FOURTH GENERATION

8. William S Keffer ^{(8)(4) (1)(2) (3)} was born on 19 Jan 1841 in Alsace Township, Pa.⁽⁴⁾ He was christened on 4 May 1841 in Lutheran Church of Wyomissing, Reading, Pa. ⁽⁴⁾ Baptized by Rev Wm Pauli. Sponsors Wm Spies and wife Hannah. Received as a member of Lutheran Church. He died on 29 Jan 1911 in Reading, Pa. ⁽⁴⁾ He was buried on 2 Feb 1911 in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Pa.


Obituary
WILIAM S. KEFFER DIES

Was Well-Known G. A. R. Man Enlisted at Age of 20.

William S. Keffer, a well-known Civil War veteran, died of a complication of disease at his residence, 417 North Second Street, Sunday evening, aged 70 years and 10 days. Deceased was son of the late Jacob and Mary Ann (nee Spies) Keffer, and was born in Alsace Township, Jan 19, 1841. Deceased was a brickmaker by occupation but lived retired for the last several years. At the age of 20 years Mr. Keffer enlisted in the Union army. At the battle of Cedar Mountain six bullets passed through his clothing without touching skin. He next participated in the battle of Antietam, after which his company recrossed the Potomac River at Harper's Ferry reaching the Virginia, and joining the Army of the Potomac, proceeded to Stafford Court House, Virginia where the troops remained during the winter of 1862. In the spring of 1863, Mr. Keffer was discharged owning to disability (unknown) and on returning to Reading, he resumed his trade as brickmaker. Deceased was twice married, his first wife, Mary Pohlman, died 17 years prior. He survived by his widow, Lydia Amanda (nee Senior) Keffer, four children, Mrs. Annie Fromm, Reading; Mrs. Thomas. Gregory, Jonestown; Howard and Charles, Reading, and these brothers and sisters: Peter and Henry Keffer, Mrs. Mary Wummer, Mrs. Catherine Dumn and Amelia Keffer. Deceased was member of McLean Post, No 16, G. A. R.


William S Keffer - Private
Date of Muster into Service Sept 4, 1861
Discharge on Surgeons certificate (1863)
46th Regiment
Company E
Recruited at Reading, Berks County, Pa





William and his brother Peter both participated in the most uncivil campaign, the American Civil War. The following article gives the reader a perspective of that war and more specifically the Battle of Antietam, which William miraculously survived.

An account of that battle follows:
Where the Battle of Antietam raged, peace now reigns

Sharpsburg, Md. - To see it now, with its rolling hills and green patchwork of farm fields, it's hard to imagine that this peaceful place was the setting for the bloodiest day in American military history. Hard to believe that 23,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded or reported missing in the surrounding countryside.
But that is part of the lure for thousands of tourists who come every year to take in the history and natural beauty of a landscape that remains almost the same as it was when two great armies collided her on Sept 17, 1862, in the battle of Antietam.
Today, as you travel over the battlefield around Sharpsburg, monuments and audio road markers tell the story of once dreadful places simply known as "the Cornfield", the Dunker Church, "Bloody Lane", and Burnside Bridge.
Here, Americans fought an epic battle that, some historians argue, was the most important of the Civil War, denying the South the victory it needed on Northern soil to win foreign recognition and allowing President Lincoln to announce the Emancipation Proclamation.
The battle climaxed the first of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's two attempts to take the war into the North. Some 41,000 Southerners were pitted against 87,000 federal troops under Gen. George B. McClellan.
Gen. Lee wanted to carry the war out of Virginia and into the Union territory but the Confederacy had more riding on this invasion than simply moving the battlefield north. England and France were poised to give international recognition to the Confederacy. A victory on northern soil would have assured that recognition. Politically, the Confederacy had the opportunity to sway the congressional elections against President Lincoln and the Republican Party, which supported the war.
An area called the North Woods was the staging area for a dawn Union attack against the Confederate position. At one point during the fighting, federal troops spotted the gleaming bayonets of rebels jutting above the stalks in a cornfield and unleashed a deadly torrent of artillery fire that exploded human flesh across the field and cut corn down to ground level. "In the time I am writing", reported Union Gen. Joseph Hooker, "every stalk of corn in the northern and greater part of the field was cut as closely as could have been done by a knife and the slain lay in rows precisely as they had stood in their ranks a few moments before". The two sides continued their battle near Dunker Church until both were exhausted and sat back to lick their wounds.
The next phase of the battle was near an old sunken road separating two farms, which came to be called "Bloody Lane". After furious clashes and terrible losses, Union troops dislodged the rebels here but did not press their advantage in the confusion.
The fighting finally shifted to a bridge now called Burnside Bridge for Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, who commanded federal troops there. About 400 Georgians held off thousands of bluecoats here for several hours, but they were finally forced to abandon their position. The Union soldiers crossed the creek and were on the verge of crushing the Confederate army under Lee when a portion of his rebel force, fresh from its capture of Harpers Ferry, arrived to stop the advance. Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill marched his division to Sharpsburg on Sept 17, arriving just in time to prevent the destruction of Lee's army. Lee's battered army finally crossed the Potomac in retreat.
The battle was over. Federal losses were placed at 12,410, Confederate losses at 10,700. "Tactically, the fight was a standoff", said historian Frye, "but historically, it has become recognized as the most important battle of the Civil War in the Eastern Theater, more important than Gettsburg.


