New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-10
MAJOR-GENERAL J. W. KEIFER

General Joseph Warren Keifer was born in
Bethel Township Clark County. Ohio. January
80. 1886. His early education obtained In the
common schools and AT Antioch College and until
1856 he labored upon farm near Springfield In
the latter year he began the study OF law. and two
years later admitted to the bar. He opened an
Office in Springfield. and though brought into COM
petition with such Samuel Shela barger.
Sampson Mason and Charles Anthony. from the
frst week he entered upon a paying practice.
When the first call for troops was made in 1851
General Keifer closed his Office hastened to Column
bus and Just twelve days after tho call was Issued
ne was chosen major Of the "a Ohio Infantry.
When the regiment reorganized. IN juno. 1861.
as three years' regiment General Keller was
again chosen as major. For his conduct at Rich
Mountain. West Virginia. in July. 1851. and nj
Cheat Mountain and Elkwater In September. Gen
eral Keifer received the commentators Of his gu
periors. His energy and practical Good sense at
trac'ed much attention. and General Reynolds said
there not a cowpath in all that region with
which he not thoroughly acquainted In No
vember 1861 General Refers regiment was or
dered 10 Kentucky Early in 1862 he was made
Northumberland. and during General O. NJ
MtcheUs brilliant campaign about Huntsville and
along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad he
bore a conspicuous part In tho fall he was made
colonel OF the 10Th ohio Regiment. During the
last nalf Of the he served in West virginia
and Virginia most OF the time in command or a
brigade. and frequently won nlsn praise IPi MS
gallant conduct He was for a short time. however.
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 his saddle for an hour. but AT the
Battle OF the wilderness both bones OF his eft fore
arm were shattered by a musket ball he remained
on the field until the conflict was ended. but his
wound soon proved to be so dangerous that no was
compelled 70 spend a short time al home on Az
1864 against tho advice OF his pnyblcah, no
set out TO reioin tho Army. He fought with 90
stinate courage AZ Opequan. and was among the
first to enter Winchester the heels Of tho hying
foe. Al Cedar Creek he Commanded division ana
there he did such valuable service that he was
made a brevet brigadier-general. General Refer
corps was remarkably successful during the Iast
four months OF the war and he was maze a ore'e'
ma for general for his services.
Al the close Of the General keifer returned
10 Springfield and the law. Soon after he was ap-
pointed lieutenant colonel OF the 26ih United states
infantry. but declined He was a member OF ne
Ohio senate IN 1858 and 1864 commander OF the
Grand Army OF the Republic IN Ohio from lss 70
1870 and a trustee OF the Ohio Soldiers ana Sailors
Orphans Home from 1910 TO 1873. and has been a
trustee Of Antioch College since 1873 lie was a
delegate 10 the Cincinnati Convention In lSe; ana
Congresses by good puraties He was elected
Speaker OF the XLNIIth Congress. and none OF LIS
decisions were overruled He was Nce-comnander-
in-chef Ohio Commandcry, o! the Military Order
OF the LOYAL Legion OF the United states. In THIS
society General Keller takes great interest
Despite the many Offices In public life which Gen
eral Keller has held he has found time 10 carry on
courts He has also devoted part Of his time 10
public charities Though more than sxty-two
years old. his health Is excellent and his energy
seems to be undated.