Janis' Genealogy Site
Matthias Keeley's Surprise Party
Daily Local, September 11, 1884
A Donation Surprise
Matthias Keeley Remembered by His Many Friends
A correspondent writes: We begin to think that this is indeed a land of surprises. On Thursday, September 4th, we had the pleasure of attending a donation surprise at the residence of Matthias Keeley, Wallace township, Chester county. Mr. Keeley is in his 83rd year and his wife is in her 79th year, and they have been married 60 years. He had been sexton of the Fairview P.E. Church 38 years and had only given it up last spring. The party was gotten up by the children and members of the church in honor of the faithful retired sexton. Mr. Keeley was brought from Philadelphia to Chester county at the age of -- years at the time the yellow fever was so prevalent in that city. It interested us very much to sit and listen to him as he told us of his past years. If we are to judge from the scene that met our eyes on the day of the surprise we should say he has indeed many friends who love and respect him. He and his good wife received a great number of presents, and quite a sum of money was raised. There were gifts of coal, flour and a number of other useful things that help to make man hale and hearty. There were also presents of glassware. Among the presents for Mrs. Keeley we noticed some very nice dresses, aprons, and other dry goods. As for the good things provided for the occasion by the lady guests, we scarcely know how to express ourselves at his point. Even now as we think of it our mouths water for another taste of the same. There were so many and such a variety of eatables of all kinds that the house would not hold them. A table was set in the house and another in the yard in front of the house, both almost groaning beneath their load. They did not groan long. There were at least 85 present, and by the time their waist-bands grew tighter the tables were made lighter. Brother Breed, pastor of the Fairview church, asked the blessing. After dinner speeches were made by the following brethren: Brother Breed, Taylor Dilworth, Daniel Keeley and Mr. Ammon. Several hymns were sung, in which many joined. The benediction was pronounced by Brother Breed. All present felt it was a day long to be remembered. The names of those present are as follows, including sixteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild and five children:
Rev. Mr. Breed, Matthias Keeley, Anna Keeley, Albert March, Sallie March, Rena March, Carrie March, Jessie March, Reath March, Dale T. March, Joseph P. Hartman, Emma A. Hartman, Delila G. Hartman, J. M. Hartman, George H. Jeffries, Mrs. H. Jefferies, E. Myrtle Jeffries, Mordecai Eaches, Bertie Eaches, Natie Eaches, Mina E. M. Eaches, George K. Keeley, Annie Keeley, Cora Keeley, John Keeley, Daniel Keeley, Mrs. Keeley, B. F. Deery, Laura Shingle, David Shingle, James McClure, Taylor Dilworth, Mrs. Dilworth, Henry Kurtz, Mary McClure, Henry Ammon and duaghter, E. B. Krauser, Samuel Krauser, Joseph Reed, Marion Allison, Lizzie Allison, Bertha Allison, Clara Allison, William Todd, Mrs. Todd, Grace Todd, Lily Todd, Robert Todd, Charles Henderson, wife and child, Frank Irey, R. McClure, Harry Slaughter, Mrs. C. Dickenson, Hannah Milligan, Mrs. Flemming, Mary Pennypacker, George Pennypacker, Eden Hemmelright, Nancy Todd, Howard Yocum, Mrs. Milligan.
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