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The material in the beginning of this file corresponds to the computer file jackeit2.html, Part 2 of the Descendants of Jacob Keithly. When the subject of Levi Keithly comes up, this should be compared with jackeit.html, Part 3 of the Descendants of Jacob Keithly. Levi Keithly's descendants reverted to the "Keithley" spelling.

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Henry Holman Sr. of Kent, Co. Md. is as far as we have been able to trace to date. His daughter Rosetta Holman was born Jan. 13, 1763, and died in Callaway Co. Mo. Nov. 13, 1848. She married David Darst Jan. 12, 1784, in Lincoln Co. Kentucky. David Darst was born in Shenandoah Co. Virginia, Dec. 17, 1757, and died in Mo. Dec. 2, 1826. He came to Ky. in 1784, thence to Mo. in 1798 and settled in what has since been known as Darst Bottom in St. Charles Co. Mo. Their son, David H. Darst, born Nov. 26, 1795, in Ky. died in Mo. Nov. 15, 1869. He married Mary Thompson (1800-1864). Their children: Violet, Rosetta, Margaret R., Elizabeth, Nancy E. who married Samuel Keithly (1819-1883), Harriet (1828-1904) who married Willis Bryan Hays, Mary T. born Jan 22, who married Murvin Keithly (1825-1899), David A., Lorena, who married Mr. Sherry, Henry, Martha, born Feb. 9, 1839, and married Frederick Mathews, William, Julia and Jane, who married Isaac McCormick. Write Serena Hays for Revolutionary Service.

• VIII ROLAND KEITHLY was born in May of 1791. He married twice. He came to the "Territory of Missouri" in 1816 and remained in now St. Charles Co. two years, then moved to now Pike Co. Mo. Later he made a permanent home in a beautiful valley in Ralls Co. There he married Miss Hhohony [sic]. Children: (1) James, (2) Mrs. Mosley, and (3) Mrs. St. Clair. J. C. K. wrote of him: "When I visited him in 1846 he looked like a typical Keithly, short, heavy set, broad and weighing 200 lbs. He was noted for his silence; for he scarcely ever spoke unless asked a question and then gave a short laconic answer. A friend told this anecdote: He called to see him and stayed all night. Uncle Roland gave him a chair and said nothing more until bed time. He then asked him to take off his overcoat. He was benevolent, for he took care of his father-in-law in his old age and provided for his comfort. He lived and died in the same house that he built at his first settlement, a long log house boarded with plank but not painted.

• IX PATSEY KEITHLY was born in the year 1792, presumably in Bourbon Co. Ky. as the Bible record gave no day or month it is possible she was born soon after their arrival in Ky. or on the way and the date forgotten. She married Mr. Dithmeyer and settled in Ill.

• X WILLIAM KEITHLY was born in Warren Co. Ky. Feb. 16, 1793. He came to the "Territory of Missouri" in 1812. In 1818 he married Charlotta Castlio, in now, St. Charles, Co. Mo. She was the daughter of John Castlio and wife Eleanor Harrison-Lowe Castlio. She was born about 1797 in Tenn. on a farm on which the city of Nashville has since been built. Came to the "Territory of Louisiana" in 1806 with her parents. Their children: (1) Pauline, married Mr. Sharp. (2) Elizabeth married Mr. Wray of St. Louis. (3) Adeline married Mr. Ward. (4) Ruth married Mr. Savage of Wentzville, Mo. (5) John C., (6) Lucy, (7) Frank M. and (8) Samuel. X William Keithly married (2) Mrs. Duncan, a daughter of James Loyd. He died after 1877 in the home of his daughter, (3) Mrs. Ward, in Texas. He passed away while asleep.

  "WILLIAM KEITHLY served as a ranger during the entire Indian War. He joined the rangers under Nathan Boone, son of Lt. Col. Daniel Boone, and served with them one year, then joined Capt. Jas. Callaway's Company. He was one of the party of rangers that was sent with Lt. Campbell in 1814 to the relief of the garrison that was at Prairie Du Chien, and was wounded in the engagement that took place above Rock River. He was under Lt. Riggs at the time, but was with Campbell's men when the attacks were made. They reached the river on the twelfth of June and the next day they met a party of Indians who pretended to be friendly and proposed a treaty. These Indians were under Black Hawk himself and who tells a different story from the rangers and entirely in his own favor. While the treaty was progressing the Indians proposed a footrace between one of their crack runners and a white soldier, the latter to be selected by his companions. The white soldiers desiring to manifest as friendly a spirit as the red man accepted the challenge, and the wager consisted of blankets and moccasins, which were hoisted on a pole near the race ground. The soldier selected for their champion was a little man named Peter Harpool, who was so small that the Indians laughed at him and thought they would have an easy conquest; but when the race came off he beat their champion badly. They were greatly sur- prised at the result and gathered around Harpool, looked and pointed at him in astonish- ment and jabbered and made signs among themselves to indicate their state of feelings.

  Early the next morning Lt. Campbell's boat was attacked by a large body of Indians, and a number of men were killed. Harpool being among the first. Mr. Keithly and several others were bathing in the river when the attack was made and he received a severe wound in the hip but escaped to the boat. They fought for an hour when the Indians shot blazing arrows into their boat and set it on fire. Lt. Rector then came alongside and they all dropped down the river to Cap-au-Gris. The men who were bathing when the fight began lost their clothing which was left on the shore and they had to go as far as Cap-au- Gris in the dress that Adam wore."

  Mr. Keithly was not with Capt. Callaway when he was killed, but was present when his body was found and buried. This took place late in the afternoon and the party rode to Loutre Island that night. They swam Loutree Slough, which was very high at that time. One ranger, Robert Baldridge, rode a horse that was not accustomed to deep water and began to struggle and sank, carrying his rider with him. Baldridge prayed for help like a good fellow, and finally got safely to shore." The above is from Pioneer Families of Missouri, 1876. In 1846-47 Mr. Keithly made a trip across the Plains with a company to Oregon, where he spent the winter on the Pacific Coast and slept under an evergreen oak. He spent a year on this journey, the trip being made in an ox wagon.

