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Descendants of William H. Keepers

Group 9:  Sussex County, New Jersey

 

Generation No. 1

 

     1.  William H.¹ Keepers was born March 19, 1793 in New Jersey, and died December 23, 1873.  He married (1) Unknown.    He married (2) Elizabeth Demarest July 09, 1831¹.  She was born February 19, 1809 in New Jersey², and died January 12, 1888.

 

Notes for William H. Keepers:

It is probable that the child named William in William H. Keepers' first marriage died at birth or in infancy since a second child is also named William in the second marriage.  William H. Keepers moved his family from Sussex County, New Jersey, to Will County, Illinois, in 1846, then to Kankakee County, Illinois in 1849.  [11-30-1976, MERLE]

 

The 1860 federal census, Kankakee Co., Essex, IL, shows William & Elizabeth with children Jane, 22 yrs., Rachel, 20 yrs., and Daniel R., 11 yrs.  The value of real estate is $500, and the value of personal property is $400.  In this household, all but Daniel were born in New Jersey.  Daniel was born in Illinois.

 

The 1860 federal census, Will Co., IL, lists William Keepers, 20 yrs., born in New Jersey, a tenant farmer, with real estate valued at $200.  This William is presumed to be the son of William H. Keepers. 

 

Note:  The 1870 census, Essex, IL, has William's age as 79; value of real estate: $1,000; value of personal estate: $2,150. 

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The information below was provided by Mary (Keepers) Helgevold.

 

According to a Family Bible record, William Keepers was born March 19, 1793 in New Jersey.  His tombstone, however, states that he died Dec. 23, 1873, aged 81 yrs., 9 mos., which would make his birth year 1792 instead of 1793.  Census records are not helpful.  In 1830 he was in the 30-40 age bracket; in 1855 he was in the 60-70 age bracket; in 1860 he was 65 (b. 1795? possibly 69?); in 1870 he was 79 (b. 1791?).

 

     On March 21, 1825, William Keepers, of Roxbury Township, Morris County, New Jersey, purchased 30 acres of land for $315 from Thomas & Mary Peterson.  The land was in Roxbury Township, Morris County, New Jersey.  The tract was on the east side of the Musconetcong River, about one-half mile below Brooklyn Forge, which was on the west side of the river in Sussex Co.  This transaction was witnessed by Silas Dell and Thomas Dell. (Morris Co. Deed Book RR, p. 506)   Was this our William Keepers?  Twelve years later William and wife Eliza of Byram Twp., Sussex Co., sold this same land, so must assume it was the same William.

 

        By 1830, William Keepers resided in Byram Township, Sussex County, New Jersey.  The 1830 census listed him as head of household, along with six other family members:  William in the 30-40 age bracket, one male in the 10-15 age bracket and one in the 5-10 age;  four females - one in the 30-40 age bracket, one in the 10-15 group, one in the 5-10 group, and one under the age of five.   The female in the 30-40 age bracket was probably his first wife, name unknown at this time.  A descendant in William's second family understood that his first family included a William who died young (as the first son of his second marriage was also named William), a Charles and a Susan.  Susan Keepers is buried next to William and Elizabeth in Essex, Illinois, which probably led to the misconception that she was a daughter but later research indicates that she was a daughter-in-law, and the wife of Charles W. Keepers.  Charles is probably buried there also in an unmarked grave.  Of the five children, only Charles W. Keepers is known for sure.    If a son named William was dead by this time, then another son is listed.  I suspect that the other son was John M. Keepers,  who claimed to have been born in Byram Twp and who witnessed a later sale of William's property.  The three daughters' names are unknown.  A search should be conducted of the marriages of some Keepers females in Morris County.  There were several  Keepers marriages that did not fit into the Thomas Keepers family of Morris County so they may be William's daughters or belong to some other family.  Perhaps a search into the genealogy of their married names would give some information:

  

   Sarah Keepers married Richard Gray on May 1, 1833, by C. Hoover, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Morristown, Morris Co., New Jersey.

   Arvilla Keepers married James Paul on July 15, 1843, by Luke I. Stoulenburgh, Pastor of First Congregational Church, Chester, Morris Co.

   Another possible daughter is Amanda Keepers, aged 22, who lived with the Arvilla and James Paul family in 1850.  Arvilla and Amanda were probably sisters.  Nearby live the known son Charles W. Keepers and his family in the 1850 Census of Morristown, Morris Co., NJ.  Charles and his family moved to the Essex Illinois area where his father lived. 

 

   According to the Bible record, William Keepers married Elizabeth on July 9, 1831 (or 1832?), by Esq. Laurance Byram, NJ (or by Esq. Lawrance, in Byram, NJ?).  The marriage was not in Sussex County nor Morris County Marriage Records, although that was not unusual, as many JPs, etc., did not duly record them.  Their children gave her maiden name with various spellings as Demorest, Domerest, Demerest, Demearest.   Elizabeth may also have been married before, possibly to someone named Sergent, as the Bible's list of ten children begins with John P. Sergent, b. Dec. 19, 1829.   Elizabeth's obituary stated that she was the mother of ten children but John may have been a foster child.

 

   In April 1833, William Keepers and Cornelius Leport, both of Byram Twp., purchased 25¼ acres of land in Byram Twp from William D. & Martha Johnson for $900.  One half of the Columbia Forge was situated on this tract.  The sale was witnessed by Cyrus Leport and James Sutton. (Sussex Co. Deed Book R-3, p. 386.  Recorded 2 Nov. 1835.)  William & Cornelius borrowed $400 from John Leport (possibly Cornelius's father?) to pay for the tract.  Cornelius Leport signed his name to the mortgage, while William and Eliza Keepers made their marks(X), witnessed by Josiah Munson and James Sutton. (Sussex Co. Mortgage Book, Recorded April 20, 1833.)

 

    On October 4, 1835, William Keepers bought out Cornelius Leport's share of the property for $450.  This transaction was witnessed by Josiah Munson and Cyrus S. Leport. (Sussex Co. Deed Book R-3, p. 391)

 

   On March 6, 1837, William Keepers and wife Elizabeth, of Byram Twp., Sussex Co., sold the property below Brooklyn Forge in Roxbury Twp., Morris County, to John Wills of Roxbury for the sum of $250.  This transaction was witnessed by William Ackley and John M. Keepers.  William and Elizabeth once again signed with their marks (X).  (Morris Co. Deed Book N-3. p. 319).

 

   On May 11, 1841, William and Elizabeth Keepers sold the Columbia Forge property for $800 to James Sutton of Byram Twp. (a neighbor who had witnessed earlier transactions).  Witnesses were Benjamin Pitney and John White.  William and Elizabeth once again signed by making their marks.  (Sussex Co. Deed Book Z-3, p. 238)

 

   In 1846, William and Elizabeth Keepers and family moved to Will County, Illinois.  A young son named Morris S. was born 20 February 1845 in New Jersey and died 4 October 1846 with burial at Channahon, Will Co., Illinois.  The family moved to the Essex area in Kankakee Co. in 1849 or 1850, depending on the sources.  The family has not been located in the 1840 Census of New Jersey nor the 1850 Census of Illinois, although the daughter Nancy was listed in the 1850 Census of Will County, Illinois. William & Elizabeth appear on the 1855, 1860, 1870 censuses.  The 1865 and other state censuses have not been checked.   

 

More About William H. Keepers:

Burial: Essex Cemetery, Essex, IL

Residence: 1830, Byram Twp., Sussex Co., NJ³

 

Notes for Elizabeth Demarest:

Shirley Hill, Elizabeth’s g-g-granddaughter, provided the following.

 

The Kankakee Gazette

 Thursday, January 19, 1888

 

Grandmother Keepers, who has been so long and favorably known in our town, passed quietly away on the morning of the 12th inst.   At the time of her death she was staying with one of her daughters, Mrs. James Cooper.  She was in apparent good health at 6 a.m. when the girl with whom she slept got up to get breakfast and she wanted to get up too, but was prevailed upon to wait until breakfast was ready.  When called to breakfast, no response came.  Upon going to her room, her lifeless body was found.  The Keepers family moved into Essex Township in the spring of 1849.  Mr. Keepers died some 12 or 15 years ago.  Mrs. Keepers united with the church at the age of 18 and remained a faithful Christian until death.  She was born in New Jersey February 19, 1809.  The funeral services were held at the M. E. Church at 11 a.m. Sunday.  Remains were laid to rest in the Foote Cemetery.

 

More About Elizabeth Demarest:

Burial: Essex Cemetery, Essex, IL

 

More About William Keepers and Elizabeth Demarest:

Marriage: July 09, 1831⁴

    

Children of William Keepers and Unknown are:

+   2         i.   Sarah A.² Keepers, born Abt. 1815 in New Jersey; died September 29, 1885 in Morristown, Morris Co., NJ (bur. Evergreen Cmty).

     3        ii.   William Keepers, born Abt. 1818; believe died in infancy.  [MERLE].

+   4       iii.   John M. Keepers, born April 15, 1821 in Byram Twp., Sussex Co., New Jersey; died March 25, 1895 in Newton, Sussex Co., New Jersey (bur. Newton).

+   5        iv.   Charles W. Keepers, born September 1824 in New Jersey; died February 21, 1904 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois (probably buried Foote Cmty).

     6         v.   Amanda Keepers, born Abt. 1828.

+   7        vi.   Arvilla M. Keepers, born 1823 in Sussex Co., New Jersey; died April 30, 1905 in 28 Abbet Ave, Morristown, NJ (bur. Evergreen Cmty).

 

    

Children of William Keepers and Elizabeth Demarest are:

+   8         i.   Catharine M.² Keepers, born May 30, 1832 in New Jersey; died August 12, 1895 in Essex, Illinois.

+   9        ii.   Nancy Keepers, born March 31, 1834 in New Jersey; died November 19, 1920 in Essex, Illinois.

+   10     iii.   Abigail Keepers, born March 11, 1836 in New Jersey; died April 26, 1932 in 1105 South Third Street, Kankakee, Illinois.

+   11      iv.   William Alfred Keepers, born April 03, 1838 in Columbia , Byram Twp., Sussex Co., NJ; died February 07, 1922 in Whittemore, Kossuth Co., Iowa.

+   12       v.   Jane Keepers, born October 05, 1839 in Roseville, Sussex Co., New Jersey; died July 23, 1921 in Essex, Illinois.

+   13      vi.   Rachel Keepers, born February 07, 1841 in New Jersey; died January 12, 1921 in Essex, Illinois.

+   14     vii.   Cornelius D. Keepers, born January 08, 1843 in New Jersey; died September 04, 1910 in Ruthven, Palo Alto Co., Iowa.

     15    viii.   Morris S. Keepers, born February 20, 1845 in NewJersey; died October 04, 1846.

 

Burial: Channahon, Illinois

 

+   16      ix.   Daniel Reid Keepers, born July 24, 1848 in Illinois; died December 29, 1934 in Gardner, Grundy Co., Illinois.

 

Generation No. 2

 

     2.  Sarah A.² Keepers (William H.¹) was born Abt. 1815 in New Jersey⁵, and died September 29, 1885 in Morristown, Morris Co., NJ (bur. Evergreen Cmty)⁶.  She married Richard Gray May 01, 1833 in Presbyterian Church, Morristown, Morris Co., NJ by Pastor C. Hoover⁷.  He was born Abt. November 15, 1806 in Ireland or England^8,9, and died May 15, 1883 in Morristown, Morris Co., NJ (bur. Evergreen Cmty)¹⁰.

 

Notes for Sarah A. Keepers:

The items below are all from Mary (Keepers) Helgevold.

 

NOT CONFIRMED that Sarah was a daughter of our William Keepers but in 1830 Census of Byram Twp, Sussex Co., NJ, William and his first wife (aged 30-40) had two sons and three daughters.  One of these females was in the 10-15 yr old age bracket.  Sarah fits into this family.  Thomas Keepers of Jefferson Twp.,  Morris Co., also had a daughter named Sarah but in the same generation as our William Keepers.  This Sarah married Elias Chamberlain of Hardiston, Sussex Co. in 1813.

 

1850 Morris Twp., Morris Co., NJ, p. 56, Dwelling 93/Household 100:

Richard Gray  44 M  Mill Wright  $1200  b. England

Sarah Gray 35 F  b. N.Jersey

Sarah L. Gray 15 F     "

Wm. A. Gray 12 M       "

 

1860 Morris Twp., Morris Co., NJ, p. 89?, Dwelling 622/654:

Rich Gray  52  M  Millwright  $1300/$600  Ireland

Sarah A. Gray  44 F  New Jersey

William H. Gray  21  M  New Jersey

Elizabeth Magenan  30  F  England

 

From:  Judy Pisano

Wednesday, July 01, 1998 9:09 PM

Mary:

I got up to Evergreen cemetery today and checked out the records for Sarah's grave. She is buried with her husband and what seems to be a daughter and her family.  The first two people in the grave are "two children of David Howell", buried in 1857.  In 1864 the ownership of the grave was transferred to Daniel Alexander, so Mr. Howell may have just sold the plot to the Alexanders.

 

Here's the list:

Richard Gray, born in England, died  on May 15,1883 at age 76 years 6 months.

Sarah Gray, died Sep 29, 1885 at age 70.

Arthur M. Alexander, born in Morristown, died Jan 29, 1889 at age 25 in

Yonkers, NY.

Sarah Louisa Gray Alexander (Sarah's daughter?) born in Lafayette, NJ, died on Dec 17,1890 at age 55 yrs 10 mo 9 days

Fred Gray Alexander, born Morristown, died 30 Jan 1900 age 31.

Theo Ayers Alexander, died Jan 17, 1911 age 36 in Yonkers, NY

Daniel Alexander, born Orange Co, NY died Dec 23 1917 age 95 in Pittsburg, PA.

 

There was no mention of the younger Richard Gray whose obit I found in the library - I'll check to see if it says where he died.

Looks to me like Sarah and Richard Gray had a daughter Sarah who married Daniel Alexander - he would have been 10 years older than her, though – and moved to Yonkers, NY.  Three of their sons were Arthur, Fred and Theo. I checked out the gravesite but there was no marker.

I stopped to say Hello to Arvilla while I was there.  She's not too far from

her sister.

From:  Judy Pisano

Thursday, September 03, 1998 5:55 PM

Mary:

I had a chance to go to Evergreen cemetery again today, and finally stumbled across the Grays and Alexander's graves.  Next to them was a family named Taylor.  The wife was an Alexander, probably Daniel's sister.  The Taylors had a son named Theo Ayers Taylor - so the connection is most likely between the Alexanders and the Ayers.

 

Judy Pisano has sent for a death certificate on Sarah Gray.

 

More About Sarah A. Keepers:

Fact 1: NOT CONFIRMED that she was Wm's DAUGHTER

Fact 2: May 01, 1833, Sarah married Richard Gray

 

Notes for Richard Gray:

Occupation in 1850:  Millwright with real estate value of $1200.

 

More About Richard Gray and Sarah Keepers:

Marriage: May 01, 1833, Presbyterian Church, Morristown, Morris Co., NJ by Pastor C. Hoover¹¹

    

Children of Sarah Keepers and Richard Gray are:

+   17       i.   Sarah Louisa³ Gray, born Abt. February 08, 1835 in Lafayette, Sussex Co., NJ; died December 17, 1890.

     18      ii.   William H. Gray, born Abt. 1839¹².

 

 

     4.  John M.² Keepers (William H.¹) was born April 15, 1821 in Byram Twp., Sussex Co., New Jersey¹³, and died March 25, 1895 in Newton, Sussex Co., New Jersey (bur. Newton)^14,15,16.  He married Susan Ann Hunt January 24, 1846 in Stillwater, Sussex Co., NJ¹⁷.  She was born April 20, 1826 in New Jersey¹⁸, and died August 08, 1903 in Newton, Sussex Co., New Jersey (bur. Newton)^19,20,21.

 

The notes below are from Mary (Keepers) Helgevold. 

 

All information on John M. Keepers and family was gathered from the Newton Cemetery tombstones, correspondence with Alice (Mrs. Ralph) Keepers of Newton in 1980-83, including the obituary she located in the newspaper microfilm, and Sussex Co. Land Records, Mortgage Records, Probate Records.

 

Later information from Census records for Sussex Co. for 1850, 1860 (not found in 1870 in Sussex), 1880, 1885, 1895, 1900, 1920.

 

NEW JERSEY HERALD, Newton, NJ, Thursday, March 28, 1895:

In "Died" column:

"KEEPERS, - Mar. 26, at Newton, John M. Keepers, aged 73 years, 11 months and 4 days."

 

"DEATH OF JOHN M. KEEPERS.

