Both Beer's "Commemorative Biographical Record, " 1898, page 901-3 and LeRoy Keefer's "Our Ancestors Our Relatives and Ourselves," 1933/1961skip this generation and state that James was the son of Martin (1716-1815) & Mary Eva (Lawrence) Keffer. From Union Co. deed records it is known that the Martin & Mary who purchased the land in White Deer Twp., where James resided, lived in Turbot Twp. in 1814 and again in 1830. Without this generation, Martin & Mary Eva (Lawrence) would have been too advanced in age to have children and it would have been an oddity to name one of their last sons Martin rather than one of their first sons.

O'Keefe, Barbara Brady, compiled. Goshenhoppen (St. Paul's Mission churhc of the Blessed Sacrament), Bally, Berks County, Pennsylvania," Microfilmed June 1, 1992, Project and Fiche # 2CCB77)S, #11894, 1982, page 77.
"Keffer, Martin, of Martin Keffer and his wife Mary Eva, born June 29, 1769, baptized July 30 at Mons Acutus, sponsors Maurice and Mary Apollonia, his wife."

Was he named one of the executors for his father's Will because his sibblings were too old?

From Marion Bale's book, "Lawrence Legacy," Nov 1999, regarding Martin Keffer, Jr.:
"Martin Keffer, Jr. was born on the 29th of June 1769 to Martin Keffer and his wife Mary Eva in Greenwich Twp, Berks Co. The Goshenhoppen Registers, page 38, state that Martin Jr. was baptized on the 30th of July 1769 at Mons Acutus (Home of Christian Henrich). Sponsors for this event were Maurice Lorenz and Mary Apollonia, his wife. Martin Keffer, Jr. would have moved to Milton in Northumberland County with his parents about 1775. Martin Keffer Jr. bought land from Andrew Straub 8 Aug 1801. NCCH Book L, page 574. On the 29th of January 1802 Martin Keffer Sr. and Mary Eve deeded to their son John two hundred acres for the consideration of one hundred and fifty pounds. This property was in the township of Turbut of Northumberland County, PA. Due to the fire of 1880 in Milton and the lose of the church records we only have the names of some of Martin Jr, and Mary Keffer's children which were found in cemetery and accounts records. No doubt there were others.
"On 4 October 1814 Martin Keffer of Turbut Twp bought land in White Deer from John Blackeney. He was given a mortgage for 885 pounds by John Blakeney and terms were set down. This land was situated in White Deer adjoining lands of Reuben Haines, William McClay, George Benenger, and William Robb, containing 99 acres 50 perches. Full satisfaction of mortgage was made by 1 November 1815 and signed by John Blakeney. This indenture is found in Book A Page 351 and 359 at Sunbury courthouse. Martin and his wife Mary of Turbut Twp, on 18 August 1818, sold to his brother John Keffer of Turbut Twp, 48 acres 10 perches of land adjoining land of Martin Keffer, Widow Bartholamew, Henry Fullmer and John Keffer. Part of this land was patented to Martin in 1810, the other granted to David Ireland in 1792 and then to Martin Keffer in 1810. On the 1810 tax list of Turbut Twp., Martin Jr. is listed with 100 acres and 50 acres, 2 horses and several cows. In 1820 Census of Turbut Twp, Martin has in his household 1 M 10-15, 1 M 16-18, 2 M 16-25, 1 m 45+, 1 F -10, 2 F 10-15, 1 F 26-44, 1 F +45 and 1 foreigner. The 1821 tax rolls of Turbut Twp. show Martin