Johannes Heinrich Keller

One authority asserts that the Kaellers of the 16th century were serfs to the "Master of Kloster Ruti."

Upon the death of Hans Kaeller, his widow Madalena Bosshart and his son, George, were required to pay "1 pound, 4 schillings to satisfy the obligation for the death." the account goes on to state that the rate of bondage had become less burdensome since the Middle Ages, due mainly to the influence of the Church. Originally, the "right and worth" (accumulated chattels) of the serfs amounted to little more than owning a head of cattle, and the serfs were not allowed to sell or exchange it. They were also never free of the master's impunity or surveillance. the serfs obviously could not own land, but, rather, lived on the master's land at his pleasure. They paid rent to the master and also contributed one or more days' work to the master's property. the typical serf had a constant fear for the lives of himself and his family as a result of his obligations to the master; upon his death, his master could claim all his property.