• XI LEVI KEITHLY was born May 15, 1794, in Warren Co. Ky. In 1815 he married Fannie White, in Ky. He came to the "Territory of Missouri" in 1817, and settled in the St. Charles District, in now, St. Charles Co. In 1818 he moved to Elk Springs, now Pike Co. which was at that time within the St. Charles Dist. Here he cleared from the wilderness a farm and set out an orchard. "Landing on Spence Creek Nov 1. 1818, he placed his plunder under a tree, and five miles from his nearest neighbor, began a rude structure in which to winter. For as yet not a stick was cut nor a board riven, nor a friendly daub of mortar had been placed to protect the family from the near approach of winter. Trusting in God and his own strength he set to work and soon the reverberating hills sent back the echo of the last lick struck upon a finished cabin, into which he snugly ticked his little effects and wintered as happily, perhaps, as if his mud pointed hut had been a mansion instead."

  "The dinner horn was an instrument of summons in the hour of peril at the house; and one day while Levi was in the field he heard the horn blown with unusual violence. Hastening home he found his wife trying to frighten a huge black bear away from the hog pen from which it took a fat porker. Hot pursuit was made with gun and dog. Bruin's fat carcass helped to fill the larder." In 1827 Levi moved to Ralls. Co. and settled permanently on Salt River. "As I remember father fifty years ago (written in 1910) he was rather a short corpulent man; about five feet eight inches in height and weighed about 200 lbs. He had a round smooth shaven face and a bald head, blue eyes, a straight nose and a prominent forehead. His education was limited, having gone to school very little. For men in his day, especially in a new country, lived by the sweat of the brow, for there were few books and newspapers were seldom seen. It was as much as parents could do to teach their children to read, write and cipher. But father was a man of good common sense and encouraged his children in the pursuit of knowledge. Though he had little to give them, he delighted to see them progressing by their own efforts. He liked to see all enjoy themselves and would often join in their merriment and play."

  "To his country he was loyal and to his state an exemplary citizen, ready to defend it when foes disturbed its peace. In 1832 he joined Capt. Matson in the Black Hawk war and campaigned on the frontier for some months against the Indians. He brought home a canteen and Indian tomahawk, with which mementoes I often played as a child. For his service he was awarded a land grant by the government. He was a man of marked force and solidity of character and of dauntless energy. He despised all chicanery and sophistry and believed in the old fashioned 'hewd and split road to wealth.' He was always favorable toward religion and in early life contended that as Christ's death was sufficient atonement for all men and therefore all would be saved. But when I was a youth I saw him baptized into the Christian Church by Rev. Waters, after which he was a consistent member until he was past eighty-one when he passed away to that 'undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.' He died at his residence in Centre township, Ralls, Co. Mo. Oct. 28, 1875.

  [FHD Note -- this material partly matches the Autobio. of Jacob Carter Keithley but was re-edited either by Castlio or someone else. Compare this information below with the computer file jackeit.html, Part 3 of Jacob Keithley's Descendants.]

  LEVI KEITHLY married (1) Fannie White, born 1796 in Ky. and died in Mo. Oct. 12, 1835. She was the daughter of Carter White, who lived near Bowling Green, Ky. Their children:

  1 Nancy, born in Jan. 16, 1816, in Warren Co. Ky. married Levi Turner in Mo. and moved to Calhoun, Ill. They settled near the Mississippi River and kept a wood yard, selling wood to steamboats for years. "They got wealthy and bought 2000 acres of land and lost most of it before they died." Children: George, Margaret, Levi, Gilbert and Adwin. All are dead in 1910. Only one grand daughter, Mrs. Addington, In Audrain Co. Mo.

  2 Martha, born in Warren Co. Ky. In Ralls Co. ,Mo. she married James Alexander. Three children: Fernando S. was county recorder of Ralls, lives in New London. He and wife, Susie J. have eight children. Jacob K. was Justice of the Peace, lives in the northern part of Ralls and they have one child. He is a farmer but is chosen arbiter by parties at variance. And a daughter who died young.

  3 Edwin Keithley, [note, "Keithley" matches the original text here and in the next few paragraphs] born Feb. 21, 1819, near Elk Springs, Pike Co. Mo. "Here in Nov. 1818, his parents placed their household goods under a tree for shelter while Levi built a cabin from the surrounding timber, five miles from the nearest neighbor and seventy-five miles from the nearest mill, at St. Charles. and in the midst of it the child was born and they called his name Edwin. He was the smallest of the Keithleys, weighing only 100 pounds. He astonished every one by his pluck and agility in a scuffle. Always doing his share of the work without complaining and without reward, for father never gave him anything during his life time. Father would often refer to Edwin as an example for the other children." He joined the Baptist church at Old Bethel and afterwards united with the Christian Church. He married Mary Ellen Alexander." She was an exceptional wife, always affable and kind." They commenced their married life in a small log cabin, finally settled near Center. Four sons and four daughters, all except one or two lived near Center in 1910. Namely: James has five children and six grandchildren; Levi has eight children and six grandchildren; Robert L. has two children, and two grandchildren. John T. has four children and three grandchildren. Maggie Crofford has three children and three grand- children. Louise Hulse has six children and five grandchildren. Fannie Waters has five children and no grandchildren. Dellie Briggs has seven children and no grandchildren. "Edwin died at his home in Center, Sept. 5, 1885, a citizen loved and respected by all who knew him . . . and now his form we shall see no more, but God grant the memory of his Christian character shall ever remain a sweet fragrance in the church at Mount Olivet and the Knowledge of his many virtues fill many a heart with noble aspirations to follow him as he followed Christ.

  4 Malissa Keithley, born April 14, 1821, near Elk Springs. "She attended subscription school, as there were no public schools in those days." She married Jack Hager, a farmer, who after buying and improving several farms, finally settled, after the Civil War, in Monroe Co. near the town of old Clinton, where they remained to the end of their pilgrimage. He was a Catholic and late in life she joined his church. Nine children, most of whom went to Oregon: Edwin, Robert, James, Levi, Fannie, Melissa and others.

  5 Louise Keithley born Aug. 23, 1823, near Elk Springs and attended the subscription school. She married Coleman D. Stone. She was considered the prettiest of the sisters and retained her youthful looks until middle age. They moved to Monroe Co. and spent their remaining years there, where nine of their thirteen children were born. "They were given the advantage of a common school education and all grew up citizens of high character and integrity and all so far as we have heard are Christians. Children: Levi, never married. John has 4 children; George has two children, Sanford has seven children, Thomas never married. Robert has seven daughters. Edwin has seven children, James has two children, Coleman has four children, Cicero has three children, Fannie Arnold has three children, Louise has in 1910 seventy-five descendants.

