The leading theory as to the origins of McKeever line is based solely upon family lore. What little we know as to Samuel McKeever's origin is clouded by records pointing in multiple directions. For example, several different sources place his birth in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.
No record exists of him having crossed the atlantic, and McKeevers are sparse in the US at the time of his birth. In later life, he was a master tradesman, an augermaker, and had several men apprenticed to him, including his oldest son, John Andrew Duncan McKeever. It would stand to reason that Samuel would have had to been apprenticed early on in life. Whether a record of such exists is another story.
Lore has it that John A. D. McKeever was named after a forebear of Samuel's, either his father or grandfather, that his name was Andrew Duncan McKeever, and that his arrival in the US was 1774-75.
Several possibilities are out there. The first is a Duncan McKeever, who crossed in 1774 at the age of 28, with a John, a son, the age
of 9. If this possibility were so, one generation is still missing and unproven.
In 1810, there is a John McKeever in Edgemont Township, Delaware County, who appears with small
children in the following spread: 1 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 Two girls and a boy under 10, two boys 10-16, one male 26-45, one female 26-45 and one male 45+. The mother would still have been of child-bearing age in 1814. Essentially a middle aged couple with five children, and an older adult male in the househould, a father or father-in-law. If this were Samuel's family, he'd have been the baby. Perhaps this could be the same John who crossed in 1774. Still, all speculation and no proof.
The only other McKeevers on record in transit prior to 1814 are Michael and William McKeever, who
arrived in Philadelphia in 1802. This Michael appears in West Chester in 1805,1806 and 1807 tax
records under Fur and Indian Traders Licenses. He would be the right age to be Samuel's father,
but I have found no link.
A few other names appear in the area about that time, also, none of them linked to Samuel.
The First Generation: Samuel and Elizabeth (Lockard) McKeever
1. Samuel McKeever was born in Chester Co., Pa, near the border with
Cecil County, Maryland on May 9, 1814. He was an
Augermaker by trade. He married Elizabeth Lockard, b. 2 Apr 1814,
d. 5 Apr 1879 in Kennett Square, daughter of Robert and Amy Potts (Eaton) Lockard, on
March 8, 1838. He lived in London Grove (1840), East Nottingham (1850), and Lower Oxford (1860)
townships, Chester Co, PA, and Wilmington, Del, 1870. He died on June 21, 1879 in Kennett Square.
Their children (Surname McKeever):
2. Pamelia Ann (b. 2 Jan 1839, d. 26 Dec 1841)
3. Amy Emma (b. 16 Jun 1840), teacher, 1860
4. John Andrew Duncan (b. 13 Feb 1843), apprentice, 1860, Augermaker, 1870
5. Pamelia Jane (b. 1 Mar 1846)
6. Elmer (b. 1 Mar 1846, d. 10 Apr 1850)
7. Edward Irvin (b. 1 Jul 1850), Minister
8. Franklin Garrett (b. 2 Dec 1852), Minister
9. Samuel Chandler (b. 27 Jul 1855).
Letters from the five married siblings to their cousin, G.A. Chandler in 1890 confirm above
dates. Samuel's 1879 Obituaries and associated clippings spell the name four different ways for the
same event: McKeever, McKeiver, MacKeever, MacKeiver. See copy of Obit from the Oxford Press, 25 Jun 1879. Also, an obit from the Daily Local News, West Chester, dated 6-23-1879 The leftmost death notice for his wife Elizabeth below is from the same paper.
Elizabeth's funeral was on 9 Apr 1879
at Samuel's home in Kennett Square, Pa. No reference is made to place of burial.
Oxford Press Obit also makes reference to service to defend the country against the rebellion in
fighting at Conowingo. This service appears to be bridge guarding with the Andrews Company of
the Volunteer Pennsylvania Militia.
Household in 1840 had 7 members: 1 male 15-19, 2 male 20-29, 1 male 40-49, 1 female under 5,
1 female 10-14, and one female 20-29. Samuel and Elizabeth take 1 each 20-29, being age 26.
Their daughter, Pamelia Ann, takes the under 5 female. This leaves two boys and a girl, plus
an older man, probably younger siblings and father of either Samuel or Elizabeth.
This may be a stretch, as Elizabeth's father would have been 54, and it doesn't match her known
unmarried siblings in 1840. If it is Samuel's father, the earliest he could have been born was
1790, (24 at Samuel's birth) and the latest reasonably would be 1795 (19 at Samuel's birth), though the age range places
the older man between 1790 and 1800. London Grove makes sense, because Elizabeth's father is known
to be there for a time; and it is thought that they were married in London Grove. It also
appears as though her father is listed in Delaware in 1810 and 1830, with no listing in 1840. Again, all speculation. It very well could be relations on Samuel's side of the family.
