Col. Kessler died this morning at 4:00 am after an illness of several weeks.  He had been a resident of Pensacola for over 20 years and held a high place in the hearts of his fellow citizens.  He was at one time president of the chamber of commerce, served four years on the governor's staff and took an active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the city.  

Kessler moved to Pensacola with his family from Philadelphia.  At the time of his death he was treasurer of the Goulding Fertilizer Company.  The deceased was 70 years of age and is survived by his wife--one of the most earnest and active charity workers in the city--four daughters and one son.  The daughters are Mrs. Norris Levis, Pensacola; Mrs. George H. McManns, Ft. Rosecrans (San Diego, CA); Mrs. James Bushong, Charlestown, WV, and Miss Mildred of Montgomery, AL.  Funeral services will be conducted at the First Baptist Church tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 pm.  The cortege willl leave the residence on bayshore at 3:00.  Internment will be made in St. John's Cemetery.  There will be a special car at the church to convey funeral attendants to the cemetery.  The burial rites of the Masonic order, of which the deceased was a member, will be observed at the grave.