  6 Zerelda Keithley, born Feb. 3, 1826, near Elk Springs, attended subscription school. She joined the Baptist Church, Bethel, when a young girl. Never married. She died at the age of thirty-two.

  7 Mary Keithley, born Oct. 2, 1828, in Ralls Co. Mo. About the time she was grown she joined the Bethel Baptist Church. She married Allen Alexander. They lived near Center. Children: James, Dock, Margaret and Louise.

  8 Jacob Carter Keithley, born March 4, 1831, in Ralls Co. Mo. He was raised on a farm. Having completed the common school course under Butler Brown, a Mr. Kelsea, Nimrod Waters and Louise Coontz, he worked in a wood yard for six months and saved $50. He used it in 1851, going to a High School for three months, in West Ely, Marion Co. taught by Daniel Emerson, cousin to Ralph Waldo Emerson. He taught first school at Hager's Grove, Shelby Co. Mo for eight months. Jan. 1, 1852, he started to Van Rensselaer Academy at Big Creek, Ralls Co. Here he studied two years. While attending this Academy he joined the Presbyterian Church at Big Creek, "And has never regretted the step." At the close of the term in 1853, the money had given out, "for he had gone wayfaring at his own charges and on his own hook" -- with the exception of $80 the price of a horse received from his father." He commenced to teach again. April, 1857, he again launched his boat on the steam of time and of the unexplored future. Remembering that 'Westward the course of empire takes its way', he directed his bard in that direction, landing at a small town called Rochport, on the Mo. River, took shipping on a steamboat and sailed up to the little town of Miama . . . Without any road he struck a bee line northwest to Petra, a post office on the prairie near where the town of Slater now stands. Here he was employed to teach a three month school. At the end of three months the people built a new school house and employed him for one year. The school was so prosperous that he continued for three years, to July, 1860. But in the mean time he took time to get married. So he dismissed school for one week as there was sixty miles to travel, making a journey of five days altogether." Oct. 27, 1857, her married Miss Jane N. Vawter, daughter of Col Wm. Vawter, of Monroe Co. "The three years soon passed and the fourth would have commenced, but in 1859 my wife's uncle Charles Neave of Cincinnati, Ohio, gave her money enough to assist in buying a home. So we bought in 1859, 160 acres of raw prairie land in Township 50, range 22, section 9, near Salt Springs in the western part of Saline Co. Mo. On this land we settled the first of Sept. 1860, and we have continued here to the present. Here I taught eight months, ending May 1861.

  "Now what shall I say more? I am forbidden by the partner of my life to encomium upon herself; but I would be recreant to duty and to my trust to pass by in silence one who has done what she could -- not only for my welfare but for the welfare of her children. She denied herself many comforts for them; spent many hours watching, by day and by night, their outgoings and their incomings; and taught them to shun the evil and to choose the good. She devoted her energies and spent her money for their education and happiness. And in her prayers she has commended them to Him who never sleeps, to Him, who so loved the world that He gave His Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life! They can never repay her for the benefits she has conferred upon them. This much I am bound to say and more is due; but let her children say the balance, and give her due credit."

  March 4, 1925, Mr. J. C. Keithley reached his ninety-fourth birthday. Still active mentally and physically. Attends to all the chores about the home and writes interesting letters and completed his autobiography for his children. From this autobiography we copy this: Activities and Service: "I have been an elder in the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. since 1869. A farmer in Saline Co. Missouri, since 1860. A reporter of crop statistics to the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture for 15 years. A reporter to Missouri Department of Agriculture for seven years. Appointed a delegate to the International Farm Congress for four consecutive years. A member of the State Historical Society of Missouri for two years."

  Jane Neave (Vawter) Keithley was born Jan. 16, 1837, in Monroe Co. Mo. and died at home near Mt. Leonard, Saline Co. Mo. Sept. 1, 1922. She was the daughter of Col. Wm. Vawter, who was born and raised in Woodford Co. Ky. Her mother was Sarah (Neave) Vawter, sister of Charles and Thomas Neave, who immigrated with their father from England and settled in Louisville, Ky. Her parents came to Monroe Co. as early as 1832. Their children: 1 Irwing Keithley born June 20, 1858, never married, a farmer living on the home place. 2 Herbert R. Keithley born June 2, 1862, died Feb. 1821. He married (1) Isabel Tinker, married (2) Hattie Tinker, children: 1 Herbert Rudolph, married Hilda Gielow. 2 Madeline K. 3 Franklin, married Myrtle Tasker. 4 Edward, married Clara Schultz. 5 Jane Neave Keithley. Living in Michigan City, Ind. 3 Flora Keithley, born Dec 3, 1863, never married, keeps house for her father. 4 Ella R. Keithley, born Aug. 22, 1866, married George Buchanan and lives at El Paso, Texas. Children: 1 Evelyn, married Murry Kyle, one son, Wm. Murry. 2 Percy C. and 3 Frances. 5 George E. Keithley, born Dec. 20, 1868, not married. A Presbyterian minister at Newman, Ill. (1925). 6 Joseph Clarence Keithley, born 1871, died 1875. 7 Stanley Keithley, born 1874, died 1876. 8 Roland Hill Keithley born June 1, 1877 died Oct 24, 1919. He married Mary Tuttle, June 15, 1904, who survives him. Children: Sue and Ralph, living at Denver, Colo.