   John M. Keepers, one of the oldest residents of Newton, died at his home on High street on Monday, aged 73 years, 11 months and 4 days.  For several days previous to his death he had suffered severely from hiccoughing, but no serious consequences had been had been anticipated from this malady.  He became suddenly very seriously ill on Monday night and died of heart failure.  The deceased was born in Byram township, and with the exception of one year passed his entire life in Sussex county.  He always manifested a lively interest in public affairs and for a term of years represented the township of Stillwater upon the Board of Chosen Freeholders, representing his constituency in a most creditable manner.  He was a life-long Democrat and was a firm believer in the principles and policies of his part.  In the year 1846 he was married to Susan Hunt, and for the unusual term of forty-nine years this esteemed couple have lived together, beloved and honored by their children and respected by their friends and neighbors.  Eleven years ago Mr. Keepers removed to Newton, where he resided until the time of his death.  He was of a kind and genial disposition and will be greatly missed by his friends, and more especially by his children whose pleasure it was to cheerfully contribute to his every want in his declining years.  His funeral occurred on Wednesday afternoon, the services being in the [charge] of the Rev. Mr. Wright, and the interment being in the Newton Cemetery.  Aside from his wife, the deceased is survived by three sons and one daughter.  Charles, a successful merchant of Blairstown, and Marshall, William and Tillie, of Newton."

________________________________________________________________________

 

More About John M. Keepers:

Fact 1: March 06, 1837, Is this the John M. Keepers that witnessed Wm. & Elizabeth's property sale?

Occupation: 1860, Farmer²²

Property: 1860, Value of personal estate: $2,500.

Residence: 1860, Stillwater Twp., Sussex Co., NJ

 

Notes for Susan Ann Hunt:

Information on Mary Hunt Beatty (Mrs. Amos P. Beatty) " Newspaper clipping states she had three sisters, i.e., Mrs. Schofield of Goshen, Mrs. John Masker, Port Jervis,  Mrs. John Keepers, Newton." and that their father was Robert Hunt.

In the 1920 Newton, Sussex Co., NJ census, Chas. M. Keepers household included a widowed aunt named Lydia J. Schofield.  Her age was given as 68 but is that correct?  Chas. age was given as 67 which was incorrect, and his grand-daughter Elsie was listed as his daughter-in-law!

 

In 1900, Susan was living with her son William and daughter Matilda in Newton.  Her birth was given as April 1826 in NJ with parents also b. in NJ.  She was the mother of 6 children with 4 still living.

 

NEW JERSEY HERALD, Newton, NJ, Thursday, August 13, 1903, p. 4:

"DEATH OF SUSAN A. KEEPERS

   Mrs. Susan A. Keepers, widow of the late John Keepers, died at the home of her son, William, on High street, on Saturday last, aged 78 years, 3 months and 12 days.  The deceased had been in feeble health for some time past.  She was a kind and affectionate mother, and a true friend.  She was well known in Newton where she had resided for a number of years, and was beloved by all who had known her during her residence in this town as well as in Stillwater township where she resided with her husband for a long time.  she is survived by her daughter Matilda, at home, and two sons, William and Marshall, of Newton.  The funeral services occurred at her late residence on Tuesday afternoon."

 

Marriage Notes for John Keepers and Susan Hunt:

Married by Rev. T. H. Cole.Sussex County Marriage Records.

Note that John was married in 1846.  William Keepers and his second family moved to Illinois in 1846.

 

More About John Keepers and Susan Hunt:

Marriage 1: January 24, 1846, Stillwater, Sussex Co., NJ²³

Marriage 2: January 24, 1846, Sussex Co., NJ by Rev T. H. Cole²³

    

Children of John Keepers and Susan Hunt are:

+   19       i.   Charles M.³ Keepers, born October 22, 1848 in NJ; died March 17, 1921 in Newton, Sussex Co., NJ (buried Newton, NJ Cmty).

+   20      ii.   Marshall E. Keepers, born April 23, 1850 in Stillwater Twp.?, Sussex Co., New Jersey; died March 05, 1939 in Newton, Sussex Co., NJ (buried Sparta Pres. Cmty, NJ).

     21     iii.   William Keepers, born December 08, 1853 in New Jersey²⁴; died March 11, 1926 in Newton, NJ (bur. Newton).

 

From Mary Helgevold:

 

Was never married according to Alice (Mrs. Ralph) Keepers, but lived with sister Matilda, who became executor of his estate.  William and Matilda took care of their aging parents.

 

William purchased the Keepers family plot in the Newton, Sussex Co., NJ Cemetery where his parents, siblings and he are buried.  All of the names are on one tall,  spired monument.

 

In 1880, William at age 25 was a farm laborer for John W. Smith in Hampton Twp., Sussex Co. (p.4 Hampton Twp., SD #1, ED #179).

In 1885, he was in Stillwater village living with Joseph A. and Marian Emmons [pp41-42, 272/275, 1229-1231]

By 1895, he was in Newton Twp. as head of household including his sister Matilda, mother Susan A., and a servant or boarder Jeannie Johnson. (p. 84 Newton Twp., Sussex Co., NJ 1895 state census)

 

In 1900, he was head of household, a laborer who rented their home.  His birth year and Matilda's were not correct.  Who gave this information?

 

Not found in the illegible 1920 census.

 

NEW JERSEY HERALD, Newton, NJ:

 March 11, 1926: "William Keepers is seriously ill at his home on High Street.  He has long been a resident of Newton where he has many friends who are desirous of his recovery.  For a long time he was in the employ of Dr. Morison and was a beneficiary from the estate at the time of the death of the doctor.  Since that time he has been in charge of the estate of Mr. Newman Drake, Linwood __?___."

March 18, 1926:

 "DEATH OF WILLIAM KEEPERS

   The Herald of last week made mention of the serious illness of our much respected townsman, William Keepers, whose death occurred March 11th at his home 55 Hight Street, at the age of 72 years.  He was the son of the late John M. and Susan Hunt Keepers.  Forty nine years ago he became a resident of Newton and for the long period of thirty years as stated in the Herald of last week, was in the employ of Dr. F. Morrison.  He was a member of the Newton Presbyterian Church and a citizen very highly esteem, his splendid qualities of citizenry being particularly appreciated in his own home where he rendered not only brotherly but as has been well said parental love and affection.  His funeral services occurred at his late home on Sunday afternoon and were conducted by his pastor, Rev. Clarence W. Rouse, D.D. assisted by the Rev. James K. Easley.  The Interment was in the family plot in the Newton cemetery, the bearers being Wm. J. Morris, John Armstrong, Falgar Layton, George P. Bale, Condit Roy, and Amos Freeman.

   He is survivied by his sister Matilda and a number of nephews and nieces."

 

[Note: Darlyne Beatty McCole said that William was the chauffeur/gardener for the Newman Drake.]

 

More About William Keepers:

Residence: 1900, 1st Ward, Newton, Sussex Co., NJ²⁵

 

     22      iv.   Matilda Keepers, born September 17, 1855²⁶; died October 27, 1936 in (bur Newton)^27,28,29.

 

Notes for Matilda Keepers:

Never married per Alice (Mrs. Ralph) Keepers, but lived with her bachelor brother William.   Matilda was executor of  William's estate.

 

NEW JERSEY HERALD, Newton, NJ, October 29, 1936:

"OBITUARY ~ Martha Keepers

   The death of Miss Martha Keepers occurred at Greystone Park on Tuesday of this week.  Mis Keepers, who was the daughter of John Keepers and Susan A. Hunt, was eighty years of age.

    Services will be conducted at the ?use & Smith funeral home Friday afternoon at two-thirty o'clock by Rev. David T. Stephenson, pastor of the Newton M. E. Church.  Burial in Newton cemetery." - [Mary Helgevold]

 

More About Matilda Keepers:

Residence: 1910, Newton Twp., Sussex Co., NJ - with her brother, William.³⁰

 

+   23       v.   Joseph Henry Keepers, born November 02, 1860; died July 13, 1894 in (buried Newton, New Jersey).

     24      vi.   Catherine Keepers, born August 05, 1862 in Stillwater Twp.?, Sussex Co., New Jersey³¹; died April 24, 1884 in (buried Newton, New Jersey)³².

 

Notes for Catherine Keepers:

Listed as Catharine, age 17, with her sister Matilda and parents John M. and Susan A. Keepers in the 1880 census.  Her tombstone calls her "Katie."  Was this daughter named after John's mother, who was possibly Caty Macerley?

 

Per letter from Alice (Mrs. Ralph) Keepers dated 9/9/83,  "The only thing the papers said about Katie Keepers was that she died at age 21 years and was the daughter of John M. and Susan A. Keepers." - [Mary Helgevold]

  

     5.  Charles W.² Keepers (William H.¹) was born September 1824 in New Jersey³³, and died February 21, 1904 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois (probably buried Foote Cmty)³⁴.  He married Susan Abt. 1848 in ?Morristown, Morris Co., New Jersey?.  She was born December 24, 1824 in New Jersey³⁵, and died September 09, 1898 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois (buried Foote Cmty)³⁶.

 

Notes for Charles W. Keepers:

No data other than plat maps of the mid 1860's for Kankakee County, Illinois, which show he owned a 40 acre farm in Essex Township.  [11-1-1976, MERLE]

From 1860 census, Essex, IL, value of real estate: $600; value of personal estate: $431; 1870 census: value of real estate: $2,000. 

 

Family history from Mary Lorine Keepers Evans states that William Keepers was married twice, name of first wife unknown, but known children of that marriage included a William who died young and a Charles.  She also added a Susan but this may be in error and based on the tombstone of a Susan Keepers in the same plot as Wm and Elizabeth's in Essex, Kankakee Co., Ill.  Research proves that this tombstone belongs to Susan, the wife of Charles. 

 

1850 Census of Morris Twp., Morris Co., New Jersey, p. 080; 468, 511:

-Charles W. Keepers, Age 25, Male, Farmer, Born in New Jersey

-Susan Keepers, Age 25, Female, Born in New Jersey

-Albert Keepers, Age 1, Male, Born in New Jersey

 

1855 Census shows Charles W. Keeper and family were in Kankakee Co., living next to John Sergent.

Land Records of Kankakee Co. Illinois show that Charles W. Keepers purchased on April 2, 1856, for $300 from George Wright the SW1/4 of NW1/2, Sec. 10, T31NR9E (Essex Twp., northeast of Essex).  Filed Oct 10, 1856 in Book 10, p.43.

 

1860 Census of Essex Twp., Kankakee Co., Illinois, p.222. 1709-1628:

-Charles W. Keepers, Age 37,  Farmer, Value of real estate $600, Value of personal property $431, born in New Jersey.

-Susan Keepers, Age 36, Born in New Jersey

-Albert D. Keepers, Age 12, Born in New Jersey

 

Kankakee Co. Land Records show numerous land transactions of Charles W. Keepers. 

 

1870 Census of Town of Gardner, Grundy Co., Illinois, p. ?, 187-181:

- Keepers, Charles W., Age 46, Male,  Hotel Keeper, Born New Jersey, Real Estate Value of $2000.

-               Susan, Age 46, Female,  Keeping House, Born New Jersey

 

1871:  Iroquois Co. Illinois Marriage Records contain a certificate of marriage of Albert D. Keepers to Tillie Burlew on 17 Aug 1871.  This is probably the son as there were no other known Albert D. Keepers in the area.  No further record of this couple in Iroquois or Kankakee counties.

 

1880 Census of Essex Twp., Kankakee Co., Illinois, p. 13, 106-109:

-Keepers, Chas, White Male, Age 55, Farmer, Born in New Jersey, Father born in New Jersey, Mother born in New Jersey.

-             , Susan, White Female, Age 55, wife, Keeping House, Born in New Jersey, Father born in New Jersey, Mother born in New Jersey.

-Scroggins, Benj., White Male, Age 12,  In School, Born in Illinois, Father born in Illinois, Mother born in Illinois.

 

1883 Plat Map of Essex Twp. shows C. W. Keepers owning NE1/4 of NE1/4 of Sec. 19, T31N, R9E (40 acre farm purchased in 1869, sold in 1890).

 

Wife Susan died 9 Sept 1898.

 

1900 Census of Essex Twp., Kankakee Co., Illinois, p.?,  ?-190:

Keepers, Charles W.,  Head of household, White Male, Born Sep 1824, Aged 75,  Widowed, Married 50 yrs.  Born in New Jersey, Father born in New Jersey, Mother born in New Jersey,  Occupation: Farmer.

(No other people in the household)

 

1903  Son Albert D. Keepers died at Cook Co. Hospital in Chicago.  Telegram sent to Charles asking for instructions on disposal of remains, indicating that as next of kin Charles had no daughter-in-law or grandchildren at this time.

 

1904  Charles died on 21 February.

KANKAKEE DAILY REPUBLIC, Friday, Feb. 26, 1904, "Essex "News:

   "Chas. W. Keepers, aged 79 years, died Sunday.  His health has been poor for a year, but he was able to be out till Thursday.

   The funeral took place in the M. E. church Tuesday, Rev. Cordes officiated.

   Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Miller, W. B. Scroggins wife and daughter, Edith, R. H. Charter, of Kankakee and D. R. Keepers, of Gardner were present at Chas. W. Keeper's funeral."

 

Documents in his probate records include a bill for $4.25 from the local Essex physician J. W. Allison for medical service and medicines; a bill for $104.50 for nursing Charles from John Cooper, a nephew, and submitted by another uncle, Daniel Reid Keepers; and a bill of $112.50 for funeral expenses from local Essex undertaker W. H. Hasemeyer.  All of this indicates a local funeral and a local burial, probably in the unmarked grave between his wife Susan and his father William at the Foote cemetery.  No tombstone has been found.  His heir was no known family member but was a widow, Mrs. Alice Warren, who later became Mrs. Frank Meaden.  This woman appears on the Frances (Konietzko) Saucedo Genealogy containing some of the Meaden/Miller family.  Frank J. Meaden (1867-1951) married Mrs. Alice Warren.  Alice was a widow with two sons:  Freddie & Guy Warren.

 

His will, dated 18 June 1903,left his remaining estate to "Mrs. Alice Warren" who became Mrs. Alice Meaden before July 1905.  Relationship unknown - blood kin?  kin of Susan?  helpful neighbor? girlfriend?  Only known relationship is through Abigail Keepers' husband Robert Miller, whose nephew Frank J. Meaden married Alice Warren. Essex resident has told me that Alice's maiden name was Smith.  In presenting a medical bill to the estate, Dr. J. W. Allison wrote "Charles Warren Keepers."  Was that really Charles' middle name or did Alice tell the doctor that was so?  Further research is needed.    One of the witnesses to the signing of the will was questioned at length as to the soundness and state of mind of Charles at the time.  Witness C. S. Wheaton, however, could not say as he was not well enough acquainted with Charles to testify one way or another.  One result of the surprising will, however, was to spur some of the family members to submit bills for services rendered.  As stated above, D. R. Keepers helped his nephew John Cooper submit a bill for nursing Charles, and a sister Rachel Keepers Burd submitted a bill for all her housework and nursing preceding Susan's death and then for sewing shirts for Charles in his remaining years.

 

The estate was not very large by the time of his death.  Real estate was 11 1/2 acres on the south side of the K&S RR track, Village of Essex , that must have included a house for the inventory of household goods.  A 20-yr-old Bay Mare, 73 head of poultry, and assorted small farming implements.  Another nephew, W. B. Scroggins owed Charles a note , dated 3 Oct 1899, for $175. 

 

Notes:

WARREN, JOHN E                       SMITH, ALICE                         KANKAKEE    04/06/1881 00A/     00000769

 

More About Charles W. Keepers:

Fact 1: 1850, NJ Census & 1883 Esses Twp. plat map gives middle initial "W."

Fact 2: 1883, Owned 40 acres in NE qtr., Sec. 19, Essex Twp., Susses Co., Ill.

Fact 3: 1898, Wife Susan buried Foote Cmty. Is he in an unmarked grave?

Fact 4: 1871, Albert D. Keepers married in Iroquois Co.  Is it same Albert D., son of Charles?

Occupation 1: 1860, Farmer (Also, in 1850)

Occupation 2: 1870, Hotel Keeper³⁷

Residence 1: 1860, Essex, IL

Residence 2: 1850, Morris Twp., Morris Co., NJ³⁸

Residence 3: 1870, Gardner, IL

 

More About Charles Keepers and Susan:

Marriage: Abt. 1848, ?Morristown, Morris Co., New Jersey?

    

Child of Charles Keepers and Susan is:

     25       i.   Albert D.³ Keepers, born Abt. 1848 in New Jersey^39,40; died February 13, 1903 in Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.  He married Tillie Burlew August 17, 1871 in Iroquois Co., Illinois⁴¹.

