The Keeler Oak

This oak stands near the road on the farm owned by five generations of the Keeler family. During the Revolutionary war, on December 22nd, 1776 a skirmish occurred at Petticoat Bridge, less than a mile from the tree. Continental troops were victorious over Hessians under the command of Count Van Donop. The following day the Hessians in a counter attack passed under the shadow of this oak, and were successful. This bridge reputedly received its name from the fact that women sympathizers tore it up to prevent the passage of Hessian soldiers. Unfortunately for this tradition Petticoat Bridge is mentioned in the Burlington County road records as early as 1769, seven years prior to the revolutionary engagements. “The Revolutionary Journal of Margaret Hill Morris” discusses the engagements at Petticoat Bridge in some detail but no reference is made to naming the bridge at that time.

Another very interesting story concerns James H. Birch, who in 1862 established what was destined to become a world famous carriage factory in Burlington. He spent part of his boyhood on the Keeler farm. Throughout his life he worshiped this old oak and spent many hours beneath its generous shade. At his death, it was the wish of his family that his grave be lined with leaves from his favorite tree. His death occurred late in the fall and only a few leaves remained on the tree. The efforts of a public utility company in Burlington were enlisted and linemen placing long ladders against the tree, stripped by hand from the topmost branches, sufficient leaves to enable the family to carry out its desire.