Joseph Kaler was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania April 16, 1820,and died at his home in Deerfield township, Jan 1, 1904, being almost 84years of age. His parents came to Fulton county when he was only 18years of age, and settled in Deerfield township, near what is known as "Myers Ford," on Put creek. He was married to Mary Bonney in 1843. She died in 1857. Five children were born to them. Three are deceased. The two living are Mrs.. Sarah Johnson of St. Jo, Champaign co, Ill., and Joseph Kaler, Jr. of Deerfield township. The subject of this sketch lived in the vicinity of Cuba and Lewistown several years, going from the latter place with a company of men to California in 1850. They crossed the plains with ox teams, walking the entire distance. He spent one year there, returning home via the Pacific ocean and crossing the isthmus of Panama, thus making a long and tedious voyage home. Of this expedition there is only one who is living: James Hasson of Canton, Ill. Mr. Kaler was married again, to Harriet Eliott, in 1862. She survives him. To this union were born seven children, two being dead and five, three girls and two boys, living: Mrs.. Mary Frost of Cuba; Mrs.. Henrietta Hedrick of Fiatt: Mrs.. Alvaretta Young of Blyton and Sylvester and Benjamin Kaler of Buckeye community. Mr. Kaler enlisted in the army in in August1864 and received an honorable discharge in July, 1865.

There are 30 living grandchildren and 14 great-grand children. After returning from California, he moved on the old homestead where he resided until his death. He engaged in farming, but spend a great deal of his time working at the cooper's trade. Of late years he was unable to do any work at all, and was confined to his room for the past year. He was an honest, law abiding citizen and a good neighbor. A sister, Mrs.. Jacob Goode, died only a few weeks ago, and a brother commonly known as "Uncle Abe," still survives him and lives on an adjoining farm. The old settlers will soon be gone. Often has the writer listened to Mr. Kaler tell thrilling stories of early days and pioneer life. The funeral was held at the Wiley Church Sunday conducted by the Rev. Mr. Brown. The remains were laid to rest in the Wiley cemetery. The family and relatives have the sympathy of the entire community.
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Excerpt from Fulton Co. Heritage Book; Article written by Ella Kaler Bolon: "John and Catherine settled in Fulton County, Illinois in 1839.They had five children, Abraham, Joseph Sr., Hannah, John and Peter. Both John and Catherine are buried on the home farm (Fulton County). Joseph Kaler Sr. married Mary Bonney (daughter of Jarius and Irena Learned Bonney) in 1845. They had four children: Henry, Joseph, Oscar and Sarah. Mary Bonney was a direct descendant of John and Priscilla Mullen Alden, who came to this country on the Mayflower, so a number of her descendants are members of the Mayflower Society. Joseph Sr. walked from Fulton County, Illinois to California during the gold rush and a year later he took a freighter down the west coast, walked across the Isthmus of Panama, took another freighter up the east coast landing at Boston Harbor. He then walked from Boston back to Fulton County."

Email from Dee Dege: Joseph's obituary, written by James K. P. White, of Ellisville, Illinois, says -- Joseph Henry Kaler b. 16 April 1820,Crawford Co., PA. That date is also in all the genealogical charts Mom saved, and I figure she would know. His Civil War record, the adjutant general's records, state of Illinois archives, says he mustered into Co. K, 50th regiment of Illinois volunteers, on October 4, 1864, but doesn't give a date of birth. It isn't on his marriage certificate, either. But it is confirmed in a newspaper clipping, Ella Kaler's "Rambler's Notes" of Jan 07, 1904.

 (Sharon Bearce)