Florence Keiser named Whitley County's Oldest Citizen during Old Settlers Days
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, members of the Old Settlers Day Association present the plaque for "Whitley County's Oldest Citizen" to Florence Keiser, second from left. Below, Keiser enjoys the celebration of her long life in Whitley County with her granddaughter, Tara VanHouten.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
If you don't count those seven years she lived along the north shore of Loon Lake in Noble County, Florence Schrader Keiser would have taken home two big awards last night when the community came together to celebrate its elders at Old Settlers Day.
Still, at precisely 98 and a half years-old, Keiser was named Whitley County's Oldest Citizen after registering at the traditional Old Settlers Day roll books at the Whitley County Historical Society Thursday. Those seven years cost her the "Longest Continuous Resident" award...but those were good years and she doesn't regret a single one of them!
Born in Whitley County on October 27, 1912, Keiser is the daughter of Elmer & Bessie Smith Schrader. Growing up with three brothers and a sister, she's been fortunate to enjoy her golden years with her 90 year-old younger sister, Doris Pittenger, who is still living. 
Schrader attended her full eight years of schooling at Schrader School, a highlight of which was earning perfect attendance.
Her most serious childhood illness could have cost her the big award back then, but timing was everything.
"I got the measles over Christmas vacation," Schrader said beaming. "I thank the Lord for that!" She came down with measles after school let out for Christmas break and she convalesced during the weeks off at home, becoming well in time to return to school with her classmates as though nothing had happened.
Keiser and her husband, Walter, farmed together for 25 years and owned the Keiser Restaurant from 1957 to 1965. The restaurant was located where Teghtmeyer's Ace Hardware used to be in downtown Columbia City on Van Buren Street.
Additionally, Keiser worked at the Blue Bell factory for several years and was a dedicated housewife and mother to her three children, Joanna Sewell, Loretta Forst and Jack Keiser.
Today, she enjoys her ten grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.