On the other hand, Samuel & Elizabeth's children's recollection of their grandparents yields only the maternal set. Is this just that they did not know the paternal set? Robert Lockard dies when Amy Emma is only three, yet all the children know that side of the family.
This is another of the confusing aspects of this line. In all the writings, there should be some reference to Samuel's parentage. Even the family bible starts with Samuel & Elizabeth.
Of course, this could simply imply that Samuel was not the eldest son, and that a new bible was started for them.
Samuel shows in E. Nottingham in 1850 census, and also 1859's tax list. By 1860, he is
shown in Lower Oxford. 1870 finds him in Wilmington, Del. 1876 Daily Local News clip on Samuel returning to Kennett Square from Wilmington.
The Second Generation: Samuel & Elizabeth's Children
3. Amy Emma McKeever (1) was born in West Nottingham, Chester County, Pa, on 16 June 1840.
In 1860, she was a school teacher. On 5 Jan 1881, she married Thomas Seal Jackson (b. ~1840) in
Woodstown, New Jersey, by the Rev. Edward I. McKeever, her Brother.
She died on 10 Mar 1917. (There is some waffling on place of birth- some census say Del, some Pa.)
Their child:
10. Franklin M. Jackson, b. 28 Nov 1882, d. 28 Nov 1882
They resided in Wooddale, New Castle, Delaware in 1890, per letters from A.E. Jackson to
cousin G.A. Chandler, 1890.
It is not yet known where she was living in 1870 or 1880. She appears with her father in 1850
and 1860.
Coming soon-- scanned images of these letters.
4. John Andrew Duncan McKeever (1) was born in West Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania
in 13 Feb 1843. Like his father, he was an Augermaker by trade. At New London, on 30 November 1865,
he married Elizabeth A. Williamson, daughter of Robert and Mary A. Williamson (born 27 Sep 1844).
The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Robert P. Dubois.
(There is some waffling on place of birth- some census say Del, some Pa.)
He was a private in Co. H, 97th Pennsylvania Infantry from 7 Oct 1861 to 9 Dec 1863.
Their children (Surname McKeever):
11. Eva (b. 5 Aug 1866, d. 28 Aug 1866)
12. Harvey W. (b. 30 Nov 1867)
13. Amy E. (b. 27 Mar 1870 in Delaware)
14. Anna (b. 6 Aug 1871 in Chester Co.)
15. Laura (b. 19 Aug 1872, d. 9 Nov 1872)
16. John Andrew Duncan (b. 23 Dec 1873 in Pennsbury, Chester Co., d. 7 Oct 1881 in Wilmington, Del)
17. Carrie (b. 8 Apr 1875, d. 26 Jun 1875)
18. Viola (b. 14 Dec 1876, d. 5 Sep 1877)
19. Pamelia J. (b. 30 Nov 1878 in Lower Oxford Township, Chester Co.)
20. Chester D. (b. 29 Nov 1883, d. 22 Jul 1884)
Marriage Notice 12-5-1865 from the Village Record
They lived at 207 Maryland Ave in Wilmington, Del in 1890. Full list of children and
birth/death dates from letter from J.A.D. McKeever to his cousin, G.A. Chandler, 26 May 1890.
No death dates indicate alive as of 1890 letter.
1880 he resided in Lower Oxford; in 1870 in Pennsbury, in 1860 & 1850, listed with his father. He
is apprenticed in 1860 at the age of 17, and is listed as an Augermaker in 1870 and 1880.
The Civil War Pension file contains his widow's application dated July 16, 1908 and received on July 24, 1908, and supporting documents that state his death being 10 July 1908. It also has Elizabeth residing at 819 Jefferson Street, Wilmington, Del as of the same date in 1908.
The pension file also contains an 1898 questionnaire, filled out by John A.D. McKeever on 4 June. It acknowledges a marriage certificate and church record existing of their marriage, and of their four children still living at that time, Harvey W. (Age 30), Amy E. (28), Anna (26), and Pamelia J. (19).
There is also a record of death that shows John A.D. residing at 402 Montgomery Street, Wilmington, and shows him interred at Silverbrook Cemetery, and confirms the date of 10 July 1908.
