It is certain that a settlement of some sort existed at Keefer prior to the formation of Grant County in 1820. One of the first names to appear in its history is that of Payne, brother-in-law to Richard M. Johnson of Indian fighting fame, credited with having killed Tecumseh and later becoming vice-president of the United States. One of the first men to establish himself here was Jake Musselman, who came from Harrison County and is reputed to have traded a "rifle-gun for 200 acres of land and went on to acquire a large acreage. One Francois Simone or Simons) appeared as agent for a French land company and both attached himself to and formed an alliance with the Musselman family by marrying Eliza, a daughter of the house. Early in its history, the settlement was known as Priceburg, so called for John Price who came from New Columbus and started the first store. Keefer had its troubles a-plenty during the Civil War with differences between Confederate sympathizers who were labeled "guerrillas" and the Union forces of Home Guards, establish ostensibly a legal organization, but were accused of terrorizing citizens loyal to the South. An incident tis recalled when one of the Home Guards men was found shot dead in the "Big Woods" near Holbrook. The district Provost Marshall with headquarters in Georgetown, a General Burbridge issued orders for every Home Guard killed, two rebels were to be killed. A short time later two soldiers of the Confederate Army, the uncles of Jeff Link, were home on leave. They were arrested and shot by the Home Guard and are buried on the old Link Farm near Lish Smith's (blacksmith) shop. Dr. J. N. Alexander operated a store, practiced medicine and was postmaster, probably the first one. He migrated to Missouri about the turn of the century. Huff and Son ran a large general store and operated the huckster routes in the county; they later moved to Bristol, Tennessee. The post office was discontinued with the inauguration of rural routes. Uncle Bill Woods was the first carrier. Uncle Tom Marksberry is remembered for his consistently good humor. Although he could neither read nor write, he managed somehow to keep his prices straight and his accounts in good order. His store was across the road from Antioch Church. There is no business places at Keefer now, but Antioch Church of Christ still stands as do many of the old homes.

Uncle Tom Marksberry on the porch of his store at Keefer. Although he could neither read nor write, he managed to keep his prices straight and his records in good order. He greets a customer who pulls up by the faithful transportation of the times  -  a horse and buggy.

Source: Sesqui-Centennial, 150th Year of Grant County
Published by the Grant County Sesqui-Centennial Committee 1970

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