec 1787 – d: May 1888 Adair County, Missouri)
|1.3.2.1a Barton Ray Sr. m:24 Oct 1816 (1791-1843 Iowa)
| 1.3.2.1.1 Barton Ray Jr. (Abt. 1815, Virginia-1880 Russell County, Va.)
|    1.3.2.1.1a Rebecca Margarette Fogelman Ray (Abt 1820 Virginia-3 Feb 1894 Russell County, Va)
|  1.3.2.1.1.1 Mary Elizabeth Ray Lowry (Oct 1843 Russell County, Virginia-1 Jun 1912)
|  1.3.2.1.1.2 Simon Peter Ray (Mar 1845 Russell County, Virginia-17 Dec 1913 Russell County, Va)
|  1.3.2.1.1.3 William Reed Ray (10 Mar 1847 Virginia-12 Dec 1920 Mercer County, Kentucky)
|  1.3.2.1.1.4 Barbara Ray (Abt 1848 Virginia-1860)
|  1.3.2.1.1.5 Charles Wesley Ray (Abt 1851 Virginia-18 Nov 1912 Russell County, Va)
|  1.3.2.1.1.6 David M Ray (Abt 1854 Virginia-8 Dec 1867 Russell County, Va)
|  1.3.2.1.1.7 Lucinda Emeline ‘Emma’ Ray (Abt 1856 Virginia-Abt 1920)
|  1.3.2.1.1.8 Sarah Evangeline Ray (Apr 1858 Virginia-19 Jun 1922 Russell County, Va)
|  1.3.2.1.1.9 Nancy Jane Ray Fogelman (Abt 1860 Virginia-bef. 1908 Russell County, Va)
|  1.3.2.1.1.10 Sabrina C. ‘Brinny’ Ray Blackwell (Sep 1865 Virginia-2 Jun 1944 Russell County, Va)
|  1.3.2.1.1.11 Cynthia Ann Ray Jordan (May 1865 Virginia-24 Oct 1931 Russell County, Va)
| 1.3.2.1.2 Reason Lloyd Ray (9 May 1817-1 Jan 1881 Missouri)
|    1.3.2.1.2a Mary Ann Gundy (9 May 1817-1 Jan 1881 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.2.1 Thomas Barton Ray (7 Jun 1855 Missouri-25 Jun 1938 Montana)
|     1.3.2.1.2.1a Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Talbot Ray (Dec 1852 Missouri-18 Jan 1928 Montana)
|   1.3.2.1.2.1.1 Clarence C. Ray (16 Nov 1878 Missouri-6 Nov 1956 Spokane, WA)
|      1.3.2.1.2.1.1a Bertha Ollie Truitt Ray (30 Jan 1882 Missouri-12 Jun 1967 Spokane, WA)
|    1.3.2.1.2.1.1.1 Icyl Marion Ray (29 Jan 1905 Missouri-19 Feb 1905 Missouri)
|    1.3.2.1.2.1.1.2 Gerald Elvin Ray (13 Aug 1909 Washington-3 Jan 1979 Spokane, WA)
|    1.3.2.1.2.1.1.3 Clarence Mellor Ray (1 Jun 1922 Montana-14 Feb 1922 Montana)
|   1.3.2.1.2.1.2 Hugh Louis ‘Louie’ B Ray (14 Jul 1883 Missouri-21 Jan 1941 Montana)
|      1.3.2.1.2.1.2a Margaret ‘Maggie’ Caroline Darr Ray (10 Aug 1883 Missouri-18 Apr 1948, Billings, MT)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.2.1 Cleo Elizabeth Ray Hetrick (15 Apr 1906 Missouri-9 Mar 1953 San Diego, CA?)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.2.2 Henry ‘Harry’ E Ray (25 Aug 1907 Missouri-24 Mar 1982 Idaho)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.2.3 Ethel Marie Ray Bender (13 Apr 1909 Missouri-18 Mar 1969 Yellowstone County, MT)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.2.5 Daska Louise Ray Murphy (6 Jul 1911 Missouri-4 Dec 1980)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.2.4 Thomas ‘Tomie’ James Ray (9 Jul 1915 Missouri-7 Jan 1987 Montana)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.2.6 George W Ray (12 Oct 1916 Missouri-18 Oct 1972 Washington)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.2.7 Hugh Louis ‘Buster’ Ray Jr (30 Jan 1920 Missouri-15 Oct 1978)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.2.8 Glenn R Ray (12 Feb 1924 Missouri-24 Mar 1989 Montana)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.2.9 Hazel M Ray Thomas (23 Feb 1929 Missouri-24 Jun 2017 Montana)
|   1.3.2.1.2.1.3 Riley Ray (19 Jun 1885 Missouri-3 Nov 1941 Montana)
|      1.3.2.1.2.1.3a Sarah ‘Sadie’ Botchelett Ray m: 3 Jul 1918 Montana (20 Apr 1892 Missouri-20 Dec 1970 Montana)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.3.1 Alice Ruth Ray Dawson (1 Nov 1924 Montana-2 Mar 2014 Montana)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.3.2 Ruby Mae Ray Stephenson (26 Oct 1928 Montana-17 Dec 2003 Montana)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.3.3 James Rex Ray (11 Apr 1930 Montana-26 Feb 2021 Montana)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.1.3.4 Ross Riley Ray (20 Aug 1931 Montana-5 May 1994 Montana)
|  1.3.2.1.2.2 Jacob M. Ray (25 Oct. 1857 Missouri-16 May 1909 Missouri)
|     1.3.2.1.2.2a Maria Talbot Ray (Nov 1857 Missouri-25 Oct 1939 Missouri)
|   1.3.2.1.2.2.1 Jason Albert Ray (28 Jun 1877 Missouri-4 Jan 1941, Iowa)
