Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 280 - 281  

HENRY C. M. KEEFER, the subject of the following sketch, is now keeping a grocery store at the stockyards, and is residing in a pleasant home on North Water street, near Twenty-first, Wichita. He was born in Northumberland County, Pa., Aug. 22, 1830. His father, Jacob Keefer, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, born Oct. 9, 1800. He was a farmer by occupation, who, by industry, economy and shrewd judgment, accumulated a competency. The maiden name of his wife was Barbara Beschler, who was born in Pennsylvania in May, 1799, and died in Illinois, May 5, 1848. She left three children - Henry C. M., Francis R. and William F., all of whom are now living. She and her husband were both members of the Lutheran Church. After her death Mr. Keefer married Miss Mary Keefer, by whom he had three children - Barbara A., Isaac N. and Lewis. Mr. Keefer's death occurred in Illinois, Feb. 17, 1871. 

     Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and thus in early life became familiar with the work devolving on a general farmer. He attended the common schools of his native town, receiving a fair education. June 10, 1855, he married Miss Susan Hawes, a native of Shelby County, Ky., born May 22, 1820. Her father, John Hawes, was born in December, 1791; he was the son of Peter Hawes, and a grandson of Leonard Hawes, who was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, but emigrated to America many years ago. Her mother was Sarah (Phillips) Hawes. She married the father of Mrs. Keefer in 1810, and in 1835 they moved to Illinois, locating in Logan County, then a part of Tazewell County. Mr. Hawes was a prominent farmer and took an active interest in the affairs of the township. He was Justice of the Peace for twelve years, and for twenty-five years served as Postmaster under a Democratic administration, although in politics he was a Republican. To him and his wife were born twelve children, namely: Elizabeth, Barbara, Nancy, John W., Peter J., James M., Jacob P., Mary and Catherine (twins), Sarah A., Susan and Louisa. 

     The subject of our sketch came to Kansas in 1880 and purchased 160 acres of land in Kechi Township, on which he remained, improving and cultivating the land, for some years. Then having amassed considerable wealth he built the fine residence he now occupies in the city of Wichita; the lot on which it is situated has a frontage of 100 feet on North Water street. Here he and his good wife are quietly spending the declining years of their lives, enjoying the fruits of their labors. To them have been born three children - Alice C., Mary and Mattie (twins). Alice married Garrison Scott, and now lives in Kechi Township; they have two children - Marcia P. and Harry P. Mary is the wife of James B. Springgate, of Highland, Doniphan Co., Kan; they have one child - Vernie M. Mattie is the wife of J. A. Caldwell, and lives in Kansas; they have one child - Roy V. 

     While living in Illinois Mr. Keefer held the various offices of the town wherein he resided. He was initiated into the secrets of the Masonic fraternity in 1856, in the town of Atlanta, Logan Co., Ill., becoming at that time a member of Atlanta Lodge No. 165. He afterward united with the lodge at Mackinaw, where he filled the various offices of the order. Both he and his excellent wife are valued members of the Christian Church, where Mr. Keefer has been an Elder for many years. In politics Mr. Keefer is a stanch Republican. 

     Our subject is a man of good financial ability and of excellent judgment, and since becoming a resident of this city has won the respect and confidence of the community, and occupies a leading position among its influential citizens.

[ Home ]