"On the hill behind is the grave of Willie Keil. Nineteen year old son of Dr. William Keil, leader of the Bethel Colony that came west to settle here in November 1855. Willie was to have driven the leading team in the wagon train which was to leave Bethel, Missouri in May 1855. Four days before their departure Willie died. Because of his great desire to go west with the group, the decision was made to take his body along. It was placed in a lead-lined box filled with alcohol. The sealed coffin was carried in a wagon remodeled as a hearse, which led the wagon train west. In the evening by lamp-light, Willie was buried here November 26, 1855."
More information on the strange story of Willie Keil (1836-1855) can be found on HistoryLink:
http://www.historylink.org/File/5453
