GAR Daniel N. Keeler Post 152
This GAR post was founded by Robert C. Allen, who was the founder of Allentown, in early 1884. They met in the Melrose Hall to serve former soldiers in the Melrose and surrounding Meramec Township area. Their meeting hall, owned by the Kreienkamp family and known as the Kreienkamp General Store in Allenton/Melrose was a community meeting hall with a general store, post office, stagecoach stop, and rooms for community gatherings. This post became well known for its social events, patriotic programs, and for helping members with funerals and headstone placements. The post ended its meetings in 1918; its last member was August Wiedner, who died in 1929.
The post was named in honor of PVT Daniel N. Keeler (1837–1874), a local soldier who served as a private in the 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry. Keeler was severely wounded at the Battle of Fort Donelson, resulting in the amputation of his leg. Despite his injury, he continued to serve the Union cause as a clerk in the Quartermaster’s Department until the end of the war. He is buried in a private cemetery on what was formerly the Senator R.C. Allen farm.
The information contained below comes to the society from volunteer, Joyce Mercer. These are applications for membership from 1884 through 1894. The originals are in possession of the Wildwood Historical Society.
Members Index
Last modified: 02/12/26 11:42:15