GEORGE W. KEEL, was formerly engaged in general farming and stock-raising on his fine homestead, situated on section 15, Cessna Township, Hardin County.  He was a self-made man, and rose to an honored place in the business and social world entirely by his own sterling qualities of character.  When his career was cut short by death, he had attained the ripe old age of eighty years, and many are the friends hereabouts who cherish his memory.  His demise occurred Mar. 26, 1891, and he was buried in Fairview Cemetery.
     A son of Peter and Anna Keel, our subject was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 1, 1811, and spent his boyhood quietly on a farm, receiving a district-school education.  His home was for a district-school education.  His home was for a time in Lancaster County, Pa., whence he moved to Cumberland County, in the same state.  In his youth he learned the miller's trade, but never followed it to any extent.
     The first money earned by Mr. Keel was the result of a few weeks' work for a farmer, and he continued to be thus employed until 1856, when he made a trip to this neighborhood.  He invested his earnings in two hundred acres of land, situated on sections 13 and 15, this township.  The next year he removed his family here, and this has since been their home.  With the exception of thirty-eight acres which had been cleared, and a log cabin, there were no improvements on the farm, which was a tract of heavy timber.  The greater portion of the land was cleared by Mr. Keel himself, and many other changes for the better were inaugurated by him.
     In Cumberland County, Pa., the marriage of Mr. Keel and Susannah Kyler was celebrated Mar. 3, 1836.  She was born in Franklin County, Pa., Oct. 31, 1816, and became the mother of twelve children.  Those who have been called to the better land are:  Thomas, William H., Susan M., John C. and June D.  Those living are: Louisa, Laura J., Mary E., Susan M., Barbara M., Hugh and Himes.
     Mr. Keel had only common-school advantages, but made the best of his meager opportunities, and through reading and contact with the world became a well-informed man on practical questions.  His political allegiance was given to the Republican party.  For years he was a valued worker in the Methodist Church, to which he belonged.  His character was above reproach, and to his children he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.