William Keil facts for kids
William Keil (born March 6, 1812 – died December 30, 1877) was a leader who started special religious communities. These communities were in Bethel, Missouri, and later in Aurora Colony in Oregon. He created and guided these groups in the 1800s.
Keil's ideas were shaped by different Christian beliefs, like German Lutheranism and Methodism. He strongly believed in the Golden Rule, which means treating others the way you want to be treated. He also thought people should share everything and live together as a community, like early Christians did.
Keil was born in Prussia (now part of Germany) in 1812. His parents were German Lutherans. He moved to the United States when he was young. He first worked as a tailor in New York, which was his family's trade. Within a year, he and his wife moved to western Pennsylvania. There, Keil became known as someone who had special insights and could help people feel better.
By 1837, he opened a drugstore in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Keil soon heard about people who had left another community called the Harmony Society. They were trying to start a new group nearby. Keil met these families in the early 1840s. He impressed them, and they suggested he start his own community where people lived and shared together. These families had experience with such groups, which helped Keil a lot.
Starting New Communities
Keil was inspired by new religious movements and ideas about creating perfect societies. These ideas were popular in western Pennsylvania in the 1830s. He became a successful Christian preacher and gathered many followers.
The Bethel Colony
In 1844, Keil and his followers moved to Bethel, Missouri. There, they started a community where they tried to live a perfect life together. This community was very successful.
Moving to Oregon
Even though the Bethel colony was doing well, many members decided to move again. Led by Keil, they traveled to Oregon between 1853 and 1856. They wanted to start a new settlement there. This new place became known as Aurora Mills.
The Journey West
Dr. Keil led the first group of wagons to the Oregon territory. His oldest son, Willie, had died just a few days before the trip was supposed to start. William Keil had promised Willie that he would go on the journey no matter what. So, Willie's coffin was placed in the lead wagon, just as promised. Willie was buried in Washington, at the first settlement site. This settlement later moved and became the Aurora Colony.
William Keil died on December 30, 1877. After he passed away, there was no clear leader for the Aurora Colony. This led to the community breaking apart in 1883.
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