Peter G. Kepler

As printed in 1887

ETER G. KEPLER. This prominent and esteemed old citizen is a pioneer settler of Linn County, coming here when the country was wild and unbroken, and the hand of civilization had as yet made but few changes. Mr. Kepler is a native of Frederick County, Md., born Feb. 16, 1807, and is the son of John and Mary (Young) Kepler, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. They were the parents of six children, the subject of our sketch being the third. When twenty-six years old, he went to New Orleans, where he remained some months, and then traveled on horseback over a considerable part of Kentucky, thence back to Maryland, where he remained until the fall of 1833, then went to Wayne County, Ind., and renting a tract of land, began its cultivation, and continued thus occupied for the space of five years. From there he went to Crawford County, Ill., remaining until the spring of 1838, when he came into Iowa just over the line. He located 320 acres of lam) jn Linn and Bertram Townships, for which he paid 81.25 an acre, and built a log house upon it.

The marriage of Mr. Kepler to Miss Elizabeth James occurred in his native county Aug. 13, 1832. This lady was a native of the same county as her husband, and born Feb. 11, 1812. Her parents were Eli and Elizabeth (Kepler) James, natives of Maryland. Our subject and wife have been best with seven children — Mary E., Sarah E., John II., Catharine L., Martha J., Hamilton P. and Rachel A.; the latter died in infancy.

Mr. Kepler is an excellent citizen, taking an interest in the welfare of his community, and while willing to promote its interests in every reasonable manner, has steadily declined to become an officeholder. He has been elected Justice of the Peace three times, but could not be persuaded to serve, lie has, however, consented to act as Supervisor for a couple of terms, and has filled a few of the minor positions. He is strongly religious in his tendencies, although opposed to sectarianism. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, voting the straight ticket of that party as opportunity occurs.

As an example of the courage which characterized the old pioneers, it may lie interesting to know that at the time Mr. Kepler and his wife started westward, they had three young children, one an infant the five weeks old. It was in the month of January, weather was stormy, and they endured inconveniences which almost amounted to suffering, but never for a moment thought of turning back or giving up, but pressed on to their destination. It was the persistent determination of those pioneers who first opened up the way, that has brought about the splendid results which are now so familiar to us that we seldom pause to reflect upon what they cost.

fflOHN L. MINOR, deceased, was one of the representative and prominent farmers of College Township, and established the present homestead of 100 acres, lying on section 20. Mr. Minor came of good old Pennsylvania stock, and was born in Greene County, May 7, 1830. The name of his father was Samuel Minor, who was born and reared in the same county as was his son. He was there united in marriage with Miss Ella Laury, also a native of that county. In 1803 the parents emigrated to Iowa and settled in College Township, Linn County, where the father died in October, 1877, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. The mother survived until March, 1880, when she too passed away, well stricken in years, being eighty-two. They were people highly esteemed in their community, upright and conscientious, of high moral principles, and consistent members of the Baptist Church.

Mr. Minor emigrated to Knox County, Ohio, and there meeting Miss Caroline Graham, was united in marriage with her on New Year? Day, 1857.

She was a native of the Buckeye State, born in Knox County, May 26, 1835. Her parents were Robert and Martha (Allen) Graham, natives of Washington County, Pa. Mrs. Minor was the fifth child of nine little ones who grew up around the parental hearthstone. She was educated in the public schools, and remained with her parents until her marriage. The household of our subject and his wife has been brightened by the birth of five children, one of whom is deceased: Harvey, Ella, Anna, Frank; Ray is deceased. Mrs. Minor is a woman of great energy and good executive ability, of high moral principles, and a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Minor was Republican in his political affiliations, and took a great interest in the local politics of his county. He was a man of decided opinions, and fearless in giving them expression. He is amply entitled to the reward of the upright man and good citizen in the memory of his co-laborers.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Linn County, Iowa (1887). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.