The Meeker herald., 1912-11-23
OBITUARY
WILLIAM A. KELLER


WILLIAM A. KELLER
Born In Augusta county, Virginia,
April 25, 1850; Died at Meeker,
Colorado, Monday, November l6,
1912.
"BilIy" Keller. as he was Affection
ately known among all tho old timers
In White River valley, Leadville,
Denver and Boulder county, had been
ailing for over two years past. A
stroke Of paralysis was the beginning
Of the eak-down. Succeeding at-
tacks weakened the patients cOnsti-
tuition, and despite the best Of medi-
cal attention and the constant at
tendance of a good trained nurse, Mr..
Keller lost strength during the past
year. Trips to the Pacific coast and
South were made but no permanent
gain In health resulted. Last winter
was spent in Denver and the aid OF
the best medical service hsd, but to
no permanent improvement. Mr..
White river home early In the sum
tner. For a time, during the sum
mer months, Mr.. Keller seemed to
improve. During the fall, Mrs. Kel-
ler had their town residence renova-
ted and fitted up with all modern
conveniences. In the latter part Of
October Mr.. Keller was removed to
town; the change seemed to do him
good, and on election day was feeling
80 we'll that he was conveyed to the
polls and voted. Apparently, Mr..
Keller was getting along very we'll
till last Friday. when an attack set
In and the patient fell into uncon-
sciousness and remained In that con-
dition till early Sunday morning,
when he rallied; recognized those
about him and asked for some
nourishment. Later. he relapsed in
to apparently peaceful slumber and
quietly passed away at half-past
eight o'clock Monday morning.
William A. Keller was a pioneer
In Colorado and in White River val
ley. Game to Colorado (Denvef) In
1871; went to Boulder county later
and followed mining and prospecting
for a few years. Married Miss Will
da A. Younker at Sugar-Loaf, Boul-
der county. in 1873. In 1878. Mr.. and
Mrs. Keller joined the rush to Lead
Vile, where they engaged success
fully In ths hotel bssiaess. In c0n,-
pany with the late A. J. Younker
and F. e. Goss. first visited White
river region in 1883; liked the coun-
try and all returned next season and
made locations. Mr.. and Mrs. KEEL
ler disposed of their Leadville busi-
ness in 1885, and took up their
residence in Oskridge park, where,
through their joint efforts, one of the
finest ranch and cattle estates In Rio
Blanco county WAS built up.
Deceased was man OF liberal edu-
cation, pleasing address and made
friends and held them wherever he
went. He was an honored member
of the local lodge of Odd Fellows; he
also belonged to the Elks. all Of
whom, together with hosts of friends
In all walks Of life, sincerely mourn
his passing.
The funeral services were held
from st. James church Wednesday
afternoon, Rev. Bacon officiating at
the church and at the grave. The
funeral procession was one Of the
largest ever seen in Meeker, attest
ing the esteem in which BILLY"
Keller was held. The pall-bearers,
Messrs. Reuben Oldland. F. E. Sheri-
dan, F. N. JoHantgen, f. P. Wilber.
Frank Harker and G. w. Bills, were
all pioneer friends and neighbors.
Undertaken WIN. A. Thomas had
charge of the funeral.
Deceased leaves. besides his devot-
ed wife, q half brother In Virginia,
and niece, Mrs. John P. Nielsen Of
Oakridge park.
CARD OF THANKS
It is impossible to properly express
to all Of our friends and neighbors
proper appreciation for all Of the acts
Of Kindness offered during our recent
4 l.