Albert James Kessler (1854 - 1928)

Born 9 Aug 1854 in Alleyton, Colorado, Texas, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Marie (Engle) Kessler — married 1876 in Alleyton, Colorado, Texas, United States

Descendants

Died 25 Jul 1928 at age 73 in Knippa, Uvalde, Texas, United States

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Biography

Uvalde Leader-News Friday, August 3, 1928 Albert James Kessler The sudden death of Albert James Kessler, which occurred at Knippa Wednesday, July 25, 1928 at 9 a.m., was a sad surprise to the many friends and acquaintances of this good man who for almost forty years had been a resident of the Knippa community in Uvalde County. Mr. Kessler was taken ill while driving in his car and lost control of the machine that hit a culvert near the Balzen garage at Knippa and he was thrown from the car and never regained consciousness. This accident happened Monday at 5:30 p.m. A. J. Kessler was a splendid citizen. He was deeply interested in his community and was one of the founders of the town of Knippa. He took a special interest in the public schools and largely through his effort has that community today one of the best rural schools in the State. He was also one of the founders of the Lutheran church it Knippa and regular his attendance and support, truly endeavored to live according to the precepts of the Christian life. Genial and friendly at all times, he made and kept friends and his loss will be, indeed, hard to overcome. Mr. Kessler was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kessler, born in Alleyton, in Colorado County, August 9, 1854. In 1876, he married Miss Mary Engel. Five children were born of this union, being Mrs. Nettie Smith and Oscar B. Kessler of Knippa, George E. Kessler of Beaumont, Charles C. Kessler of Uvalde and Lawrence A. Kessler of San Antonio. On January 12, 1887, he married Miss Mary Knippa of Swiss Alp, in Fayette County. Of this union were born nine children, Albert G. Kessler, Arthur Kessler, William Kessler, Herman Kessler, Erwin Kessler, Mrs. Ella Werth, and Miss Norma Kessler, all of Knippa, Mrs. Selma Ranzau of Boerne, and Mrs. Freida Morris of Chicago. In 1891, Mr. Kessler moved the site of the present town of Knippa. Although a farmer, he gave much time to municipal in interests. For 12 years, he was a school trustee and for 14 years, he was postmaster. In 1914, he was appointed, justice of the peace, which position he held for several years. He is survived by his wife an all his children, 26 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, all of whom, with the exception of one granddaughter, were present at his funeral. Mr. Kessler was buried last Friday morning at nine o'clock in the Knippa cemetery. The funeral was held at the Lutheran church at Knippa with the Rev. G. Langner officiating. Active pallbearers were Henry and Louis Dicke, Clarence Martin, George C. and Werner Knippa, Tom Dixon, and Alvin Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Adolph Umlang, S. M. Williams, Dr. J. W. Palmer, Harry Chinn, Rolf Balzen, H. P. Hornby, Dr. T. P. Roberts, F. J. Niemeyer and W. H. Schawe. At the request of some of the family, Mayor H. P. Hornby of Uvalde spoke briefly of the life and character of Mr. Kessler, whom he had known for thirty years and who had been his personal-friend during that time. Sympathetic friends sent a great mass of beautiful flowers as an expression of love and esteem to the memory of deceased and of sympathy to the bereaved widow and family and many relatives.

Sources

• Grandmother Smith's Family Bible