Obituary

Obituary

  Our community was greatly saddened last Sunday afternoon when it was announced that William Keefe, one of the pioneers of the neighborhood south of Corning near the county line, had passed away at his home at 3:45. Mr. Keefe was injured in an automobile accident Saturday evening, May 16. A severe case of pneumonia developed following the accident and his weakened condition made it impossible for him to withstand the pneumonia attack. A more detailed account of the accident will be found on another page of this issue.
  William Keefe, son of James and Elizabeth Keefe, was born in St. Louis, Mo., on April 19, 1854, and at the time of his death was aged 77 years, 1 month and 5 days. When still a small child his parents moved to Dubuque county, Iowa, where the family resided until 1871. In that year the family move to southwest Iowa and located on the farm now occupied by James Keefe, a short distance north of the William Keefe farm. The family made the trip from Dubuque county in a covered wagon and three weeks time was required to make the trip. During all of his lifetime spent here, 60 years, Mr. Keefe resided on the same section of land in Taylor county just over the line from Adams county.
  On January 16, 1883, he was married at Corning, Iowa, to Mary A. Welch. To this union six children were born, all of whom are living and all of whom were in attendance at the bedside of their father during his last sickness and at the time of his passing away. The children are Mrs. Mary McCann, James W. Keefe, Margaret Keefe and John Keefe, all of whom reside at home, and Mrs. James Wallace and Mrs. Thomas Walsh, both of Creston. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Mary, Thomas, Pam and Leo Walsh; one sister, Mrs. Mike McDonald of Creston, and one brother, James Keefe, who resides in the same community. Mrs. Keefe passed away in November, 1927.
  The death of Mr. Keefe takes from the community one of the real pioneers who has been an important factor in the development of this section of Iowa. He was a citizen of sterling character, a good father, kindly neighbor and ever ready to assist those in need. Many a sick friend has been cheered by a friendly call from Mr. Keefe, who was always very thoughtful in such matters. During his entire life the deceased was a devoted and loyal member of the Catholic faith and he has played an important part in the building of the St. Patrick parish here in Corning. Mr. Keefe was one of the small number of men who in the early days of Corning met and decided to build a church building, and a small frame building church was established on the lots east of where the Turner store now stands. Later Mr. Keefe assisted in building the old brick Catholic church, and he also assisted in tearing down this same building to make way for the splendid new building now just being completed.
  Funeral services were held at 10 o'clock last Tuesday morning from St. Patrick's Catholic church in Corning, the services being in charge of the pastor, Rev. Father M. J. Powers. Interment was made in Calvary cemetery.
(Adams County Free Press, Thursday, May 28, 1931)

Note: Died 24 May 1931.