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Army LogoHorace Keller was born on April 30, 1924 to George and Helen Trimble Keller who resided in Marshallton, Pennsylvania, a small community 3 miles west of West Chester on Strasburg Rd.  He was the youngest of three children, including Sisters Eleanor K. and Sarah.

Horace attended local grammar schools, then attended West Chester High School, then located on the northeast corner of Church and Washington Streets.

Horace obtained employment at the Esco Cabinet Company located on Franklin and Chestnut Streets in West Chester.  The Esco Cabinet Company, evolved from the Sharpless Separator Works, and was a leading manufacturer of bulk milk coolers, commercial refrigeration and Dairy equipment.  

Horace was inducted into the Army in Kennett Square on March 7, 1944.  After basic training he was shipped overseas in August.

On Wednesday December 6, 1944 his parents received a telegram from the War Department that Horace was missing.  On December 19th, they received a second telegram that he was Killed In Action.*

Private Horace J. Keller was Killed In Action on November 16, 1944.

Horace was buried at a local military cemetery.  He was returned to the United States for burial in his home country in 1948.  A memorial service was held at the Hick’s Funeral Home on 229 S. High Street in West Chester, and interment at the Bradford Cemetery in Marshallton on Saturday September 11, 1948.


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Notes:

According to the West Bradford Township, PA Web site, the parents of hero William McAllister were notified of the loss of their son on the same day as Horace Keller.  Also on that day, the parents of another Chester County soldier, Cheston Hall, were notified that their son had been shot down and taken prisoner. 


Credits:

  • Research completed by:  Don Wambold, member WCMSC