What stories could these walls tell? This is the Valentine Keffer House. It stands as a reminder of early life in this region.
Valentine Keffer was born in Pennsylvania in 1806. He later moved to Canada. He was a farmer. Valentine married Mary Ann Peterman around 1829.
In 1843, the Valentine Keffer House was built. Valentine and Mary raised their family here. The house reflects their life. Census records from the mid-1800s show Valentine and his family living in Vaughan. They were members of the Church of England.
Valentine Keffer’s children included Susan, George, Mary Jane, Samuel, Hannah, Valentine Jr., William and Abraham. The census provides a snapshot of their lives. It lists their ages, birthplaces and occupations. Valentine Keffer worked hard as a farmer. His sons also worked on the land.
Later census records show Valentine’s son, Valentine Keffer Jr., also became a farmer. He lived in the area with his wife Martha Watson. They had children. One of their daughters was named Ada Keffer. She was born in 1879.
Valentine Keffer passed away in 1890 in Oro, Simcoe. He was 84 years old. He was buried in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Vaughan. His wife, Mary, joined him there in 1896.
The Valentine Keffer name has Germanic origins. Keffer means “to chatter” or “to talk.” It might have been a nickname for a talkative person. It also refers to a cattle herder or farmer. The name reflects the family’s farming background.
Today, the Valentine Keffer House stands as a tangible link to the past. It represents the lives of Valentine Keffer and his family. It is a reminder of their contributions to the community. It is a symbol of their enduring legacy. The Valentine Keffer House is a special place. It connects us to the people who shaped this region. It keeps their memory alive for future generations.