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.

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.

This is a letter between schoolmates. Miss Johnston darned her stocking after 'coming home from singing'. She asked whether Sallie had completed her composition and was taking part in the 'dialogue' at the 'Exhibition'.

Benjamin provides his itinerary for coming to Boalsburg, PA from Chambersburg, PA to visit for Christmas. However he must make stops in Penns Valley/Spring Mills, PA for a dedication and then on to Boalsburg.

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.

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.

Correspondence appears to be long after last correspondence. Ada traveled with her husband Boyd to Lewistown, PA, Huntingdon, PA, and Harper's Ferry, Va. meeting various acquaintances along the way including Col. Irwin (most likely the then commander of the 49th PA Infantry). She returned by herself to Huntingdon, PA after Boyd (a 1st Lt. in the 49th PA Infantry) headed to his unit. Boyd got a photograph of himself taken in Washington, D. C.. The cards sent to Ada were probably carde de visite photographs. Boyd also sent Ada seven pieces of music. Ada is heading back to Centre County, PA.

Amos Kremer, James Kremer's father, is offering references for his son associated with the Boalsburg, PA teaching position.

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.

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.