Newton Co., IN, Biography

   KELLER, CRAIG & CO., general merchants, Rose Lawn, Indiana, began 
business May 10, 1881, in their present building, which was the first 
foundation laid in Rose Lawn. Their business is the most extensive, 
and they carry by far the largest and finest stock of dry goods, 
groceries, hardware, implements, etc., in the county.  They own a 
large warehouse, and handle grain and all kinds of produce, and also 
operate a lumber yard. They have an annual trade of $60,000-$75,000.
   JACOB KELLER, the senior member of the firm, is a native of 
Pennsylvania, born in October, 1847.  When a boy, he removed with 
his parents to Pulaski County, Indiana, and was one of the earliest 
settlers of that county.
   At the age of eighteen, he went into the mercantile business at 
North Judson, Indiana, in which business he still owns a half 
interest.  In 1878, he opened a store at Winamac, and has since 
opened similar stores in Lowell, Crown Point, and a commission 
house at Chicago, in all of which he owns a half or third interest.
   In 1881, he removed his residence to Chicago, in order that he 
could better manage so extensive a business.  His is considered the 
heaviest buyer for the retail market, purchasing goods in Chicago.  
He also has a large banking interest. Mr. Keller is yet a young man, 
and has made every dollar of his property.  As a business man, he 
probably has no superior in the State.
   LON CRAIG, the second member of the firm, was born in Jennings 
County, Indiana, February 13, 1847, and is one of eight children born 
to John and Lois (Sanford) Craig.  John Craig, a native of Scotland, 
came to the United States when he was seventeen years old.  He soon 
after began business as a contractor for stone work on the stone work 
and bridges on the first railroad built in Indiana.  He died March 16, 
1863.
   Lon Craig, in February, 1864, enlisted in Company D, Twenty-ninth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until mustered out December 
10, 1865. He participated at the battles of Dalton and Decatur, on 
Hood's campaign to Nashville, and in other minor engagements.
   After his return, he followed various occupations, such as driving 
team across the prairie to New Mexico, railroading, etc., until 1873, 
when he engaged as clerk with L. and J. Keller, at North Judson, where 
he remained until 1879, when he took charge of a branch house at 
Winamac, remaining there until his removal to Rose Lawn.
   He was married, March 9, 1879, to Nellie Gilkey, a native of 
Montgomery County, Indiana. Mr. Craig is a member of North Judson 
Lodge, No. 438, A., F. & A.M. He is a Republican, and one of the 
most enterprising business men of the county.  

Newton County, Lincoln Township.  From A History of Warren, Benton, 
Jasper & Newton Counties, 1883.

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Submitted By Gerald Born
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