  9 Robert Keithley, son of Levi, born Jan. 23, 1834, died Jan 9, 1848.

• XI. LEVI KEITHLEY[sic] married (2) Helen Bell in 1836. She died in 1841. "She was an exceptionally good woman." the daughter of Joseph Bell, who was born in North Ireland Aug. 17, 1765, and came to America with his parents and settled in Bucks Co. Pa. in 1772. In 1781 he joined an immigrant train and came to Ky. Four children:

  10 John Wm. Keithley, born Jan. 3, 1837. He was given a liberal education and taught school. He was county commissioner of Ralls Co. and later Judge of the Probate Court of Ralls. When asked for the principal events of his life he said in part, "As to the principal events of my life, I can give them in a very small space. I have spent the greater part of my life as a teacher . . but my hearing has been so defective for the last three years (1910) that I have had to give up teaching . . .Now that which I feel gives . . satisfaction . . . is the conscious knowledge of having done one's best in whatever calling has befallen one's lot." May 22, 1861 he married Jane McKennie, born Sept. 24, 1842, daughter of Mathew McKennie, native of Va. who came to Ralls Co. in 1837. They lived in Springfield, Mo. in 1910. Their children: Wm. R. born Feb. 27, 1862. Irene B. Hutchison, born Jan. 3, 1864, one child living, Ada, Okla. John M., born April 22, 1865, married with two children. Engineer. Dana B. born March 20, 1867, married and is a stock trader, lives in Washington. C. Edward, born April 16, 1868, married with one child, a farmer in Texas. R. Albert, born Dec. 22, 1869, married with one child, a machinist, George E. born June 29, 1871. Levi A. Born Aug. 16, 1872, married, engineer in Springfield, Mo. Marvin M. born Oct. 10, 1874, married with two children. An engineer of St. Louis. Elizabeth Oakley, born Nov. 14, 1876, married with two children. Rolly T. born June 2, 1879, married with one child, an engineer. Helen J. Ellis born Aug. 29, 1885 married. A son and daughter died in infancy.

  11 Joseph Bell Keithley, born May 14, 1838, in Ralls Co. "He was raised on a farm and had a common school education and spent most of his life in farming. During the Civil War he chose the side of the Union. See Honor Roll. Oct. 30, 1866 he married Ann. E. Thomas, daughter of Jack Thomas of Selby Co. Mo. He moved to Monroe City and died there April 2, 1908. From the Monroe City News; "Joseph B. Keithley was a very quiet and unassuming man, yet one who was held in high esteem by all who knew him. A wife and eight children besides other relatives mourn his departure. Funeral service took place from the Catholic Church conducted by Rev. Thomas Mullon, and the remains were laid to rest in the Holy Rosary Cemetery." Their children: Dora B. married Charles L. Coontz Jan. 20, 1885, and they have seven children living. 2 John T. is single living in Wyoming. 3 Mary H. married W. Garnett, Jan. 19, 1893, eight children. 4 Levi A. married Bessie Ogle, Sept. 21, 1904, one child. All were raised in Ralls. Ann E. Keithley died Oct. 1, 1885. Joseph Bell Keithley married (2) Lizzy Price of Cincinnati. To this union was born: Emmet, Ann, and Eula.

  12 Frances Ann Keithley, born Dec. 1, 1839, was educated in the common school and married John Little, son Wm. Little from Ky. Living on the Little homestead. They reared three sons and five daughters. 1 Mary, the eldest, single in 1910. 2 Wm. married Josie Donnally. Children: Olive, Walter, Lawrence, Oscar, Helen, Frances, Lois and Vincent. 3 Susie Little married Frazier Coontz. Children: Laura, Leo, Lucy and Frances. 4 Robert Little married Minnie Garnett. Children: Ellen, Fanny, Velma, Annabel, Robert and Claralee. 5 Minnie Little married Robert Kendrick. Children: Paul, Kenneth and Regina. 6 John Little married Blanche Matthews. Children: Geraldine, Douglas and Blanche Don. 7 Bertha Little married Wm Kaiser. 8 Opal Little, the youngest.

  13 Levi Keithley, born May 8, 1841. At age of 23-4 he went to Calif. Prospered, single. Common school education.

• XI LEVI KEITHLEY[sic] married (3) Drucilla Thompson. No children. He married (4) Mary Couch, daughter of Henry Couch. Children:

  14 Benjamin F. born July 14, 1859, educated in the public school. He married Mary Jane Coontz, daughter of Jacob and wife Mary Jane (Asher) Coontz. Children: Belva F., Jacob C. and Emma L. Benjamin is the largest Keithley of the men, weighing 350, lives on part of old homestead in Salt River Bottom.

  15 Maggie A. Keithley, born Aug. 27, 1860, educated in public school and married Wm Rosser, son of Silas and wife, Mary Ellen (Shultz) Rosser. They live on the old homestead where fifteen brothers and sisters were reared. Children: Ethel, Elmer B., Orval A., Lester K., and William, and have two grandchildren. 16 Sarah E. Keithley died in infancy.

• XI. LEVI KEITHLEY[sic] married (5) Miss Ailsey Hale, no children.

  The descendants of LEVI KEITHLEY in 1910 as far as known were 272. This family data was taken from J. C. Keithley's History of the Keithley Family.

• XII CATHERINE KEITHLEY was born in Warren Co. Ky. Aug. 13, 1795. She married Peter Graves and lives in Tenn. No further record.

• XIII DANIEL KEITHLEY[sic -- following text mostly reverts to "Keithly" spelling. ] was born in Warren Co. Ky. Dec. 22, 1796, and died in St. Charles Co. Mo. Nov. 12, 1860. One record states he came into the "Territory of Missouri" in 1816. He married (1) Miss Owens, before 1821. He married (2) Emma F. Wilmot on Nov. 21, 1842. She was born Nov. 25, 1803, and died at the home of her daughter, Sally, about 1890, in St. Charles Co. Mo. Sarah A. Keithley, "Sally" born June 23, 1844, is the only one of his children that I am positive is Emma's daughter.

  After coming to Missouri Daniel was a farmer and an Inn keeper, located on the Salt River road near the present city of O'Fallon, Mo. He was a typical pioneer. A successful farmer, a good veterinarian, reading much on the subject, and an entertaining inn keeper. The Inn is now a comfortable home for the farmer who owns his homestead. Identified with the vocation of tavern keeping in pioneer days are some of the best known and most highly esteemed families in the state's history. His children:

  1 John S. and 2 Redford, of whom I have no record.

  3 Daniel Keithly Jr. married Virginia Williams. Children: 1 Sidney, who married Kitty Heck, dying he left four children: Ollie and Oswald, see Honor Roll. Virne, who married Dolph Moore and lives in St. Charles. Minnie, of whom I have no record. 2 Manaleus, 3 Carl, 4 Pittman, deceased, 5 Mittie and 6 Samuel, who is a conductor on a railroad in the western part of the state, married and has one child.