|      1.3.2.1.2.2.1a Eva R Walters Ray (Aug 1879 Missouri-2 Mar 1917 Missouri)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.2.1.1 Cerillo ‘Clio’ Albia Ray Spurling (21 Jan 1899 Missouri-23 Sep 1965 Missouri)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.2.1.2 Glen Ray (6 Apr 1904 Missouri-2 Jul 1980 Iowa)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.2.1.3 Albert Luther Ray (21 Jun 1906 Missouri-29 Jun 1962 Arizona)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.2.1.4 Ruby Ray Albright (28 Jul 1909 Missouri-28 Oct 1987 Iowa)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.2.1.5 Hazel Ray Fillman (13 Dec 1912 Missouri-22 Dec 1933 Missouri)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.2.1.6 Cecilia Juanita Ray Kingman (23 Mar 1914 Missouri-1 Dec 1964 Iowa)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.2.1.7 Clyde Raymond Ray (13 Jan 1917 Missouri-18 Aug 1989 Iowa)
|   1.3.2.1.2.2.2 George Thomas Ray (21 Dec 1879 Missouri-13 Sep 1950 Oregon)
|   1.3.2.1.2.2.3 Floyd Ray (Mar 1886 Missouri-Dec 1967 Washington)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.2.3.2 Jakey A. Ray (16 Sep 1915 Montana-17 Apr 1963 Seattle, Washington)
|   |1.3.2.1.2.2.3.4 Max F. Ray (8 Apr 1923 Montana-10 Sep 1993) Regular Army,
|  1.3.2.1.2.3 Sarah Ann Ray Lagrand (Abt. 1860-1924)
| 1.3.2.1.3 John Kessler Ray (15 Aug 1819 Mercer Ky-26 Jul 1884 Missouri)
|    1.3.2.1.3a Sarah ‘Sally’ Ann Rodgers Married: 6 Jan 1845 (23 Jan 1823 Mercer Ky-18 May 1889 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.3.1 James H. Ray (26 Sep 1845 Iowa-16 Dec 1864 Tennessee)
|  1.3.2.1.3.2 Polly Ann Ray Hardman (7 Mar 1847 Indiana-16 Jan 1934 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.3.3 Elizabeth Ray Potts (19 Feb 1849 Indiana-12 Mar 1925 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.3.4 Charlotte Ray Jones (19 Mar 1851 Missouri-3 Apr 1891 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.3.5 Sarah Ann Ray Moore (11 Jun 1852 Missouri-20 Oct 1920 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.3.6 John Henry Ray (13 Nov 1855 Missouri-26 Mar 1917 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.3.7 Almira Ray (28 Mar 1858 Missouri-26 Aug 1870 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.3.8 William R. Ray (19 Aug 1860 Missouri-13 May 1935 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.3.9 Loretta Jane Ray Curtis (25 Aug 1862 Missouri-29 Oct 1886 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.3.10 Miranda Ellen Ray Rodgers (25 Oct 1864 Missouri-1 Jun 1947 Missouri)
| 1.3.2.1.4 William Reed Ray (18 Mar 1826 Mercer Ky-26 Aug 1899 Missouri)
|    1.3.2.1.4a Hannah Phillips Ray (20 Jul 1827 Ohio-3 Apr 1915)
|  1.3.2.1.4.1 William Ray Jr. (26 Mar 1844 Iowa-16 Dec 1865 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.4.2 Sarah E. Ray (Abt 1849 Iowa-Bef. 1860 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.4.3 Reason W Ray (28 Nov 1851 Missouri-2 Oct 1926)
|     1.3.2.1.4.3a Melvina Alice Campbell Ray (10 May 1852 Missouri-17 Apr 1891)
|   1.3.2.1.4.3.1 Nancy Adelia ‘Delia’ Ray Walters (Abt. 1877 Missouri-31 Jul 1912 Missouri)
|   1.3.2.1.4.3.2 James N. ‘Jim’ Ray (Oct 1879 Missouri-1977 Iowa)
|   1.3.2.1.4.3.3 Jane Alice “Allie’ Ray Miller Crocker (3 Dec 1884 Missouri-30 Dec 1973 California)
|   1.3.2.1.4.3.4 Bertha Ray Campbell Berberich (Dec 1887 Missouri-11 Jan 1958 Oregon)
|  1.3.2.1.4.4 Mary Jane Ray (7 Jan 1854 Missouri-5 Jun 1942 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.4.5 Asa Wilson Ray (18 Aug 1856 Missouri-17 Jul 1942 Missouri)
|     1.3.2.1.4.5a Mary Ellen Waymack Ray (Abt 1861 Missouri-unknown)
|   1.3.2.1.4.5.1 Jesse Frederick Ray (Oct 1879 Missouri-1961 Missouri)
|   1.3.2.1.4.5.2 William Harvey ‘Willie’ Ray (Dec 1881 Missouri-1956 Missouri)
|   1.3.2.1.4.5.3 Calva Demont Ray (1883 Missouri-1957 Missouri)
|   1.3.2.1.4.5.4 Cleve Dean ‘Clevy’ Ray (Mar 1886 Missouri-1958 Missouri)
|   1.3.2.1.4.5.5 Myrtle Lee Ray DIckenson (May 1888 Missouri-1966 Missouri)
|   1.3.2.1.4.5.6 Roy Milton Ray (1891 Missouri-1961 Missouri)
|   1.3.2.1.4.5.7 Opal WIllard Ray (1894 Missouri-1971 Missouri)
|   |1.3.2.1.4.5.7.2 Howard Allen Ray (7 Jan 1916 Missouri-27 Jan 1964)
|   |1.3.2.1.4.5.7.3 Jessie Forrest Opal Ray (16 Sep 1918 Missouri-30 Mar 2001)
|   1.3.2.1.4.5.8 Goldie Marie Ray Snyder (1898 Missouri-1978 Missouri)
|   1.3.2.1.4.5.9 Hazel Louise Ray Downen (b:7 Dec 1907 Missouri-11 May 1966 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.4.6 James Barton Ray (17 Feb 1858 Missouri-18 Jan 1944 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.4.7 Amanda Ellen Ray Stoneking (20 Jul 1865 Missouri-22 Feb 1942 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.4.8 Melissa Ray Dupree (17 Dec 1867 Missouri-26 Oct 1955 Missouri)
|  1.3.2.1.4.9 Laura Lynn Ray Goodman Hedrick (28 Jan 1869 Missouri-16 Jul 1933 Missouri)
|1.3.2.2 Samuel Kesler (8 Sep 1795 Frederick, Md-11 Dec 1856 Botetourt County, Va.)
