Joseph Charles Keppler was a young boy of 14 when his family emigrated from Germany to Galena, Illinois. After beginning his training in gold-smithing and watch making in Galena, Joseph completed his apprentice- ship in Denver, Colorado, from 1861-1864. Gold had just been discovered in 1863 and he was to follow the thousands who were on their way out west to find their fortunes. He settled in Bannack City, Beaverhead County, Montana in 1864, the first jeweler in the state. Bannack was the first town located in southwestern Montana which later became the first state capital. It began as a gold mining camp that sprung up overnight.

Though he dabbled in mining prospects, Keppler was seeking more permanent security for his future and immediately opened a jewelry store. He fashioned nugget jewelry for miners as they brought their finds to town.

Keppler’s designs were original and his multi-colored grape leaf motif creations preceeded those of the Black Hills in South Dakota by nearly ten years. Some of his creations are on display at the Beaverhead County Museum and the Montana Historical Society.

Joe Keppler was frugal and invested his money wisely. In addition to owning a jewelry store in Bannack, he established stores in Glendale, Virginia City and later Anaconda where he firmly established his residence.

Mr. Keppler was active in the Masons, served as one of the first Aldermen in Anaconda, belonged to the Elks, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias, and was Postmaster at Glendale, and later Anaconda. He was married four times, the last at age 74. He died in Oregon in 1920.

From: The Philalethes, Oct. 1998, Roger C. Johnson, author