  4 King Darius Keithly was born Aug. 5, 1830. He married (1) Mattie Williams of Virginia. Three children. One died in infancy. Gandonia (Keithly) How, now living in Warsaw, Ind. has one son, Roy. Alberta Keithly, who is living in Kansas City at present (1923) is a very lovable character. King married (2) children: Lee, John, dead, Shelby, Edward, and Stella, all live in St. Louis.

  5 Mary Jane Keithly, born July 16, 1832. married Carty Keithly, son of Absalom. Two children were born to them, Henry and Fannie -- all have passed away.

  7 Sarah A., see under Absalom Keithly.

  6 Woodford Keithly was born Feb. 27, 1834 on the Salt River Rd, 1 1/2 miles north of O'Fallon, in St. Charles Co. Mo. From a newspaper clipping this: 102 direct descendants survive him. Pioneer Citizens of this County. "The death of Woodford Keithly occurred at his home at O'Fallon Feb. 23, 1917. He was 83 years old, having been one of the pioneer citizens of this county. He leaves in the land of the living 14 children, 41 grand children 43 great grand children and 4 gr. gr. grand children. . . The funeral services of Mr. Woodford Keithly were conducted Sunday afternoon by Rev. Mr. Kline in the presence of a large congregation of friends from all over the country. St. Charles, St. Peters, St. Paul, Dardenne and Cottleville, besides St. Louis and O'Fallon friends were in attendance. Mr. Keithly was born in St. Charles Co. a few miles north of town in 1834, and had he lived a few days longer he would have reached his 83rd birthday. All of his children, except one son, John, who is in Calif. were present. The pall-bearers were his grandsons, Norval and Archie Soutee, Van and Oll Walton, Lel Keithly and Bryan Wildberger. The floral offerings were beautiful, especially the carnations and sweet peas given by the grand children. His remains were interred in Mount Zion Cemetery, where all the members of his family have been laid to rest. He was the last of a large family who were a noble race of people. The Keithlys served their country well by industry and frugality, laying up for their children and setting an example of integrity and sound conviction of truth. And as we lay our friend away we pause to say: `A good man has gone to his reward.'

  His daughter Fannie writes lovingly of her parents: "At the age of 19 years he mar- ried Mary Smith, 16 years old, the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Hostetter) Smith. They lived in Lincoln Co. Mo. about ten years, but at his father's dying request he bought the old homestead and lived there until within a few years of his death. He sold the old home a few years before his death and made division of his property. He was always a just and good man in all things. Many poor orphan children thank him for a home when they had no other place to go. Never was any one turned from the door that asked for help in any way. All strangers made to feel welcome and if not able to continue their travel, were kept until they were able to go on. He was one of the first veterinarians in the country and was successful. He learned some from his father, but that did not satisfy him so be bought books and made a study of horses. His last years were spent with his children, his wife having died twenty years, previously. She was a noble woman and without her help he could not have done all the kind deeds to the poor." Eleven children were born to them. Four children died in infancy. Those who lived to maturity: 1 Daw Keithly born Dec. 18, 1853, died 1906. 2 Emma K. born 1855. 3 Joseph Keithly, born 1857. 4 John Keithly born 1859. 5 May (Keithly) Walton, born 1863. 6 Fannie (Keithly) Soutee, born 1865. She married Sterling Soutee, a farmer, Nov. 2, 1888, in Butler, Bates Co. Mo. Their home is now near O'Fallon. Four children: Mitchell P. married Annie Shulte, and lives in St. Louis. Norvell J. married Rose Herchier and lives on a farm near St. Paul Mo. See Honor Roll. Archie married Mattie Riley and lives in Los Angeles, Calif. Rose married Frank Tucker and lives in St. Louis. 7 Elizabeth Keithly was born in the old Daniel Keithly Inn, near O'Fallon St. Charles Co. Mo., May 1, 1871. Oct. 15, 1891 she married J. P. Wildberger, who was born in Switzerland, April 4, 1847. Their home is on O'Fallon and six children were born to them: 1 John, who served 15 months in the World War. 2 Bryan served in the World War. He married Maye Holt, of La Plata, Mo., Nov. 15, 1921. See Honor Roll. 3 Florence married Albert R. Cleveland, June 28, 1916. 4 Edith married John Lee Turner of St. Louis, June 22, 1910. 5 Nellie and 6 Robert, the two youngest are at home in 1922.

• XIV ABSALOM KEITHLY was born in Warren Co. Ky. May 22, 1799. He came into the "Territory of Missouri" in 1818, and Jan 12, 1819, he married Sinai Castlio, who was the daughter of John Castlio and his wife, Mrs. Eleanor (Harrison) Lowe Castlio. Sinai was born Aug. 2, 1802 on a farm on which the city of Nashville, Tenn. is now located. She came with her parents into the "Territory of Louisiana" in 1806, into now St. Charles Co. Missouri. Great aunt Sinai "Was a very responsible woman. Many tales have been handed down to her descendants in corroboration of the fact. At one time she was known to have stepped in front of a run-away team, bent on destruction, with a load of human freight. With splendid courage she grasped the bridle and saved the day. Her children walked seven miles to Sunday School and rarely missed a session." She was also remarkable for her skillful management of her large family and many slaves. She was a progressive wide awake business woman, believing the most efficient workers could be made by specializing, and her negro slave women were taught to do only that for which they showed special talent. They were trained as weaver, cook, seamstress, according to their adaptability. J. C. K wrote: "All of their children were stout looking and taller than any of the other families (meaning Keithlys). Their mother was tall, but uncle Absalom was medium height and stout, though not fleshy. He had a fine family. A large house sided with shaved weather-boarding. He had a cooper shop where five or six of his sons made barrels, in 1849." Like his brothers, he was industrious and thrifty, having property for his numerous children. All of the boys were six feet in height. Absalom founded the village of now, Gilmore, St. Charles Co. Mo. From the family Bible:

  ABSALOM KEITHLY was born May 22, 1799, died March 29, 1879.