with 100 acres, 2 horses and 4 cows. The 1822 tax rolls of Turbut Twp. shows Martin with 100 acres, 2 horses, 2 cows and 66 acres. He is shown in 1825 with 160 acres, 3 horses and 3 cows. Martin and his wife Mary of Turbut Twp, on 26 November 1830, sell to David Ramsey of White Deer the same 99 acres and 50 perches bought in 1814 for the sum of $40. This land is described as bordering the Ramsey Fulling Mill Dam, land of said Keffer and other land of David Ramsey. This is found in Book H, page 508.
"The will of Martin Keffer, Jr. is dated the 29th of June 1847. Martin signed a codicil to this will on the 26th of July 1847. Martin Keffer, Jr. is listed in his will as a farmer. He requests that he be interred "in the burial ground near the farm on which I formerly resided." He directs that his debts be paid and that an appraisement of his wordly goods be made by three competent and impartial neighbors. He gives to his daughter Sarah Eisenbrown, who lives with him, the house and lot of four acres of land in Turbot Township on which he now resides adjoining Samuel Blain and others. He directs that all his estate except what has been devised to his daughter Sarah shall be sold and converted into cash. Sarah is also to have her equal share of the estate.
"The equal share which was to go to his daughter Mary intermarried with Jacob Rissel shall be put to interest by order of the Orphans court of Northumberland County and the interest thereof shall be paid annually to Mary during her natural life and after her death to her heirs. Martin nominates and appoints his son Wental L. Keffer and John H. Wolfinger to be executors of the estate. In a codicil to this will dated 26 July 1847 Martin directs that any notes held against his children or heirs shall be deducted from their share of the estate. A Vendue list of articles from the estate of Martin Keffer, Jr. sold to various people is included in his estate papers. This sale was held at the Keffer residence. In the list of the sale of Martin Jr.'s belongings we find the following names: Francis O'Donnel, Sarah Eisenbraun, Jacob Riffel, William Ginter, Wendle L. Keffer, John Ireland, Jr., James Keffer, John Diven, David Ireland, Philip Follmer and Himon Follmer. Also in the accounting of the estate we find a list of his land. No. 1 A Farm of about 100 acres of land in Turbut Township, Northumberland County, PA with dwelling house, barn thereon erected, valued at $50 per acre......$5000.00 No. 2 A Farm of about 100 acres of land in White Deer Township, Union County, PA with dwelling house barn thereon erected valued at $8.00 per acre.......$800.00 Amount of Real Estate $5800.00.
"On 31 March 1849 Wendel L. Keffer and John F. Wolfinger, executors of the estate, sold to Peter Rengler 125 acres 19 perches of land in Turbut Twp., that had belonged to Martin Keffer, Jr., to Peter Rengler for $7,188.09. The total amount of claims upon the heirs is $1785.18. The final accounting was submitted to the courts on the 21st of December 1847. Martin Keffer, Jr. died sometime between the signing of the codicil to his will 6 July 1847 and the day the Letters of Administration were granted to his executors on 8 November 1847. He is buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Milton. His tombstone is difficult to read."

