Alphabet File page 193
E.W. Morrill's Insurance Agency for Mississippi Coast - A branch office has been established in this city. Mr. August Keller has charge of this office, corner Front and Washington Streets. (SCE 01/14/1893)
Keller, Hon. August, of this place, filed an application for the Collector-ship of the Pearl River District, on Thursday at the Treasury Department in Washington. (SCE 04/01/1893)
From its early history to the present time Bay St. Louis has been wonderfully favored with men of capital and advanced ideas, who have sought this branch of trade and located within its precincts, and through the tempting displays made in these lines made it a mart where general merchandise is dispensed in volumes that would do credit to larger cities, and brought to its doors a trade that is far-reaching and steadily growing. In this respect the great dry goods and retail establishment of August Keller. (SCE 05/20/1893)
Keller, August must have placed in the front ranks, for his enormous annual sales speech in terms more eloquent than are at the writer's command. Mr. Keller came here sixteen years ago, and at once launched out in his present business, and from the very opening of the store he has enjoyed a splendid trade, which continues increasing, for his stock is first-class in every particular. He buys his goods in large quantities for cash, and thus gets the most liberal discounts, and the benefits derived therefrom he gives his patrons in the way of low prices, for he makes low prices and narrow margins, and thus wins many friends and life-long customers. The main store building is a two-story structure 40 x 100, and at the rear is an addition 30 x 50. The entire building is filled with goods, and they are well arranged throughout and divided in the necessary departments for a complete general store with a stock not wanting in any particular, for it is the intention of the proprietor to keep just what is wanted by his customers, and he deems nothing too good for their trade, and the patrons realize the fact and know that a good assortment is always afforded for a selection, and that they can buy goods as cheap as anywhere else. The storeroom is conveniently and prominently located, and as we enter we find displayed a line of dress goods in the latest weaves and fabrics, both woolen and cotton goods, challies, henriettas, crepons, and ever so many others just as nice and equally as stylish. There is also the usual stock of dry goods, dress goods, boots, shoes, and groceries that such an enterprising merchant as Mr. Keller would carry, and here is also large stocks of crockery, paints, oils, harness, wood and willowware and feed on the lower floor, while the second story is filled with an elegant stock of furniture, such as will please those of the most fastidious fancies, but there is also a well-selected stock of common furniture. This is the largest store in the city, and Mr. Keller is well pleased with his business. He runs two delivery wagons and employs seven men in his business, with John Osinach as bookkeeper and chief clerk.
Mr. Keller was instrumental in the organization of the city and was appointed its first Mayor by the Governor of the State, and he has since held the office as the choice of the people. He is a popular and public-spirited citizen, worthy of any official position the people delight to honor him with, and his word, hand and pocketbook assist liberally in the upbuilding of every laudable enterprise. He owns an elegant home in the city, which is surrounded by graceful trees, blooming flowers and fruits, and he also has other large property interests. (SCE 05/20/1893)
Cameron, Miss Pearl, is enjoying the sights at the great exposition and is the guest of relatives. Miss Keller, sister of Mr. August Keller, is at Chicago seeing the fair.
Before the end of October there will be quite a number from the Bay and Waveland going to Chicago. A sight of the great show is better than six months at school, and the young folks should by all means take it in if possible. (SCE 8/26/1893)
Keller, Mr. Aug. There will be a regular meeting of the board of directors of the Gulf Coast Ice & Manufacturing Co., held at the office of Mr. Aug. Keller at 7:30 o'clock this evening, Saturday 21st, instant. (SCE 10/21/1893)
Keller, Hon. August, returned Monday morning from a visit to the Crescent City. (SCE 11-18-1893)
Keller, Hon. August, visited along the coast on Wednesday. (SCE 12-2-1893)
Keller, Hon. August, made a business visit to New Orleans Tuesday last. (SCE 12/16/1893)
Iron Safe Used As Bank - You will read in other parts of this Centennial Edition that Bay St. Louis was an incorporated city for 41 years before it secured its first banks - the Hancock Bank in 1899, followed by the Merchants Bank four years later.
Professional historians have a habit of overlooking the interesting details. For instance, they tell you that Napoleon lost the Battle of Waterloo, but neglect to relate that at the time Napoleon was suffering acute pain from his ulcers which could have influenced the outcome of the battle. Also, the historians emphatically state that Bay St. Louis got its first bank in 1899 - but neglect to say what people did with their money before that. So, we have to fall back on the memories of the old-timers, who fill in the interesting details.
One 79-year old former resident of the Bay in the Nineties stated that August Keller, who operated the famous Blue Store at Washington Street (so named because it was painted a bright blue), had a huge iron safe in the back of his store where customers and citizens kept their money for safekeeping payable on demand. And also, then Joseph F. Cazeneuve, who was sheriff at the time, permitted the country folk to put their money in the huge county safe, each person's money or valuables properly marked. And we learn in another section of this edition that John Osoinach, who worked for Keller a long time and who later opened his own store, acquired the unofficial title of the Bay's first banker because he cashed and issued checks for his customers. Could be, of course, that the people of Bay St. Louis and its surrounding county folk didn't have too much hard cash to handle in those days. (Sun Herald 7-291958)
Keller's Blue Store- see Blue Store
Keller, Mr. August, is a representative of one of the biggest and strongest insurance companies in the world, so insure your property and stop running the foolish risk of losing your possessions. Go today and see Mr. Keller. (SCE, 2/17/1894)
Keller, Mrs. the estimable mother of our ex-mayor, went to New Orleans this week accompanied by her daughter. (SCE 10/14/1893)
Kellier, Mr. Tim, and his son of Beaumont, Texas, have been visiting their acquaintances and relatives at Nicholson. (SCE 3/25/1893) (Boly)
Kellogg, Miss Anna, of Lasalle Seminary, Boston, is spending the holidays with Judge and Mrs. deWolf. (SCE,12-311892)
Kellogg, Dr. and Mrs. Charles - See article named "Methodist" on alphabetical list
Kellogg, J. L. Sr. r Dogwood Rd. (Ph 55)
Kellogg, Mr. and Mrs. M.G., and children, of Chicago, Ill., are the guests of Judge and Mrs. Calvin deWolf at their lovely "Kenwood" home. The time consumed by Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg in reaching the Bay from Chicago is remarkably short, being 32 1/2 hours. (SCE,12/31/1892)
Kellogg, Mr. and Mrs., and lovely daughter, who have been visiting Judge and Mrs. Calvin deWolf, left for their home in the North, Monday. (SCE 01/07/1893)
Kelly, Captain, of New Orleans, was a visitor to Waveland this week. (SCE 11-25-1893)
Kelly, Jos. M. r 261 Nicholson, Waveland (Ph 55)