SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Mrs. Emma Keller, Page 382

MRS. EMMA KELLER, a most estimable lady, residing in Hingham, Wis., is a native of Germany.  She was born in Saxony, September 6, 1840, and is the fourth in a family of five children, numbering one son and four daughters; but only two are now living, herself and sister Alma, who is the wife of Henry Rintlemann, an agriculturist of Milwaukee County, Wis.  The parents were William and Johanna (Strahm) Iechke, natives of Saxony.  The Father, who was born March 11, 1817, was a well-educated man, and followed farming throughout his life.  His death occurred January 21, 1877.  His wife, who was born July 12, 1825, is now living in Milwaukee County, Wis.

    Mrs. Keller spent the first eleven years of her life in her native land, and then accompanied her parents on their emigration to America.  They sailed from Bremen, and after fifty-six days spent upon the bosom of the Atlantic reached New York in safety, but the voyage was a hard one, and the passengers suffered from cold and hunger.  They also encountered some severe storms and thought they would never again reach land.  After arriving in the New World, the Iechke family came to Wisconsin, by way of Buffalo and Chicago, and landed at Port Washington.  The father purchased partially improved land in Washington County, and the daughter Emma there remained until she gave her hand in marriage to Charles Keller.

    Mr. Keller, who was born on the Rhine, in Germany, November 13, 1827, acquired a good education, and became a fine mechanic.  He was an expert in ivory carving, and traveled extensively in his native land, visiting Frankfort-on-the-Main, Worms, Metz, Coblentz and Ehrenbreitstein, and was in the beautiful city of Paris, where he worked at his trade.  He was a fine German and French scholar, as well as a student of English.  At the age of twenty-one he came to America, and after a short time spent in New York, removed to Milwaukee, where he engaged in business as a turner.  He removed to Newburg, Wis., and on the 9th of January, 1859, was married.

    Six children were born unto them, two sons and four daughters, of whom five are still living.  Emil H., the eldest, is a prosperous business man of Sheboygan.  He is proprietor of a large merchant-tailoring establishment at No. 505 Eighth Street, known as the "American Tailors," and a record of his life is given elsewhere in this work.  Alma is the wife of Noah Saeman, a grain merchant of Adell, Wis.  Minnie is the wife of Prof. George Drewry, Principal of the Waldo High School.  Flora was educated in the Hingham schools, and is now at home.  Lena completes the family.

    In 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Keller came to Sheboygan County, locating in Hingham, where his death occurred May 23, 1888.  His remains were interred in Hingham Cemetery, where a beautiful monument stands sacred to his memory.  In politics, he was a Democrat, and, socially, was a member of the Odd Fellows' society.  He also belonged to the Lutheran Church, and was a highly respected citizen.  His wife holds the same religious faith.  After the death of her husband she had entire charge of the estate, and in Hingham has a beautiful residence, which is the abode of hospitality and good cheer.  Throughout the community she has a host of friends, who will read this record of her life with interest.