My Genealogy Hound

Dr. Arthur H. Keller, Hot Springs, Ark. Health is the most precious gift of Nature, and how to retain it and how to regain it when lost, are matters of vital moment. Some seek health in travel, and others in physical recreation. Both are no doubt beneficial, but they do not always accomplish the object in view. Medical science must be resorted to, and, if possible, the best physicians employed. In the possession of first-class physicians Hot Springs stands second to no other city in Arkansas. Among those who, although young in years, have made for themselves a name, and been unusually successful in their practice, is Dr. Arthur H. Keller, a native of Beaver Dam Springs, Tenn., born August 23, 1857. He is the son of Dr. Thomas Fairfax and Susan (Warren) Keller, the father a native of Virginia, and the mother of Ireland. The subject of this sketch, having lost his parents at an early age, was left to face the hardships of the world utterly penniless. In obedience to the expressed wish of his father upon his death-bed, that he (Arthur) study medicine, it now disturbed him no little to ferret out a means by which he could fulfill his father’s desires. Happily about this time his attention was called to an advertisement in the weekly paper of his county, saying that applicants for the Garth Fund would meet the commissioners of said fund upon a specified day. Now was the opportunity of his life. He unhesitatingly and unadvisedly made application for the benefit of this fund. He was acceptable to the commissioners, and for ten years, or until he had completed his collegiate course, he was the recipient of its benefits. At the age of twenty-one years he began the study of medicine, and upon February 25, 1881, he delivered the valedictory address from the Louisville Medical College to his class and a large audience of friends and acquaintances. Classically he was educated at Centre College, Danville, Ky., graduating and receiving his Bachelor of Art degree there from in June, 1879. Within the past few years the A. M. degree has been conferred upon him. Until July, 1889, he has been a consistent practitioner of medicine and surgery at Ruddel’s Mills, Bourbon County, Ky., since which time he has assiduously carried out the requirements of his profession at Hot Springs, Ark., his future home. Dr. Keller was married April 20, 1881, to Miss Ida Bowen, daughter of Col. George W. Bowen, of Bourbon County, Ky.; by her became the father of four children: George Bowen, Marion Clyde, Leila Warren and Arthur Yewsum. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a Democrat.