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The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

KELLER, WILLIAM G. - The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

KELLER, WILLIAM G. (19 April 1876-20 Sept. 1963), a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for service during the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, was born in Buffalo, New York, where he enlisted in the U. S. Army. While serving in Cuba Private Keller, a member of the 10th United States Infantry Regiment, participated in the general advance on the city of Santiago, begining 1 July 1898 with an attack on San Juan Hill to gain the heights overlooking the city. During the engagement, Keller aided in the rescue of wounded men under fire on the Hill, carrying them a mile to the aid station. He was officially awarded the Medal of Honor for his action on 22 June 1899.

After military service Keller moved to Cleveland in 1918 where he worked for the Ohio Bell Telephone Company 28 years, retiring in 1941. As a Medal of Honor recipient, he was invited to join a special guard of honor for President Franklin Roosevelt at his 1937 inaugural ceremonies in Washington D.C. Keller married Emma Baker and they had two children, Edna Colburn and Harold. In 1943 he and his wife moved to Sarasota, Florida where he died He remains were returned to Cleveland for burial in LAKE VIEW CEMETERY.

Last Modified: 10 Jul 1997 05:11:24 PM

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