Janis' Genealogy Site
William P. Keeley
Summary
- Born: August 1837
- Died: 1929
- Father: John Keeley
- Mother: Mary Longacre
- Spouse: Anna Hazlet
Biography
Biographical and Portrait cyclopedia of Chester County, pg 811
William P. Keeley, a public spirited and influential citizen, and the senior member of the building and planing mill firm of William P. Keeley & Son, of Phoenixville, is a son of John and Mary (Longacre) Keeley, and was born in Uwchlan township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1837. His paternal grandfather, Matthais Keeley, was a native of Uwchlan township, where he followed farming until he was well advanced in years, when he removed to LaPorte, at which place he died in 1843. He was a democrat in politics, and married a Miss King, who died and left four children. After her death he married a Miss Evans, by whom he had seven children. His son John Keeley (by his first marriage), was born in 1812, in Uwchlan township, where he followed blacksmithing until 1882, when he retired from all the active duties of life. He is a republican and member of the Reformed church, and resides now in Berks county. He married Mary Longacre, who died at Phoenixville, in April, 1889, when in the seventy-third year of her age. To Mr. and Mrs. Keeley were born five children, two sons and three daughters: William P., Mary A., wife of Cyrus Moser, a resident of Berks county and a traveling salesman; Edward, a salesman in the city of Philadelphia; Stephina, wife of John Widroder, a business man of the Quaker City; and Anna, who died in infancy.
William P. Keeley was reared in his native township, where he received his education in the common schools. He then learned the trade of carpenter in Philadelphia, and worked in that city and in different parts of Chester County until 1871. In that year he became the junior member of the wood-working firm of Keeley, Brownback & Co., which continued in existence until 1883, when Mr. Keeley withdrew and purchased his present well equipped planning mill plant. He admitted his son Clarence into partnership with him, under the firm name of William P. Keeley & Son. They employ a regular force of twenty-five hands and do an extensive and lucrative business. The mill contains all late and necessary machinery needed for any kink of work in their line of business. They carry an extensive stock of material, are prepared to fill any order that may be sent them, and enjoy a patronage that extends beyond the boundaries of the county. In addition to furnishing material, the firm take a great many building contracts and have erected some fine residences.
In April, 1861, Mr. Keeley married Anna, daughter of William and Anna Hazlet, of Philadelphia. To Mr. and Mrs. Keeley have been born six children, two of whom are Clarence and William Keeley.
William P. Keeley is a republican in politics and has served his borough as a councilan for the last three years. He is worshipful master of Phoenixville Lodge, No. 75, Free and Accepted Masons; a past grand of Fredonia Lodge, No. 145, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Philadelphia; a member of Phoenix Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and an elder and trustee of the Presbyterian church. He has built up a substantial trade, and is an enterprising and progressive business man.
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