1801--Deed. Northumberland Co., Milton, August 8. (notes of Brandon Keefer)
Martin Keffer, Jr. purchases Lot 128 on Front St., Milton from Andrew Straub for the sum of 45 lbs. This building was torn down by the flood authority after the the 1972 Hurricane Agnes.

1814--Deed. Union Co., Lewisburg, PA, Book A, page 351-3, dated October 4. Mtg.
Martin Keffer of Turbut Twp. purchased 99 acres and 50 perches of land in White Deer Twp. from John & Margaret Blackeney.
880 pounds, 350 pounds; 1 April 1816; satisfied Nov. 1, 1815.

1814--Mortgage. Union Co., Lewisburg, PA, Book A, page 359, dated October 4.
Martin & Mary Keffer of Turbot Twp. to John & Margaret Blackeney.
Satisfied November 1, 1815. 880 pounds, 350 pounds, April 1, 1816.

1823--Deed. Union Co., White Deer Twp., PA, Book F, page 419.
John & Catharine and Martin Kefer grant land in White Deer Twp. to Elizabeth Luther.

1830--Deed. Union Co., PA. Book H, page 508-9. Recorded Feb. 24, 1835.
This Martin & Mary were residing in Turbot Township, Northumberland Co. but sold land/premise in White Deer Township, Union Co. that included 1 A, 60 P. It was part of the 99 A 50 P of property originally purchased in 1814. Why did five years pass between the date of the deed and its recording??? Note: there is an old school house called, "The Ramsey Schoolhouse." Is this the premise? LeRoy Keefer's "Our Ancestors Our Relatives, Ourselves," page 9 (James Keefer) says that the homestead was located about four miles west of New Columbia and a short distance northwest of Ramsey's Schoolhouse. The home was an old log house with a fireplace. According to Thomas Washington Keefer's obituary (1918), he was born and died on this homestead.
"This Indenture made 26 Nov. 1830 between Martin Keffer of Turbot Township, Northumberland County and Mary his wife of the one part and David Ramsey of White Deer Township, Union County of the other part whereas John Blackney and Margaret his wife by their certain indenture bearing date the 4 Oct. 1814 and recorded in Union Co. Deed Book A, pages 351-3, confirm unto Martin Keffer party a certain tract of land situate in White Deer Township containing 99 acres 50 perches and allowances Be now this indenture witness that the said Martin Keffer and Mary his wife for and in consideration of the sum of $40 to them in hand paid by the said David Ramsey at and before the ensealing and delivering hereof the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge and thereof acquit and forever discharge the said David Ramsey his heirs executors and administrators by these presents--have granted bargained sold released and confirmed and by these presents do grant bargain and sell release and confirm unto the said David Ramsy and to his heirs and assigns a certain piece or parcel of the aforesaid tract of land bounded and described as follows viz. beginning at a post on the south sided of said Ramsey Filling mill dam thence by land of said Keffer north thirty three perches to a marked maple on the south side of the run and north thirty six degrees east two perches to a post on the north bank of said run thence down the same south fifty five degrees east twenty two perches and two tehths of perch to a post thence by lands of said David Ramsey south eight and a half degrees west seventeen perches and two tenths to the place of beginning containing one acre and sixty perches and allowance of six percent and be it the same more or less... sum of $40 in full of the consideration money for the afore granted premises Martin Keffer witness presents... Recorded Feb. 24, 1835.

1835--Deed. Union Co., White Deer Twp., PA, Book H, page 508-9, dated November 6.
Indenture made on the 26th of November 1830 between Martin & Mary Keffer of Turbut Twp. on one part and David Ramsey of White Deer Twp. on the other part; whereas John & Margaret Blackney by their indenture bearing date the 4th of October 1814 and recorded in the Union Co. Deed Book A, pages 351-3 did, for the consideration therein mentioned grant to Martin & Mary Keffer a certain tract of land situate in White Deer Twp. containing 99 acres and 50 perches. And now (Nov. 6, 1835) the said Martin & Mary Keffer receive the sum of $40 from David Ramsey and granted and released unto him a tract containing 1 acre & 60 perches (Bounded on the southside by Ramsey Fulling mill dam, by said Keffer, by southside of a run, and other land of David Ramsey.

1847--Will. Northumberland Co., Turbot Twp., PA, Book 4, page 81, File 138, Filed November 8, 1847, Inventory & Vendue Filed December 29, 1847, Accounts Filed July 5, 1850. (Why isn't James listed on this Will? Was it because he had been provided adequate financial accomodations living on his father's property in White Deer Township? Least likely, was it because son James left the Catholic faith?)
Martin Keffer, a farmer in Turbot Twp. put his seal on the 29th day of June 1847 and made an addition on July 26, 1847. The Will was probated on November 8, 1847.
Son, Wental L. Keffer, and John H. Wolfinger were named Executors
Daughter, Sarah Eisenbrown, who was living with him, is to receive his house and lot of 4 acres in Turbot Twp. The land adjoins Samuel Blain and others.
Daughter, Mary, who is married to Jacob Rishel

1847--Death.
Research of Brandon Keefer says Martin, Jr. died Sept. 12, 1847.
Martin Keefer, died 27 April 1837 and buried at St. Joseph's Cemetery according to research of Brandon Keefer in a different report.

1847--Estate Sale. October 19
Research of Brandon Keefer says Estate of Martin, Jr., listing of 100 acres of land in White Deer, was made. The Union Co. "Grantor" Index does not list a transaction. This is a must to see because it would establish relationship to son James. Why isn't James listed on the father's Will though? Why doesn't James occur in the Grantor Index to sell land in Union Co. also?