|1.3.2.2a Nancy Beane Kesler 22 Apr 1822 (1806-12 Jun 1887 Botetourt County, Va)
| 1.3.2.2.1 Dianna Kesler Lemon (21 Sep 1823 Botetourt County, Va.-31 Mar 1891 Botetourt, Va.)
| 1.3.2.2.2 Margaret Kesler Lemon (3 Jun 1825 Botetourt County, Va.-17 Oct 1910 Va.)
| 1.3.2.2.3 Mary Jane Kesler Hoylman (Abt 1826 Botetourt County, Va.-Aft 1880)
| 1.3.2.2.4 John Daniel ‘J.D.’ Kesler (5 Sep 1828 Botetourt County, Va.-25 Apr 1897 San Jose, Ca)
|    1.3.2.2.4a Margaret Phillips Kesler m:14 Aug 1856 Iowa (Mar 1830 Michigan-28 Dec 1906 Santa Clara, Ca)
|  1.3.2.2.4.1 Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Kesler Miller (Abt 1859 Iowa-2 Apr 1944 California)
|  1.3.2.2.4.2 John Young Kesler (Oct 1864 Iowa-3 May 1933 Spokane Wa)
|     1.3.2.2.4.2a Alice Amanda Wharton Kesler m:8 Dec 1886 (6 Mar 1867 Iowa-20 Jan 1945 Seattle Wa)
|   1.3.2.2.4.2.1 Edith L Kesler Farrington (7 Oct 1887 Iowa-1957 Spokane Wa)
|   1.3.2.2.4.2.2 Edna M Kesler Royer (10 Jan 1889 Iowa-11 Nov 1962 Spokane Wa)
|      1.3.2.2.4.2.2a R G Royer (8 Apr 1890 d: 4 Dec 1966 Spokane Wa)
|   1.3.2.2.4.2.3 Charles Marcellus Kesler (27 Nov 1892 Iowa-28 Oct 1958 San Francisco, Ca)
|      1.3.2.2.4.2.3a Ruth Charlotte Ceder Kesler (11 Aug 1893-22 Nov 1956 Hollywood, Ca)
|   |1.3.2.2.4.2.3.1 Virginia Marcelline Kesler West (18 May 1918-15 Jan 2008 Hampton, Va)
|   |1.3.2.2.4.2.3.2 William Wharton Kesler (17 Dec 1920-1 Sep 2008 Fresno, Ca)
|   |1.3.2.2.4.2.3.3 James Jensen Kesler (29 May 1927-22 Sep 2012 Oregon)
|   1.3.2.2.4.2.4 Lawrence Everett Kesler (12 May 1897 Iowa-24 Dec 1968 Riverside Ca)
|      1.3.2.2.4.2.4a Sybil Spencer Kesler m: 6 Jan 1923 Spokane (25 Dec 1894 Wa-9 Nov 1962 California)
|   |1.3.2.2.4.2.4.1 Robert Lawrence Kesler (8 Oct 1924-5 Jan 1968 California)
|   |1.3.2.2.4.2.4.2 Kathryn Alice Kesler (11 Jan 1933 Ca-living)
|   1.3.2.2.4.2.5 Marjorie Lucile Kesler Howard (28 Feb 1899-22 Jan 1996 Spokane Wa)
|   1.3.2.2.4.2.6 Genevieve Elma Kesler Heald (8 Nov 1900 Iowa-15 Apr 1955 Seattle Wa)
|      1.3.2.2.4.2.6a  Clifton Merrill Heald (12 May 1900-3 Feb 1963)
|  1.3.2.2.4.3 Nora Kesler Moore (Abt 1867 Iowa-1 Sep 1895)
|     1.3.2.2.4.3a George W. Moore m:6 Nov 1889 (8 Sep 1868-13 Jun 1899)
|   1.3.2.2.4.3.1 Hazel Dell Moore (Nov 1891 Santa Clara, Ca-31 Aug 1919 Santa Clara Ca)
|   1.3.2.2.4.3.2 Alta Ruth Moore Baker (28 Feb 1895 Santa Clara, Ca-17 Apr 1976 Santa Cruz, Ca)
|      1.3.2.2.4.3.2a Edward Melvin ‘Eddie’ Baker (1 Jul 1892-Apr 1981)
|  1.3.2.2.4.4 Lena ‘Linnie’ T Kesler (Jun 1875 Iowa-12 Oct 1926 Santa Clara, Ca)
| 1.3.2.2.5 William Kesler (9 Nov 1829 Botetourt County, Va.-13 Jan 1918 Champaign, Ohio)
|    1.3.2.2.5a Christiana ‘Christine’ Nancy Nofsinger Kesler (21 Jan 1837 Botetourt County, Va.-18 May 1892 Ohio)
|  1.3.2.2.5.1 May T. Kesler (16 Jan 1856 Botetourt County, Va.-25 Nov 1862)
|  1.3.2.2.5.2 Emma Frances Kesler Fisher (4 May 1857 Botetourt County, Va.-5 Oct 1929 Champaign County, Oh)
|     1.3.2.2.5.2a Noah F Fisher (Jul 1851 Botetourt County, Va.-Jul 1930 Ohio)
