William Keil

William Keil (March 6, 1812 – December 30, 1877) was the founder of 19th-century communal religious societies in Bethel, Missouri, and Aurora Colony in Oregon.

Influenced by German Lutheranism, pietism, and revival Methodism, Keil's theology was based on the principle of the Golden Rule as well as the view that people should try to share all with others by living communally (Acts 4:32-37).

Within a year, he and his wife, also German, moved to western Pennsylvania, where Keil gained a reputation as a mystic and healer.

After becoming a successful Christian preacher and building a large congregation, Keil, and his followers, moved to Bethel, Missouri, in 1844 and started a Utopian commune.

Willie's coffin was filled with whiskey distilled at the Bethel colony and put in the lead wagon as promised.