Centre County Library and Historical Museum - Keller Letters

Sobra and her family are thinking of going to Cleveland, Ohio in several weeks. They have not sold any of their belongings because so many other families have left. The 'state of Religion' in Logansport remains the same; the Baptist Church 'seems to prosper'. Sobra includes a discussion of religion.

Dr. Schneck learned of Sophia's husband sickness from their 'Sister Louisa' but could not be of help due to his own health issues. He has also informed their 'Brother Daniel' of Sophia's husband condition. Dr. Schneck recommended seeking help at the 'Throne of Grace'.

Benjamin is planning to visit Sophia in Middletown, PA for her undefined 20th event right after his 'Classical Meeting' in the Funkstown, MD area. Benjamin will be taking trains.

Daniel is sending with Benjamin (likely Benjamin F. Schneck) a $22 dividend on Kentucky Bank stock to Sophia. Daniel speaks highly of Benjamin.

Request for immediate payment letter from a drug company to Henry because of an outstanding bill. The drug company offered to accept a reduced amount if paid quickly. If not paid at once the company will 'send the account up for collection' and will insist upon the full amount.

Written on back and intermixed with her Uncle Benjamin S. Schneck's letter because of lack of paper, Ada writes about illness in Boalsburg including small pox and measles, her husband (or future husband) who is stationed in Lewistown, PA and her request for her Greenleaf's key back.

Confederate army has caused panic among the citizens of Chambersburg, PA after hearing about their potential march from Hagerstown, PA. If they come Benjamin will stay however the females will go to Carlisle, PA and perhaps then onto Perry County, PA. Benjamin apologized for missing his nephew, Daniel Keller, in Harrisburg, PA the week before. Benjamin requested Daniel's military postal address so he could sent him papers.

Confederate cavalry raid is over and everybody is safe. Their Home Guard could not mobilize which saved the destruction of Chambersburg, PA. Confederates now in Virginia. While in Chambersburg, PA the Confederates tried to steal money from the bank but all the money had been shipped to New York. Rumors of a remaining Confederate squad in the area caused locals to arm themselves and go after them. But the locals fled when they saw the troops who were really Union soldiers. Confederates took about 800 horses, army clothing, sabers, pistols and more.

Daniel is with the 148th PA Infantry in Virginia. Thirteen members of his unit have applied for furlough. Daniel wants a specific flannel shirt made by his mother or sisters, 3 or 4 pairs of cotton stockings, and a silk handkerchief. Daniel attributes the success of the 148th PA Infantry regiment to Colonel James Beaver who maintained discipline and cleanliness. Daniel's unit received several bugles for signaling for use 'when the voice cannot be heard'. Other Union regiments are moving out but they have not gotten their orders yet, however the officers are having rations cooked which is a signal for movement.

Henry is looking at a farm to buy near Rock Grove (Illinois). Henry has met many friends from Pennsylvania during his travels. Henry will be heading for Ohio soon.

Sallie is homesick while teaching at Potters Mills, PA and cannot wait until school is out. Sallie met several officers from the 49th PA Infantry as they were passing through. Sallie wants her brother, Daniel, to do some math problems for her before her school is out because she cannot do them. Asked that Daniel do the problems on one sheet of paper and that Clara write back on another sheet while keeping an account of how much paper they use. Sallie included a stamp for sending the return letter.

Ada writes that she is in Carlisle, PA rather than Harrisburg, PA. Ada's husband, Boyd, and others from the 49th PA Regiment are taking charge of 'drafted men' from Pennsylvania there. Ada is staying at the 'Mansion House'. Ada mentioned a supper with 'a real nice set of dishes'. A Union soldier was killed by a guard for trying to take a horse. Ada asks her mother to send to her some specific clothing and mail it with articles that Boyd requested of his family. Ada noted the damage to Carlisle, PA from the Confederate army shelling.