1900 finds John and Elizabeth with son Harvey W. and grandsons Walter J. and Harvey W. at603 Shipley Street, Wilmington, Del, Vol 2, ED 15, Sheet 10, Line 40 of the 12th Census. This listing also has John A.D. born in Delaware.
5. Pamelia Jane McKeever (1) was born in Chester County, Pa, on 1 Mar 1846. On 28
December 1865, she married Morris Williamson (b. 25 Dec 1832, d. 5 Jan 1916) at Oxford's M.E. Parsonage by Rev. Harvey. Morris appears to be a brother of the above Elizabeth that married John A.D. McKeever. Pamelia died
on 12 Jan 1938.
Their Children (Surname Williamson):
21. Ida Estella (b. 29 Apr 1867)
22. Franklin Elmer (b. 26 Dec 1868)
23. Mary Elizabeth (b. 17 Jun 1871)
24. Luella (b. 27 Jul 1873)
25. Eva May (b. 2 Sep 1875)
26. Colgan H. (b. 30 Aug 1882, d. 29 Jan 1887), buried New London Friends' Burying Ground
They had a 200 arce farm in Malvern P.O., Chester Co, Pa, in 1890.
Pamelia and Morris are buried at the New London Presbyterian Cemetery. Her obit references seven surviving grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
7. Rev. Edward Irvin McKeever (1) was born in Oxford, Pa, on July 1, 1850. He was a
baptist minister, having attended Crozier Theological Seminary. On
November 30, 1876 he married Josephine Hobson Way, b. 8 Dec 1856, Kennett Square, Pa, d. 28
Dec 1930, McKeesport, Pa. She was the daughter of Caleb Pugh Way and Priscilla Hobson.
He died in Brownsville, Fayette Co, PA on 13 February, 1913. They are both buried together at
Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square, Pa.
Their children (Surname McKeever):
27. Caleb Way (b 18 Mar 1878
28. Bertha Souder (b 2 Jun 1880)
29. Edward Samuel (b. 16 Mar 1882, d. 5 Nov 1893)
30. Everett Wiley (b. 7 Dec 1888, d. 8 Dec 1888)
31. Harold Irvin (b. Jul 1896)
32. Herman Alvin (b 19 Jul 1899, d 6 Feb 1901, bur. Union Hill, K. Sq.
They resided in Woodstown, NJ, in 1880, where he was pastor at Woodstown Baptist Church; in West Conshohocken, Montgomery Co, Pa, 1884, as pastor of Balligomingo Baptist; Aberdeen, S.D., 1888; Oil City, Pa, in 1890; Greenwich, N.J., 1893 and 1896; Wayne, Pa. (Radnor Township, Delaware Co) in 1900.
8. Rev. Franklin Garrett McKeever (1) was born in Oxford, Pa. on 2 Dec 1852. He attended
Brown University, both undergraduate and masters, and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity
. On 3 Feb 1885, he married Clara Frances Butts, b. 26 Dec 1862. She was the daughter
of Charles Ford Butts and Sarah Green Pettingill. He died on 1 Dec 1922. A photo
appears in his obituary from the Providence, R.I., Journal, 2 Dec 1922.
He attended the Rochester Theological Seminary.
He was pastor at Medina, New York, at First Baptist in New London, Connecticut for many years, and the Jefferson
Street Baptist Church in Providence, Rhode Island, and later at the Second Church
in Newport, Rhode Island. He travelled
abroad to England and Scotland in 1897 and 1903.
He was the book reviewer for the New York Examiner for many years.
It is not known when his wife died, but she was alive at his death, according to his
Providence Journal Obituary of 2 Dec 1922.
He resided at 10 Carroll Street, Providence Rhode Island, in 1890.
33. Blanche L. (b. Jun 1893)
34. Mary E. (b. Nov 1894)
They resided at 905 Jackson Street, Wilmington, De, in the 1900 census (Vol 3, ED 28, Sheet 15, Line 41).
They resided in 2210 Washington Street, Wilmington, Del, in July of 1908, as per his affidavit
in his brother's pension case. (Source of signature). He resided at the same address in the 1920 census, Vol 5, ED 109, Sheet 6, Line 26. 1920 lists him, his wife, and daugbters Blanche and Mary.
12. Harvey W. McKeever (4)(1)
was born 30 Nov 1867 in Pennsbury Township, Chester Co. He married a Mary A ? . He died Dec 11, 1909 in Wilmington, Del. He is buried Silverbrook Cemetery, two rows behind his father, and a row in front of daughter Estella.
