Yuma County, Colorado
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Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:

Charles E. Kellar , 1 South 43 West

Ann Eliza GREELEY, born 29 May 1824 in Camden, Oneida, NY and died 17 October 1907 in Wray, Colorado. She married Isaac KELLAR on 14 March 1849. 1905 "Mrs. A.E. Kellar, who for the past five years had been making her home with her sons, Chas. and Dave Kellar, left Thursday morning for Ria, Wisconsin to spend the remainder of her days with her granddaughter there."


In 1860 Columbia County, Wisconsin, Isaac Kellar is 36, Ann Eliza S. 37, Polly C. 9. Charles E. 6, Martha A. eleven months.
Isaac Kellar (2/1/1826 - 7/15/1865) m. Ann E. Greeley, buried Courtland, Columbia Cty, WI" # 20145213.
In 1870 Columbia County, Ann E. is 46, Mary 19, Charles E. 16, Matilda E. 10, and David J. 5.
In 1880, Mattie E. is 20, married to Chas. A Wright, 23, with L.A. Wright 8 (must be Chas' from a past marriage. David Keller is 16, and A.E. Keller is 56, widowed.
In 1885 Seward County, Nebraska, Kate "Kanearr" is 34, a teacher, widowed, born in Wisconsin. Ann Kellar is 61, widowed, and David 20 is a farm hand.

Charles proved up a quarter in 18, 1S 43W in 1893.
Ann E. Kellar proved up 120 acres in 35, 1S 43W in 1892.
1898 "John Icker, brother of Mrs. Chas. Kellar, is here on a visit from Seward County, Nebr. He is somewhat feeble,and the pure air of Colorado may proved beneficial to him."

David I. Kellar cash-claimed a quarter in 2, 2S 43W in 1891, and timber-claimed one in 11, in 1900.
In 1900 Glendale precinct, Charles Kellar born Feb 1854 in Wisconsin, married 17 years to Addie V. July 1861 Pennsylvania, farming, have Avery J. Feb 1884 Nebraska, Harry L. April 1885 Nebraska, Bessie J. August 1886 Nebraska, Olive June 1888 Colorado, and Blanche Dec 1894 Colorado.
1903
FindaGrave # 81577727.
1904 Wray Gazette "The fertility of Yuma county soil and the attractions it offers to those who seek homes in the West are illustrated by the career of Charles E. Kellar.

Mr. Kellar, who was born on a farm in Wisconsin, is fifty years of age. At the age of seventeen he entered the employ of a windmill factory, where he remained for eight years. In 1879 he moved to Pleasant Dale, Nebraska, near which place he bought eighty acres of land and engaged in farming. After seven years of energetic effort, he moved to Colorado and located on a homestead nearly nine miles south of Wray, his claim being situated in what was then a portion of Arapahoe county. When Mr. Kellar arrived at Wray he had a team of horses and a wagon and after paying his livery bill and hotel expenses the morning he started for his homestead on the open prairie, his cash capital amounted to just 35 cents. But with a courage that merited his future success, he faced the stern realities of life and commenced improving his claim. He found work for himself and team and gradually secured the comforts of a modest home, while he was preparing to cultivate his land. From the beginning his untiring industry and energy were rewarded by good crops of wheat, corn, oats, millet, vegetables, etc., which yielded him a handsome revenue, and enabled him to extend his farming operations. In a few years he purchased 160 acres adjoining his homestead, making a farm of 320 acres which he still owns and cultivates. He has 200 acres under cultivation, the rest of his land being used for pasture. He owns twenty-five cattle and sixteen horses, his comfortable residence, barn, sheds and generous supply of all needed agricultural implements, proclaiming the prosperity he is enjoying. And in accomplishing all this Mr. Kellar had to overcome serious misfortunes. One year after his arrival here one of his legs was broken badly, which rendered him helpless for nearly twelve months, and since then his wife died after a long sickness. In his early struggles here the gentleman's mechanical skill was of great assistance to him, as he did quite an extensive business in setting up and repairing pumps and windmills.

In 1883, at Lincoln, Neb., Mr. Kellar married Miss Addie V. Ickes, an estimable lady who died last October, leaving two sons and three daughters to mourn the loss of a tender-hearted mother and a faithful devoted wife.
Mr. Kellar is a charter member of the Wray lodge of Odd Fellows, of which he was the first noble grand and was re-elected for a second term. He has filled all the offices in the lodge except treasurer, which he declined.