OTHER Contemporary Martin Keffer's:

1825--Estate Notice. The Miltonian, April 16, 1825, Roll 1 Misc, No. 26.
"Notice Is herby given to all persons interested in the estates of ...Martin Keffer, .... Late of the county of Northumberland, decedents, that the Executors and Administrators of the said estates, have filed in the registers Office for the county aforesaid their Administration accounts taken upon the estates of the said accounts will be presented to the Orphan's Court for confirmation and allowance on Friday the 22nd day of April next at the Court House in Sunbury. Eli Diemer, Register. Register's Office, Sunbury, March 15, 1825."

1830--Obituary. Lontz, Mary Belle. "Union Co., PA 1865-1965," page 27. Available at James V. Brown Library, Williamsport, PA. Frank Stahl's personal archive, A85, page 46.
"May 1, 1830 Lewisburg Journal Newspaper: In Turbot Tp., last Sat. Martin Keffer, Jr. died."
* This is a very interesting obituary since it almost corresponds to the White Deer Twp. deed above!!! According to my resource calendars, the date of this Martin Keffer, Jr.'s death on Sat. was--April 27. May 1 fell on a Wednesday.

Here is a later one that served in the Civil War--Brower, D.H.B. "Danville, Montour Co., PA Past & Present," Harrisburg: Lane S. Hart, 1881, page 109, Frank Stahl's personal archives, B23, page 59, available at Montour Co. Court house, Danville, PA.
Martin Keifer & William Keifer, both Company D, 7th PA volunteers of Limestone Tp.
On page 106--David Keffer, 13th PA reserves, Danville, South Ward

St. Joseph's Cemetery, transcribed by Franklin P. Stahl II, Summer 1986, My personal archive file A40, page 24 and also (*) A78, pages 42-44, Summer 1988:
(stone next Mary--upper part of stone missing), died 4/27/1837 in Chillisquaque Tp., 61y 7m 14d He left no heirs and made danation of his property to St. Joseph Church (If this is Martin, then his birth was in 1775--however, see Mary Belle Lontz's record below)
Mary Keefer, wife of Martin, died 11/16/1841, 69y 8m 19d (this would place this Mary's birth in 1772)
Their assumed children (Sarah found next to them and others further away):
Sarah A. Gaul, daughter, 2/6/1815-5/13/1865, 50y 3m 7d
George Keffer, son of Martin, died 2/8/1806, age 10m
John Keffer, died 3/10/1804, age 6m 1d
Martin Keffer, 4/16/1798-4/20/1830, age 32y
Rosanna Keffer, wife of Martin, died 11/15/1820, age 26y 2m
Maria Eve KEFFER d.1/12/(stone chipped) 97y 5m 2wk
Morris Lawrence d.1792 109y 6m 21d
John KEFFER d.10/30/1829 60y with wife Margaret KEFFER d.6/8/1818
Martha KEFFER d.6/5/1821 15y
Nancy KEFFER d.5/3/1860 80y
Susannah KEFFER, daughter of Joseph d.6/5/1827 (?y) 16m 22d

St. Joseph's Cemetery, transcribed by Franklin P. Stahl II, Summer 1988 (2 years later), My personal archive file A78, pages 42-44:
John D., son of Edward C. & Sarah Eisenbrown 2/7/1845-9/2/1816 1y 6m 25d
Sarah A. Gaul dau. of Martin 2/6/1815-5/13/1865 50y 3m 7d
W.F.
Mary wife of Martin d.11/16/1841 69y 8m 19d
(?) (he left behind no heirs and made a donation of his property to St. Jos. Ch. d.4/27/1837 61y 7m 14d
Susannah wife of Jacob Spring d. 6/15/1834 54y
Barbara Riffle d.6/10/1819 66y
Mary Riffle, wife of Geo d.8/7/18? (stone chipped and broken)
John Gaul 2/10/1778-2/9/1861 82y 11m 27d
Catharine Gaul, wife 9/15/1784-11/24/1872 88y 2m 5d
Nancy Keffer d.5/3/1869 80y
Margt. MKEYS d.1918 (next to Nancy Keffer)
__M. Keffer d.7/1839 1y 3m 11d
Margaret Keffer, wife of John d. 6/8/1818
John Keffer, d.10/30/1829 60y
Martha Keffer, d.6/5/1827 15y
B.R. Keffer, (near Riffle)