Their children (Surname McKeever):
35. Walter J., (b. Jan 1891)
36. Harvey W., Jr. (b. 3 Oct 1892)
37. Estella F. (b 4 May 1909, d. 13 Aug 1909)
It is thought that his wife later married a Morje, as such a Mary shows up in Philadelphia 1910 census with two sons of the last name of McKeever, Walter 19, and Harvey 17, and two younger children (2 and 5) by the name of Morje. The age spread on Walter and Harvey, Jr., matches 1900 census. Whether the Morje children are step-siblings or half-siblings of Walter and Harvey is not known.
Census records from 1900 have Harvey Sr, Walter, and Harvey Jr. living with Harvey Sr.'s father, John A.D. McKeever.
Probably Pamelia Jane after her father's sister. Alive June 1898 per her father's response
to a Veterans Questionnaire.
21. Ida Estella Williamson (5)(1) was born 29 April 1867 in Elkview, Chester Co. She married
12 Apr 1888 Samuel A. Nieweg, b. 26 Oct 1863, d. 21 Nov 1937. Ida died Sep 6, 1944. Both are buried at New London Presbyterian Cemetery.
Their children (Surname Nieweg):
38. John Bernard (b. 13 Oct 1888)
39. Warner (b. Nov 1890)
40. A. Lincoln (b. Aug 1892, d. 1907)
41. Edgar S. (b. Mar 1894, d 1941)
42. Nina (b. Apr 1896)
42a. Wistar (1899-1899)
43. Elmer (b. 1909, d 1979)
Both are referenced in her mother, Pamelia Jane (McKeever) Williamson's letter to her cousin, G. A. Chandler, 1890, as residing at Lincoln University at Oxford Pa.
In 1920, they resided at 3222 Powelton Ave, Philadelphia. 1900 has them next to her parents
in East Nottingham Township, Chester County.
Named after two of her mother's brothers. It is noted in a letter from his mother, P.J. (McKeever) Williamson to her cousin, G.A. Chander, dated 19 May 1890, that he was a clerk
in the offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Frazer, Chester County, Pa. He was also unmarried in 1890. He is the informant at Morris' 1916 death, and was l
In a letter from her mother, P.J. (McKeever) Williamson to her cousin, G.A. Chander,
dated 19 May 1890, it is noted that she was unmarried and living in Wilmington, Del,
at that time.
44. Edna M., b. Mar 1898
45. Anna, b. Nov 1899
46. Pamelia, b. 1903
In a letter from her mother, P.J. (McKeever) Williamson to her cousin, G.A. Chander,
dated 19 May 1890, it is noted that she was unmarried and living at home at that time.
By 1900, she was married to Thomas M. Ayres and both were listed with her parents.
in 1910, and 1920, her parents are listed under her family. Luella is the informant on her mother's 1938 death record, and spells Ayars on that document.
In a letter from her mother, P.J. (McKeever) Williamson to her cousin, G.A. Chander,
dated 19 May 1890, it is noted that she was unmarried and living at home at that time.
An index for "Register of Deaths for Chester County," volumes 1-3 (1893-1907) appear
to indicate that she died on 4-17-1895, unmarried, in East Nottigham Township of "catarrh of the stomach".
It has an Eva M. Williamson at age 19 as of that 4-17-1895, which matches obit and gravestone. She is buried at New London Presbyterian Cemetery, to the left of her parents.
27. Rev. Caleb Way McKeever (7)(1)
was born 18 Mar 1878 in Kennett Square, Pa.
m. 21 Sep 1902 Winifred Wellman (21 Jun 1878-Sep 1977) at Pavilion, NY,
by his father, Edward Irvin McKeever. He was also a baptist minister.
Caleb died 4 Feb 1945 in Pavilion, NY.
Their Child (Surname McKeever):
47. Julia, m. a Cline
Julia living at Father's death per obit.
Way #6406
28. Bertha Souder McKeever (7)(1)
was born 2 June 1880 at Woodstown, NJ. She married Lawson Edward
Houck (b. 3 Jan 1881, d. 2 Nov 1939) on 25 Dec 1903 at Duquesne, Pa, ceremony performed by her father, Edward Irvin.
Bertha died 14 Apr 1966 at the Castle Shannon Baptist Home. They are both buried with her
father at the Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square, Pa.