Four times as many Americans (both Confederate and Union soldiers) fell in Sharpsburg, Maryland, on September 17, 1872 as did on the beaches of Normandy during D-day.



WILLIAM'S BROTHER PETER ALSO FOUGHT IN THE CIVIL WAR.


Obituary
PETER KEFFER
FORMER LETTER CARRIER DEAD

WAS ON THE FORCE 23 YEARS
ENLISTS AT AGE OF 18

PETER S. KEFFER HAD INTERESTING MILITIARY RECORD
TWICE CAPTURED BY THE CONFEDERATES


Suffering for over a year, Peter S Keffer died of cirrhosis of the liver at his residence in Elverson, Chester County aged 70 years. Deceased was a well-known letter carrier of this city up to a year ago when he moved to Elverson. He was bedfast for five weeks. Following a service of 23 years, Peter Keffer, one of the oldest carriers in point of service on the local force, tendered his resignation to Postmaster High a year ago. Falling health compelled Peter Keffer to retire. He received a flattering recommendation from the postmaster.
Peter Keffer was veteran of the Civil War and had an excellent record. He was the a son of Jacob S. and Mary Ann (nee Spies) Keffer, both deceased, and was born near Hartman's Tavern, Alsace Township on Feb 11, 1843. His father was a stone mason (laborer) by occupation. His ancestor on his father's side was from one of the oldest families in Berks. Peter Keffer attended school at Poplar Neck, but at the age of 10 years he left school to drive a mule on the old Union Canal. The boats at that time were very small and carried possibly 36 to 40 tons. A horse or mule was to trot with the load, it is said. Peter Keffer continued at this occupation (boating) for four or five years and then entered the employ of John Trexler, brick manufacturer, whose plant was located in West Reading.

ENLISTED at Age of 18
At the age of 18 years he entered the army. On Aug 14, 1861 he was mustered into the United States service at Harrisburg for three years as a private in Capt. Cornelius Wise's Company E 46th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Col. J.F. Knipe commanding. He received an honorable discharge on Jan 2, 1864 at Dechard Station, Tenn., but re-enlisted the next day for three years, or until the close of the war, in the same company and same regiment under Capt. S.T. Ketrer and Col. James l. Selfridge. This was one of the regiments to be organized for three years in response to the call of President Lincoln. It rendezvoused at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and soon after its organization was ordered to Washington, D.C., and then to Ball's Bluff, Muddy Branch, Frederick City and Hancock, Md. Mr. Keffer served in 11 engagements during his first enlistment.

On Sherman's March to the Sea
After re-enlisting he was granted a furlough of four months, after which he participated in the following engagements: Resaca, Cassville, Dallas or New Hope Church, Pine Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, Lost Mountain, Culps's farm, Kenasaw Mountain, Sherman's march to the Sea, Monteith Swamp, Savannah, Ga., campaign of the Carolinas, including Rockingham, Fayetteville, Averaboro, Rentenville, North Carolina, besides a number of skirmishes while on foraging duty. He was present at the surrender of Gen. Joe Johnson to Gen. W.T. Sherman at Raleigh, N.C. April 26, 1865 following which the command proceeded to Washington D. C. taking part in the grand review on May 24-25, 1865.

Captured and Then Escapes
At Bentonville, N.C., Peter Keffer was one of a party of 20 foragers who, in charge of a second lieutenant, were sent out before their main body of troops to secure food for the sick soldiers. Leaving the main body of troops, they had proceeded only two or three miles when they were attacked by ambush by a scouting party of "Johnnies". The foragers were all mounted on good horses but their numbers were so small as compared to the rebs that they made no effort to escape. They were pulled from their horses and the rebs took their guns and picked their pockets. The Confederate scouting party then bade the Union soldiers to remount and declared that they should hang inside of 24 hours.
An officer in command of the Confederates asked Peter Keffer which way the Union army was coming and Peter Keffer pointed just the opposite way to which the Union army was approaching. In less than no time the Confederates ran into the main body of Union troops and were immediately charged. In the excitement that followed, the foragers took advantage of an opportunity to escape and succeeded. Peter Keffer declared that this was the closest he was to death's door during his service in the army.

