BBB Destination - Menlo

On a quiet stretch of Washington State Highway 6, between Chehalis and Raymond, at a place named Menlo, stands the Washington Heritage Marker for Willie Keil’s grave.

Willie was born January 12, l836, in Bethel, Missouri. His father, Dr. William Keil, was the leader of a religious sect known as the Bethelites. In l855, they decided to follow their dream and come west to find their "promised land." Willie, who was just 19, was completely dedicated to the idea and was thrilled at being a part of the proposed adventure. He learned to drive a three-ox team and became so good at it that he was given the honor of driving the number one wagon. Sadly, when it was time for the wagon train to set out, Willie fell desperately ill with malaria. He was so afraid he would be left behind that he made his father promise that, no matter how ill he was, Willie would make the trip.

Dr. Keil had the leading wagon fitted out as an ambulance so that he could keep his promise to his son. Four days before the designated date of departure, Willie died. That was May 19 in the year of l855.

Dr. Keil had promised his followers he would take them to "a cool, green and beautiful land beside a rushing river" and he also remembered his promise to Willie, so he and the elders of the sect built a sturdy, wooden coffin and lined it with lead. Then, Dr. Keil ordered a load of 100 proof Golden Rule whiskey, poured it into the coffin around Willie, and nailed down the lid. It was carefully placed in the number one wagon, which Willie had hoped to drive.

A little west of Ft. Laramie, a band of Indians in war dress approached the wagon train, who were sure they were in for big trouble. A painted brave rode close and pointed to the black box. Dr. Keil pried off the lid and the Indian looked inside. At their leader's signal, each member of the war party rode slowly by and gazed solemnly into the coffin. Then, they turned and quietly rode away.

On a wet, chilly November day, six months after they left Missouri, the Keil party reached their intended destination at Willapa near the Washington coast. Nineteen-year-old Willie, in his coffin full of whiskey, was finally laid to rest.
Source