Joseph Warren Keifer (January 30, 1836 – April 22, 1932) was a major general during the Spanish–American War and a prominent U.S. politician during the 1880s.

After Robert E. Lee's army had retreated to safety in Virginia, Keifer and his regiment were dispatched to New York City to help suppress the draft riots.

During his early House years, Keifer was a member of the congressional "Stalwart" faction of the Republican Party led by New York senator Roscoe Conkling.

He was selected by intraparty colleagues on the 16th ballot, and proclaimed upon mounting the Speaker's rostrum that he would try: with my best ability, guided by a sincere and honest purpose, to discharge the duties belonging to the office with which you have clothed me.

[3]He proved a disappointment as Speaker, his deficiencies in knowledge, judgment, and personality prompting The Nation to comment that he was "more successful than any of his predecessors in displeasing the majority of the House.

"[4] During the Spanish–American War, President William McKinley appointed Keifer major general of volunteers on June 9, 1898.

The book was both a commentary on the history of slavery in the United States as well as an autobiography of his experiences during the Civil War.

After his political career, Keifer again resumed his law practice and served as the president of the Lagonda National Bank in Springfield, Ohio.