Edward Keeler (1838-1879) was born in Walsall, Staffordshire, the son of Samuel Keeler (a Master Collar Maker).

By 1861 Edward was employed as a Cutlery Clerk, living at Parkers Road, Crookes with his brother  Thomas, a Table Knife Manufacturer.  (Thomas was in partnership until 1851 with Charles W. Saville manufacturing Table Knives and Butchers Steel at 27 Carver Street – see Keeler & Saville).  When Thomas continued to trade under his own name as a table cutlery manufacturer, it seems likely that Edward joined him. Certainly, after his brother’s death Edward continued the business as Edward Keeler & Co (‘late Thomas’), at Oxford Works, Oxford Street (White’s, 1871), living at 49 Gloucester Street with his sister-in-law and her family.

By 1875, Edward was bankrupt with debts of £1,200. He died on 18 July 1879, aged 41, and was buried in the General Cemetery. His trade mark was ‘CONSERVATIVE’, later used by J. & J. Beal.