  SINAI CASTLIO was born Aug. 2, 1802, died Oct. 6, 1855. They were married Jan. 14, 1819. Their children:

  • William McEwing Keithly was born March 20, 1820, died Aug. 8, 1864.
  • Ursula Keithly was born July 8, 1821, died Sept. 8, 1829.
  • Mary M. Keithly was born Jan. 29, 1823, died Oct. 5, 1851.
  • Hiram Keithly was born Jan. 9, 1824, died 1890.
  • John Milton Keithly was born May 8, 1826, died July 31, 1906.
  • Jacob Keithly was born Sept. 26, 1827, died Jan 25, 1902.
  • Carty Keithly was born April 8, 1829, died April 13, 1855.
  • Abram Keithly was born May 6, 1831, died Nov. 28, 1918.
  • Wiltshira Keithly was born May 18, 1833, died 1912.
  • Franklin Keithly was born Nov. 1, 1834, died July 9, 1863.
  • Harrison Keithly was born Nov. 9, 1837, died Jan. 21, 1904.
  • Sarah J. Keithly was born April 3, 1839, died Aug. 1, 1844.
  • Henry Clay Keithly was born July, 1842, died Aug. 4, 1844.

  1 William McEwing Keithly (1820-1864). He served in the Civil War. Came home sick and died of pneumonia within a few days. He married Mrs. Mahala (Lewellen) Glascock, a cousin and widow with two children. One of them, Mr. Joe Glasscock, who is now living (1922) at the age of 84, speaks of having a good step father. Two children were born to this union: A daughter, Clementine, who at the age of twelve was burned, when her clothing caught fire. They were living at Louisiana Mo. at the time. Later they moved to St. Louis and there their little boy, Monroe, was drowned while wading in the river. See Honor Roll.

  2 Mary M. Keithly (1823-1851). She married Mr. Smith, a widower with two children. Two children were born to them: Billy Smith, who made his home with Mr. John M. Keithly's family until his death some years ago, and a daughter of whom I have no record except that she married and lived near O'Fallon.

  3 Hiram Keithly (1824-1890). He never told a lie. If he did not wish to tell the truth he made no reply. During his first wife's life they lived in Calhoun, Ill. He was a fine financier -- but was rather peculiar in his young days and did not improve in that respect as he grew older. By his first marriage there were two or three sons and a daughter. One son was named Curl. They were of restless dispositions, moving out West and back so often that they spent their inheritance and have been lost to the kin. The daughter, Nevada, was finely educated and a fine musician and quite a favorite with her parents. When she married Mr. Carter and went to live in Kansas, the parents were so lonely, they fitted up a covered wagon and went camping for about two weeks. She married well and was later a great comfort to her father. She had two children and has passed away. Hiram married a second time and his daughter, Flora, and her mother were living in St. Louis. She was a young woman of very pleasing appearance and surroundings. She was clerking, helping herself and mother. Hiram was buried in Hannibal, Mo.

  4 John Milton Keithly (1826-1906). He was industrious, thrifty and successful. The owner of a large acreage of farm land on the Mississippi Bottom. He became one of the most well known farmers of St. Charles Co. Mo. He was an ambitious man, of untiring energy and stick-to-itiveness. March 23, 1865 he married Sarah A. Keithly, daughter of Daniel and Emma (Wilmot) Keithly, who was born June 26, 1844. To them were born six children. The youngest, John Milton Keithly, Jr. was born near St. Peters on the homestead, St. Charles Co. Mo. At the age of 14 years his parents moved to O'Fallon where they lived during the rest of their lives. John M. Jr. born Dec. 10, 1877, was baptized Sept. 2, 1879, by Rev. Beagle of the M. E. South Church. He attended the Cool Spring District school, Wood Lawn Seminary, near O'Fallon, the St. Charles Academy and from the Pritchett College of Glasgow he graduated an A. B. June 1899. He also later studied at the University of Missouri and the Chicago University. At his father's death he became heir to their property, assuming management of the large farm and the duties of his father as Director of the Bank of O'Fallon. He met, while at Glasgow, Miss Lalla Almond Woodson. "After ten years of correspondence and courtship" they married, June 22, 1905, at her home in Hobart, Okla. She is the daughter of Senator Woodson, a descendant of John Woodson, an Englishman who came to Va. and whose descendants moved into Kentucky and later generations to Missouri and have been prominent in politics. Her mother was Nellie C. Cockerill, daughter of Henry Clay Cockerill, a former trustee of Pritchett College, and related to Senator Cockerill and family. Lalla Woodson was educated at Glasgow and later studied Art and obtained a music diploma at the University Preparatory school of Tonkawa, Okla. She is a Methodist and has been a zealous worker in the Sunday School. Her mother was for fourteen years President of the Oklahoma Woman's Temperance Union . Children: eight born, four living: Dorothea, born June 21, 1906, and Nellie Cockerill, born Oct. 24, 1907, both finished the O'Fallon High School 1921. They are now (1922) attending the Wesleyan College at Warrenton, Mo. The two younger, Virginia Ruth, born July 10, 1909, and Cordelia Genelle, born Nov. 27, 1911, are attending O'Fallon grade school. This family now (1925) love in Warrenton, Missouri. The above sent by Mrs. J. M. Keithly in 1922.

  5 Jacob Keithly (1827-1902) [had a son Jacob who... FHD Note]was born in St. Charles Co. Mo. Dec. 14, 1854. He married (1) Elizabeth Burkelo, who died Dec. 10. 1874. Two children: Milton Lee, died in infancy. Edna, born March 27, 1866 now lives in San Diego, Calif. Her only child, Robert Keithly Sieben, was born Jan. 6, 1900. See Honor Roll. Mrs. Sieben was a teacher, Jacob Keithly married (2) Miss Clara B. Allen, a teacher from Vermont, on Nov. 25, 1879. One son Elroy Allen Keithly, born Aug. 23, 1880. E. A. Keithly finished the O'Fallon grade, attended Wood Lawn Seminary and spent some time at college. After his father's death he continued in his father's business. Furniture Dealer and Undertaker in O'Fallon. He is a man who succeeded in his own country. June 20, 1906 he married Miss Mabel Steed of St. Charles. Two children: Lyman Steed, born Sept. 3, 1907, at present (1923) attending the St. Charles High School. Helen, born Oct. 25, 1914. Mrs. Clara B. Keithly lives with her son, in O'Fallon, Mo.