 

Notes for Albert D. Keepers:

At the time of Albert's death in Chicago, his father was notified and asked what to do with the remains.  This indicates that Albert's wife and any children were deceased or gone.

 

Albert was not located in the 1870 Census of Grundy Co., where his parents ran a hotel.

1871:  Iroquois Co. Illinois Marriage Records contain a certificate of marriage of Albert D. Keepers to Tillie Burlew on 17 Aug 1871.  This is probably the son of Charles as there were no other known Albert D. Keepers in the area.  No further record of this couple in Iroquois or Kankakee counties.

 

 The following article may pertain to Albert:

MORRIS HERALD, Oct 10, 1879, p.8, col 1, Gardner News (Microfilm Reel #18, Morris, Illinois Library) :

   "A. Keepers, a former merchant of this place, called upon us Monday.  He has been selling goods for some time in Chenoa, but is now moving to 399 State street, Chicago.  Charles Baily is still with him."

   Although the Israel Jordan Keepers family resided in the Gardner area, have not located a member of that family with first initial A.

 

The Index to 1880 Illinois census lists Albert Keepers in Cook Co., Chicago  E. D. 7  178. - [Mary Helgevold]

 

More About Albert Keepers and Tillie Burlew:

Marriage: August 17, 1871, Iroquois Co., Illinois⁴¹

  

     7.  Arvilla M.² Keepers (William H.¹) was born 1823 in Sussex Co., New Jersey^42,43, and died April 30, 1905 in 28 Abbet Ave, Morristown, NJ (bur. Evergreen Cmty).  She married James Paul July 15, 1843 in First Congregational Church of Chester, Morris Co., NJ by Luke I. Stoulenburgh,⁴⁴.  He was born November 27, 1817 in Penninghame, Wigtown, Scotland, and died November 25, 1891 in Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ (bur. Evergreen Cmty).

 

Notes for Arvilla M. Keepers:

All information on the birth, death & family of Arvilla Keepers Paul is from the genealogy of Judy Jamieson Pisano.

 

NOT DEFINITELY ESTABLISHED that she was a daughter of William H. Keepers and his first wife but the evidence is strong.  Her birthplace was listed as Sussex County.  Although she was probably born in Morris Co., she was probably raised in Sussex Co. where our William Keepers was the only Keepers living at that time period.  In the 1830 Byram Twp, Sussex Co., NJ Census, William has three younger females in the household.  One of these is in the 5-10 yr old age bracket.  Arvilla would have been about 7 years old in 1830.

 

In 1850, Arvilla & James Paul lived near Charles W. Keepers & family.  Charles was a known son of our William.  Arvilla & James Paul had some children plus had Amanda Keepers, age 22, living with them.

 

Another clue appears in the family of Arvilla's half-brother William Alfred Keepers.  This half-brother William A. named one of his daughters Emma Arvilla Keepers, possibly after his half-sister?  Arvilla is not a common name.

 

1900 Morristown town, Morris Co., New Jersey, Roll 988, Book1, p.186:

Speedwell Ave:   Paul, Arvilla (M?)  Head  WF July 1826  74  W   7/3  New Jersey/New Jersey/New Jersey

                 ------ , Augustus S.  Son  WM (May?) 1858 42 S   New Jersey/New Jersey/New Jersey    Printer-Typesetter

 

Arvilla M. Paul was buried 1 May 1905 in Evergreen Cemetery, Morristown, NJ.

 

More About Arvilla M. Keepers:

Fact 1: NOT CONFIRMED that she was Wm.'s DAUGHTER

Fact 2: July 15, 1843, Arvilla Keepers married James Paul.

Residence: 1850, Morris Twp., Morris Co., NJ⁴⁵

 

Notes for James Paul:

James was a Presbyterian and a Sexton of South St. Church, Morristown.  In the 1860 Morris Co. Census, he was listed as a "molder."  The dictionary defines this occupation as one whose business is to makes molds for castings in founding (melted metal such as iron).

 

James was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Morristown, NJ, on 27 Nov 1891.

 

More About James Paul and Arvilla Keepers:

Marriage: July 15, 1843, First Congregational Church of Chester, Morris Co., NJ by Luke I. Stoulenburgh,⁴⁶

Marriage Fact: July 15, 1843, Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Chester, Morris Co., New Jersey

    

Children of Arvilla Keepers and James Paul are:

+   26       i.   Sarah Jane³ Paul, born September 20, 1843 in Morristown, Morris Co., NJ; died June 24, 1877 in Newark, NJ (bur. Evergreen Cmty, Morristown).

     27      ii.   Charles William Paul, born June 08, 1847 in Morris Co., NJ; died December 25, 1898 in (bur. Evergreen Cmty).

 

Notes for Charles William Paul:

Per Judy Pisano, Charles never married. She lists his various occupations as machinist, asst. fire marshal, and undertaker.

 

+   28     iii.   Henrietta Paul, born November 30, 1850 in Morris Co., NJ; died November 11, 1900 in Morris Co., NJ.

     29      iv.   Horace Paul, born 1852.

     30       v.   Augustus C. Paul, born November 12, 1856 in Morristown, Morris Co., NJ; died October 24, 1925 in Alms House, Morristown, NJ.

 

Notes for Augustus C. Paul:

Per Judy Pisano, Augustus never married.  She lists his occupation as Printer.  He was buried on 25 Oct 1925 in Evergreen Cmty.

 

     31      vi.   Mary H. Paul, born April 06, 1859 in Morristown, Morris Co., NJ; died March 06, 1868 in (bur. Evergreen Cmty).

 

Notes for Mary H. Paul:

Buried on 7 Mar 1868.

 

     32     vii.   Philip L. Paul, born August 25, 1863 in New Jersey; died May 09, 1898 in (bur. Evergreen Cmty).

 

Notes for Philip L. Paul:

Buried 11 May 1898

  

     8.  Catharine M.² Keepers (William H.¹) was born May 30, 1832 in New Jersey^47,48, and died August 12, 1895 in Essex, Illinois⁴⁹.  She married Hiram A. Scroggins 1855.  He was born February 19, 1833 in Indiana⁵⁰, and died March 27, 1918 in Kankakee Co?, Illinois⁵¹.

 

Notes for Catharine M. Keepers:

The Keepers family bible listed her as Catharine Keepers b. May 30th 1832 NJ.  No marriage date or spouse was entered on the marriage page but that information was also lacking for Jane & Cornelius whose marriage records have been found.  The tombstone in the Foote Cemetery, Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois:

         SCROGGINS

   HIRAM A. SCROGGINS

FEB. 19, 1833 - MAR. 27, 1918

  CATHARINE M. KEEPERS

           HIS WIFE

MAY 30, 1832 - AUG. 12, 1895

 

No Illinois marriage record has been located.  Possibly a common-law marriage?

 

Catharine Keepers was listed twice in the 1850 Illinois Census, once with her parents in District 21, Vermillion Co. as Kathn., age 18 b. NJ, and also in AuxSable Twp., Grundy Co. in the household of John Beard, Jr., as Catherine Keeper (indexer interpreted the last name as "Keefes"), age 18, b. NJ.  The Beard household was a near neighbor of household of Margaret Scroggins including sons Josiah, Hiram, William H., & George W.  Next door was the household of Shepperd Scroggins with his first wife Eliza.

 

An Essex, ILL. history states that H. Scroggins came to Essex in 1859 but may be inaccurate.

By 1860, Hiram and Catharine had three children and were living in Essex Twp., Kankakee Co:

Hiram Schroggins, 26, male, b. Ind., Farmer

Catherine ----------- ,  27, female, b. NJ

Elizabeth ----------- ,    6, female, b. Ill.

Margaret ------------ ,    3, female, b. Ill.

Wm. B.  ------------- , 10/12, male, b. Ill.

 

By 1870, another child was added:

12  87  87 Scroggins, Hiram  37  MW  Farmer   $3600  $1200   b. Ind.

  - - - -   Catherine  38  FW   Keeping House               b. NJ

  - - - -   Elizabeth  16  FW                                           b. Ill.  at school

   - - - -   Margaret   13  FW                                           b. Ill.  at school

   - - - -   William     10  MW                                          b. Ill.  at school

   - - - -   Edith           4  FW                                           b. Ill.

 

By 1880, Elizabeth & Margaret had left home:

3 20 20  Scroggins, Hiram  WM  47  Farmer   b. Ind./ fbp Kty/mbp Tenn. - - - -   Catherine  WF  48  wife  Keeping House b. NY/ fbp NY/ mbp NJ

 - - - -   William    WM  20  son  Helping Farm     b. Ill/ fbp Ind/ mbp NY

 - - - -   Edith         WF  14  Daughter  Scholar      b. Ill/ fbp Ind/ mbp NY

 

Illinois Marriages Index lists the following probable marriages of Catherine's children:

Elizabeth A. Scroggins to John W. Denning   09/19/1872   Grundy Co. Lic. #386

Margaret J. Scroggins to Solomon Denning   09/24/1879   Kankakee Co.,  Book A,Lic. #039

Wm B. Scroggins to Laura E. Charter   11/06/1883  Kankakee Co., Book A, Lic. #150

Edith M. Scroggins to Thomas M. Nelson   09/2101887   Kankakee Co, Book A, Lic. #262

 

Catharine died in 1895 and her husband Hiram remarried in 1897 to the widow Esther Jane (Barker) McCain.  In 1900, Hiram and Esther were living in Kankakee Twp., just outside the 6th Ward of Kankakee City, Ill.  Esther's children James and Edith are listed also (although Edith was moved up the page and is listed with another family).  See Hiram's notes.

 

More About Catharine M. Keepers:

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, ILL

Fact 1: Bible lists her as "Catharine;" tombstone includes middle initial "M."

Fact 2: List of children from 1860,1870 &1880 Census.

 

Notes for Hiram A. Scroggins:

Hiram Scroggins was listed in the 1850 Grundy Co., Illinois census in Auxsable Twp. (1850 ILL, Roll 108, p. 159), dated 23 Aug 1850:

#18 #19  Margaret Scroggins (or Scoggins), age 50 F b. Tenn.

               Josiah           "                               , age 20 M b. Ind.   Laborer

               Hiram            "                               , age 17 M b.   "

               William H.     "                               , age 13 M b. Ills.

               George W.     "                               , age 10 M. b. "

#19 #20  Shepperd       "                               , age 25 M b. Ind.  Laborer

                Eliza            "                                , age 24 F  b. Ohio

                Louis Munnion                             , age 18 M  b.   "        (This last name was difficult to interpret.  Eliza's maiden name was Munyon so this Louis may be a younger brother if that last name was Munnion rather than something else. Also note that in Nov 1850, Josiah Scroggins married Louisia L. Munyan!  Could this be her?  Note that the indexer interpreted the name as "Newmion.")

 

This same 1850 census also lists a Stephen Schroggins, 22, bp unknown, and wife Eliza A., 20, bp Ia (Indiana) as living in Channahon Twp., Will Co., on 2 Nov 1850.  This may show the move of the Scroggins family into Channahon Twp., Will Co., just east of Auxsable, Grundy Co.  By 1860, Sheppard and Eliza A. Scroggins and three children were in Channahon Twp. plus another nearby household held Margaret Scroggins, George W. & William. (See Sheppard Scroggins notes for details)

 

1860 Essex, Kankakee Co., Ill. Census lists Hiram "Schroggins" (See Catharine M. Keepers notes for detail of 1860, 1870 & 1880 census info.)

 

1883 Atlas of Essex Twp., shows H. Scroggins owning a 160 acre farm in Section 15, just southeast of Essex, adjoining land of his brother Sheppard and his second wife's former in-laws, J. McCain.

 

KANKAKEE GAZETTE, Thursday, January 19, 1888, Essex news:

"Hiram Scroggins has bought the house formerly occupied by Mrs. Burd, moved it into town and has moved into it.  He can now be found in his store in the evening."

(This was a grocery store per a step-grandson Floyd Emery.  Mrs. Burd was his sister-in-law Rachel Keepers, the widow of James Burd.)

 

His wife Catharine Keepers died in 1895.

 

KANKAKEE GAZETTE, July 15, 1897:

"Mr. Hiram Scroggins' residence is going up rapidly and we are waiting to see if some one is to help him occupy it."

 

KANKAKEE GAZETTE, August 5, 1897:

"Mr. H. Scoggins and Mrs. J. McCain were quietly married Wednesday at Coal City and returned to Essex Wednesday evening, where they were visited at night by almost all the citizens of Essex, and all the available noise making contrivances.  Mr. S. furnished ice cream for the ladies and cigars for the gents.  We wish them a long and prosperous married life."

 

Census Microfil Records:  Illinois, 1900

Illinois, Kankakee County, Page 192, dated 14 June 1900:

#348(or 346) #360 (or 359)  Scroggins, Hiram / head / WM/ Feb 1834 / 66 / M / 47 (or 27) / b. Indiana/fbp unk. / mbp unk./ farmer / O F H

                                              ----------    Ester J. / wife / WF / Apr 1855 / 45 / M/ 27 / mother of 3 / 2 living / b. NY / fbp NY / mbp NY

                                               McCain, James / Step-Son / WM / Sep 1879 /20 / S   / b.Kansas / fbp NJ / mbp NY /    farm laborer

 

(Higher on same page):          McCain, Edith  / Step Dau / WF / May 1888 / 12 / S  / b. Kansas / fbp NJ /mbp NY /   at school

 

Who gave this information?  The third child Addie was still alive the previous week and living in Grundy Co. with husband and one child,  She would live to have two more children so Esther was the mother of 4 with 3 still living as per Andrew McCain's obituary.

+++++++++++++++++++++

 

The following notes are from Russell Emery:

 

Birth and death dates for Hiram Scroggins and Catherine M. Keepers are

from their headstones at the East Cemetery, Essex, Kankakee Co.,

Illinois.

 

Doc 374-1. Kankakee Gazette, Kankakee Co., IL, date Thursday, August 5,

1897. "ESSEX, Mr. H. Scroggins and Mrs. J. Mccain were quietly married

Wednesday at Coal City and returned to Essex Wednesday evening, where

they were visited at night by almost all the citizens of Essex, and all the

available noise making contrivances. Mr. S. furnished ice cream for the

ladies and cigars for the gents. We wish them a long and prosperous

married life.

 

Dod. 374-2. Kankakee Co., IL Court Records. These records deal with the

Guardian's Bond of Jane Barker McCain Scroggins and Hiram Scroggins for

Edith McCain. The signatures of Jane Scroggins, Hiram Scroggins and

Edith McCAIN Lewellen,

  

More About Hiram A. Scroggins:

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, ILL

Fact 1: Per Essex history, Hiram moved to Essex in 1859.

Fact 2: January 1888, He bought Mrs. Burd's house, moved it to town, & had a "store" in the evenings.

 

More About Hiram Scroggins and Catharine Keepers:

Marriage 1: 1855

Marriage 2: Abt. 1853, probably Channahon, Illinois?⁵²

    

Children of Catharine Keepers and Hiram Scroggins are:

+   33       i.   Elizabeth A.³ Scroggins, born March 1854 in Illinois; died Bet. 1900 - 1939.

     34      ii.   Margaret J. Scroggins, born February 1857 in Illinois⁵³; died Aft. 1939⁵⁴.  She married Solomon H. Denning September 24, 1879 in Kankakee Co., Illinois⁵⁵; born August 1848 in Indiana⁵⁶; died Aft. 1900.

 

Notes for Margaret J. Scroggins:

Was Margaret named after her Grandmother Margaret Scroggins?  Margaret appeared on the 1860 & 1870 Essex Twp., Kankakee Co., Illinois censuses as age 3, born in Illinois in 1860, age 13, born in Illinois, at school in 1870. Her ages indicate she was born about 1857. She was always listed as Margaret with no middle name or initial.   She was gone from her parents' household by 1880.

 

Illinois Statewide Marriage Index shows three Margaret Scroggins marriages with only one in the proper region.  Margaret J. Scroggins married Solomon Denning 09/24/1879 per Kankakee Co., Book A, Lic # 039.    Her brother Wm. B. Scroggins obituary listed her as Margaret S. Denning, Chicago, Illinois.

 

1900 Illinois Census lists this couple on June 7th in Eden Township, LaSalle Co.Roll 315, Book 1,p. 275: #139 #140  Denning, Solomon H.   Head  WM  Aug 1848 51 M 21         Indiana  Penn  Penn    Farmer        O F F

 ----------    Margaret J.     wife   WF   Feb 1857 43 M 21  0/0  Illinois   Ohio   New Jersey

Quade, Daniel E  servant WF  Aug 1877  22 S              Illinois   Ohio   Germany

 

More About Margaret J. Scroggins:

Residence: 1939, Chicago, Cook Co., Illinois when brother Wm. B. died

 

Notes for Solomon H. Denning:

Was he related to John W. Denning, the husband of Elizabeth Scroggins?