In Salisburg Prison
He was again captured on April 14, 1865 near Raleigh N.C. and was held in Salisburg prison from which place he was sent to Fortress Monroe, Va. and then to Annapolis Md. where he remained until ordered to Harrisburg to be mustered out.
From the fall of 1863 until the spring of 1864 he was on detached service at the head quartermaster's department near Kelley's Ford, Va. but with the exception of this period took part in all the engagements and movements of his regiment and was honorably discharged May 18, 1865.
He returned to Reading and boated for one year, after which he helped to build the Ninth street rolling mill, and was employed there from '67 to '84
He married Elize Flack of this city. Mr. Keffer was a member of Alsace Reformed Church and Post No 16, G.A.R. The couple had no children. In politics Mr. Keffer was a Republican. He is survived by his widow and sister, Henry Keffer and Mrs. Ellwood Wummer, both of Reading.
Mr. Keffer was widely known and was prominent member of Grace (Alsace) Reformed Church, McLean Post No 16 G.A.R and the Letters Carrier's Association.
He was married to Mary Pohlman on 22 Sep 1864 in Reading, Pa. ⁽⁴⁾
Married by Rev Benj. D. Zweizig of Evangical Lutheran Church

9. Mary Pohlman ^{(4)(1) (2)(3)} was born on 4 Aug 1842 in Cumru Township, Pa.⁽⁴⁾ She was christened on 15 Dec 1842 in Lutheran Church of Wyomissing, Reading, Pa. ⁽⁴⁾ Baptized December 15, 1842 bt Rev Wm Pauli. Sponsors - her parents. Received as a member of Lutheran Church at Wyomissing on April 26, 1862 by Rev B. D. Zweizig She died on 16 Nov 1893 in Reading, Pa. ⁽⁴⁾ She was buried on 21 Nov 1893 in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Pa.

Baptized December 15, 1842 by Rev. William Pauli with her parents as sponsors.
Member of Lutheran Church, Wyomissing on April 26, 1862 by Rev. B. D. Zweizig


Mrs Mary Keffer, wife of William S. Keffer, died of diabetes at the residence of her husband, 828 North 6th St, at 2:18 a.m., aged 51 years. Deceased had been ailing for 2 years and was bedfast 2 days. She was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran church, Daughters of the Forest, No. 26 and Women's relief corps, No. 10. Besides her husband, the following children survive: Annie, wife of Cornelius Fromm, this city; Mrs Clara Gregory, Frugality, Cambria county; Howard and Charles Keffer, this city; 6 brother, Frank Pehlman, Muhlenbery township; Edwin, Lancaster county; William, Charles, David and Henry, of Reading; 3 sisters, Mrs Ellen Swoyer, Mrs Rosie Hill, and Mrs Katie Pehlman, this city. Children were:

i. Anna P Keffer^{(4) (1)(2) (3)} was born on 2 Mar 1867 in Reading, Pa. ⁽⁴⁾ She was christened on 8 May 1867 in Reading, Pa by Rev B.D. Zweizig Lutheran Church Wyomissing, Pa.⁽⁴⁾ Baptized by Rev B. D. Zweizig. Sponsors Mrs Hannah Smith.

Mrs Annie (Keffer) Fromm, 83, widow of Connelius S. Fromm, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs Mirwen A. Ulmer, 201 Harvard Blvd., Lincoln Park. She was member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church.
She was a daughter of the late William S. and Mary (Pehlman) Keffer. Surviving are a daughter Alice, wife of Mirwen A. Ulmer, with whom she resided, and a granddaughter, Janice E. Ulmer.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the F. F. Siedel, Inc., Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Maynard C. Hallock will officate. Burial will be made in Charles Evans Cemetery.
ii. Clara P Keffer^{(1) (2)(3)} was born on 8 Sep 1870 in Reading, Pa.⁽⁴⁾ She was christened on 29 Oct 1870 in Reading, Pa by Rev B. D. Zweizig Lutheran Church Wyomissing, Pa.⁽⁴⁾ Baptized October 20, 1870 by Rev B. D. Zweizig. Sponsors Jacob and Mary Keffer She died on 16 Jan 1921 in Johnstown, Pa.
iii. Howard Keffer^{(1) (2)(3)} was born on 20 Jul 1872 in Reading, Pa.⁽⁴⁾ He was christened on 8 Dec 1872 in Reading, Pa by Rev B. D. Zweizig Lutheran Church Wyomissing, Pa. ⁽⁴⁾ Baptized December 8, 1872 by Rev B. D. Zweizig. Sponsors Peter Keffer and his wife Eliza.

Sponsors: Peter Keffer and his wife Eliza
4 iv. Charles Martin Keffer.