  6 Abram Keithly was born May 6, 1831 in St. Charles Co. Mo and died in Roseville, Placer Co. Calif. In May, 1850 he and his father and three brothers Hiram, John M. and Wiltshira, went to the gold field of the 49'ers. He, only, stayed in Calif, the others returned to Missouri. Feb. 14, 1861 he married Gertrude Carmen Chatterton, of Elizabethton, New Jersey, who went to Calif. in 1854, around the horn. The marriage took place in Sacramento, Co. In 1867 they settled at Roseville, and there two sons, William Ulmer, born April 2, 1867 and James Donald, born July 25, 1869, and Mary Emma, born April 4, 1862, are living unmarried in 1924. Another daughter, Louise Fields, was born in the State of Nevada, June 20, 1864, who on June 22, 1883 married James Madison Denham, in Sacramento City, Calif. He was born in Muscatine, Iowa, Nov. 16, 1862. Their children: 1 Mabel Cordelia, born June 25, 1885, in Sacramento Co. Calif. See Honor Roll. 3 Henry Ulmer, born Oct. 24, 1886, in Tulare Co. Calif. See Honor Roll. 4 Emma Gertrude, born April 17, 1892, in Tulare Co. married Ralph Emmett Howes. in Hamford, Aug. 16, 1911. He was born Sept. 27, 1886 and lives in King Co. Calif. Howes children: Bernice, born May 10, 1912. Gerald Emmett, born Feb. 12, 1914. Cora Louise, born Aug. 22, 1915. James Ellsworth, born July 31, 1917. Donald Joseph, born Oct. 30, 1920, and Walter Robert, born Oct. 12, 1923. A farmer is Mr. Howes. 5 Earnest Verner, born Jan. 9, 1894, in Tulare Co. See Honor Roll. Grace Verona, born Sept. 30, 1895, in Tulare Co. 7 Jesse Webster, born June 27, 1898, in Tulare Co. See Honor Roll. 8 Franklin Pierce, born Oct. 10, 1901 in King Co. Calif. See Honor Roll. 9 Ivo Carmer, born June 10, 1904, in King Co. These Keithlys and all their descendants are farmers except Franklin, of the Asiatic Fleet.

  7 Carty Keithly (1829-1855) He married a cousin, Mary Jane Keithly, daughter of Daniel Keithly (1796-1860) of St. Charles Co. Mo. She was born July 16, 1832. Two children. All have passed away.

  8 Wiltshira Louis Keithly (1833-1912) He married a cousin, Harriet Lewellen, in 1856, who died in 1905. They lived on one of the finest farms in Pike Co. Missouri. Four girls: 1 Laura Virginia, born 1858, lived seven months. 2 Fannie Madora Keithly, born 1860. She was educated at Fair View Seminary, St. Charles Co. Mo and made a specialty of music at Palmyra, Engleside College Mo. She married Jasper Cash in 1879 and lived on one of the best farms in Pike Co. Mo until 1905 when at the death of her mother they moved to Frankford to take care of her father. They are now retired farmers. Children: 1 Guy Leroy, born 1881, died 1911. He was educated in Lexington, Kentucky, and married Lilly Howdy Shell, in 1904. At the time Guy was cashier of a bank in Saratoga, Texas. In 1911 at time of his death he was cashier of the First National Bank of Fort Worth, Texas. He was a fine business man. Had a cheerful disposition and made many friends. He met with a tragic death. Returning from an early duck hunt on An artificial lake near Ft. Worth, while placing his gun in it's pouch it accidentally went off, cutting the jugular vein and death soon followed. His body was brought home and placed in the Frankford Cemetery. On confession of faith he joined the Christian Church while in Lexington University. His son, George L. Cash, born 1906, will graduate from the Ft. Worth High School in 1923. 2 Lora Maude Cash, born 1882, attended the Lexington University. She married Hiram Benn in 1907 and they now own the Wiltshira Keithly farm. One son, Mason Cash Benn, born 1908, is now attending the Frankford High. Mrs. Benn is an energetic woman, who looks on the bright side of life. 3 Edna Cash, born 1892, was educated in Ft. Worth and in 1910 married Paul Armstrong, a well educated man with a cheerful congenial disposition. He is a meat and provision broker of Dallas, Texas. Two lovely children, Paul Jr. born 1915, "an unusually bright boy, and Frances Jane, a beautiful child." -- Sounds just like a grandmother.

  3. Emma Maude Keithly was born 1867 and attended Wood Lawn Seminary in St. Charles Co. She married Mr. Walter Barbee in 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Barbee are both musi- cians. He was a successful singing school teacher and sings well. It has been said of him that "He sang him a farm and now he would sing him a wife." They were attracted to each other by their musical talents. Two children: Leslie Keithly Barbee, born 1891 was edu- cated at William Jewel College and the University of Missouri. He was named for C. E. Leslie, the musical composer and convention leader. He sings beautifully. See Honor Roll. He married Lilian McCracken of Okla. and they are living on the old homestead. See his letter. Clara Maude Barbee, born 1892, and was educated at Harden College, Mexico, Mo. She taught music in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1918 she married Thruman Stallings, who is superintendent of a brick plant in Mexico Mo. One son has been born to them in 1910. "A beautiful child." 4 Nina Ella Keithly, born 1870, died 1872.

  Extracts from Leslie K. Barbee's War record. "I joined the service Dec. 1, 1917, at St. Louis, in the engineer Dept. Had four days leave to come home, straighten up my busi- ness, tell every body goodbye and give my wife to be an engagement ring. I then reported to St. Louis and was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. There twenty-one days and given every sort of shot in the arm, vaccination, etc. Then my name was called to draft for eleven car loads of sailors were sent to Philadelphia to a receiving station. After twenty-one days I was called with a bunch of a hundred to be sent aboard the U. S. Maine for actual sea service. I belonged to the carpenter shop of this ship and was held on board six weeks. During this time we made two trips to Cuba -- and in a storm off Cape Hatteras I experienced that awful feeling of being, sea sick for days at a time. At the expiration of six weeks my name was called to go with a bunch to N. Y. While on the Maine our home port was Yorktown, Virginia. I walked all over this old historic place and it will never be forgotten. Another great experience with me was landing in New York City. One has to do this in order to get the thrill of being an American. And then I began to realize what it all meant to me -- and to think our enemy would have gladly destroyed our United States. Here we were held at a receiving ship, C. W. Morris for several days. Then my name was called for draft for a Hospital Ship, the U. S. S. Comfort, and on board this ship I worked my entire time. She became a home to me and I got to be closely attached to every nook and corner on board. We spent the summer anchored off Staten Island and I ran a motor boat nearly every day. I made trips past the Statue of Liberty and up and down the Hudson and all around that part of the city. We were allowed so much liberty at New York, I soon became acquainted with the city and it was a great sight to a country boy like me.

