New-York tribune., 1881-12-04
SKETCH OF GENERAL KEIFER.

General Joseph Warren Keifer, the Repub-
lican nominee for Speaker OF the House, was born IN
Bethel township, Clark County Ohio January 80, 1885
His early education was obtained in the common schools
and at Antioch College, and until 1856 he laoored
upon a farm near Springfield. In the latter year he
began the study of law, and two years later
was admitted to the bar He opened an once IN
Springfield, and, though brought into competition Win
such men AZ Samue She labargcr, Sampson Mason and
Charles Anthony, from the very hrst week he
entered upon q paying practice. When the hrst
call for troops was made in 1861, General
Kcifcr closed his Office, hastened TO Columbus,
and Just twelve days after the call WIS Issued
he was chosen Major Of the Sd ONO infantry
When the regiment reOrganzed in June, bol, as
three years regiment General Kefer again chosen
as Major For his conduct at Rich Mountain, west VIZ
gnia in July S6l and at Cheat Mountain and Ekwater
in September General Keller received the comlnehua
ons Of his superiors His energy and practical good
sense attracted much attention, and General Reynolds
said 81 there was not q cOwpath in oil that
region with which he was not thoroughly ac-
duanted" In November 1861, General Kefers regiment
was ordered TO Kentucky Early in 1862 he was MADE
Lieutenant Colonel and during General .. NJ MtcheIls
brilliant campaign about Huntsville, and along the
Memphis and Charleston Railroad, he bore conspicuous
part In the fall he made Colonel Of the 10th Ohio
Regiment During the last half Of the war he served In
West Virginia and Virginia, most OF the time IN COM
mand OF brigade frequently won high praise Ior MS
gallant conduct He fOr a short time, how
ever in this city with part OF his command 10
assist in enforcing the draft in 1868 He was wounded
four times Two OF his wounds were slight and did not
keep him out OF saddle for hour but at the battle
Of tie wilderness both bones OF his LETT forearm were
shattered by musket ball. He remained on the neId
until the ended but bis wound soon proved
o be dangerous that he ascompeled 10 spend short
time at home August 2G 1854, against the advice
OF his physicians he set out 10 reOn the army lie 1ought
with obstinate courage at Opequan ana wac among tne
Ar cedar Creek he commanded division, and there he
did such valuable service that he was made Brevet-
BrgadirrCiencra General keifer's corps was remark
ably successful during the last four months or the war
and he was made d Breyet-Major-Genera Tor his
services. , -
At the close of the war General Keifer returned TO
Springfield and the law Soon after he was appointed
Iicuteuant-C ColOnel OF the 10th United states
Infantry, but declined. He was member OF the ONO
senate In l~6- and 500 CommanderO the Grand Army
OF the Republic ohio lS6s to 1870, and trustee
OF the Ohio soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home from
1870 to ls7s and has been trustee OF Antioch College
since ls7. lie delegate to the CINCINNATI COnNeh,
zion i'm l-76and was elected to the ANh ALNlth ana
NLVIIth Congresses by good plurahues. Genelal
Keller is possessed OF robust physical constitution
and Is a ready speaker