Milton, PA, "Catholic Cemetery, East of Milton," transcribed by Mary Belle Lontz, copyright 1974, pages 85-87, available at Milton Public Library, 974.83 L
Page 87:
Jacob Spring d. 4/27/1837 Chillisquaque Twp. North'd Co. 61y7m14d. He left no heirs and made a donation of his property to St. Joseph's Ch. in Turbut Twp. (She shows this as Jacob Spring, not a Martin Keefer, though they afer buried next to each other)
Mary (W/O Martin KEEFER) died 11/16/1841 69y 8m 19d
Mary A. CAUL (W/O Martin Keefer) 2/6/1815-5/13/1865 (typing error D/O not W/O AND Sarah A. not Mary A.)
John KEEFER (S/O Martin) d. _/10/1801, 6m4d (our dates and age differ)
Martin KEEFER Jr. 4/13/1798-4/20/1830 (our birth "day" differs)
B.K. (D/O) Martin KEEFER) 9/1/1794-11/1/1820 (I did not see this one)
Mary (W/O) Martin KEEFER) 2/19/1772-11/16/1841 (I do not know where she got her birthdate NOR why she has a second entry)
John KEEFER d.10/30/1829 60 w. Margt. d.6/8/1848 83y (see duplicate below on page 86)
Martha KEEFER d.7/5/1827 15y
Wendel KEEFER d.4.1.1877 74y w. Cath. d 8/3/1876 67y
On page 86 she lists others and some duplicates:
Nancy KEEFER d. 5/3/1869 80y
John KEEFER d. Oct. 30, 1829 60y b.1769 w. Margt. b.1765-6/8/1848 (see duplicate above on page 87)
Rosanna KEEFER Sept.15, 1794-11/15/1820
Martha KEEFER (d/o John & Margt. KEEFER) d. 6/5/1827 b. in 1812
Barb. RIFFLE d.6/10/1819 66y
Mary (W/O Geo. RIFFLE) d.Aug. 7, 1824 43y
Wendel KEEFER 2/19/1803-4/4/1877 w. Cath. 11/6/1811-Aug. 3, 1876
Geo. KEEFER d.2/8/1806 10m
On page 85 she lists:
Susanna (W/O Joseph KEEFER) d. 6/5/1827 (listed next to GIBSON on FLOOD)
Cath. (W/O John CAUL) Sept. 15, 1784-11/24/1872 (Possible mother of Sarah A. Gaul Keefer)
John CAUL 2/10/1778-2/9/1861 (Possible father of Sarah A. Gaul Keefer)
** I do not see any record on these pages for Maria Eve KEFFER and her father Morris Lawrence NOR for those listed on his Will: John H. Wolfinger, executor; daughter, Sarah Eisenbrown, Samuel Blain (adjacent landowner), and daughter, Mary (Mrs. Jacob Rishel).
** Other names that married to Keffers that are not listed here include: Weaver, Young, Lorbough

More About Martin Keffer, Jr.:
Date born 2: 29 Jun 1769, Birth/Baptism: Goshenhoppen Catholic Church Register, Washington Twp., Berks Co., PA.253
Died 2: Bet. 26 Jul - 8 Nov 1847, Turbot Twp., Northumberland Co., PA.
Occupation(s): Farmer.
Other-Begin: Will dated on June 29, 1847, added to on July 26 and probated on November 8, 1847.
PlaceBuried/Age: Family burial ground near own farm.
Religion: Did he convert to Lutheranism from Catholism? It appears that his son James and grandson Martin L. did, at least by the year 1849. .
Residence 1: 19 Oct 1847, Estate of 100 Acres of land in White Deer Twp., Union Co., PA was sold on this date.254
Residence 2: Turbot Township, Northumberland Co., PA; Lot 128, Front St., Milton, Northumberland Co., PA.
Residence 3: 8 Aug 1801, Lot 128, Front St., Milton, Northumberland Co., PA was purchased on this date.254
Residence 4: 29 Jan 1802, Martin, Sr. deeds 200 acres to Martin, Jr. for 150 lbs..254

More About Martin Keffer, Jr. and Mary:
Marriage: Probably in Northumberland Co., PA.