|   1.3.2.2.5.2.1 Bertha M Fisher McKinley (1 May 1875 Champaign, Ohio, Va.-28 Jul 1931)
|   1.3.2.2.5.2.2 Martha ‘Mattie’ Fisher Pence (28 Oct 1876 Champaign, Ohio, Va.-1954 Champaign, OH)
|   1.3.2.2.5.2.3 William Franklin Fisher (30 Oct 1878 Champaign, Ohio, Va.-3 Oct 1963 Champaign, Oh)
|      1.3.2.2.5.2.3a Mae Spain Fisher (Oct 1881 Champaign, Ohio, Va.-17 Mar 1966 Ohio)
|  1.3.2.2.5.3 Thomas Judson Kesler (11 Nov 1859 Botetourt County, Va.-13 Jun 1913 Champaign OH)
|     1.3.2.2.5.3a Melinda ‘May’ Morrow Kesler (7 Nov 1869-31 Oct 1955 Champaign Oh)
|   1.3.2.2.5.3.1 Wesley Kesler (Nov 1895-6 Apr 1910 Champaign, Oh)
|   1.3.2.2.5.3.2 Marie Kesler Mast (10 Jun 1898-May 13, 1962 Columbus, Oh)
|   1.3.2.2.5.3.3 Eula Kesler (12 Apr 1901-29 Apr 1909 Champaign Oh)
|   1.3.2.2.5.3.4 Harold Kesler (8 Aug 1904-7 Dec 1961 Champaign, Oh)
|   1.3.2.2.5.3.5 Alice Ruth Kesler Lantz (25 Feb 1912-8 Jun 1998 Champaign, Oh)
|      1.3.2.2.5.3.5a Walter Lantz (4 Nov 1910-9 Jun 1980 Champaign, Oh)
|  1.3.2.2.5.4 Sarah Nancy ‘Sally’ Kesler Hardesty (18 May 1861 Botetourt County, Va.-18 May 1935 Shelby County, Oh)
|     1.3.2.2.5.4a John Charles ‘Charlie’ Hardesty (17 Jun 1864 Shelby, Ohio-8 May 1936 Shelby County, Oh)
|  1.3.2.2.5.5 Josephine ‘Joanna’ Kesler (Abt 1863 Botetourt County, Va.-Bef 1900)
|  1.3.2.2.5.6 Georgiana ‘Georgie’ N Kesler Hough (16 Apr 1865 Botetourt County, Va.-1 Sep 1943 Logan County, Ohio)
|     1.3.2.2.5.6a William N. Hough (5 Feb 1866-21 Nov 1949 Logan, Ohio)
|   1.3.2.2.5.6.1 Oren Carl Hough (20 Aug 1890-28 Nov 1970 Ohio)
| 1.3.2.2.6 Hezekiah Kesler (28 Aug 1838 Botetourt County, Va.-21 Jul 1907 Shelby County, Ohio)
|    1.3.2.2.6a Jane Emmaline Toomire Kesler (1840-13 Apr 1891)
| 1.3.2.2.7 Isabel Kesler Bean (17 Nov 1843 Botetourt County, Va.-30 Jul 1926 Logan County, Ohio)
|    1.3.2.2.7a William Madison Bean m: 6 Apr 1862 (2 Feb 1837 Botetourt County, Va.-21 Oct 1923 Logan County, Ohio)
|  1.3.2.2.7.1 Rosa Viola Bean Stayrook (26 Dec 1868 Champaign County, Ohio-11 Oct 1947 Columbus, Ohio)
|  1.3.2.2.7.2 Ira Edgar Bean (13 Nov 1872 Missouri-30 Sep 1947 Dayton, Ohio)
|     1.3.2.2.7.2a Catherine C ‘Kate’ Miller Bean (27 Jul 1872 Ohio-25 Jun 1945 Logan, Ohio)
|   1.3.2.2.7.2.1 Noble Chauncey Bean (6 Mar 1894 Ohio-28 Mar 1959 Champaign, Ohio)
|   1.3.2.2.7.2.2 Gladys Lucille Bean Journell (Aug 1898 Ohio-13 Jan 1979 Champaign, Oh)
|   1.3.2.2.7.2.3 Opal Bean Strayer (10 Mar 1904 Ohio-4 Jan 1994 Logan, Oh)
|   1.3.2.2.7.2.4 William James Bean (10 Apr 1907 Ohio-16 Jul 1972 Clark, Oh)
|1.3.2.3 Christopher Lee Kesler (28 Aug 1802 Frederick, Md-13 Feb 1869 Botetourt, Va.)
|1.3.2.3a Sarah Greenwood Butt 14 Oct 1824 (28 Dec 1807-25 Apr 1852 Botetourt County, Va)
| 1.3.2.3.1 Rebecca Jane Kesler Mays (16 Mar 1826 Botetourt County, Va.-Dec 1860 West Va.)
|  1.3.2.3.2.1 Jubal Hiram Mays (14 Oct 1843 Botetourt County, Va.-24 Nov 1864 Prisoner of War Camp, SC)
| 1.3.2.3.2 Archibald Washington Kessler (28 Dec 1828 Botetourt County, Va.-19 Jul 1898 West Va.)