Last December a mining expert pronounced the country in which Mr. Kellar's farm is located rich in coal and oil and the gentleman is now sinking a test shaft on his land. Should his hopes be realized his farm will be very valuable property.

Personally, Mr. Kellar is a genial honorable gentleman, who is highly esteemed by all who know him because of his many estimable traits of character. "

In 1910 Wray widowed Charles E. 56 was born in Wisconsin. Avery is 26, Lee H. 25, and Bessie J. 23, all three born in Nebraska. Olive 21 and Blanche 15 were born in Colorado.

Charles E. Kellar, 56, married Odessa Hadlock on July 4, 1910 in Holyoke, Colorado.
1914 "Miss Blanch Keller was a passenger to Lincoln, Neb. last Monday night, called to that city by the death of her grandfather."
1919 "Joe Minchow from Pleasant Dale, Nebraska, has rented the farm eidht miles south of town formerly belonging to Dick Hadlock who is now deceased. Joe Minchow is a brother-in-law of Chas. Kellar."

February 15, 1923 "Chas. Kellar arrived at his 69th milestone last Sunday, and the Rattler is pleased to make note of the fact that he is quite hale and hearty at this advanced age. The day was pleasantly spent by Mr. Kellar with a few relatives and long time friends. A fine dinner was one of the pleasant features of the day. Miss Ollie Kellar, Mrs. Blanche Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wessel, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Akey, Mr. and Mrs. Eli Schaaf, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Slick, and Mr. and Mrs. John Spiers spent the day with Mr. Kellar."

Charles died 1923, and is buried with Addie in Wray # 81577766.

1923 "Mrs. Henry Oxley of Lincoln, Neb., is visiting her nieces, the Kellar girls in Wray."
1927 Roseburg, Oregon "Mrs. Lee Kellar received the sad nows Monday of the death of her father, Mr. Bolenrter, in Wray. Colorado, and left that night for Colorado, accompanied by Junior Taylor. "


AVERY

In 1910 Yuma County, Avery is farming, 26, with Elva W. 25 and newborn Hellen L.

In 1920 Yuma County, they have Helen 10 and Ester 8.

They're farming in Prowers County, Colorado in 1930, with W.Elva 44 born iN South Dakota, Helen 20 and Esther A. 19.

Avery and Elva are alone in 1940 Prowers County, where he has a machi e shop..

Avery I. Kellar 1884-1956 is buried in Holly, Colorado # 37052790, with Wea Elva (Aspey) Kellar 1885-1957.

Helen Keller is married to William Kauble in 1940 Washington County, Pennsylvania, with Bobby Lee Kauble 1.
She's buried in Texas County, Missouri 1910-1994 $ 38263852, with William 1906-1981.

Esther is married to Carl E. Wright in 1940 Prowers County, both 28.
They had married November 6, 1935 in Hartman, Prowers County.
Esther 1911-2001 is buried in Holly, # 35560265, with Carl E. 1911-1975