 

More About Solomon Denning and Margaret Scroggins:

Marriage: September 24, 1879, Kankakee Co., Illinois⁵⁷

 

+   35     iii.   William B. Scroggins, born August 20, 1859 in Essex Twp., Kankakee Co., Illinois; died January 14, 1939 in 100 South Oak, Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa.

+   36      iv.   Edith M. Scroggins, born December 1865 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois; died Bet. 1900 - 1939.

 

     9.  Nancy² Keepers (William H.¹) was born March 31, 1834 in New Jersey⁵⁸, and died November 19, 1920 in Essex, Illinois⁵⁹.  She married James S. Cooper January 01, 1856 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois by Hamilton Keeny, J.P.^60,61.  He was born September 10, 1827 in Sussex Co.,New Jersey⁶², and died June 29, 1896 in Essex, Illinois.

 

Notes for Nancy Keepers:

The old family bible lists the date of birth as Monday, March 31, 1834.  She was married Tuesday, January 1, 1856, but the record fails to give her husband's name or the date of her death.  A man by the name of Keeney is listed as officiating at the marriage.  Descendants, if any, are unknown.  [2-1-1974, MERLE]

 

From Mary (Keepers) Helgevold:

Obituary:

KANKAKEE DAILY REPUBLICAN, Wednesday, November 24, 1920, "Essex" -

   Mrs. Nancy Cooper, woh[sic] has been an invalid for several years, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. Nugent Friday morning.

   - - - -

   [other news items]

   - - - -

   The funeral of Mrs. Nancy Cooper was held at the M. E. Church Monday 2 p. m.   The Rev. Beeger deliverde[sic] a fine and helpful sermon.  The music by the choir was well rendered.  Mrs. Rloyd[Floyd?] Gray formerly of Essex but now of Kankakee kindly assisted at the piano.  The floral offerings were many and beautiful, well fitted for the saintly woman, who all through her suffering showed her Christian spirit.  Those out of town were C. R. Miller and wife and mother, Mrs. B. Miller of Kankakee.  Others attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Gray and son Barret, and Mrs. Levy Gray of Kankakee,  Mr. Reid Keepers a brother of Mrs. Cooper, Wm. Young and H. Sergent of Gardner.  Mr. and Mrs. B. Permerton of Saunemin.  The remains were laid to rest in the East cemetery beside that of her husband who preceded her several years ago.

 

More About Nancy Keepers:

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, ILL

Cause of Death: Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Fact 1: Family Bible: Nancy's marriage "Jan. 1st 1856 by Keeny" -no husband's name given

Fact 2: Husband's name assumed from Civil War letters and Census info.

Fact 3: All information on Nancy's descendants are from Paul Davis Genealogy Charts.

Fact 4: November 20, 1920, Nancy, an invalid for several years, died at the home of dau. Mrs. M. Nugent.

Fact 5: November 21, 1920, Harry Cooper, of Essex, gave info for death certificate.

Fact 6: November 22, 1920, Undertaker Carl E. Hasemeyer buried Nancy in Essex E. Cemetery.

Medical Information: Dr. C. D. Allison, Essex, attended Nancy from May 1916 to November 19, 1920, and last saw her alive on November 18, 1920. Death occurred at 10 a.m. on Nov. 19th.

 

Notes for James S. Cooper:

James had a twin brother John.

 

ESSEX, ILLINOIS: A HISTORY (Information compiled by: Pearl Evans, Roy Spencer, and Earl Charter, published 1977 for Kankakee County  Bicentennial), p. 13:

   "Daniel B. Reid is quoted as saying: "I came here in 1847, having lived three years in Will County.  I located in Section 11, a school was taught in 1850-'51 by M. M. Woodward in a vacated log dwelling also in Section 11.  In 1852 a log school house was built,  J. S. Cooper taught in this school house, he came from New Jersey in 1850, teaching 14 weeks for $27.00.'"

 

More About James S. Cooper:

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, ILL

 

More About James Cooper and Nancy Keepers:

Marriage: January 01, 1856, Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois by Hamilton Keeny, J.P.^63,64

Marriage license: December 19, 1955, Kankakee Co., Illinois

    

Children of Nancy Keepers and James Cooper are:

+   37       i.   Sarah Elizabeth "Libby"³ Cooper, born January 04, 1857 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois; died 1924 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois.

     38      ii.   John Doyle Cooper, born April 22, 1858 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois⁶⁵; died February 1932.  He married Diea? A. Bachler.

     39     iii.   Albert Lincoln "Linc" Cooper, born November 14, 1860 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois⁶⁵; died April 17, 1926.  He married Lydia Maria Potter December 24, 1885.

 

More About Albert Cooper and Lydia Potter:

Marriage: December 24, 1885

 

     40      iv.   Carrie Alice Cooper, born March 26, 1864 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois⁶⁵; died February 24, 1929 in Sheradon (Sheridan?), Wyoming.  She married Harvey Alexander Jester January 18, 1885 in Aberdeen, Brown Co., South Dakota.

 

More About Harvey Jester and Carrie Cooper:

Marriage: January 18, 1885, Aberdeen, Brown Co., South Dakota

 

     41       v.   Frances J. "Frannie" Cooper, born February 22, 1867 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois⁶⁵; died April 08, 1922.  She married 1. William Keeney  2. Mike Nugent.

     42      vi.   Abbie Bertha Cooper, born November 22, 1870 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois⁶⁵; died November 03, 1961.  She married Charles F. Rexinger April 09, 1895 in Aberdeen, Brown Co., South Dakota.

 

More About Charles Rexinger and Abbie Cooper:

Marriage: April 09, 1895, Aberdeen, Brown Co., South Dakota

 

+   43     vii.   Addie Blance Cooper, born November 22, 1870 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois; died December 05, 1959 in Oakland, California.

     44    viii.   Ella Gertrude Cooper, born September 04, 1873 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois⁶⁵; died February 23, 1956 in Richmond, California.  She married Fred F. Gronso November 08, 1892 in Westport, Brown Co., South Dakota.

 

More About Fred Gronso and Ella Cooper:

Marriage: November 08, 1892, Westport, Brown Co., South Dakota

 

     45      ix.   Roland Ernest Cooper, born May 02, 1876 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois⁶⁵; died April 14, 1947.  He married Minnie B. Hendt November 18, 1908 in Aberdeen, Brown Co., South Dakota.

 

More About Roland Cooper and Minnie Hendt:

Marriage: November 18, 1908, Aberdeen, Brown Co., South Dakota

 

     46       x.   Harry William Cooper, born February 03, 1881 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois⁶⁵; died February 14, 1965.  He married Grace L. Cook September 01, 1901 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois.

 

More About Harry Cooper and Grace Cook:

Marriage: September 01, 1901, Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois

  

     10.  Abigail² Keepers (William H.¹) was born March 11, 1836 in New Jersey^66,67,68, and died April 26, 1932 in 1105 South Third Street, Kankakee, Illinois^69,70.  She married Robert M. Miller January 01, 1862.  He was born January 26, 1834 in "Lowdenville", Wayne Co., Ohio⁷¹, and died July 26, 1923 in Essex, Illinois^72,73.

 

Notes for Abigail Keepers:

KANKAKEE DAILY REPUBLICAN

Tuesday, April 26, 1931:

MOTHER OF COL. MILLER PASSES

Well Known Woman Dead at 95.

   Mrs. Robert Miller, 95, mother of the late Cornelius R. Miller, died today at 1:30 at her home, 1105 South Third avenue.

   Funeral arrangements have not been made.

   Mrs. Miller was born Abigail Keepers, a native of Sussex county, New Jersey, before her marriage to the late Robert M. Miller on January 1, 1862, at Wilmington, Ill.  She was born in 1837 and came west with her family in 1864[sic].  The family first located in Will county and later in 1849 came into this county.  In 1898 Mr. and Mrs. Miller moved to Kankakee where they had since maintained a home.

          -------------------------------------

Wednesday, April 27, 1932:

MRS. MILLER RITES TO OCCUR THURSDAY

   Funeral services fro Mrs. Robert Miller, 96, who died here Tuesday, will be held at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon from the Miller residence, 1105 South Third avenue.  The services will be conducted by the Rev. G. A. Eckstrand, pastor of the Trinity M. E. church, and burial will be in the Foote cemetery at Essex.

   The body was removed this afternoon from the Rehr funeral chapel and friends may call at the Miller house between 7 and 9 o'clock this evening.

   Mrs. Miller was well known throughout Kankakee county and was the mother of the late Col. C. R. Miller, former official of the Kankakee Interstate fair and of the First Trust and Savings bank who died about a year ago.

 

Thursday, April 28, 1932:

SAY LAST RITES FOR MRS. ROBERT MILLER

   Funeral services for Mrs. Robert Miller, 96, mother of the late Col. C. R. Miller, were held at 1:30 o'clock this afternoon from the residence at 1105 South Third avenue.  The services were largely attended as Mrs. Miller was well known throughout the county.

   Pallbearers were Leslie C. Small, Victor McBroom, Bert L. FitzGerald, Arthur L. Beckman, Anker C. Jensen and Roy D. Taylor.

   The rites were conducted by the Rev. G. A. Eckstrand, pastor of Trinity M. E. church.  The body was then taken to Essex for burial in the family lot in the Foote cemetery.

 

More About Abigail Keepers:

Burial: April 28, 1932, Foote Cmty., Essex, IL⁷³

Cause of Death: Myocarditis for 3 years; senility

Medical Information: Dr. J. A. Guertin pronounced her dead: "Had just died when seen by me" at 12:40 p.m.

 

Notes for Robert M. Miller:

Obituary;

 

KANKAKEE DAILY REPUBLICAN

Friday, July  27, 1923:

R. M. MILLER PASSES AWAY AT RIPE AGE

FATHER OF COLONEL C. R. MILLER DIES AT HIS HOME LAST NIGHT

WAS PIONEER SETTLER

Funeral Services Will Be Held Sunday Afternoon At  Residence;  Burial At Essex

 

   Robert M. Miller, aged father of Col. C. R. Miller, Director of State Department of Public Works and Buildings of Springfield, died last evening at 10:05 o'clock at his home, 1105 South Third avenue, following a lingering illness due to old age.

   Mr. Miller was one of the early settlers of this county, being a resident of Kankakee county since 1856.  Mr. Miller was active in forming the early history as he was one of the pioneers of Essex Township.  Thru the many years that he has spent in this county he has formed and held the close friendship of scores who held him in high esteem and affection.  He exemplified the sturdy character of the frontier men who came into the wilds of the west in the early days, built their homes and then started the first road for the establishing of the present day civilization.

   He was a venerable gentleman of the old school and until the weakness and infirmities of old age, "Uncle Bob," as he was known to all of his friends and neighbors, took an active part in the community, affairs and a close interest in the well being of his neighbors.

   Mr. Miller was born in Lowdenville, Ohio, January 26, 1832, being aged 91 years.  He was a son of George and Elizabeth Miller.  He came to Illinois in 1856, settled in Essex, resided there until about 20 years ago when he moved to Kankakee and has been a resident of the South Side since that time.

   January 21, 1865, he was married to Abigail Keepers, who thru all these years has been a close companion and survives his loss, with their only living son, Col. C. R. Miller.  Another son, William R. Miller, died in 1900.

   The funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 o'clock at the residence.  Rev. J. Johnson of the Trinity church, of which Mr. Miller was an active member for many years, will officiate.  Burial will be at Essex.

          --------------------------------------------------------

 

More About Robert M. Miller:

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, IL

 

More About Robert Miller and Abigail Keepers:

Marriage 1: January 01, 1862

Marriage 2: January 01, 1862, Wilmington, Illinois⁷⁴

Marriage license: Will Co., Illinois,  #1162

    

Children of Abigail Keepers and Robert Miller are:

     47       i.   Cornelius R.³ Miller, born October 31, 1866; died December 01, 1930 in St.Mary's Hospital, Kankakee Co., Illinois⁷⁵.  He married Agnes J. True May 30, 1899; born June 1872 in Livingston County, Illinois.

 

Notes for Cornelius R. Miller:

Descendants, if any, unknown.  [11-1-1976, MERLE]

 

From research by Mary Helgevold:

 

KANKAKEE DAILY REPUBLICAN

Monday, December 1, 1930:

   C. R. MILLER DIES THIS AFTERNOON

                          ---------

   Col. C. R. Miller, former cashier and vice president of the First Trust and Savings bank, and director of the state department of Public Works and Buildings during the eight years' administration of Governor Len Small, died shortly before 2 o'clock this afternoon at St. Mary's hospital.  Death was due to coronary sclerosis of the heart, an ailment which he had suffered with for some time.

    Mr. Miller was well known throughout the state.  He was also former president of the Kankakee Inter-State Fair association and for a number of years an officer and director of the Kankakee Daily Republican.

   He is survived by his wife and his aged mother.

   Owing to the fact that Colonel Miller died late this afternoon, it was impossible to publish a complete obituary notice at this time.  Details of his useful career as a public citizen, together with funeral arrangements, will be announced tomorrow.

                        ---------------------------------

 

KANKAKEE DAILY REPUBLICAN

Wednesday, December 3, 1930:

BODY OF COL. MILLER WILL LIE IN STATE

         ------------------

   The body of Col. C. R. Miller, former vice president and cashier of the First Trust and Savings bank who died at St. Mary's hospital on Monday, will lie in state at the First Methodist church from 12:30 until 1:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

   Friends may call at the family residence, 1105 South Third avenue, from 7 until 9 o'clock this evening and from 10 until 12 o'clock tomorrow morning.

   The funeral services at the church will start at 1:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon and will be in charge of Rev. W. H. Craine and Rev. G. A. Eckstrand.  The body will then be taken by motor to Essex where burial will be in the Foot cemetery.

     ---------------------------

  

More About Cornelius R. Miller:

Date born 2: October 31, 1866, Illinois

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, ILL

Cause of Death: "coronary sclerosis of the heart," "suffered with for some time" per obituary

Religion: Methodist⁷⁵

 

More About Agnes J. True:

Religion: Methodist

 

More About Cornelius Miller and Agnes True:

Marriage: May 30, 1899

Unknown-Ending: Bef. 1911

 

     48      ii.   William R. Miller, born September 28, 1862 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois; died August 30, 1900 in Kankakee, Kankakee Co., Illinois.

 

Notes for William R. Miller:

KANKAKEE DAILY GAZETTE

Thursday, August 30, 1900:

CRUSHED BY THE CARS. 

WM. MILLER RECEIVES FATAL INJURIES LAST NIGHT.

Dies at Emergency Hospital  Where Injuries Necessitated Amputation of a Leg.

   Wm. R. Miller, of 78 Hawkins street, South side, was so badly injured by an Illinois Central train during the night that he died at the Emergency hospital about 10 o'clock this morning.

   The accident must have occurred about 12:30 this morning and he was not discovered until after 1 o'clock.

   Mr. Miller was found sitting on the tracks about two blocks north of the old Sacramento warehouse.  Residents of that locality had heard cries for help for some time, but as this was nothing unusual in that locality but little attention was paid to it until James Adams of Washington and VanMeter streets went to the tracks to ascertain the cause of the yelling.  He found Miller sitting up with his left limb badly injured.  He removed the injured man to a place of safety and went for assistance.  He awakened Wm. Sanders who telephoned for the ambulance and physicians.

   As soon as possible Miller was removed to the Emergency hospital and Drs. True and Smith called.  The limb was so badly injured that amputation close to the body was necessary.  The patient, weak from the loss of blood and exposure, did not have sufficient vitality to recover from the shock.

   His relatives were with him from shortly after the patient was received at the hospital until his death.

   The deceased was about 38 year old and was the son of Robert M. Miller of the South side.  He resided with his parents who came to this city from Essex about four years ago.  Cornelius R. Miller of the Hospital is the only brother of decedent.

   The funeral will be held from the Methodist church at Essex on Saturday at nine o'clock in the morning.

         The Inquest

   The inquest was held by Coroner Fenouille this afternoon.

   Sheriff Glass testified that he had known deceased 18 years and that he was 38 years old and single.

   Officer Brown swore that he was called to the scene of accident at 1:20 a. m.  That Miller could not or did not tell how he came to be injured.  He called the ambulance and went to Emergency hospital with him.  Decedent's left leg was badly mangled and he had bled profusely.

   Dr. True, who was the attending physician, testified that he realized that the wound was fatal as soon as he examined the patient.  He was conscious but suffered great pain.

   The jury returned a verdict that "William Miller came to his death from injuries received on the Illinois Central right of way near Van Meter street.  We exonerate the railroad company from all blame."