|    1.3.2.3.2a Mary Catherine ‘Kate’ Peck Kessler m: 5 Sep 1853 (9 Feb 1834 Botetourt County, Va.-9 Apr 1917 WV)
|  1.3.2.3.2.1 Sarah Ann ‘Sally’ Kessler Martin (18 Jun 1854 Botetourt County, Va.-26 Mar 1941 WV)
|  1.3.2.3.2.2 Grace Rosenberg Kessler Gray Keeney Bogges (4 Nov 1857 Botetourt County, Va.-11 Feb 1935 Greenbrier, WV)
|  1.3.2.3.2.3 Martin Christopher Kessler MD (22 Sep 1860 Botetourt County, Va.-21 Apr 1927 Pineville, Wyoming County, WV)
|     1.3.2.3.2.3a Lucy Richmond Boggs Kessler Hanson (31 Dec 1872 WV-2 Dec 1956 Lewis WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.3.1 Otto Edison Kessler (25 Mar 1895 WV-26 Feb 1965 Ca)
|   1.3.2.3.2.3.2 Catherine Irene Kessler Smith Sargent Dupille (26 Oct 1896 WV-25 Oct 1992 Huntingdon Pa)
|   1.3.2.3.2.3.3 Warren Washington Kessler (22 Feb 1899 WV-2 Nov 1970 Oswego NY)
|   1.3.2.3.2.3.4 Martin Orr Kesler (4 Mar 1900 WV-1972 NY)
|   1.3.2.3.2.3.5 Mary Louise Kessler Blumberg McNelly Loebe (22 Sep 1903 WV-2 Apr 1989 West Chester Pa)
|   1.3.2.3.2.3.6 Martha Margaret Kessler (3 Mar 1905 WV-1906 Greenbrier, WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.3.7 Betty Agnes Electra Kessler Garner (5 Mar 1909 WV-5 Jan 1956 Key West, FL)
|  1.3.2.3.2.4 Benjamin Lee Kesler (6 Dec 1861 Botetourt County, Va.-26 Jun 1923 Nicholas County, WV)
|     1.3.2.3.2.4a Mary Alice Burns Kessler m: 28 May 1896 (Aug 1862 WV-23 Aug 1933 Nicholas County, WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.4.1 Margaret Susan ‘Maggie’ Kessler Crist (Aug 1897 WV-19 Apr 1942 Nicholas, WV)
|  1.3.2.3.2.5 Daniel Peck Kessler MD (25 Nov 1863 West Virginia, Va.-26 Jun 1945 Lewis County, WV)
|     1.3.2.3.2.5a Lenora Agnes ‘Aggie’ Hill Kessler (18 Nov 1868 West Virginia, Va.-16 Jan 1949 Lewis, WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.5.1 Ada Hill Kessler Gardner (2 Aug 1894 West Virginia, Va.-17 Dec 1982 Elkins, WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.5.2 Anna Mary Kessler Gawthrop (27 Sep 1896 West Virginia, Va.-26 Mar 1988 Braxton, WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.5.3 Clyde Daniel Kessler (1 Dec 1897 West Virginia, Va.-30 Dec 1976)
|   1.3.2.3.2.5.4 Grace Huffman Kessler Adler King (29 Nov 1900 West Virginia, Va.-22 Sep 1974)
|   1.3.2.3.2.5.5 Irene Kessler (1903 West Virginia, Va.-1903)
|   1.3.2.3.2.5.6 John Kent Kessler (23 Oct 1909 West Virginia, Va.-2 Nov 1997 Ft. Myers, FL)
|  1.3.2.3.2.6 Mary Catherine ‘Kate’ Kessler Mansfield McClung (Abt 1865 West Virginia-7 May 1933 Nicholas County, WV)
|  1.3.2.3.2.7 Archibald Kenton Kessler MD (18 Nov 1866 West Virginia-12 Apr 1944 WV)
|     1.3.2.3.2.7a Henrietta ‘Nettie’ Price Kessler (8 Jun 1871-9 Aug 1922 Greenbrier County, WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.7.1 Noca Kessler Marple (Sep 1894-20 Aug 1918 WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.7.2 Archibald Donald Kessler M.D. (2 Sep 1897-26 Jun 1946 WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.7.3 Margaret ‘Margie’ Kessler Hoyt (15 Aug 1900-Jul 1983 WV)
|  1.3.2.3.2.8 Alexander Kessler (8 Jul 1870 West Virginia-6 Aug 1871 Greenbriar WV)
|  1.3.2.3.2.9 James Edward Kessler (31 Mar 1872 West Virginia-17 Jun 1941 Raleigh WV)
|     1.3.2.3.2.9a Helen Eugenia Mansfield Kessler (Nov 1871 West Virginia-3 Mar 1914 WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.9.1 Leffel Anderson Kessler (Sep 1896 West Virginia-7 Nov 1918 Cabell WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.9.2 Herschel Sonier Kessler (Apr 1898 West Virginia-23 Nov 1957 Glen Burnie, MD)
|   1.3.2.3.2.9.3 Joseph Claudius Kessler (Jun 1900 West Virginia-6 Jan 1955 Nicholas, WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.9.4 Edith Bierne Kessler Spencer (4 Oct 1902 West Virginia-30 Jan 1985 Nicholas, WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.9.5 Hazel Agnes Kessler Anderson (22 Mar 1906 West Virginia-11 Jun 1987 Charleston, WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.9.6 Maude McClung Kessler (19 Jul 1911 West Virginia-19 Dec 1928 WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.9.7 James Peck Kessler (12 Oct 1913 West Virginia-14 Oct 1982)
|     1.3.2.3.2.9b Grace May Crites Kessler (8 Oct 1891 West Virginia-Feb 1986 WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.9.8 Edward McKay ‘Billy’ Kessler (8 Jan 1923 West Virginia-23 Mar 1962 Niagra Falls, NY)
|  1.3.2.3.2.10 Joseph Crane Kessler MD (11 Sep 1874 West Virginia-28 Oct 1941 Cabell County, WV)
|     1.3.2.3.2.10a Delora Bell Kagy Kessler (6 Apr 1875 West Virginia-19 Dec 1970 WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.10.1 Thelma Ruth Kessler (30 Jun 1904 West Virginia-20 Jan 2003 Cabell County, WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.10.2 Arthur Kagy Kessler (21 Jul 1905 West Virginia-28 Jun 1906 WV)
|   1.3.2.3.2.10.3 Terzah Elizabeth Kessler (4 Jul 1909 West Virginia-12 Jan 1993 Mason, WV)
| 1.3.2.3.3 Richard Butt Kessler (8 Nov 1830 Botetourt County, Va.-8 Feb 1834)
| 1.3.2.3.4 Elizabeth A. Kessler (25 Sep 1831 Botetourt County, Va.-1896 Beaver Falls, WV)
| 1.3.2.3.5 John Wesley Kessler (6 May 1833 Botetourt County, Va.-25 Feb 1834)
|1.3.2.4 Margaret Agnes Kessler Hamilton (1803 Botetourt County, Va – d: 31 May 1861 Botetourt County, Va.)