Their children (Surname Houck):
48. Lawson Edward, Jr., b. 19 Oct 1905, d. 17 Sep 1965. m. Singe Johnson on 25 Aug 1935
49. Anna Josephine, b. 3 Apr 1911
Way #6407
31. Harold
Irvin McKeever (7)(1)
was born in Greenwich, NJ on 24 July 1896. He married Larelda May Young, (22 May 1894-30 Mar 1972), in Pittsburgh on 30 Sep 1919.
She was the daughter of William Fleming Young, Jr., and Hanna Armenta Verner of McKeesport.
He was Manager
of Purchases for the Union Switch & Signal division of Westinghouse Air Brake Co.
After retirement, he taught music at Bergstrom's. He died in McKeesport, Pa on 2 February, 1972.
They are buried in Richland Cemetery, Dravosburg, Pa, with her
parents and her two sisters who died young.
He was known to have published music with his brother, the Rev. Caleb Way McKeever, as early
as 1919. He was the director of the orchestra at McKeesport's First Baptist Church for many years
in the 20s and 30s. The McKeesport Daily News had a nice article on his work in 1990.
Coming soon-- Full text from a 1990 article in the McKeesport Daily News, written by David Sallinger,
MDN Entertainment Editor at the time. "Piano and music theory teacher, songwriter (along with brother
C. W. McKeever, he published gospel music as long ago as 1919), tenor voice with the YMCA Male Chorus,
he was also choir director at the city's First Reformed Church and organist at Central Presbyterian
Church, Brownsville. And magician."
Way #6409
The Fourth Generation: Samuel & Elizabeth's Great-Grandchildren
Apparently, there are two John Bernard Niewegs in Chester County around the turn of the century. I've uncovered some information on the other one, only recently being able to disprove a link to the above John Bernard. It appears that the other is brother to this one's father.
John was not living with his parents in 1920, but was with his parents in 1900 in East Nottingham Township, Chester County.
56. Albert Harold Heinrich, Jr., b. 3 Nov 1935, d. 5 Sep 1953 in a plane crash.
Anna died from complications of childbirth. She died on 4 Nov 1935.
50. Harold Irvin McKeever, Jr, (31)(7)(1) was
born in McKeesport on 25 September 1922. On 1 July 1943 he married Lois Jean Nelson (b. 20 Mar 1924, d. 26 Jun 1982,
both McKeesport). She was the daughter of Martin Uno Nelson and Edna Mae Strahl of McKeesport.
Their Children (Surname McKeever):
57. James Irvin
58. Robert Glenn + (The author of this page is of this line)
59. Gary Wayne
60. Nancy Lou +
61. Richard Martin
62. Ronald Harold
63. John Edward +
All of the children are still living, as are several grandchildren.
51. Larelda Marjory McKeever, (31)(7)(1) was
born in McKeesport on 4 Feb 1924. She married, 6 Oct 1945,
George Edward Finney, Jr., b.
18 Apr 1920,
son of George Edward and Mary Ellen (Fullerton) Finney of McKeesport.
Their children (Surname Finney):
64. George Edward. III
65. Margie Lou +
66. Linda May +
Marge died on 24 Feb 1988, and George on 16 Mar 2001. Their children are still living, as are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
52. Louise Laird McKeever, (31)(7)(1)
was born in McKeesport, Pa,
on 19 Feb 1927. She married Walter Thomas Fry, b. 9 Apr 1920, on 27 May, 1946.
Their children (Surname Fry):
67. Walter Thomas, Jr.
68. Donald Allan
69. Diana Louise +
They are still living, as are their children and grandchildren.
1. Samuel McKeever was born in Chester Co., Pa, near the border with
Cecil County, Maryland on May 9, 1814. He was an
Augermaker by trade. He married Elizabeth Lockard, b. 2 Apr 1814,
d. 5 Apr 1879 in Kennett Square, daughter of Robert and Amy Potts (Eaton) Lockard, on
March 8, 1838. He lived in London Grove (1840), East Nottingham (1850), and Lower Oxford (1860)
townships, Chester Co, PA, and Wilmington, Del, 1870. He died on June 21, 1879 in Kennett Square.
Marriage Notice 12-5-1865 from the Village Record
8. Rev. Franklin Garrett McKeever (
27. Rev. Caleb Way McKeever (
31. Harold
Irvin McKeever (7)(1)
was born in Greenwich, NJ on 24 July 1896. He married Larelda May Young, (22 May 1894-30 Mar 1972), in Pittsburgh on 30 Sep 1919.
She was the daughter of William Fleming Young, Jr., and Hanna Armenta Verner of McKeesport.