         --------------------------------------------

 

KANKAKEE DAILY GAZETTE

Saturday, September 1, 1900

BURIAL AT ESSEX

   The body of the late Wm. Miller, who died from the result of injuries received on the Illinois Central on Thursday morning, was taken to Essex for burial this morning.

 

More About William R. Miller:

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, ILL

 

 

     11.  William Alfred² Keepers (William H.¹) was born April 03, 1838 in Columbia , Byram Twp., Sussex Co., NJ⁷⁶, and died February 07, 1922 in Whittemore, Kossuth Co., Iowa.  He married Mary Philena Underwood March 13, 1866, daughter of Philander Underwood and Philena C..  She was born May 20, 1846 in Clarence Twp., Erie Co., NY⁷⁷, and died January 07, 1921 in Whittemore, Kossuth Co., Iowa.

 

Notes for William Alfred Keepers:

William Alfred Keepers enlisted in the War Between the States at Willmington, Illinois, August 5, 1861 and reenlisted in 1864.  He was a sergeant in the 39th Illinois Volunteers, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 10th Army Corps.  He was shot in the left hip at Fort Greyly, Virginia, and was hospitalized in ward 25 at Fortress Monroe, Virginia.

 

This family moved from Kankakee County, Illinois, to Kossuth County, Iowa, in 1883.  [2-1-1974, MERLE]

 

!870 census, Essex, IL:  William Alfred Keepers:  value of real estate, $1,000; value of personal estate: $800.

 

All information below is from Mary (Keepers) Helgevold:

 

William Alfred Keepers was born April 3, 1838, at Columbia, Sussex County, New Jersey, the son of William H. and Elizabeth (Demorest) Keepers.  William H. and Elizabeth Keepers were part owners of Columbia Forge, Byram Twp., Sussex Co., N.J., from 1833 to 1841.   In 1846, they moved to Will County, Illinois, apparently to the Channahon area where a baby boy was buried.  The family moved into Essex Twp., Kankakee County, in 1849 (county histories say 1850) where they remained.

     The 1860 census lists William Alfred Keepers, born in N.J., as a 23 year-old tenant-farmer in Reed Twp., Will Co., Illinois.   On August 5, 1861, he enlisted in the 39th Illinois Infantry.  He was a Corporal throughout the war until he was wounded April 2, 1865, in the charge on Fort Gregg, Va., and was promoted to Sergeant.  He received a Minie ball in the left hip.  (His grandson Alvin claimed that William carried that musket ball in his hip all his life.  True or Not?)  He remained in Hampton Hospital near Ft. Monroe from April until August 1865.  He rejoined the regiment and served as a prison guard in Norfolk until the regiment was mustered out December 6, 1865.  Four of his letters home to his mother were preserved and passed on to his daughter Alice P. Keepers Taylor.  One of her descendants has the letters.

     After the war, he returned to Essex.  He married Mary Philena Underwood, daughter of Philander and Philena Underwood of Essex, on March 13, 1866.  They had six children.  William worked as a railroad contractor in grading railroad beds but eventually went broke.  He also farmed 80 acres of land near Essex.  At the age of 41, William applied for a military pension  in 1879 with two of his brothers-in-law ("Shepher Scroggins" and Robert M. Miller) as witnesses.  In 1881, with the pension money he purchased land from the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad in Iowa:  the SW¼, Section 14, Fairfield Twp., Palo Alto County, Iowa.  At that time, the closest town was Whittemore, Kossuth Co., Iowa.  He and the realtor drove cross country in a buggy to look at the land.  A rainstorm came upon them and they waited until it ended.  William noted that the rainwater ran off in every direction from the spot where the buggy sat so proclaimed to the realtor that he would buy the quarter and build his house on that very spot which drained so well.  He may have remembered water-soaked war experiences.  (It should also be noted that William had traveled to Nebraska to look for land sometime during his life and planned to buy land there.  The first sand storm, however, convinced him otherwise when the cabin filled with sand blowing in through the keyhole.)

     In 1883, William moved his family via railroad to Whittemore where they stayed in a hotel while the house was built on the farm.  A local carpenter was hired to build the house and a small barn.  William borrowed money from a sister in Illinois for the buildings.  William farmed until his retirement about 1899, when he purchased a small house in Whittemore where he lived until his death.  The farm is still owned by the Keepers family.

 

ALGONA (IA.) UPPER DES MOINES, Wednesday, March 30, 1983 -

  100 Years Ago -- From the Files of the Algona Republican, March 21, 1883--

Whittemore ---  Presented are the names of a few of the immigrants who have arrived here during the past two weeks with their families:  C. H. Bell, Bensonville, Ill.; James Romboch, Obrine, Ill.; F. Oswould, Watertown, Wis; A. Voight, Marshall, Wis.; P. Write, Mason City, Ia.; H. Sundermeyer, Dubuque; J. D. Walson, Platteville, Wis.; Julius Erdman, Moline, Ill.; Wm. Keepers, Kankakee, Ill.  There were as many more whose names we have not learned.

 

From WHITTEMORE, IOWA: 100 YEARS, 1878-1978 (Emmetsburg, Iowa: Emmetsburg Publishing Co, 1978), p. 6 :

    The famous Strategy Board of Whittemore was organized in 1894.  Charter members were Michael Liddy, William Keepers, Joseph De Graw, Michael McDonnell, George Boyle, J. M. Farley, Phil Cullen, and Silas Roupe.

    The headquarters of the Board were in the front rooms on the second floor of the State Bank.  Card tables, pool and billiard tables furnished amusement when the members tired of weighty problems of state and nation that were discussed and disposed of.  No question or problem was too complicated or difficult for the great minds of this great Board to struggle with.

    George Boyle remained president of this organization from the beginning.

 

Obituary:

WHITTEMORE (IA) CHAMPION,  Wednesday, February 8, 1922, p. 1 -

   W. A. KEEPERS DIES   --  Veteran of Civil War Passes Away Tuesday --

     Early Tuesday morning, at his home in the east part of the city, Wm. A. Keepers passed away to the great beyond, after an illness, due to old age, that had covered about a year.

    Wm. A. Keepers was born in Newark*, New Jersey, on April 3, 1838, being thus nearly eighty-four years of age at the time of his death.  When 8 years of age the family moved to Kankakee, Illinois, coming through Chicago before a railroad had been built to the city and while Chicago was still a small village.  Mr. Keepers grew to young manhood in Illinois, and when the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the 31st Ill. Infantry, Co. A, and served three years.**  He was severely wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg,*** just three days before General Lee surrendered to the Union forces and was confined to a hospital for nearly a year.****  Coming back to Kankakee he was married there to Miss Mary Underwood, who died about a year ago.  The Keepers family came to Iowa in 1883, settling on the farm now occupied by Enis Kajewski in Fairfield Twp.  They moved to town in 1899.  The surviving children of Mr. Keepers are Mrs. Alice Taylor, who lives in Michigan;  Alfred Keepers of Fairmont, Minnesota;  Mrs. Emma Schenck of Whittemore;  C. R. Keepers of Whittemore and P. E. Keepers of Cottonwood, Minnesota.  One daughter died about 30 years ago.  He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Abbie Miller, and one brother, D. R. Keepers, who lives in Illinois.

    Mr. Keepers was a kind-hearted pleasant old gentleman, and had many friends in this community who regret his death.

    Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon from the Whittemore M. E. church, Rev. Cunningham officiating.  Sealy-Walsh Post of the American Legion will have charge of the funeral.

          -------------------------------------------------------

*Columbia, Sussex Co., NJ per Wm. A.'s pension application.  **39th Ill. Inf., from Aug. 1861 - Dec. 1865.  ***Battle of Ft. Gregg, Petersburg, Va.  ****Pension papers state, "between the months of April and August, A.D. 1865."  Also, all references to Kankakee are Kankakee County, Ill.

 

More About William Alfred Keepers:

Burial: February 09, 1922, Plainview Cmty., Whittemore, IA

Cause of Death: Parkinson's disease per George Keepers from his mother Nellie who nursed Wm A.

Fact 1: 6' tall, fair complexion, brown hair, gray eyes (Civil War Pension application)

Medical Information: Death cert. says Chronic myocarditis & interstitial nephritis plus uremia. Dr. McCreery

Military service 1: Veteran of the Civil War; Co. A, 39th Ill. Inf.

Military service 2: Bet. 1861 - 1865, Civil War, Sergeant, 39th IL Infantry, Wounded - left hip

Occupation 1: 1900, Landlord

Occupation 2: 1880, Farmer⁷⁸

Property 1: 1910, Owned home free of mortgage in Whittemore.

Property 2: 1860, Personal estate: $200

Property 3: 1870, Real estate: $4,000; personal estate: $800⁷⁹

Residence 1: 1900, Kossuth Co., Whittemore Twp., Iowa⁸⁰

Residence 2: 1860, Reid Twp., Will Co., IL⁸¹

Residence 3: 1880, Essex, Kankakee Co., IL (Also, in 1870)^82,83

 

Notes for Mary Philena Underwood:

!870 census, Essex, IL:  Mary P. Keepers: shown as born in Illinois.  Mary's father was listed as an "M.D." in the 1860 Essex Census.  Although it's doubtful that he had formal training, he was apparently a healer or practitioner of the medical arts and was the nearest thing to a real doctor that the frontier community had until the medical school graduates arrived.  In a letter dated 13 April, 1987, Mary Lorine Keepers Evans states, "Grandma Keepers [Mary Underwood Keepers] knew how to vaccinate her kids for smallpox so maybe she learned it from her Dad.  My Aunt Carri Peppard always said he knew more about medicine than her Dr. and really saved her life.  Grandma also had a lot of remedies."

 

Obituary:

WHITTEMORE (IA) CHAMPION, Wednesday, January 12, 1921, p. 1

MRS. WM. KEEPERS DIES LAST FRIDAY

 One of Our Pioneer Ladies Called to Her Reward After Illness of Many Months

     Mrs. Wm. Keepers, one of the oldest of the pioneer settlers of this community, passed away at her home in this city early Friday morning, after a long and trying illness.  For the past year or so Mrs. Keepers has been confined to her house and bed and was tenderly cared for during all this time by her aged husband and children.

     Her maiden name was Mary P. Underwood, and she was born in Clarence, Morgan County*, New York, on May 20, 1846, being nearly 75 years of age at the time of her death.  She was married at Essex, Kankakee County, Illinois, on March 13, 1866, to William A. Keepers, who survives her.  The family came to Iowa in 1883, settling 7 miles northwest of Whittemore on a farm.  They remained there for a number of years, later coming to Whittemore to make their home.  Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keepers.  They are, Mrs. Alice Taylor, living in Lucas, Michigan;  Mrs. Bertha McArthur, deceased;  Alfred R. Keepers of Fairmont, Minnesota;  Mrs. Emma A Schenck and C. R. Keepers of Whittemore;  Philander E. Keepers of Cottonwood, Minnesota.  We believe that all of the children, with the exception of Alfred, were present at the funeral, which was held Monday afternoon from the local Methodist Church, Rev. A. B. Gedye having charge of the services and preaching the funeral sermon.  Burial was made in the cemetery east of town.  Mrs. Keepers was a member of the Methodist church and was always interested in the progress of the work.  Mr. Keepers and the children have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their bereavement.

 

The family of the late Mrs. Wm. A. Keepers desire to extend their thanks to the neighbors and friends who so kindly and generously aided them during their recent hour of trial.

 

* There is no Morgan County; never has been.  Should be Erie County.

                   ------------------------------------------------------------------

More About Mary Philena Underwood:

Burial: January 10, 1921, Plainview Cmty., Whittemore, IA

Cause of Death: Chronic nephritis with contributory Chronic myocarditis.

Medical Information: Dr. McCreery tended her from May 1919 to Jan 7, 1921

Occupation: 1900, Contractor R. R. Co.⁸⁴

 

Marriage Notes for William Keepers and Mary Underwood:

Kankakee County Illinois Marriage Register incorrectly lists the groom, p. 49:

 

License No. 1460, Dated March12, 1866, William A. Miller & Mary P. Underwood, Married March 13, 1866 by H. C. Konklin, Justice of the Peace; Date of return March 31, 1866.

 

The actual marriage certificates are not currently available in Kankakee Co. as they are in the surrounding counties.  The certificate would probably show the groom as William A. Keepers with his brother-in-law Robert M. Miller getting the license for them.

  

More About William Keepers and Mary Underwood:

Marriage 1: March 13, 1866

Marriage 2: March 13, 1866, Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois

    

Children of William Keepers and Mary Underwood are:

+   49       i.   Alice Philena³ Keepers, born November 24, 1866 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois; died March 07, 1935 in Lucas, Michigan.

+   50      ii.   Bertha Louise Keepers, born May 13, 1868 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois; died July 18, 1890 in Kossuth Co., Iowa.

+   51     iii.   Alfred Reid Keepers, born December 17, 1869 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois; died March 05, 1942 in Palo Alto Co., Iowa.

+   52      iv.   Emma Arvilla Keepers, born July 14, 1871 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois; died June 1941 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

+   53       v.   Cornelious Raymond Keepers, born March 10, 1873 in Essex, Kanakakee Co., Illinois; died June 06, 1938 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto Co., Iowa.

+   54      vi.   Philander Earnest Keepers, born June 29, 1875 in Essex, Kankakee Co., Illinois; died September 08, 1953 in Cottonwood, Minnesota (actually in Marshall hospital).

  

     12.  Jane² Keepers (William H.¹) was born October 05, 1839 in Roseville, Sussex Co., New Jersey⁸⁵, and died July 23, 1921 in Essex, Illinois⁸⁶.  She married Shepherd Scroggins November 08, 1863 in Will Co., Illinois.  He was born February 1825 in Indiana⁸⁷, and died July 10, 1915 in Essex, Illinois⁸⁸.

 

All information below is from Mary (Keepers) Helgevold.

 

Various birth dates have been found;  05 October 1839  Birth date per Keepers Family Bible;  08 October 1839  Birth date per death certificate (info per Mrs. E. Scroggins, daughter-in-law);  Oct 1839 per 1900 Census;  05 October 1840  Birth date per newspaper obituary;  1840 Birth year per tombstone.

 

Illinois marriages:

MORSE, JACOB                         KEEPERS, JANE                        GRUNDY      05/08/1856    /     00000507

SCROGGINS, SHEPPERD                  KEEPERS, JANE                        WILL        11/08/1863    /     00001656

(Was our Jane married twice or did the Joseph Keepers family of Grundy Co. have a Jane, also?)

 

During Civil War, Jane bought 2 lockets with money, possibly a wedding gift, sent to her by her brother Wm. A. Keepers, Corporal, Co. A, 39th Ill. Vol. Inf.

  

KANKAKEE DAILY REPUBLICAN, July 27, 1921, p. 10:

OBITUARY

   Jane Keepers was born in Roseville, N. J., Oct. 5, 1840, and passed away at her home in Essex, Ill., July 23, 1921, at the age of 81 years, 9 months and 23 days.

   At the age of eight years she came with her parents to Illinois, through all the hardships of the hardy Pioneer of that time and located near Horse Creek, then a spot in a huge prairie where she grew to womanhood.

 

   At the age of twenty-four years she united in marriage with Mr. Sheppard Scroggins, to which were born four children namely, George of Pinole, California,  Earnest of Kankakee, Ill.,  Jennie, who died in infancy and May of Essex Ill.

   She is also survived by two stepchildren, Mrs. Nellie Kelley and Mrs. Dora Palmer of Essex, Ill., and two brothers, William Keepers of Whittemore, Ia., and Reed Keepers of Gardner, Ill., and one sister, Mrs. Abigal Miller of Kankakee, Ill., sixteen grandchildren four great grand-children, numerous other relatives and a host of friends to mourn her loss.

 

   For the past eight years she has been an invalid afflicted almost beyond physical endurance yet the strong Christian faith that characterized her entire life proved an anchor to her soul and in moments of extreme pain she has said:  Tho He slay me I will trust him.

   For more than twenty years she has been a faithful member of the M. E. church and the life she has lived has been a living testimony for her Saviour whom she trusted to the end.

 

   Our loss is Heaven's gain, it is as though she has gone to a re-union of relatives and friends, so many of which has preceded her in death.

   Services were held at the M. E. church, Essex, Ill., July 25, 1921 at 2:00 p.m.;  Rev. Beger officiating.

 And now from out the glory in living clouds of light.

The old familiar faces come beaming on her sight,

The early lost, the early loved,

The friends of long ago -------

Companions of this pilgrimage

And conflitcs[sic] here below.

They parted here in sadness, in suffering and in gloom;

They meet amid the freshness of

Heaven's immortal bloom,

Henceforth in ever during bliss to wonder hand in hand

Besides the living waters of that still sinless land.