|1.3.2.4a John Henry William Hamilton 16 Oct 1828 (24 Jan 1809-14 Aug 1876 Champaign, Oh)
| 1.3.2.4.1 Absalom Dempsey Hamilton (1828 Botetourt County, Va.-5 Oct 1864 Camp Chase, Ohio)
|    1.3.2.4.1a Mary C. Falls Hamilton m:10 Jan 1856 (15 Jan 1837 Botetourt, Va.-18 Feb 1917 Texas)
|  1.3.2.4.1.1 John Thomas Hamilton (9 Nov 1856 Botetourt, VA-2 Jul 1933 Roanoke, Va)
|     1.3.2.4.1.1a Laura Elizabeth Hamilton (19 Nov 1863 Botetourt, VA-16 Aug 1927 Roanoke, Va)
|   1.3.2.4.1.1.1 Daisy Lee Hamilton Frier (20 Dec 1884 Botetourt, VA-26 Dec 1974 Roanoke, Va)
|   1.3.2.4.1.1.2 Henry Clay Hamilton (20 Dec 1884 Botetourt, VA-6 Nov 1925 Roanoke, Va)
|   1.3.2.4.1.1.3 David Oscar Hamilton (28 Nov 1886 Botetourt, VA-3 Jun 1925 Va)
|   1.3.2.4.1.1.4 Nannie Mae Hamilton Wertz (13 Aug 1896 Botetourt, VA-10 Mar 1976 Salem, Va)
|   1.3.2.4.1.1.5 John Carlile Hamilton (15 Sep 1900 Botetourt, VA-18 Apr 1980 Salem, Va)
|  1.3.2.4.1.2 William T. Hamilton (4 Apr 1859 Botetourt-17 Apr 1910 Fannin County, TX)
|     1.3.2.4.1.2a Mary Jane Lockard Hamilton m: 21 Dec 1881 (16 Oct 1855 Botetourt-29 Aug 1929 Fannin County, TX)
|   1.3.2.4.1.2.1 Bettie Blanche Hamilton Ferguson (21 Oct 1886 Grayson County TX-1 Aug 1967 Fannin County, TX)
|   1.3.2.4.1.2.2 James Andrew Hamilton (30 Oct 1888 Grayson County TX-26 Nov 1963, Oklahoma City, OK)
|   1.3.2.4.1.2.3 Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Hamilton Cooper (1 Oct 1891 Grayson County TX-16 Oct 1969 Fannin County, TX)
|  1.3.2.4.1.3 Mary Theodocia ‘Docia’ Hamilton Neff (12 Jul 1862 Botetourt, Va-10 Jul 1936 Denton County, Tx)
|     1.3.2.4.1.3a Andrew Patterson Neff m: 1884 (10 Dec 1852 Botetourt, Va-24 Mar 1932 Denton County, Tx)
|   1.3.2.4.1.3.1 Roy Neff (27 Feb 1884 Tx-26 May 1908 Denton County, Tx)
|   1.3.2.4.1.3.2 Alice Mary Neff Riley (15 Jun 1886 Tx-28 Oct 1976 Denton County, Tx)
|   1.3.2.4.1.3.3 Olivia ‘Olive’ Neff Cox m:21 Apr 1923 (10 Dec 1888 Tx-9 Jan 1974 Tarrant, Tx)
|   1.3.2.4.1.3.4 Frederick Lee ‘Fred’ Neff (27 Sep 1897 Tx-11 Dec 1951 Denton County, Tx)
| 1.3.2.4.2 Nancy R. Hamilton (25 Jul 1832 Botetourt County, Va.-5 Mar 1895 Salem City, Va)
|    1.3.2.4.2a David Sheppard Hamilton m:20 Mar 1856 (May 1834 Botetourt County, Va.-1901)
|  1.3.2.4.2.1 Laura Elizabeth M. Hamilton (19 Nov 1863 Botetourt Va.-16 Aug 1927 Roanoke, Va)
|    1.3.2.4.2b Lydia Ann Sloan Kesler Hamilton (married David Hamilton b: 9 Nov 1867 Botetourt County, Va.-25 Dec 1963 Roanoke, Va)
|  1.3.2.4.2b.1 Lara Frances Kesler Blackwell (stepdaughter b: 11 Apr 1885 Botetourt County, Va.-19 Feb 1978 Roanoke, Va)
|  1.3.2.4.2b.2 Rev. Joseph ‘Josiah’ Daniel Kesler (stepson b: 20 Oct 1886 Botetourt County, Va.-24 Jun 1963 Martinsville, Va)
|  1.3.2.4.2b.3 Annie Rhuhomer Kesler Stinnett Shropshire (stepdaughter b: 11 Mar 1888 Botetourt County, Va.-17 Apr 1967 Roanoke, Va)
| 1.3.2.4.3 John Hamilton (1838 Botetourt County, Va.-25 Dec 1864 Camp Chase, Franklin County, OH)
| 1.3.2.4.4 George Washington Hamilton (6 May 1842 Botetourt County, Va.-25 Sep 1911 Champaign, OH)
| 1.3.2.4.5 Robert Lewis Hamilton (10 Dec 1846 Botetourt County, Va.-13 Oct 1916 Rockbridge, Va)
| 1.3.2.4.6 Madison Hamilton (1845 Botetourt County, Va.-14 Dec 1864 Virginia)
|1.3.2.5 Johannes ‘John’ Phillip Kessler Jr. (1804 Salt Lick, Pa-1871 Botetourt County, Va.)
|1.3.2.5a Susannah ‘Susan’ McCray 8 Sep 1825 (5 Mar 1810-2 Jun 1871 Botetourt County, Va)
| 1.3.2.5.1 Mary Elizabeth Kessler Thomas (1829-Jan 1909 Botetourt County, Va.)
|    1.3.2.5.1a Nathaniel Grigsby Thomas (1827, Virginia-26 Mar 1865)
| 1.3.2.5.2 George W. Kesler (1830-Apr 1862 Botetourt County, Va.)
|    1.3.2.5.2a Martha Ann ‘Patsy’ Simmons Kesler m:27 Mar 1855 (2 Jun 1835-10 Jun 1911 Botetourt County, Va.)
|  1.3.2.5.2.1 Mary Elizabeth Kesler Campbell (1 Nov 1857-11 Jan 1930 Fincastle, Botetourt, Va)
|  1.3.2.5.2.2 Jonathan Kesler (21 Jan 1861-24 Apr 1945 Botetourt, Va)
| 1.3.2.5.3 James H. Kesler (28 Jan 1832-17 May 1903 Roanoke, Va.)
