KARL KEEHNER

KARL KEEHNER, farmer and stock-raiser, of Washington Township, Shelby County, is an American only by adoption, having been born in Baden, Germany, December 1, 1848. He is a son of Karl and Sophia (Keensman) Keehner, being the oldest of four children, names as follows -- Karl, the subject of this biography; Mary, the wife of Jacob Veest, residing in Baden, Germany; Catherine, the widow of Christian Miller, a resident of Baden, and Jacob, residing in America. Karl Keehner came to America in 1865, and remained in New York City one winter, working at the harness-maker's trade. The following summer he worked at the carpenter's trade and then came to Fayette County, Iowa, working by the month on a farm for three and a half years. In the spring of 1871 he came from Fayette County to Shelby County, and for six years he worked by the month; he then rented land for one year, during that time boarding with N. J. Roundy. After renting one year he bought eighty acres of wild land which he improved and has since made his home. August 23, 1877, Mr. Keehner was married to Miss Mary Kemer, a native of Iowa, born in the year 1860. The result of this union is five children -- Victor, Cora, Frederick, Bessie and Effie. Mr. Keehner built a small house at a cost of $100, which furnished a shelter for ten years; he then built a larger one at a cost of $1,200, which makes a very comfortable home. Mr. Keehner now owns 360 acres of land. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, fattening about 150 hogs annually, and from one to two car-loads of cattle. He is inclined to the principles of the Democratic party, and has served his township as road supervisor, and as school director. Mr. Keehner's parents remained in Germany; his father died at the age of forty-nine years, and his mother survives at age of sixty-five years.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 623-624. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.