Centre County Library and Historical Museum - Keller Letters

Active Filters:
  • Subject = Schneck Family; Keller Family; Civil War

About This Collection

The family of Henry Keller were residents of Boalsburg, Pa. in the 1800's. Sophie Keller, daughter of Henry and Margaretta (nee Schneck), is significant because of her participation in a graveside remembrance at the Boalsburg, PA cemetery in Oct. 1864 that blossomed into an annual memorial day event now held in May. Collection covers sixty-one letters and one poem from 1837 to 1893 associated with the life of family members, including Margaretta's kin, with many in the Civil War timeframe.
Displaying 3 items
Filter

Location Covered

Original Format

Date

Language

Contributing Institution
1862-09-12 Handwritten letter from Benjamin S. Schneck to his sister, Margaretta Keller
1862-09-12 Handwritten letter from Benjamin S. Schneck to his sister, Margaretta Keller
Schneck Family; Keller Family; Civil War
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.
1862-10-13 Handwritten letter from Benjamin S. Schneck to his sister, Margaretta Keller
1862-10-13 Handwritten letter from Benjamin S. Schneck to his sister, Margaretta Keller
Schneck Family; Keller Family; Civil War
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.
1864-08-03 Handwritten letter from Benjamin S. Schneck to his sister, Margaretta Keller and his brother-in-law, Henry Keller
1864-08-03 Handwritten letter from Benjamin S. Schneck to his sister, Margaretta Keller and his brother-in-law, Henry Keller
Schneck Family; Keller Family; Civil War
Benjamin writes that Chambersburg, PA is in ruins after elements of the Confederate army set the town on fire. Benjamin writes that 'every house down on both sides of 7 squares is gone' including his own home. His family is moving to a small home on a lot he owns. Gov. Curtin visited on Aug. 2, 1864. Benjamin notes Gov. Curtin said that 'it looks dark for our Country'. Benjamin states that some rebel soldiers would not start fires and even helped people with their belongings; some rebel soldiers felt that the burning was 'outrageous & wicked'.