"Alberta Virginia King passed away at the Wray Community Hospital in Wray, Colorado on April 15, 2013, at the age of 97.
Alberta was born to Albert John Wessel and Bessie Jamima (Kellar) Wessel on January 8, 1916 in her grandfather Kellar's home at 827 Blake St, Wray, Colorado. The first of two children, Alberta had one sister, Ilene (Wessel) Renzelman. Alberta's first years were spent on a farm near Vernon, Colorado. She attended Radnor School with her sister for her first 8 years. She graduated from Wray High School in 1934.
On November 17, 1935, she was married to Gordon William King and lived in Haigler, Nebraska, while Gordon worked for the railroad. They moved to Vernon, Co. in 1937 and were active members of the Vernon community while Gordon held partial ownership and worked in several local businesses.
Alberta, Gordon, and infant son, Daryl, moved to Wray, Colorado in 1945 where Alberta was a traditional housewife and mother. Their second son, Stanley Gordon, was born on Aug. 1, 1951. Alberta delighted in all the things of wife and motherhood: clean clothes on the line, hot meals ready on the table, fresh vegetables from the household garden, and keeping house and yard neat. Family and friends were important to Alberta, and she kept track of Gordon’s many brothers and sisters, cousins around Wray, and people she came to know in the decades she lived in Vernon and Wray.
Alberta was baptized into the Methodist Church in Vernon, Colorado in 1922. She was a member of this church until transferring to the Wray Methodist Church in 1945 where she remained a member until her death. Alberta taught Sunday School and was a faithful member of the Methodist Women's group, gathering for lessons, serving many dinners and funeral lunches, and visiting shut-ins.
She was an active member of the Rebekah Lodge from 1948 until the Wray Lodge dissolved. She was a member for 48 years and was a past Noble Grand. Alberta and Gordon were foster parents to six children, three boys and three girls. These children varied in age from two weeks to sixteen years.
She is survived by sons, Daryl and wife, Kathleen, of Jackson Missouri and Stanley and wife, Gail, of Springville, Utah; grandchildren, Matthew King and wife, Jill, of Jackson, Missouri, Andrea Miller and husband, Grant of Kansas City, Missouri, Rebecca Acx and husband Steve of Naples, Florida, David King of Springville, Utah and William King of Springville, Utah; foster sister, Irene Kruger, of Arvada, Colorado. Alberta had six great grandchildren, Kade, Halle, and Libby King of Jackson, Missouri, Maxwell Miller, of Kansas City, Missouri, and twin girls, Avery and Addison Acx of Naples Florida. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services was held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, 10:00 a.m., at the Wray United Methodist Church in Wray, Colorado, with Reverend Norman Stott officiating. Burial was in the Grandview Cemetery, Wray, Colorado. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home of Wray, Colorado was in charge of the arrangements. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Wray United Methodist Church of Wray, Colorado. "


DAVID

In 1900 Juneau County, Wisconsin, David Kellar born June 1864 in Wisconsin, is married ten years to Mabele E. 24, Pennsylvania. They have Annie E. Kellar 8 born in COlorado.

1901 "David Kellar of Neceda, Wis., is located on his claim on the Black Wolf."

1902
1907 Vernon items "Dave Kellar, a former resident has concluded Colorado is the best place yet and returned from Wisconsin."
May 1910 "Dave Keller and daughter, Anna will leave Saturday for Morrill, Nebraska. They will go overland."

David proved up two quarters in sections 21 and 22, 2N 43W in 1916. In 1912 " Claimant names as witnesses: Galveston Leaman, John L. Dalrymple, George W. Bell, and David M. Bell, all of Wray, Colorado."

In 1920 Goshen County, Wyoming David R. Kellar is 55, widowed.

1923 "Dave Kellar came from his home at Fort Laramie, Wyo., last week, called here on account of the illness and death of his brother, Chas. Kellar."
In 1930 Goshen County, David is 65, living alone, still farming.

POLLY
One tree said Polly (Kate) married Jacob Knarr, and they're in Dodge County Wisconsin in 1880, with Christian 13, Hulda Knarr 11, Philopene 9, and Josephena 7.
In 1880 Dodge County, Wisconsin, Kate is 29, married to Jacob Knarr, 36, with Christian Knarr 13, Hulda 11, Philopene 9 and Josephena 7. One tree said that they had married in 1876, so the four kids are from a previous marriage.
In 1885 Seward County, Nebraska, she was a teacher, with mother Ann and brother Dave with her.
Mrs. K. Kneaer, age 44, married Joseph Travis, age 54, February 20, 1889, recorded in Washington County (Wray was in Washington County at that time.)
The ceremony was performed in Yuma by William Marshall, a minister, of Yuma.

An Ancestry tree says Kate died in Yuma County in 1890.
But Kate Knearr cash-claimed a tract in sections 3 and 4, 2S 43W in 1891.
In 1895 "Josephine Travis, infant child of Kate Travis, deceased, formerly Kate P. Knearr" claimed a quarter in 34, 1S 43W.
Because the "Unknown Travis" in Wray Grandview is in the same section as Charles and Addie Kellar, this is almost certainly Kate, her husband Joseph, or both.
In 1900 Mitchell County, Kansas, Josephine, born Nov 1889 in Colorado, father Pennsylvania, mother Wisconsin, is living with widowed Harriet Chritton "sister" born August 1869 in Illinois.
In 1880 Nemeha County, Kansas, Joseph Travis is 45, a carpenter, married to Margaret 46. With them are Robert M. 20 a carpenter, Ulysses G. working on farm, HARRIETT L. 14, Frank P. 12, Mary J. 7, and Hannah M. 4.
Margaret died 1884 in Nemaha County, and is buried there # 42195856.
In 1885 Nemaha County, Joseph Travis is widowed, born about 1832.