Oh!  who can tell the rapture of those to whom tis given

Thus to renew the bonds of earth amid the bliss of Heaven?

     We wish to thank the friends who so kindly gave their assistance and sympathies during our late bereavement.  The immediate relatives.

 

More About Jane Keepers:

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, ILL

Cause of Death: "Senile Old Age with Gangreen of toes" per Dr. C. D. Allison.

Medical Information: Dr. Allison treated Jane from January 1st to July 22nd.  She died on the 23rd at 4:40 p.m.

 

Notes for Shepherd Scroggins:

Shepp and his first wife were listed twice in the 1850 Illinois census.  In Aux Sable Twp., Grundy Co., they were living next to Margaret Scroggins and her sons Josiah, Hiram, William & George.  In Channahon Twp., Will Co., they were listed as Stephen Schroggins & Eliza with other incorrect information about them, so perhaps a neighbor gave that information. By 1860, Shepp and his family were living in Channahon Twp. next to Margaret, William & George.

 

Will Co, IL USGenWeb

Original Land Owners 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Name From Description Sec Twp Rng Acres Date Vol Pg

ALTHOUSE, Henry Unknown E2SW 33 34N 09E 80.00  05/09/1854 L7A 138

DUNN, James Unknown W2SW 33 34N 09E 80.00  09/10/1852 L7A 138

HERBERT, Thomas Unknown E2NE 33 34N 09E 80.00  02/28/1863 L7A 138

KELLEY, John Unknown W2NW 33 34N 09E 80.00  05/10/1855 L7A 138

LEDWYT, Roswell E Unknown W2NE 33 34N 09E 80.00  09/01/1863 L7A 138

LONGMIRE, Daniel Unknown E2SE 33 34N 09E 80.00  05/10/1849 L7A 138

PETTIER, M F Unknown W2SE 33 34N 09E 80.00  08/04/1863 L7A 138

PETTIER, M F Unknown E2SE 33 34N 09E 80.00  08/04/1863 L7A 138

REED, George Unknown W2SE 33 34N 09E 80.00  09/11/1848 L7A 139

RODGERS, Michael Unknown W2SW 33 34N 09E 80.00  05/10/1855 L7A 139

RODGERS, Michael Unknown E2SW 33 34N 09E 80.00  05/10/1855 L7A 139

SCROGGINS, Shepherd Unknown E2NW 33 34N 09E 80.00  03/13/1862 L7A 138

THORNBURGH, John Unknown W2NE 33 34N 09E 80.00  05/09/1851 L7A 138

THORNBURGH, John Unknown E2NW 33 34N 09E 80.00  05/13/1856 L7A 139

THORNBURGH, John Unknown W2NW 33 34N 09E 80.00  05/13/1856 L7A 139

 

 

The 1915 Old Settlers' Association Necrology Report, as prepared by William A. Baldwin, printed in the Joliet Evening Herald-News, October 2, 1915, transcribed by Lawrence B. Peet:

July 10, 1915 - Shepherd SCROGGINS, of Essex, Kankakee county, aged 91 years. He was a resident of Channahon and Wilmington in the frontier days.

 

February 1904

8. - Wm. SCROGGINS, of Wilmington, aged 72. He came there in 1838.

 

More About Shepherd Scroggins:

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, ILL

Fact 1: 1864, Sheppard Scroggins came to Essex per local history book, In 1860 Channahon Census

Fact 2: 1872, Began a three year term as a town supervisor

Fact 3: 1879, Signed as a witness to Wm. A. Keepers application for Civil War pension.

Fact 4: 1883, Essex Twp map: 40 acres in Sec. 16 & 40 acres in Sec. 15, across road.

Fact 5: 1885, Began another three year term as town supervisor

 

More About Shepherd Scroggins and Jane Keepers:

Marriage: November 08, 1863, Will Co., Illinois

Marriage license: Will Co., Illinois,  #1656

    

Children of Jane Keepers and Shepherd Scroggins are:

     55       i.   George E.³ Scroggins, born 1864 in Illinois?; died 1939 in buried Foote Cemetery, Essex, Illinois.  He married Clara A. White Aft. 1924 in Illinois; born May 1867 in Illinois; died 1955.

 

Notes for George E. Scroggins:

Tombstone includes a Mason emblem.

 

More About George E. Scroggins:

Fact 1: August 16, 1895, "Mrs. S. Scroggins spent Thursday with her son G. E. at Custer Park"  KDR-Essex

Fact 2: July 1921, George lived in Pinole, California, per Jane's obit.

Fact 3: April 03, 1931, "Geo. Scroggins of Berkeley, Calif., is here visiting his sister Mrs. J.D. Kelly

Fact 4: 1939, Tombstone includes Master Mason emblem

 

Notes for Clara A. White:

Tombstone includes an Eastern Star emblem

 

More About Clara A. White:

Burial: Foote Cemetery, Essex, Illinois

Cause of Death: Broken hip & pneumonia

Fact 1: 1955, Tombstone includes organization emblem (Eastern Star?)

 

Marriage Notes for George Scroggins and Clara White:

After Earnest died in 1924, Clara married his older bachelor brother George.

 

More About George Scroggins and Clara White:

Marriage: Aft. 1924, Illinois

 

+   56      ii.   Ernest A. Scroggins, born February 1866 in Illinois?; died 1924.

     57     iii.   Jennie Scroggins, born Bef. 1876 in Died in infancy⁸⁹.

     58      iv.   May Scroggins, born May 1876 in Illinois; died Aft. 1950.

 

More About May Scroggins:

Fact 1: "She taught school in Kankakee." per Mary Lorine Keepers Evans

Fact 2: She was a bridesmaid for Alfred Keepers & Blanche Peppard.

Fact 3: She gave a locket (Civil War purchase) to Mary Lorine Keepers Evans.

Fact 4: "May died in the 1950's." per Lorine.

  

     13.  Rachel² Keepers (William H.¹) was born February 07, 1841 in New Jersey^90,91,92, and died January 12, 1921 in Essex, Illinois⁹³.  She married James S. Burd February 03, 1869 in Essex?, Kankakee Co., Illinois by Josiah Kern.  He was born 1835 in New Jersey⁹⁴, and died 1876 in Essex, Illinois.

 

From Mary (Keepers) Helgevold:

Rachel Burd loaned $300 to her brother William A. Keepers to build the house and other buildings on the farm on Sec. 14, Fairfield Twp., Palo Alto Co., Iowa, in 1883-4.

 

More About Rachel Keepers:

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, ILL

Cause of Death: "Myocardetes Senility; also "Artero Schorsi"

Fact 1: January 1921, No Kankakee newspaper obituary has been located.

Fact 2: 1883, Essex Twp. map shows Rachael Burd in Sec. 2.

Fact 3: Essex history refers to a first Horse Creek Bridge on the Burd farm.

Fact 4: January 15, 1921, Carl C. Hasemeyer,Essex, buried Rachael in Essex E. Cemetery (Foote Cmty).

Medical Information: Dr. C. D. Allison attended Rachael from Jan 8 to 12, 1921, with her death at 10:00 p.m.

 

Notes for James S. Burd:

Specific birthday and death dates are unknown.  Only the years of birth & death are on his tombstone.  Also unknown whether he had brothers and sisters.  Future research:  1850 Essex Census.

 

1850 IL, Vermilion Co., 21st District, shows James as the only child, age 15, in the household of James & Eliza Burd, including Russell Sutton and possibly a couple named Hensly.

 

More About James S. Burd:

Burial: Foote Cmty., Essex, ILL

 

More About James Burd and Rachel Keepers:

Marriage: February 03, 1869, Essex?, Kankakee Co., Illinois by Josiah Kern

Marriage Fact: January 22, 1869, Kankakee Co. marriage license #2245; recorded 1 April 1869.

    

Children of Rachel Keepers and James Burd are:

     59       i.   John R.³ Burd, born March 1870 in Essex, Illinois⁹⁵; died 1936 in Essex, Illinois.  He married unknown Southern lady.

 

Notes for John R. Burd:

In October 1996, Richard Jones recalled John Burd living down the street.   Richard recalls hearing the tap-tap-tap of John's cane as he returned from downtown.  John did not have running water in his house so he frequently took a pail to the White's across the street.  Mrs. White always gave him water from the kitchen sink.  One day she had just scrubbed the kitchen floor so got him water from the bathroom.  John apparently considered water from a bathroom as disgustingly contaminated so he tossed it out and never returned to that neighbor for any more water!

 

More About John R. Burd:

Fact 1: John married a Southerner & went south to live with her. (per Lorine)

Fact 2: He later came back alone to his family home. (per Lorine)

Fact 3: He gave Rachel's mother's name as "Elabeth Domerest."

Fact 4: Was on list of Essex Trustees and an Essex Clerks of 1885-1985 .

Fact 5: In 1996, Essex resident Richard Jones remembered John Burd.

 

     60      ii.   Ella Burd, born January 1873 in Essex, Illinois^96,97,98,99; died 1949 in buried Foote Cemetery, Essex, Illinois.  She married (1) Albert C. Schrader September 14, 1892 in Kankakee Co., Illinois¹⁰⁰; born February 1871 in Illinois¹⁰¹.  She married (2) _______ Wallace? Aft. 1900.

 

Notes for Ella Burd:

As of June 1900, Ella had been married for 8 years and never had children up to that time. She and Albert were living in Rogers Twp., Ford Co., Illinois, in 1900.  Albert was a RR Station Agt. and his cousin Harvey B. Urban, a school teacher was living with them.  Both Albert and Harvey gave their parents' birthplace as Pennsylvania.

 

 Her tombstone contains the name WALLACE, Ella Burd.  Perhaps she was married a second time to someone named Wallace.  Per Mary "Lorine" Keepers Evans, the Alfred Keepers family saw Ella in 1916 in Denver where Ella was working as a saleslady in a store.

 

More About Ella Burd:

Fact 1: Abt. 1916, Ella was last seen in Denver as a saleslady in a store. (per Lorine)

 

More About Albert Schrader and Ella Burd:

Marriage: September 14, 1892, Kankakee Co., Illinois¹⁰²

 

More About _______ Wallace?:

Fact 1: "Ella Burd Wallace" on her tombstone indicates her married name?

 

More About _______ Wallace? and Ella Burd:

Marriage: Aft. 1900

 

     61     iii.   Child Burd¹⁰³.

 

     14.  Cornelius D.² Keepers (William H.¹) was born January 08, 1843 in New Jersey^104,105,106, and died September 04, 1910 in Ruthven, Palo Alto Co., Iowa^107,108,109.  He married Anna W. Bernhoft¹¹⁰ October 04, 1897 in Baptist Church, Algoma, Iowa.  She was born 1866 in Germany¹¹¹, and died January 21, 1950 in Fairfield Rest Home, Cincinnati, Ohio^112,113.

 

Notes for Cornelius D. Keepers:

Cornelius' veteran pension file contains the following:

 

Death certificate: born: 1/8/1843 and died: 9/4/1910, age 67 yrs., 7 mo., 27 da.  Born in Sussex County, NJ to William Keepers and Eliz. Demorest, both born in NJ.  Cornelius was buried in Ruthven, Iowa, attested to by D. R. Keepers, Gardner, Illinois.

 

Widows Declaration lists Naomi I. Keepers, born 4/30/1904, as adopted.  In a  letter dated July, 12, 1907, the answer to the question "Any children living?," was "one adopted girl."  The conclusion is that Rudye was no longer living at that time.

 

He lived (farmed) principally in Kankakee, Ill, and moved to Ruthven, Iowa, in March 1900.

 

In a letter dated December 2, 1910, Anna, age 44 yrs., claimed she was not married to anyone else before or after his death.  The letter was sent from Palo Alto County, Ruthven, Iowa.

 

In a letter dated March 29, 1911, sent to Anna, her claim was denied since her marriage was "subsequent to June 27, 1890."

 

Information below is from Mary (Keepers) Helgevold.

 

In the 1880 Kankakee Co., Illinois Census, Cornelius was farming down in Pilot Twp.  He was aged 37 and his 71 yr old mother Elizabeth was living with him and keeping house.

 

Cornelius's brother William A. Keepers purchased the SW 1/4 of Section 14, Fairfield Twp., Palo Alto Co., Iowa in the Spring of 1882. On August 6, 1884, Cornelius purchased the NE 1/4 of Section 23, Fairfield Twp., from the State of Iowa.  Did he [Cornelius] ever live there or farm it?  He must have been around long enough to court his future wife but he may have done that while visiting his brother.  When he applied for a marriage license he gave his address as Essex, Illinois.  He was in his mid-fifties when he married for the first time.  Although the 1897 marriage was recorded in the Kossuth County Marriage Records, the clerk failed to enter their names in the index. (See Marriage notes)

   The newspaper article noting the marriage included the information that they were going to Illinois for their honeymoon.  They may possibly have lived there for several years.  They had a baby boy named Rudye who died young.  They adopted Naomi.

 

WHITTEMORE CHAMPION, March 23, 1900:

   " 'Col.' Keepers arrived in Whittemore yesterday for a visit, after an absence of several years."

 

March 30, 1900:

 "Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Keepers arrived from Kankakee, Ill., last Thursday.  They will spend the summer at C. P. Ostrom's."

   "C. P. Ostrum and C. D. Keepers were in Algona on business last Monday."

 

   By  June 7, 1900, Cornelius and Annie were living in Ruthven, Palo Alto Co., Iowa, where they rented a home, per the 1900 U.S. Census.  Her parents moved to Ruthven later that year.  Sometime around 1904 or 1905, Cornelius & Anna adopted a little girl which they named Naomi.  She appeared on the 1905 census and is listed as 5 yrs old in the April 1910 census.  His probate records indicate that taxes were paid on Lot 2, Block 30, Ruthven, Iowa.

   Apparently the Keepers relatives believed that Anna did not like them and adopted the child just to keep Cornelius' wealth from his relatives.  The relatives remarked about elderly, long-bearded Cornelius coming to family functions carrying a baby.

    

Palo Alto County Courthouse Death Register, Emmetsburg, Iowa:

 

Ruthven Twp., Palo Alto Co., Iowa

Name:  Cornelius Keepers

Birth:   Jan 8, 1843, NJ

Age:  67 ys 7 mos 27 dys

Occupation:  Ret'd farmer

Father:  Wm Keepers

Father's Birthplace:  NJ

Mother:  Elizabeth Demorest

Mother's Birthplace: _______

Informant:  D R Keepers, Gardner, Ill.

 

Medical information:

Died:  Sept 4, 1910

Cause:  Myocarditis

Length of illness:  1 day

Physician:  Dr. H. M. Huston

        Sept. 7, 1910

 

Burial information:

Buried:  Ruthven, Iowa

Date:  Sept 7, 1910

Undertaker:  Tom Logan

                     Ruthven, Ia.

----------------------------

 

WHITTEMORE CHAMPION, September 8, 1910:

     "C.  D. Keepers Dies At Ruthven Sunday.

           Sunday afternoon, September 4th, at his home in Ruthven occurred the death of Mr. C. D. Keepers, a brother of Wm. Keepers of Whittemore.  Death came very suddenly as deceased had not been at all sick until a few hours before his death.  Paralysis of the heart is the supposed cause of his death.  Mr. Keepers leaves a wife and an adopted daughter, about six years of age to mourn his death.  Deceased was in his 67th year and had been a resident of Ruthven for the past fifteen years.  He leaves his widow in very comfortable circumstances.  The funeral was held Wednesday."

-------------------

Probate Record #927 lists properties owned:

ILLINOIS:  Lots 1-4-7-10-14 & 17 Blk 1; Lots 3-6-9-15-18 & 21 and south 50' of lot 24 in North Kankakee, or the town of Bradley.

IOWA:

NE¼ Sec 23-96-31 Palo Alto Co.

Half interest in W½ Sec 31-95-34 [with Minnie Ostrom, Anna's mother]

Half interest in N½ NW¼ Sec 6-94-34  [  "          "      ]

S½ Sec 9-98-35 Dickinson Co.

  

More About Cornelius D. Keepers:

Burial: Crown Hill Cmty., Ruthven, Iowa

Cause of Death: "Myocarditis" per Dr. H. M. Huston

Fact 1: 1870, Census lists him as 26, farmer living with his parents & Daniel in Essex Twp.

Fact 2: 1880, Census lists him in Pilot Twp. with his mother living with him.

Fact 3: 1883, Kankakee Co., IL, Plat Map shows his property in Sec. 32, Pilot Twp., near Herscher.

Fact 5: 1905, Iowa Census for Ruthven, Palo Alto Co., lists Cornelius D., Anna W., & Naomi I.

Fact 6: 1910, Ruthven, Highland Twp., Palo Alto Co., IA census as Keeper.

