Theodore Percival Kesler, son of Andrew and Maria (Boyer) Kesler, was born at Cardington, Morrow County, Ohio, Nov. 3, 1837; died at his home in Orange Twp March 22, 1904, aged 66 years, 4 months and 19 days. His father was a Methodist minister and his grandfather (Boyer) was a hero of the Revolutionary War. He was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion and did faithful services as second lieutenant in Company D, 11th Regiment Michigan Volunteers in the army of the Tennessee. He was a member of Nelson Post No. 69 G.A.R. of this city and was the only soldier on record who was mustered in to the Grand Army at his residence, which was done by special dispensation of the State Department of the G.A.R. on account of his physical inability to attend the meeting of the Post. His early years were spent with his parents and family which consisted of thirteen persons, the father, mother and eleven children. He endured the hardships peculiar to the early settlement of the country, attended school at the old log cabin school house with its old slab benches, old-fashioned fireplace, goose quill pens and other primitive appliances common to those days. Quite early in life he located at Bronson, Mich., where he built two mills and engaged in merchandising. While there he married Eliza Keyes of Adrian, Mich. They had three children were born to this union, all of whom died early. Mrs. Kesler’s death took place in April 1879. After a few years spent at Bronson, he came to Noble County and soon became identified in the construction of the air line branch of the Lake Shore Railroad and continued with this great corporation in the capacity of contractor and otherwise until 1888. In Sept. 1880 he was married to Ella Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Smith of Jefferson Twp, Noble County, who, with two daughters and two sons born to them survive. They are Mrs. Alta M., wife of Harry Boram, Theodore P., Glen W., and Ethel. In 1874 (?) he erected the elegant and commodious residence where he and his family have resided since. He was a member of Lodge No. 319, F&AM, No. 64, R.A.M. and Apollo Commandery No. 19, K.T. of this city. His funeral took place from the residence on Thursday. Burial, Osborn Cemetery, about ½ mile north of his residence.
