THE KEASTER FAMILY


Early history of the United States reveals that the name Keaster was
spelled many ways; Kuster, Koster, Custer, Kester, Castner, Kastner,
Custard, Keister, Kestler, and Kaster.

Paul Kuster  was a Mennonite, who came to America from Crefield,
Germany, and settled in Germantown, Pa., about 1683.  It is somewhat
uncertain whether he came on the "Concord" with the 13 original
settlers, or soon thereafter.  He was accompanied by his wife
Gertrude, who was a sister of William Streypers, who came from
Kaldkirchen, a village in Germany between Crefield and the border-
line of Holland.

He was more or less active in the early government of Germantown,
serving as a committeeman of the municipality in 1700 and was an
overseer of the Fences November 5, 1706.  He was a mason by trade. 
He died November 28, 1707, being survived by his wife only a few
days.  He had three sons; Johannes, Arnold and Hermanus.

The above information was taken from "Early Friends Families of Upper
Bucks", by Roberts.


A study of the early ship's records of immigrants from Europe by the
name of Keaster reveal:

Fredrick Kiester    Arrived September 24, 1727, on ship "Virtuous 
                    Grace", John Bull, Master, from Rotterdam.
George Kiester      Arrived August 25, 1742, on ship "Mary", John 
                    Mason, Master, from Rotterdam.
Martin Kiester      Arrived October 20, 1744, on ship "Phoenix", 
                    William Wilson, Captain, from Rotterdam
Matheus Kester      Arrived November 8, 1752, on ship "Snow      
                    Louisa", Captain John Pittcairne, from  
                    Rotterdam.
Philip Kiester      Arrived September 24, 1754, on ship "Neptune" 
                    from Rotterdam John Mason Master.
Johannes Keister    Arrived October 27, 1764, on ship "Hero" 
                    Captain Ralph Foster, Master, from Rotterdam.

The above information was taken from Pennsylvania Archives, on file
in the National Library of Congress.

In the 1790 Census of the United States, on file in the National
Archives, appear the following Keasters in Pennsylvania;

John Keaster        Lowell Township, Northhampton County. 2 Males 
                    over 16 yrs. 4 Males under 16 yrs, and 5
                    females.
Jacob Keaster       Towamensink Township, Northhampton County. 1 
                    male over 16 yrs. 3 males under 16 yrs.