Military service: Veteran of Civil War, Co. G, 69 Ill. Inf.

Occupation 1: At enlistment, "farmer or farm hand."¹¹⁴

Occupation 2: 1900, Retired farmer.

Residence: 1900, Ruthven, IA - renting a home.¹¹⁵

 

Notes for Anna W. Bernhoft:

In the 1900 census, she stated that she came to America in 1870 In the 1910 census, she stated that she came to America in 1874, but her mother's obituary said 1871 when Anna was only five.  Her birthyear is also debatable.  If she was five in 1871, she was born in 1866, which agrees with marriage license application of Nov 1897 stating she would be 32 on next b'day in May 1898.  In 1900 census, her birth was given as May 1865.  In April 1910 census, she was listed as aged 43 [would be 44 the next month, making her birth year 1866].

 

Her husband Cornelius died in Ruthven in 1910.  By the 1915 Census, she and Naomi were no longer included in the Palo Alto Co. residents.  Probably moved to Spencer by that time.  Yes, married Peter Ostrom in 1914.

  See Peter's obituary -- lived at 576 W 4th St.  She lived there through 1939 and perhaps a couple of years longer.  By the 1941-42 Spencer City Directory, she had moved to 518 W. 4th St.  In 1944 she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she died in 1950.  See obituary:

 

THE SPENCER DAILY REPORTER (Spencer, Iowa), Thursday, January 26, 1950, p.1:

"Mrs. Anna Ostrom Dies in Cincinnati

   Spencer friends have received word of the death of Mrs. Anna Ostrom, former resident of this city and the Dickens community, which occurred Jan. 21 at the Fairfield Rest Home in Cincinnati, Ohio.

   Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the W. Mack Johnson Funeral home in Cincinnati and burial was in Rest Haven Memorial Park of that city.

   Mrs. Ostrom was the widow of Peter Ostrom who died in Spencer a number of years ago.  She was born in Germany May 17, 1864 and lived for many years in this community.  In 1944 she went to Cincinnati to be nearer her daughter, Mrs. Naomi Englert who has since moved to Florida.

   Besides Mrs. Englert, Mrs. Ostrom is survived by two grandchildren, Jody and Michael Englert."

 

More About Anna W. Bernhoft:

Date born 2: Bet. May 17, 1864 - 1866, Germany^116,117

Burial: January 25, 1950, Rest Haven Memorial Park, Cincinnati, Ohio

Fact 1: 1900, Married 3 years, no children per Census

Fact 2: 1910, Married 12 years, had 2 children with 1 living (the adopted Naomi?)

Immigration: 1870, Presumed to have come from Germany.

Naturalization: 1882¹¹⁸

 

Marriage Notes for Cornelius Keepers and Anna Bernhoft:

KOSSUTH COUNTY MARRIAGE REGISTER (1880-1898), p. 155:

License No. 32 dated 4 November 1897

 

1. By who affidavit, if any, was made___C. D. Keepers__

2. By who consent to marriage is given__

3. Full name of GROOM___Cornelius D. Keepers

4. Place of residence__Essex, Illinois_  5. Occupation__Farmer__

6. Groom's age next birthday__55_  7.Color_White_  . Race_____

9. No. of groom's marriage__1st__  10. Place of birth__New Jersey__

11. Groom's father's name___William Keepers__

12. Groom's mother's full maiden name__Elizabeth Demorest__

13. Full name of BRIDE__Anna Bernhoft__

14. Bride's maiden name, if a widow__

15. Bride's place of residence__Whittemore, Ia._  16. Age next b'day__32__

17. Color__White__  18. Race____  19.No. of marriage_1st__

20. Bride's place of birth__Germany__

21. Bride's father's full name__Henry Bernhoft__

22. Bride's mother's full maiden name__Minnie Treplow__

23. Where and when married__Algona, Iowa, Nov. 4, 1897__

24. Witness__Mr. & Mrs. D. R. Ford___

25. By who married, name and office__Rev. D. R. Landis--

Date of Return: Nov. 6, 1897

Registered:Dec. 8, 1897

----------------------------------------------------

WHITTEMORE CHAMPION, Thursday, November 11?, 1897:

   Col. Keepers and Miss Anna Bernhoft were married last week.  We understand that the ceremony took place at Algona but have been unable to obtain particulars.  The groom is a grand type of manhood and is possessor of a good share of worldly wealth.  The bride, better known to our readers as Anna Ostrom, is one of Lotts Creek's most highly esteemed young ladies and will be a model wife for Mr. Keepers.  They have gone to Illinois for their honeymoon, and the best wishes of the CHAMPION and other friends go with them.

-----------------------------

More About Cornelius Keepers and Anna Bernhoft:

Marriage 1: October 04, 1897, Baptist Church, Algoma, Iowa

Marriage 2: November 04, 1897, Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa

    

Children of Cornelius Keepers and Anna Bernhoft are:

+   62       i.   Naomi Irene³ Keepers, born April 30, 1904 in Iowa.

     63      ii.   Rudye E. Keepers, born Bet. 1900 - 1905 in Iowa; died Bef. 1910 in Iowa.

 

Notes for Rudye E. Keepers:

Rudye was born and died young sometime between 1900 and 1905.  In the 1900 Census, his mother indicated that she had not had any children yet ( 0 children born, 0 children still living).  In the 1910 Census, his mother said that she'd had two children with 1 still living (Naomi). Although he was probably born in Ruthven, no tombstone for him has been found in either the Whittemore or Ruthven cemeteries.  Alvin D. Keepers said that Rudye died as a baby, then Anna adopted a child - Naomi.

 

     16.  Daniel Reid² Keepers (William H.¹) was born July 24, 1848 in Illinois^119,119,119, and died December 29, 1934 in Gardner, Grundy Co., Illinois.  He married Alice H. Spencer¹²⁰ January 30, 1878 in Grundy Co., IL¹²¹.  She was born July 1852 in Grundy Co., Illinois, and died March 02, 1926 in Youngstown, Ohio¹²².

 

Notes for Daniel Reid Keepers:

Also in the household in 1880: Isaac PERSELS Other  Male  W    62  NY  Occ: Works In Livery  Fa: --- Mo: ---.

 

All information below is from Mary (Keepers) Helgevold.

 

Notes on 4 Oct 1996 visit:

 When researching the Keepers in Illinois, the Helgevolds were directed to a former newspaperman in Gardner for information on the old newspapers of that place.  Lo and behold!  This man, Burt Parkinson, remembered "Reed" Keepers as the liveryman who wore the silk top hat.  The livery stable was at the west end of the business district.  A gas station is currently at that location.   Rigs could be rented, or rigs and driver could be rented.  Reed owned and lived in the big house a block south of the livery.  Alta Clark, another elderly resident, also remembered Reed.  As a young schoolgirl, she walked past his house every day and especially remembers that the housekeeper was always washing windows.   Gordon Gunderson (a brother of Oley Gunderson of Cylinder, Iowa) also remembered Reed Keepers as the man who had a big farm on the southeast edge of town.  As a farmer, Reed had a strong connection with the elevator and many other aspects of the town.  Per Burt, Reed was well thought of and respected - "not a horse thief, or anything like that."  Later in life, Reed lived in the farmhouse at the southeast edge of town.  Karl Lutz, another elderly resident, recalls Reed sitting on his porch.  Per Burt, a nephew took care of Reed during his last years. (Harry Southcomb, a nephew of Alice's?)  No one could remember there being any children.  They thought he was alone except for a nephew.  The two children, George & Alta, were apparently long gone to Ohio when the current residents were born.

 

MORRIS HERALD, December 19, 1879, "Gardner":

   D. R. Keepers got home from Morris last Sunday, spending two weeks as juror.

 

MORRIS DAILY HERALD, Saturday, December 29, 1934, p. 1:

   D. R. KEEPERS, GARDNER, DIED THIS MORNING

  Gardner, Ill., Dec. 29 -- (Special) -- D. R. Keepers, one of the oldest and most prominent men in southern Grundy county, died in his home here this morning at 2:30 after an illness of six weeks.  He was 86 years old and was well and vigorous until recently.

   He was born July 24, 1848 in Kankakee county and came to Grundy county when a young man and lived in this county since.

   He became a farmer on the outskirts of Gardner and later in life retired to the village and engaged in the livery stable business and his livery was known over a wide territory in the days before the auto supplanted the horse as a means of travel.  He retired from business about 20 years ago.

   He was married in Gardner to Alice Spencer in 1877 and she preceded him in death March 2, 1926.  He leaves two children, Mrs. Alta McDonald and George Keepers of Youngstown, O.    He was an uncle of H. P. Southcomb of Morris.

   The body was removed to Hanson's funeral home and Masonic services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Masonic temple and burial will be in Gardner-Braceville cemetery.

   Mr. Keepers was a member of Gardner lodge 573, A. F. & A. M. and was treasurer of that organization for 42 years.  He was re-elected to this office last Thursday night as an honor, as his health did not permit him to perform the active duties of the office.  He was also a member of Kellogg chapter, 219, O. E. S. for 40 years and was one of the candidates in the first class initiated in the order in Gardner.

   He filled the position of highway commissioner in Garfield township for a number of years.

                  ------------------------------------------------------

Will Co. Old Settlers' Assoc. Necrology Report for

1902)

Jan. 4, Daniel B. REID, of Grand Junction, Ia., aged 95 years. He was formerly a resident of this county, coming here in 1844.

 

More About Daniel Reid Keepers:

Burial: Gardner-Braceville Cmty., Illinois

Fact 1: Occupations: "Livery Keeper" in 1880 &1900 Census;  "Real Estate"in 1910 Census.

Fact 2: His address was Gardner in 1910, when he gave info on Cornelius's death certif.

Fact 3: December 19, 1879, MDH:"D.R. Keepers got home from Morris last Sunday, spending two weeks as juror.

Occupation 1: 1910, Real Estate - working on own account.¹²³

Occupation 2: 1880, Livery Keeper¹²⁴

Residence: 1920, Gardner, Grundy Co., IL (Also in 1880.)¹²⁵

 

Notes for Alice H. Spencer:

MORRIS DAILY HERALD, Thursday, January 26, 1922, p.5, col. 3:

 

   D. R. Keepers returned Sunday evening from His visit with his family in Youngstown, Ohio.  He reports every well with the exception of Mrs. Keepers, whose condition is such that it does not show much change.

 

MORRIS DAILY HERALD, Friday, March 5, 1926, p. 2, col. 1 "Gardner Items":

 

   Home folk, old friends and neigh-[bors] were shocked Tuesday to hear of the death of Mrs. D. E. Keepers in the home of her daughter in Youngstown, Ohio.  Mrs. Keepers has been a patient sufferer for a good many years and during the last few years a very great sufferer.  Her death occurred just about one week after the death of her only grandson.  Mr. Keepers and the members of his family and Mrs. Keepers sisters have the sympathy of our whole community.

   Harry Southcomb of Morris was a business visitor in Gardner on Wednesday.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HISTORY OF GRUNDY COUNTY, ILLINOIS (Chicago: O.L. Baskin & Co., Historical Publishers, 1882) p. 101:

    G. F. SPENCER, farmer, P.O. Gardner, was born December 7, 1822, in New York, and is the son of George and Laura Hatzel Spencer, natives of New Hartford, Conn., and parents of six children - Adaline, Lydia, G. F., Norton, Anna and one deceased.  Mr. Spencer's mother died when he was eleven years old, and he was bound out to Joseph B. Roe until he was sixteen, when he was employed at a small salary by Mr. Roe.  At eighteen, he hired out at $11 per month.  In the fall of 1850, he came to Grundy County, Ill., and purchased his present farm of 160 acres, which was then mostly raw prairie.  With logs from the grove he erected a cabin, about 16 X 24 feet, in which he lived.  He began breaking the soil with an ox-team and the pioneer breaking-plow.  With this same team, he hauled grain some distance.   He was married, in 1851, to Eliza, daughter of Mahlon and Abigail Crane, she being one of nine children - Mary, William, Henry, Lucinda, Thaddeus, Edwin, Harriet, Howard, Eliza and Helen;  her parents were Methodists; her father was in the war of 1812.  Mr. Spencer has, as a result of the union, three children - Alice, the wife of Reed Keepers; Libbie; and Ida, the wife of Philip Southcomb, of Morris.  The spring after his marriage, he was chosen one of the petit jurors for this county, and after having been kept two weeks at Morris, when he would liked to have been cultivating his crops, he was dismissed at 4 o'clock on Saturday evening; he walked all the way home;  when he came to the foot log across the stream near his home, at 10 o'clock, when all was dark, he found that the rain had raised the branch about two feet above the one log bridge;  he knew from the channel that the water was over ten feet deep, and that, should he fall in, he would, in all probability, be drowned; he was bound for home, and at once "cooned" the log on all fours, his head only being above the water while passing over.  This is only one of many such scenes which this pioneer experienced.  When he built his cabin, he constructed a brick chimney, which was a curiosity to the neighbors, who often called out when passing, "take in the brick."  In this building, the Methodists and other organizations held meetings.  Near by Mr. Spencer's residence was located one of the first schoolhouses in this part of the county, the construction of which was largely due to the efforts of our subject.  The father of Mrs. Spencer is residing with them, at the age of eighty-eight.  Mr. S. has been Assessor and Justice of the Peace.

 

More About Alice H. Spencer:

Date born 2: ^126,127

Burial: Gardner-Braceville Cmty., Illinois

 

More About Daniel Keepers and Alice Spencer:

Marriage 1: January 30, 1878, Grundy Co., IL¹²⁸

Marriage 2: January 30, 1878, Grundy Co.,Illinois

Marriage Fact: January 1878, Alice's sister Ida E. Spencer and Philip R. Southcomb got a marriage license,too

    

Children of Daniel Keepers and Alice Spencer are:

     64       i.   George S.³ Keepers, born March 1881 in Illinois.  He married Elsie 1908; born 1886 in Ohio.

 

More About George S. Keepers:

Fact 1: 1911, Lived in Morris, Grundy Co., Illinois

Fact 2: 1934, Lived in Youngstown, Ohio

Occupation: 1910, Bookkeeper in a paper mill.¹²⁹

Residence: 1910, Morris Twp., Grundy Co., IL¹³⁰

 

More About George Keepers and Elsie:

Marriage: 1908

 

+   65      ii.   Alta E. Keepers, born May 1884.

 

Generation No. 3

 

     17.  Sarah Louisa³ Gray (Sarah A.² Keepers, William H.¹) was born Abt. February 08, 1835 in Lafayette, Sussex Co., NJ¹³¹, and died December 17, 1890.  She married Daniel Alexander Abt. 1855 in Morris Co., NJ?.  He was born Bet. 1822 - 1824 in Orange Co., New York, and died December 23, 1917 in Pittsburg, PA¹³².

 

Notes for Sarah Louisa Gray:

Called "Louisa" in the 1860 Census,Morris Twp., Morris Co., p 24 or 25, 156/179:

Daniel Alexander  36 M  occupation: ???

Louisa    "    25 F

Richard  "    3  M

Carrie     "   6/12

 

Notes for Daniel Alexander:

Aged 36 in the 1860 Census making his birthyear about 1824, whereas cemetery records state that he died Dec 1917 at age 95, making his birthyear 1822.

 

More About Daniel Alexander:

Occupation: 1860, Ambrotypist¹³³

Property: 1860, Value of personal estate: $500¹³⁴

Residence: 1860, Morris Twp., Morris Co., NJ

 

Marriage Notes for Sarah Gray and Daniel Alexander:

In the 1860 Census , they are listed together with children 3 yrs old and six months old.

 

More About Daniel Alexander and Sarah Gray:

Marriage: Abt. 1855, Morris Co., NJ?

    

Children of Sarah Gray and Daniel Alexander are:

     66       i.   Richard⁴ Alexander, born Abt. 1857 in New Jersey¹³⁴.

     67      ii.   Carrie Alexander, born Abt. January 1860 in New Jersey¹³⁴.

     68     iii.   Arthur M. Alexander, born Abt. 1864 in Morristown, Morris Co., NJ¹³⁵; died January 29, 1889 in Yonkers, NY.

     69      iv.   Fred Gray Alexander, born Abt. 1869 in Morristown, Morris Co., NJ¹³⁶; died January 30, 1900.

     70       v.   Theo Ayers Alexander, born Abt. 1875¹³⁷; died January 17, 1911 in Yonkers, NY.

 

Notes for Theo Ayers Alexander:

In 1860, his parents were living next door to the Eugene Ayers family.  Any relation?  On the following page of the census resided the Theo Ayers family.  Any relation?