|    1.3.2.5.3a Hester ‘Hettie’ Frances Haslip Kesler m:17 Dec 1857 (20 Sep 1834-6 Dec 1881)
|  1.3.2.5.3.1 James William Kesler (1 Dec 1861-24 Aug 1933 Rockbridge, Va)
|     1.3.2.5.3.1a Delila Ann Kelly Kessler (29 Aug 1857-2 May 1941 Lexington, Va)
|   1.3.2.5.3.1.1 Hettie Lee ‘Lelia’ Kessler Bogar (14 Jan 1884-17 Oct 1969 Lexinton, Va)
|   1.3.2.5.3.1.2 Lula Bell Kesler Bowlin (19 Aug 1887-29 May 1973 Portsmouth, Va)
|   1.3.2.5.3.1.3 Nancy Anne Kesler Woodward (28 Mar 1890-13 Aug 1937 Rockbridge, Va)
|   1.3.2.5.3.1.4 Hubert Alexander Kesler (30 Aug 1893-26 Mar 1972 Richmond, Va)
|      1.3.2.5.3.1.4a Mary Susan Irvine Kesler (7 Apr 1888-30 Jul 1942 Rockbridge, Va)
|   |1.3.2.5.3.1.4.1 Winfred Alexander Kesler (19 Jan 1921-12 Oct 1990 Clarksville, TN)
|   |1.3.2.5.3.1.4.2 Kenneth Leroy Kesler (10 Sep 1924-17 Feb 2014 Hampton, Va)
|   |1.3.2.5.3.1.4.3 Susan Bell Kesler McCullough (25 Oct 1931-3 Sep 2022 Lexington City, Virginia)
|   1.3.2.5.3.1.5 Archie Calvin Kesler (6 May 1896-14 Feb 1971 Washington, TN)
|   1.3.2.5.3.1.6 James Owen Kesler (30 Jul 1900-20 Dec 1968 Rockbridge, Va)
|      1.3.2.5.3.1.6a Meda Harlow Kesler (1 Jan 1909-Jun 1977 Rockbridge, Va)
|   |1.3.2.5.3.1.6.1 Billy Royce Kesler (23 Nov 1931-Living ?)
|   |1.3.2.5.3.1.6.2 James Owen Kesler Jr. (26 Jul 1934-27 Mar 2014 Lexington, Va)
|   |1.3.2.5.3.1.6.3 Margaret Ruth Kesler Siron m: 23 Apr 1971 (30 May 1937-Living)
|  1.3.2.5.3.2 Virginia S. Kessler (9 Nov 1864-12 May 1887)
|  1.3.2.5.3.3 Lucy Ann ‘Suzie’ Kessler Bradley (22 Feb 1867 Rockbridge, Va-2 Jun 1944 Roanoke, Va)
|  1.3.2.5.3.4 Margaret B. ‘Ollie’ Kessler McClellan (26 Jul 1870-19 Jan 1928 Roanoke, Va)
|  1.3.2.5.3.5 Ira Clifton Kessler (1 Jun 1871-1 Feb 1961 Roanoke, Va)
|  1.3.2.5.3.6 Robert Lee Kessler (30 Sep 1876-15 Feb 1960 Salem, Roanoke, Va)
|    1.3.2.5.3b Margaret Jackson Bradley Kessler m:1893 (Jun 1859-10 May 1903 Roanoke, Va)
|  1.3.2.5.3.7 Julia Belle Kessler Reynolds (11 May 1894-23 Aug 1981 Salem, Roanoke, Va)
| 1.3.2.5.4 Nancy A. ‘Nannie’ Kessler Custer (6 Feb 1840-4 Jan 1920 Spokane, Wa.)
|    1.3.2.5.4a John O. Custer m:27 Jun 1860 (5 Nov 1825-25 Feb 1894 Botetourt, Va)
| 1.3.2.5.5 William Kessler (Abt. 1843-29 Oct. 1861 Greenbrier, Wv.)
| 1.3.2.5.6 Margaret Kessler (Abt. 1845-1881)
| 1.3.2.5.7 Elizabeth ‘Eliza’ Kessler (Abt. 1849-1881)
| 1.3.2.5.8 John Peter Kesler (15 Apr 1852-15 Jan 1918)
|    1.3.2.5.8a Isabella R. ‘Belle’ Shaw Kesler (12 Mar 1858-24 Aug 1918 Craig, Va)
|  1.3.2.5.8.1 Robert Lewis Kesler (3 Feb 1879-1 Jan 1946 Clifton Forge, Va)
|     1.3.2.5.8.1a May Thompson Morrisey Kesler (1880 New York-1970 Clifton Forge, Va)
|  1.3.2.5.8.2 Claude Fenton Kessler (6 Dec 1883 Craig County, Va-29 Apr 1965 Rowan, KY)
|     1.3.2.5.8.2a Ethel Jordan Kessler (15 Sep 1885-28 Dec 1961)
|   1.3.2.5.8.2.1 Frank Winsor Kessler (13 Mar 1908 TN-15 Mar 1976 Rowan, KY)
|   1.3.2.5.8.2.2 Jewel Olivia Kessler Brown (female b: 1 Oct 1909-23 Jul 2003 Faucett, MO)
|   1.3.2.5.8.2.3 Ligon A. Kessler (30 Sep 1915-6 Dec 1976)
|   1.3.2.5.8.2.4 Claude Dillon Kessler (16 May 1921-11 Jan 1988 San Joaquin)
|   1.3.2.5.8.2.5 Robert Lee Kessler (21 Aug 1922 Rowan, KY-26 Dec 1977 San Diego)
|  1.3.2.5.8.3 Geneva Pearl Kesler Caldwell (12 Mar 1888 Craig County, Va.-14 Aug 1967)
|  1.3.2.5.8.4 Roxie L. Kesler Woody (Jul 1891-13 Oct 1977 Lawrence, WV)
| 1.3.2.5.9 Sarah C Kessler Walker (7 Jun 1855-5 Jan 1896)
|1.3.2.6 Sophia Kessler Byerly (1806 Botetourt County, Va.-Aft. 1850)
|1.3.2.6a John Landes Byerly (Bierly) 3 Sep 1827 (Abt. 1800 Maryland-1850 Roanoke, Va)
| 1.3.2.6.1 Jacob P. Byerly (1829-aft 1880?)
