Chester A. Keyser

CHESTER A. KEYSER, a resident of Canada township, Labette county, Kansas, and one of the leading farmers in the southwest portion of the county, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, in 1859. He is a son of J. B. and Margaret (Ryan) Keyser.

J. B. Keyser is a real estate dealer in Missouri. He married Margaret Ryan, and they have five children: Charlotte J., deceased; Calvin L.; Chester A.; Clarissa E., deceased; and Cassius J. Mr. and Mrs. Keyser were both born in Pennsylvania.

Chester A. Keyser lived in Hancock county, Ohio, until he reached the age of twenty-four years. He then removed to Platte county, Nebraska, where he farmed until he located in Labette county in the fall of 1883. He made the trip from Nebraska by wagon, and after reaching Labette county settled on a farm in Canada township, in section 2, township 34, range 18. He then spent six months in Ohio, and from there went to Colorado, where he lived for six months. His next location was Gentry county, Missouri, where, with his brother, Calvin L., he was engaged in stock raising until the fall of 1891. Unfortunately, this last move was an unsuccessful one, and after his finances had been reduced to the lowest ebb, he returned, in the fall of 1891, to his farm in Canada township. Eight years later, Mr. Keyser located on his home farm, which is the east half of the northwest quarter of section 10. He also owns the northeast quarter of section 4, Canada township. His new residence was built in 1900. Mr. Keyser is engaged in general farming.

The subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Sarah Haggerman, who was born in Ohio, in 1860. They have had two children, namely: Dona E.; and Don C., deceased. Mr. Keyser is a Populist, in political views. He takes an active interest in local politics, and has served two terms as trustee of Canada township. He is now serving as clerk of that township. He has been a member of the school board for six years, and is still a member of that body. Mr. Keyser belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and is also a member of the Anti-Horsethief Association, Valeda Camp, No. 150. He is well known in Labette county, and is respected as one of its foremost citizens.