J. KELLER & CO., general merchandise. This is one of the most enterprising commercial firms in Northern Indiana. In 1862, M. Jacobs, after six years' business experience at Ligonier, came to Kendallville, and, in association with J. Kaufmann, under firm name of Jacobs & Kaufmann, began a general mercantile business. In 1864, J. Keller became a partner. In 1869, Kaufmann retired, and Jacobs & Keller conducted the business until 1871, when J. Kann became connected with them, continuing until1876, when he retired from the business, since which time the partners have been M. Jacobs and J. Keller. Their salesrooms are commodious and their trade extensive. They carry a large stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, carpets, etc., also a full line of gents' furnishing goods and ready-made clothing, making a specialty of merchant tailoring. This latter department is under the charge of Mr. Wolff, a courteous gentleman, with a long business experience. To Mr. Keller, the managing partner, a large share of the prosperity which this firm enjoys is due. He is a shrewd buyer and possesses progressive views. He has served on the City Council and is a Mason. Keller & Kann consist of M. Jacobs, J. Keller and J. Kann. They handle yearly a large amount of grain and general produce, in which business they are the most extensive in Kendallville. J. Kann, the manager, came to Indiana in 1854, and was for several years in business in De Kalb County. In 1859, he went to Ligonier, where, until 1870, he was a partner with Sol Mier. He then came to Kendallville, where he has since lived.
Counties of La Grange and Noble, Indiana, Historical and Biographical, Chicago: F. A. Battey & Co., Publishers, © 1882, Part 2, p. 306.
Transcribed by Denise Wells, May 2013.