The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1884-08-06
George KepIer,s Bonanza /.

! The following remarkable narrative we
clip from the Pittsburgh Post. It shows
what day may bling forth The subject
Of the story IS well and favorably known
in this section, and his large circle of
| friends will rejoice with and congratulate
him upon his great bonanza
George NJ. Kepler, a humble and un-
pretending but strictly honest clerk in a
modest little grocery in Oil City, Pa, at
the ordinary and unpretentious salary Of
$50 per month, is now probably the hap
piest man in the universe. He is we'll
known among oil men in this city. He
has frequently tasted the delights of afflu-
ence and wealth. but has just as often
drank to the bitter dregs the cup ofpover-
ty. Fortune, tickle as a maiden, has fiirt-
ed with him since his early boyhood, but
it was not until recently that Independ-
ence, linked arms with Opulence, invaded
the sacred precinct of his household and
asked at his hands permanent residence.
Mr.. Kepler was born in the eastern part
of this State in 1890. His parents, sturdy
Germans, gave him common school edu-
cation, and then sent him adrift to battle
NANAi bAo NOAl anu near lltSo MOIlus IlO
was industrious and frugal, and before he
had reached his majority had paved his
way 10 n small fortune. In 1850 he en-
barked in the flour and grain business in
a country town in Centre county, Pa,
Hellefonte was his principal market place,
and he made frequent visits there on busi-
ness. 1t was there that his genial dispose
ton and warm heart won for him the vast
fortune with which he has been but re-
Gently endowed. On July 4, 1856, he was
in Bellefonte. The village was crowded
with people from far and near and all, it
seems. joined in the proper celebration of
our glorious natal day. Everybody was
filled almost TO overflowing with enthu-
siam and liquor, but in the vast gathering
there was one whose heart had not beem
fired with full realization ofthe occasion.
lie was downcast and weary looking and
bore external evidences of having indulg-
cd in frequent revels with the wassaiT
bowl. He was an Irishman. Short, thick
set, with red chin whiskers, and an un-
limited amount of CAB. He was asleep in
chair in a barroom when a party of
gentlemen entered, among them George
NJ. Kepler.
"Wake up, old snakes" said one of the
party giving the drowsy Irishman a vigor-
Gus shake. "Come, DIN us in a drink"
The invitation was accepted, with an
apology for his ragged appearances. After
taking the drink the party were escorted
to the dinner table. The Irishman, much
against his will, was compelled by Mr..
Kepler to accompany them to the table.
During the meal he created considerable
merriment. IN conversation he displayed
more than ordinary intelligence. After
dinner he was induced by Mr.. Kepler to
accompany him home. For time he did
chores about the place, but afterwars
made private clerk and book-keeper. a
position he was thoroughly competent to
fill. At the end of a year he suddenly re-
solved to go West. He frequently receiv-
ed letters from England but never spoke
of returning to his foreign home. He
was supplied with plenty of money by his
employer When he started for his tour
of the West he assured Mr.. Kepler that
he would some day hear of him.
Years passed, but the son of Erin fail
ed write, or in any way make his where
abouts known. Last week Mr.. Kepler re-
ceived the intelligence of his death in Ire
land. He was the son of wealthy gen.
tleman, and had, during his early life,
been guilty of some act that compelled
him to leave his native country. After an
absence of many years he returned. AT
his fathers death, he, the only child, was
made the heir to an immense fortune. In
May last he himself died. In disposing
of his property he willed to George NJ.
Kepler, of Furgeson township, Centre
county, Pa, one-half of his entire estate.
Last week an English gentleman, who
was made executor of the testament, visi-
ted Mr.. Kepler and exhibited documenta-
ry evidences showing that the estate is
worth over two and one-half million
pounds. The fortunate gentleman will
in the near future sail for the green isle to
assume control of his share of the prop
erty-a liberal reward for an act of pure
Christian charity.
Mr. Kepler is well and iavorably known
in the eastern part Of the State, and is not
unknown to fame in the oil regions. He
has made and lost during the past twen-
ty-ive years three fair sized fortunes. In
a recent break in the oil market he was
heavy loser, and was reduced almost TO
penury. Since then he has been employ
cd as above stated. His wife owns val
liable property in Oil City. He has hosts
of friends wherever known, and all will
Join in their congratulations.