"Joseph William Travis born Nov. 22, 1831 in Plumville, Indiana County Pa., the son of William P. and Jane McPherson Travis of Indiana County Pa. Joseph married Susan Travis and had 3 children: William B., Anna Bell Travis Swartz and Robert Travis.
He moved from Indiana county to Shelby Co. Ill., Nemaha Co. Kansas, and died Aug. 23, 1891 in Wray, Colorado.
Submitted by Mary Jane Olson-Martin, great granddaughter "
Josephine C. (Travis) Pfaff 1889-1949 is buried in Roseburg, Oregon # 110630759.
1909
1911

BESSIE

1912

In 1920 and 1930, Albert and Bessie are farming in Yuma County. Albert was born about 1888 in Wisconsin, Bessier 1887 in Nebraska, with Alberta 1916 and E. Eileen about 1917 both born in Colorado.

September 1941 Roseburg, Oregon "Mrs. A. J. Wessel of Wray, Colo., was a recent guest at the home of her brother, Less Kellar. This was Mrs. Wessel's first visit to Oregon and during her visit here the Kellurs motored with her to Bandon beach where she had her first view of the ocean."


Alberta Virginia King passed away at the Wray Community Hospital in Wray, Colorado on April 15, 2013, at the age of 97.
Alberta was born to Albert John Wessel and Bessie Jamima (Kellar) Wessel on January 8, 1916 in her grandfather Kellar's home at 827 Blake St, Wray, Colorado. The first of two children, Alberta had one sister, Ilene (Wessel) Renzelman. Alberta's first years were spent on a farm near Vernon, Colorado. She attended Radnor School with her sister for her first 8 years. She graduated from Wray High School in 1934.
On November 17, 1935, she was married to Gordon William King and lived in Haigler, Nebraska, while Gordon worked for the railroad. They moved to Vernon, Co. in 1937 and were active members of the Vernon community while Gordon held partial ownership and worked in several local businesses.
Alberta, Gordon, and infant son, Daryl, moved to Wray, Colorado in 1945 where Alberta was a traditional housewife and mother. Their second son, Stanley Gordon, was born on Aug. 1, 1951. Alberta delighted in all the things of wife and motherhood: clean clothes on the line, hot meals ready on the table, fresh vegetables from the household garden, and keeping house and yard neat. Family and friends were important to Alberta, and she kept track of Gordon's many brothers and sisters, cousins around Wray, and people she came to know in the decades she lived in Vernon and Wray.
Alberta was baptized into the Methodist Church in Vernon, Colorado in 1922. She was a member of this church until transferring to the Wray Methodist Church in 1945 where she remained a member until her death. Alberta taught Sunday School and was a faithful member of the Methodist Women's group, gathering for lessons, serving many dinners and funeral lunches, and visiting shut-ins.
She was an active member of the Rebekah Lodge from 1948 until the Wray Lodge dissolved. She was a member for 48 years and was a past Noble Grand. Alberta and Gordon were foster parents to six children, three boys and three girls. These children varied in age from two weeks to sixteen years.
She is survived by sons, Daryl and wife, Kathleen, of Jackson Missouri and Stanley and wife, Gail, of Springville, Utah; grandchildren, Matthew King and wife, Jill, of Jackson, Missouri, Andrea Miller and husband, Grant of Kansas City, Missouri, Rebecca Acx and husband Steve of Naples, Florida, David King of Springville, Utah and William King of Springville, Utah; foster sister, Irene Kruger, of Arvada, Colorado. Alberta had six great grandchildren, Kade, Halle, and Libby King of Jackson, Missouri, Maxwell Miller, of Kansas City, Missouri, and twin girls, Avery and Addison Acx of Naples Florida. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services was held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, 10:00 a.m., at the Wray United Methodist Church in Wray, Colorado, with Reverend Norman Stott officiating. Burial was in the Grandview Cemetery, Wray, Colorado.

Elsa Eileen Wessel married Elmer William Frederick Renzelman on October 26, 1935 in Yuma County.
They're buried in Wray, Eileen 1917-2002 and Elmer 1912-2007


BLANCHE

1922 "Mrs. Herschel Taylor, who will be remembered as Miss Blanche Kellar, arrived from Casper, Wyo a few days ago for a visit with home folks."

