Kessler - Benjamin
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain Counties, Indiana (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893) p 517
Benjamin
KESSLER, an excellent citizen honest, industrious and upright
in all his dealings wit his fellowmen and at one time a prominent
agriculturist of Montgomery Co In passed to his rest, leaving
behind him a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn
his loss. By the death of our estimable subject, the county
was deprived of a firm supporter of its local interests and
an earnest advocate of truth and justice. Training up his family
to habits of industry, and guiding them into paths of self reliance
and independent gained by manly toil, Mr. Kessler has given
to the western country as representative tillers of the soil,
a race of sturdy sons and capable daughters well versed in agricultural
duties. Benjamin Kessler was a native of the sunny south and
was born in Botetourt Co VA in 1802. His German ancestors left
their father land in the early days of emigration to America,
and found a home and honest livelihood among the sturdy colonists
even then laying the broad foundation of our great republic.
In the War of the Revolution the Kesslers fought bravely and
well. Later, in 1812, they promptly came to the aid of the US
and engaged in the final conflict with Great Britain. The parents
of Benjamin Kessler were undoubtedly natives of PA and located
early in Va, where they reared a family of 10 children, an only
daughter and 9 stalwart sons. The father and mother of these
children, Jacob and Elizabeth SHEARER Kessler, were of strong
constitution and fine personal appearance and from them their
daughter and sons received that inheritance of vigorous health
and robust physique for which the whole family were noted. Through
the various vicissitudes of childhood they each passed successfully,
all living to a good old age and marrying in early life, raised
up numerous descendants and worthy citizens. The son, Benjamin
attaining to years of maturity, married Maria MANGUS, who was
also a resident of Botetourt Co. Mr. Benjamin Kessler and wife
made their home in their native state and there became the parents
of two children, John M. and Elizabeth who was united in marriage
with Daniel KEENY and resides in Warren Co, Iowa. The mother
of these children did not long survive their birth and died
in her native state, leaving to her husband's care the little
ones. Mr. Kessler again married, his second wife being Miss
Elizabeth GRAYBILL. By this union a family of 8 came into the
home circle, all of whom are still living, and all engaged in
agricultural pursuits. These children in the order of their
birth are Cather, now the widow of Jacob HINES (sic - Himes);
Solomon of Bates County, Mo; Nathan G, residing in Montgomery
Co; Samuel P, a citizen of Scott Twp, Susan, wife of Samuel
C. THOMPSON of Boone County; Mary; Nan, the wife of William
MANGUS; Jacob now living in Clark Twp. In 1847 Mr. Kessler and
his family removed from Va. to Indiana, and settled in Montgomery
Co. Nathan G. Kessler, a prosperous farmer and progressive resident
of Montgomery County, who held the official position of Town
Trustee six years was also Supervisor and has occupied other
public offices of trust with honor and ability. He has been
a constant dweller in the county since he journeyed hither with
his father about 45 long years ago. Born in the Old Dominion
in 1838 he was but a boy of 9 years when he arrived in Indiana
and and in the public schools of his neighborhood received his
education. Surrounded by his brothers and sisters he grew to
manhood and in 1866 was married to Miss Mary E. HARSHBARGER,
a lady of intelligence and ability. Mr. and Mrs. Nathan G. Kessler
have a family of 7 interesting young people. One died in infancy
and the others have arrived at early manhood and womanhood.
Their names are Louie L; Samuel Benjamin; William Harry; Sadie
A; John Milton and Salome E. The homestead is pleasantly located
and finely improved. Mr. Kessler has 360 acres of valuable land
all in the townships of Union and Scott. This gentleman, a worthy
son and descendant of his father, the subject of this sketch,
votes as did his father before him the Democratic ticket and
in the various position sof official trust connected with the
town, has ever exhibited the sterling traits of character which
distinguished his father's entire life.