  

     19.  Charles M.³ Keepers (John M.², William H.¹)¹³⁸ was born October 22, 1848 in NJ¹³⁹, and died March 17, 1921 in Newton, Sussex Co., NJ (buried Newton, NJ Cmty)¹³⁹.  He married Emma F. Albertson September 22, 1874 in Morristown, Morris Co., New Jersey¹⁴⁰.  She was born August 10, 1856 in Hope, Warren Co., New Jersey¹⁴¹, and died August 29, 1939 in (buried Newton, NJ Cmty)¹⁴².

 

The data below are from Mary Helgevold.

 

SNELL'S HISTORY OF SUSSEX & WARREN COUNTIES, p. 642:

   Blairstown, Warren Co.   -  Charles M. Keepers ran a grocery store.

 

TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS, MARKSBORO CEMETERY, MARKSBORO, NJ

   Copied from Records of George Watson Roy, Nov. 27, 1890:

     Keepers, C. M.: E. R.; dau Malverne E.  d- Aug 12, 1875 ag 6y 4m 10d

 

Note:  The town of Marksboro, or Marksborough, is just northeast of Blairstown.  At first glance, it was assumed that this was the daughter of Charles and Emma.  If so, they had her about five years before they were officially married in a church and when Emma was only 13 yrs old!  Emma's middle initial was F., not R., but that could be a simple copying error or difficulty in reading the stone.  In 1900, Emma claims to be the mother of 1 child with 1 child still living -- Lilian.  The other possibility is that Charles was married before.  This Malverne was born 02 April 1869 according to the stone.  Charles would have been 20½ at that time.  The other possibility is that C. M. Keepers is not our Charles M. Keepers.

 

1900 Blairstown Twp., Warren Co., NJ Census, Roll 997, Book 2, p.28, dated 7 June 1900:

36? 39?  Keepers, Charles M.  Head  WM Oct 1843  56 M26          New Jersey/New Jersey/New Jersey   General Store

                -----------  , Emma F.     Wife   WF  Aug 1856 43 M26  1/1   New Jersey/New Jersey/New Jersey

                ------------,  Lillian I.  Daughter WF June 1876 23 S             New Jersey/New Jersey/New Jersey

 

On family sheet prepared by Darlyne McCole, Charles lived at 95 High St., Newton.  In the 1910 census, he was listed as a salesman.

 

By the 1920 census, Chas. M. Keepers and family were on Halsted Street in Newton, Sussex Co. (Sup. Dist. # 6, Enum. Dist 137, Sheet 2B):

43/52/54 Keepers, Chas. M., Head, Renter, MW 67 Married, b. NJ as were his parents.  He was manager of "Y. M. Sch (or Ch?)"

Keepers, Emma F., wife, FW 57, married, b. NJ as were her parents.

Keepers, Elsie M., Daugter-in-law, FW 5, single, b. NJ as were her parents

Schofield, Lydia J., Aunt, FW 68, widowed, b. NJ as were her parents.

  [ Note the census error regarding a five year old daughter-in-law.  According to Darlyne Beatty McCole, this Elsie was a grand-daughter that was raised as a Keepers.]

 

OBITUARY:

24 March 1921:

"CHARLES M. KEEPERS  ~ Died March 17, Aged 71 Years.

   After an illness of one year, during which time he was confined to his home on Halsted street, Newton, for seven months, Charles M. Keepers passed away Thursday, March 17th, in the 71st year of his age.  Death was occasioned by complication of diseases.  Deceased was a son of John M. Keepers, of Blairstown, a prosperous farmer, formerly a resident of Sussex county.  In early manhood he entered the store of William VanHorn, at Marksboro, one of the best conducted mercantile establishments in that section of Warren county.  Here he remained for three years, when he engaged in the mercantile business at Blairstown in which he continued for thirty years.  In 1906 he removed to Newton which has since been his place of residence.  The last two and one-half years of his active life he was in charge of the Y. M. C. A. rooms at Port Morris, operated by the D.L. & W. R.R.  In 1875 he wedded Emma C. Albertson, a member of one of the most respected families of Northern Warren county, by whom he is survived, also by his daughter, Mrs. Boyajian, of New York City.  The funeral services were observed at the family residence, Halsted street, Saturday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Maschman, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  The interment was in the family plot in the Newton cemetery." - [Mary Helgevold]SNELL'S HISTORY OF SUSSEX & WARREN COUNTIES, p. 642:

   Blairstown, Warren Co.   -  Charles M. Keepers ran a grocery store.

 

TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS, MARKSBORO CEMETERY, MARKSBORO, NJ

   Copied from Records of George Watson Roy, Nov. 27, 1890:

     Keepers, C. M.: E. R.; dau Malverne E.  d- Aug 12, 1875 ag 6y 4m 10d

 

Note:  The town of Marksboro, or Marksborough, is just northeast of Blairstown.  At first glance, it was assumed that this was the daughter of Charles and Emma.  If so, they had her about five years before they were officially married in a church and when Emma was only 13 yrs old!  Emma's middle initial was F., not R., but that could be a simple copying error or difficulty in reading the stone.  In 1900, Emma claims to be the mother of 1 child with 1 child still living -- Lilian.  The other possibility is that Charles was married before.  This Malverne was born 02 April 1869 according to the stone.  Charles would have been 20½ at that time.  The other possibility is that C. M. Keepers is not our Charles M. Keepers.

 

1900 Blairstown Twp., Warren Co., NJ Census, Roll 997, Book 2, p.28, dated 7 June 1900:

Keepers, Charles M.  Head  WM Oct 1843  56 M26          New Jersey/New Jersey/New Jersey   General Store

                -----------  , Emma F.     Wife   WF  Aug 1856 43 M26  1/1   New Jersey/New Jersey/New Jersey

                ------------,  Lillian I.  Daughter WF June 1876 23 S             New Jersey/New Jersey/New Jersey

 

On family sheet prepared by Darlyne McCole, Charles lived at 95 High St., Newton.  In the 1910 census, he was listed as a salesman.

 

By the 1920 census, Chas. M. Keepers and family were on Halsted Street in Newton, Sussex Co. (Sup. Dist. # 6, Enum. Dist 137, Sheet 2B):

43/52/54 Keepers, Chas. M., Head, Renter, MW 67 Married, b. NJ as were his parents.  He was manager of "Y. M. Sch (or Ch?)"

Keepers, Emma F., wife, FW 57, married, b. NJ as were her parents.

Keepers, Elsie M., Daugter-in-law, FW 5, single, b. NJ as were her parents

Schofield, Lydia J., Aunt, FW 68, widowed, b. NJ as were her parents.

  [ Note the census error regarding a five year old daughter-in-law.  According to Darlyne Beatty McCole, this Elsie was a grand-daughter that was raised as a Keepers.]

 

OBITUARY:

24 March 1921:

"CHARLES M. KEEPERS  ~ Died March 17, Aged 71 Years.

   After an illness of one year, during which time he was confined to his home on Halsted street, Newton, for seven months, Charles M. Keepers passed away Thursday, March 17th, in the 71st year of his age.  Death was occasioned by complication of diseases.  Deceased was a son of John M. Keepers, of Blairstown, a prosperous farmer, formerly a resident of Sussex county.  In early manhood he entered the store of William VanHorn, at Marksboro, one of the best conducted mercantile establishments in that section of Warren county.  Here he remained for three years, when he engaged in the mercantile business at Blairstown in which he continued for thirty years.  In 1906 he removed to Newton which has since been his place of residence.  The last two and one-half years of his active life he was in charge of the Y. M. C. A. rooms at Port Morris, operated by the D.L. & W. R.R.  In 1875 he wedded Emma C. Albertson, a member of one of the most respected families of Northern Warren county, by whom he is survived, also by his daughter, Mrs. Boyajian, of New York City.  The funeral services were observed at the family residence, Halsted street, Saturday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Maschman, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  The interment was in the family plot in the Newton cemetery."

 

More About Charles M. Keepers:

Fact 1: "of Blairstown," Warren Co., NJ. at wedding date.   Ran a grocery store.

Occupation: 1870, Clerk in retail dry goods store.¹⁴³

Residence 1: 1870, Frelinghuysen, Warren Co., NJ

Residence 2: 1900, Blairstown Twp., Warren Co., NJ¹⁴⁴

Residence 3: 1920, Newton, Sussex Co., NJ¹⁴⁵

 

Notes for Emma F. Albertson:

In 1910 census, is listed as a "dressmaker."

 

THE NEW JERSEY HERALD, NEWTON, N.J., Thursday 31 Aug 1939:

"OBITUARY ~ Mrs. Emma F. Keepers

   Mrs. Emma F. Keepers, widow of Charles M. Keepers, died at the home of her granddaughter Mrs. John O. Pellow, of Newton, on Monday of this week.  She was born at Hope, Warren county, August 10, 1856, the daughter of Jacob S. Albertson and Irene Treat.

   Besides her granddaughter, she is survived by one sister, Mrs. E. W. Rice, of Marksboro.

   Services will be held tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock at the Iliff Funeral Home, Rev. J. Charles McKirschen officiating.  Burial in Newton Cemetery."

 

More About Charles Keepers and Emma Albertson:

Marriage: September 22, 1874, Morristown, Morris Co., New Jersey¹⁴⁶

Marriage Fact: September 22, 1874, Both "of Blairstown"  by John Abbott French, 1st Presbyterian Church, Morristown

    

Child of Charles Keepers and Emma Albertson is:

     71       i.   Lillian I.⁴ Keepers, born June 1876 in New Jersey¹⁴⁷.

 

Notes for Lillian I. Keepers:

See father's obituary.

 

     20.  Marshall E.³ Keepers (John M.², William H.¹) was born April 23, 1850 in Stillwater Twp.?, Sussex Co., New Jersey^148,149, and died March 05, 1939 in Newton, Sussex Co., NJ (buried Sparta Pres. Cmty, NJ).  He married Anna Beatty¹⁴⁹ Abt. 1874 in New Jersey¹⁵⁰.  She was born May 1855 in New Jersey^151,152, and died 1927 in Newton, Sussex Co., NJ (buried Sparta Pres. Cmty, NJ)¹⁵³.

 

Notes for Marshall E. Keepers:

Listed as a "laborer" in the farming community in Frankford Twp., Sussex Co. in the 1880 Census.  Household included Marshel E., 30, wife Anna, 25, daughter Sulla A. (Stella), 5, and son John J., 3.  All born in NJ, as were their parents.

   In 1885, the family was still in Frankford Twp., pp 32-33, #216/240/959-963: Marchel E. Keepers, Anna, Estella, John, George.

   By 1895, the family had moved to Newton Twp. (p. 3, #23/23/86-91: Marshall, Anna, Stella, John, George, Charles.

 

In 1900, his occupation was a "fish dealer."  He was head of a household that included his wife Anna, son John J. (a barber), son George M. (a silk weaver) and wife Maggie (shoe factory worker), grandson Raymond, son Charles M. (a florist), daughter Stella and her husband John Knox (a clerk).  All born in NJ, as were their parents.

 

NEW JERSEY HERALD, Newton, NJ, Thursday, March 23, 1939, in "Deaths" column:

"KEEPERS -  March 5, at Newton, Marshall Keepers, aged 88 years, 10 months."

[no obituary located; Darlyne McCole said that Marshall & Anna are buried with the Beattys at Sparta but there are no headstones for Marshall & Anna.] - [Mary Helgevold]

 

 

More About Marshall E. Keepers:

Occupation: 1910, Baggage man at the railroad.¹⁵⁴

Residence: 1910, 1st Ward, Newark, Essex Co., NJ - rented his home.

 

Notes for Anna Beatty:

 In 1900 she was 45 yrs. old, been married 26 yrs, mother of 4 children with all 4 still living.

 

No headstone but is buried at Sparta along with her husband in a Beatty plot.

 

More About Marshall Keepers and Anna Beatty:

Marriage: Abt. 1874, New Jersey¹⁵⁵

    

Children of Marshall Keepers and Anna Beatty are:

     72       i.   John J.⁴ Keepers, born October 1876 in New Jersey¹⁵⁶; died Bef. 1920 in Whiting, NJ¹⁵⁷.  He married Inez Ely; born 1882 in New York.

 

Notes for John J. Keepers:

In 1880 John J. was age 3.  Also listed in 1885 and 1895 censuses.  In 1900, John J. was 23, single; occupation was a "barber."

No children, per Alice Keepers & Darlyne McCole.

 

More About John J. Keepers:

Residence: 1900, Newton, NJ - with his parents.

 

Notes for Inez Ely:

Inez was a Principal in a Rochester NY school [Name and occupation from Darlyne McCole]

 

In the 1920 census, Chicago, IL, Inez is listed as a widow. [JKK]

 

More About Inez Ely:

Occupation: 1920, Teacher in a public school.¹⁵⁸

Residence: 1920, 6th Ward, Chicago, IL

 

+   73      ii.   George Marshall Keepers, born January 20, 1880 in Branchville, Sussex Co., New Jersey; died June 24, 1951 in Newton, Sussex Co., NJ (buried Newton).

     74     iii.   Charles M. Keepers, born July 30, 1886 in NJ^159,159; died April 1962 in Newark, NJ^159,160,161.  He married Jennie Thornton; born ¹⁶².

 

Notes for Charles M. Keepers:

In 1900 census, Charles was 13 yrs. old, b. July 1886, with occupation of "Florist," assuming that he was working in floral shop.

 

No children, per Alice Keepers.

 

[Broderbund Family Archive #110, Vol. 1 A-L, Ed. 5, Social Security Death Index: U.S., Date of Import: 21 Sep 1998, Internal Ref. #1.111.5.126772.101]

Individual: Keepers, Charles

Social Security #: 142-14-8654

SS# issued in: New Jersey

Birth date: 30 Jul 1886

Death date: Apr 1962

 

More About Charles M. Keepers:

Occupation: 1910, Baggage man at the railroad.¹⁶³

Residence: 1910, 1st Ward, Newark, Essex Co., NJ - living with his parents.

 

     75      iv.   Estella Keepers, born July 12, 1875 in Sussex Co., NJ^164,164; died July 1968^164,164.  She married John Knox Abt. 1900; born April 1872 in New Jersey¹⁶⁵.

 

Notes for Estella Keepers:

Known as Stella.  Married a Knox.  In 1900 census, they had not been married one full year as yet.   No children, per Alice Keepers.

 

[Broderbund Family Archive #110, Vol. 1 A-L, Ed. 5, Social Security Death Index: U.S., Date of Import: 21 Sep 1998, Internal Ref. #1.111.5.132144.124]

Individual: Knox, Stella

Social Security #: 147-42-5020

SS# issued in: New Jersey

Birth date: 12 Jul 1875

Death date: Jul 1968

Residence code: New Jersey

ZIP Code of last known residence: 08016

Primary location associated with this ZIP Code:

 Burlington, New Jersey

 

More About Estella Keepers:

Residence: 1900, Newton, NJ - married and living with her parents.¹⁶⁶

 

More About John Knox:

Occupation: 1900, Clerk¹⁶⁶

 

Notes for John Knox:

In 1900, John lived with his wife and in-laws.  Next door was another Knox family: William Knox, b. July 1867 in PA, parents b. NJ, his wife Della and son Julius.  Any relation to John Knox?  In 1880, there's a John Knox, age 7, the son of William M. Knox, 51, and wife Mary L., 51, along with other children Jennie, 22; Charles, 19; Rose Anna, 17; William J., 12.

 

     23.  Joseph Henry³ Keepers (John M.², William H.¹) was born November 02, 1860, and died July 13, 1894 in (buried Newton, New Jersey).^167,168  He married Amanda Warner¹⁶⁸ June 10, 1882 in Basking Ridge, NJ¹⁶⁸.  She was born January 14, 1859 in Sussex City, Sussex Co., NJ¹⁶⁸, and died January 01, 1933 in Morristown, Morris Co., NJ¹⁶⁸.

 

Notes for Joseph Henry Keepers:

In the 1880 Census, Joseph, age 19 was listed as a servant in the household of Dayton Keen family in Green Twp., Sussex Co.   Joseph's occupation was that of a Farm Laborer.   Employed in the same household was Amanda Warner, nearly two years older than Joseph.  This couple was married in June 1882 and son William was born in September 1882.

 

NEW JERSEY HERALD, Newton, NJ, July 19, 1894, in "Died" column:

"Keepers, July 13, in Newton, Joseph Keepers, aged about 34 years."

No obituary was located.

[Above researched by Mary Helgevold.]

 

More About Joseph Henry Keepers:

Date born 2: August 03, 1860, Stillwater, Sussex Co.,NJ¹⁶⁹

 

Notes for Amanda Warner:

Amanda died in 1933 in Morristown.  Wonder if her son William returned for a visit on or prior to that date and this might be the Keepers from Panama that Alice Keepers and Margaret Beatty mention as a relative. - [Mary Helgevold]