| 1.3.2.6.2 George Landes Byerly (1831-CIvil War)
| 1.3.2.6.3 William Thomas Byerly (1837-7 May 1865)
|1.3.2.7 Nancy ‘Nannie’ Mary Kessler Dooley (1810 Botetourt County, Va.-Aft. 1880)
|1.3.2.7a Stephen Dooley 8 Oct 1832 (Abt. 1809-Aft. 1880)
| 1.3.2.7.1 Margaret Dooley (1834-aft. 1927)
| 1.3.2.7.2 Martha Jane Dooley (Graham b: 1836-5 May 1873 Montgomery Va.)
| 1.3.2.7.3 Isabella Dooley Huff (31 Feb 1836-13 Feb 1926 Montgomery County, Va)
| 1.3.2.7.4 Mary W. Dooley Austin Jewell (1840-1933)
| 1.3.2.7.5 Elizabeth ‘Eliza’ Ann Dooley Showalter (Apr 1841-25 Oct 1917 Roanoke, Va.)
| 1.3.2.7.6 William M. Dooley (28 Jun 1842 Botetourt, VA-Jul 1909 Bedford Co Va)
| 1.3.2.7.7 Nancy Ellen Dooley (Stewart b: 1 Jul 1851-13 Jul 1885)
| 1.3.2.7.8 Elder Lee Dooley (1852-1862)

John & Nancy U.S. Census Data (1790-1850)

Note: The entries below focus on census data for John and Nancy. See the “Excel Family Database” link in the sidebar to access a comprehensive list of all family census records.

YearHead of HouseholdHousehold MembersLocationNotes
17901.3 Andreas (1746)Mary (wife), Andrew (1770), John (1772), Mary (1774), George (1776), Peter (1778), Jacob (1782), William (1784), Thomas (1788), David (1790)Maryland, Frederick, Jefferson Township p. 34/61Apr 1791 1.3 Andreas (1746), Mary, 1.3.3 Mary (1774), Andrew (1770), John (1772), 1.3.4 George (1776), 1.3.5 Peter (1778), 1.3.6 Jacob (1782), 1.3.7 William (1784), 1.3.8 Samuel (1786), 1.3.9 Thomas (1788), 1.3.10 David (1790),
1790Margaret Whiskey [Margaret Wheskey]Males (16 and over) 1 - Males (under 16) 3 - Females 3 (including daughter Nancy Waskey)Maryland, Frederick, Jefferson Township p. 36/61Apr 1791 Frederick, Maryland () Margaret Whiskey [Margaret Wheskey] Males - 16 and over 1; Males - Under 16 3; Females 3. Note: Entry for Andreas Kesler is two pages away, on page 34/61.
18001.3.2 John Kessler1 male under 10, 1 male 26-44, 2 females under 10, 1 female 26-44Maryland, Frederick, District 1 p. 1/221800: Frederick, District 1, Md. (p. 1/22 dd mmm) John Kessler, 1 male under 10, 1 male 26-44, 2 females under 10, 1 female 26-44.
18101.3.2 John Kesler2 males>10 = Christopher (1802) & John (1804); 1 male 10-15 = Samuel (1795); 1 male 26-44 = Johannes (1772); 2 females>10 = Margaret (1803) & Sophia (1806); 1 female 16-26 = Mary Polly (1794); 1 female 26-44 = Nancy Waskey Kesler (1779?)Virginia, Botetourt p. 34/661810: Botetourt, Va. (p. 34/66 dd mmm) 2 males>10 = Christopher (1802) & John (1804); 1 male 10-15 = Samuel (1795); 1 male 26-44 = Johannes (1772); 2 females>10 = Margaret (1803) & Sophia (1806); 1 female 16-26 = Mary Polly (1794); 1 female 26-44 = Nancy Waskey Kesler (1779?)
18201.3.2 John Kesler3 males 16-25 = Samuel (1795), Christopher (1802) & John (1804); 1 male 45+ = John (Johannes 1772); 2 females 10-15 = Nancy Mary (1810) & Sophia (1806); 1 female 16-25 = Margaret (1803) or Mary Polly (1794); 1 female 45+ = Nancy Waskey Kesler (1779)Virginia, Botetourt p. 30/571820(1): Botetourt, Va. (p. 30/57) This is likely John, son of Andreas. Things fit. 3 males 16-25 = Samuel (1795), Christopher (1802) & John (1804); 1 male 45+ = John (Johannes 1772); 2 females 10-15 = Nancy Mary (1810) & Sophia (1806); 1 female 16-25 = Margaret (1803) or Mary Polly (1794) ???????; 1 female 45+ = Nancy Waskey Kesler (1779?)
18301.3.2 John Kesler1 male 60-69 = John (Johannes 1772 age 58); 1 female 60-69 = Nancy Waskey Kesler (1779, age 51)Virginia, Botetourt p. 77/1461830, Botetourt, Va. (p. 77/146 dd mmm) John Kesler Sr; 1 male 0-4 = ?; 1 male 60-69 = John (Johannes 1772 age 58); 1 female 60-69 = Nancy Waskey Kesler (1779, age 51)
18401.3.2 John Kesler1 male 10-14 = probably a grandson; 1 male 70-79 = John (Johannes 1772 age 68) 1 female 70-79 = Nancy (1779, age 61)Virginia, Botetourt p. 99/1001840, Botetourt, Va. (99/10 dd mmm) John Kesler Sr 1 male 10-14 = probably a grandson; 1 male 70-79 = John (Johannes 1772 age 68) 1 female 70-79 = Nancy (1779, age 61)
18501.3.2.4 Margaret Agnes Kesler Hamilton1.3.2.4 Margaret 50 (daughter of John and Nancy Kesler), Absalom D. 22, Nancy R. 19, John 12, George 11, Lewis 8, Madison 6, 1.3.2a Nancy Waskey Kesslar 71 (1779)Virginia, Botetourt p. 216/268Note: John Kessler (1.3.2) died in February of this year, before the census was taken. Nancy was living with her married daughter, Margaret. = John (Johannes 1772 age 68) 1 female 70-79 = Nancy (1779, age 61)

Pennsylvania

1.3 Andreas Keslar (1746-1809)

Maryland

1.3.1 Andrew Kessler (1770-1860)

Botetourt County, Va.

1.3.2 John Kesler (1772-1850)