June 1923 "Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kellar arrived the latter part of last week from their home at Riddle, Oregon, and will spend the greater part of the summer in Wray. Lee has not been in the best of health for several months and so he has decided to take a lay-off from his work and recuperate for a spell. They will be at home with Mr. Kellar's sisters, the Misses Blanche and Ollie."

August 1923 "Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kellar in company with Mrs. Blanche Taylor and Master Junior departed Friday night for Riddle, Ore., where Mr. and Mrs. Kellar reside and where Mrs. Taylor and Master Junior will make their indefinitely. They were accompanied as far as Denver by Miss Ollie Kellar."

Herschel L. Taylor and Blanche E. Taylor divorced in Yuma County September 12, 1923.
He's buried in Port Townsend, Washington 1890-1962 # 162806256.

In 1930 Douglas County, Oregon, Herschel Taylor, 9, is living with ujncle Lee Kellar.

Charles Herschel Taylor, born August 25, 1921, died May 9, 2013, buried in Tahoma National # 115761802.

Blanche E. Schlenker 1891-1970 is buried in Willamette National # 3930776.
So is John J. Schlenker 1890-1971 # 3930777l.

OLLIE

1923

Ollie A. (Kellar) Littlefield 1888-1975 is buried in Wray, with Jessie Orville Littlefield 1897-1955.

HARRY LEE

1911 "Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kellar who have been residing south of town moved to North Yakama(sic) Washington where they expect to make their home. He is a son of C. E. Kellar, who lives in the south part of town."


March 1919 " Lee Keller and wife, who recently sold their place and stock west of Wray, left Monday morning for Twin Falls, Idaho, where Mr. Keller will look for a new location. The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Keller will be sorry to hear they have decided to leave Yuma county."
1913

June 1923 "Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kellar arrived the latter part of last week from their home at Riddle, Oregon, and will spend the greater part of the summer in Wray. Lee has not been in the best of health for several months and so he has decided to take a lay-off from his work and recuperate for a spell. They will be at home with Mr. Kellar's sisters, the Misses Blanche and Ollie."

August 1923 "Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kellar in company with Mrs. Blanche Taylor and Master Junior departed Friday night for Riddle, Ore., where Mr. and Mrs. Kellar reside and where Mrs. Taylor and Master Junior will make their indefinitely. They were accompanied as far as Denver by Miss Ollie Kellar."

1927 Roseburg, Oregon " Lee Kellar of Riddle was in town on business Saturday. Mr. Kellar has been appointed foreman of the Azalea fruit company, at Riddle, an orchard owned by outside men. The orchard consists of prunes and pears and the output Is mostly sold locally."

September 1941 "Mrs. A. J. Wessel of Wray, Colo., was a recent guest at the home of her brother, Less Kellar. This was Mrs. Wessel's first visit to Oregon and during her visit here the Kellurs motored with her to Bandon beach where she had her first view of the ocean."

1944 "Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kellar were pleasantly surprised Saturday evening when a group of their Riddle friends came in with well filled baskets to give them a house warming. A sumptuous dinner was enjoyed after which visiting, games and singing were enjoyed. At a late hour the guests departed wishing the Kellars happiness in their new home, which is located near Canyonville."
Oma L. Kellar is buried in Roseburg, Oregon 1890-1956 # 113347519.
April 17, 1961 "Funeral services for Lee Kellar, 76, of Rt. 1, Myrtle Creek, will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m, in the chapel of Gam Mortuary, Myrtle Creek. Mel Coffman of the Church of Christ in Myrtle Creek will officiate. Vault interment will follow at Roseburg Memorial Gardens. FindaGrave # 113347469.
He died suddenly at his home early Saturday morning as the result of a neart attack. He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, April 7, 1885, and came to the Riddle area in 1920 from Wray, Colorado. In 1944 he moved to the Canyonville area, where he operated a farm (at the Myrtle Creek listing). He was married to Oma Bolander on March 27, 1917 at Wray. She preceded him in death Sept. 12, 1958.
Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Blanche Schlenker of Portland; Mrs. Bessie Wessel and Mrs. Olive Littlefield, both of Wray, Colorado; one nephew, C. H. Taylor of Myrtle Creek and five nieces."

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