Biography - Stephen Keltner
STEPHEN F. KELTNER, a prominent resident of Simpson Township, Johnson County, was born in Giles County, Tenn., December 22, 1848, to Lewis B. and Mary (Farris) Keltner, both natives of the same county as himself. Manuel Keltner was his grandfather. Lewis B. was a farmer and married in Tennessee, where he remained a number of years, and then sold out and came to Illinois in 1835. He lived in Union County one year and then removed to Johnson County, purchasing land in Vienna Township, where he lived four years and then went back to Tennessee. Returning to Illinois, he purchased land in Simpson Township, where he resided until his death, December 9, 1883. His widow still lives on the old place.
Stephen F. Keltner remained at home until he was twenty-five years old, when he rented land one year, and then bought land in Simpson Township, his first purchase comprising eighty acres, to which he has added from time to time, until now he owns two hundred and thirty-three acres in one body. He has built one of the best houses in the township in which he lives, and is enjoying the good things of life. The schoolhouse he attended in his boyhood was of the most primitive description, heated by a large open fireplace, as were all the schoolhouses in the country at that day. Mr. Keltner was married April 1, 1873, to Sarah C. Whiteside, who was born January 14, 1856, in Johnson County, and is a daughter of William R. and Siney (Waters) Whiteside, both of whom were born in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Keltner have had three children; William Lewis, Mary Elnora, and Audie L., now deceased. Our subject is liberal in his religious views, and is a Democrat in politics. He is highly respected and is one of the most interesting and enterprising citizens in the county, having won his reputation as such by steadfast purpose, unwavering energy and perseverance.
Extracted 18 Sep 2009 by Rick Girtman from 1893 Biographical Review of Johnson, Massac, Pope, and Hardin Counties, Illinois, pages 459-460.