  In Oct. 1918, we sailed for Brest, France, and anchored in this harbor for thirty days, then sailed for St. Narzaire and got a load of soldiers that were wounded and started home to the grand old states. We were in Brest Nov. 11. I have a lasting remembrance of that occasion. For the poor soldiers we brought back were helpless -- legs off, arms off and some with both. But they were cheerful and so anxious to get back home. While I was standing on deck watching them being carried on board -- tears streaming down one's face -- to see them all mangled -- but yet with cheerful faces to get back home and loved ones -- my mind ran back to some slackers who lied and did everything possible to get out of the service. Then and there I formed opinions and drew a line between slackers and real men.

  Soon we reached New York (being seventeen days on account of a storm) we got fresh supplies and started for Plymouth, England. Here we got another load of stretcher cases and brought them home. Again loaded with supplies and coal we "shoved off" for Bordeaux, France. Here we had a chance to go to Paris, but Bordeaux was enough for me. Here we loaded on another four hundred braves and landed them safely at pier 4, Hoboken, New Jersey. On all of these trips I worked in boiler room, engine room and mast time -- and worked on evaporators. These "vaps" made fresh drinking water out of strong sea water -- a very interesting job for me.

  May 1919 we sailed for Plymouth, New Hampshire, for ship repairs. There some ten days and got orders to report to New York. There we were loaded with four hundred and went to Norfolk, Va. and part to Charleston, S. C. we were here one week. A very interesting old City. Then we received orders to sail for San Francisco via Panama Canal. This was the most interesting trip of all. I was promoted to Ship Fitter by this time and had a real enjoyable trip. The Canal is wonderful. We were ten days from Canal to "Frisco." We landed in Golden Gate Harbor on 30th day of July, 1919. In a few days we moved on to Mare Island, Naval Station. Here we anchored at the pier and on Aug. 5 my name was called in draft to be sent to St. Louis for demobilization. While in Vallejo, Calif. I got 48 hrs. and drove by auto to Sacramento and hunted up Abe Keithly's people. I found them two old bachelors and an old maid. Then by Aug. 11, 1919 we reached St. Louis and was paid off, another memorable event of my life. Thus ended my service with Uncle Sam on war against Germany. Of course there are pages I could write of interesting things that took place during my enlistment -- but would not be of interest to others. So will stop."

  G. E. D. Leslie K. Barbee

  9 Franklin Keithly (1834-1863). He married (wife's name not given me) and his children were: 1 Helen Keithly born Sept. 9, 1857, married John Phillips April 27, 1876. Three children: John Henry, born March 11, 1879, married Delia E. Tiller, Aug. 14, 1907. Children: Dennis Lee, Born March 2, 1909. Hazel Lucile, born Sept. 15 1910, and Earle Tiller born Nov. 18, 1915. They live in O'Fallon. William Lee born Oct. 1, 1877, died July 4, 1878 and Ida, born July 10, 1882. A teacher in the rural schools of St. Charles Co. Mo.

  2 Ida Ann Keithly was born Oct. 18, 1859, married Alfred Burch. She passed away. Children: Alfred Franklin Burch born Oct. 19, 1876, married Aug, 10, 1903. Four children: Arthur Franklin, born May 3, 1904. Arthur Frederick born Sept. 15, 1911. Adele Frances, born June 16, 1915. Audrey Florino, born Feb. 14, 1918. 2 Lee Andrew Burch, born Nov 13, 1882, married Dec. 6, 1904. Their children: Dorthea Amelia, born Sept. 13, 1908, and Virginia Lee, born June 8, 1914. 2 Ida Ann (Keithly) Burch, married (2) Ben Duerer. Three children: John Bernard, born June 18, 1898. Genevieve Margaret, born June 18, 1900, who is married and has a daughter, Ann Cathrine Cayee, born Jan. 26, 1923. Frances Rogena, born Aug. 12, 1903, married Aug. 28, 1922. 3 Wm. Theodore Keithly was born Oct. 28, 1861, in St. Charles Co. He married Miss Anna Doran, Dec. 4, 1888. She was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1869. Children: 1 Mae Mary Agnes, born May 18, 1890, St. Charles Co. Married George Qualey, in California. No children. 2 Leonidas Franklin, born Aug 2, 1893, married Ella Mae Heisler of St. Louis. No children. 3 Wm. Joseph Jr. born in St. Peters, St. Charles Co. Oct. 5, 1898, married Miss Hermena Louise Simms of Corning, Ark. One son, Wm. Joseph born April 18, 1922, in St. Louis. 4 Elmer Harrison Clarence, born March 19, 1898. He married Mary Lucile Wiber of St. Louis. No children. 5 Arthur Alfonso born in St. Louis Feb. 1, 1900, not married. 6 Earl Edward, born in St. Louis Aug. 5, 1904, died in 1905. Mrs. Wm. Theodore Keithly died Sept. 23, 1906, age 37 years.

  10 Harrison Keithly (1837-1904). Married Miss Emily Cash of Frankford, Mo. Sept. 1885. They made their home on a farm near Batavia, Calif. She died in 1896 and was brought home to Frankford to be buried. He did not marry again.

• XV. OBADIAH KEITHLY was born in Warren Co. Ky. Dec. 12, 1803. One record states he came to St. Charles Co. Mo. after the death of his parents and that his wife died soon after. Another that he settled in Missouri in 1825, then moved to Texas in 1869 and that he married twice. Children: (1) Ellen, (2) Henry, and (3) Daniel.

They would travel over hills, through valleys, across creeks and rivers without bridges and always keeping a sharp lookout for blazed trees of the pioneers who had preceded them. At night they would stop at log cabins or inns by the way for entertainment. And the next morning after purchasing some provisions for their dinner would move on to the next stopping place. And so they proceeded day after day on their weary way until they came to the Mississippi River, two hundred and forty miles on their journey. They crossed this river on a ferry boat to St. Louis, then a small French town . . They were now on the soil of the new country which they sought, with only about thirty-five or forty miles to travel before their journey ended at the homes of their long absent children. With hearts full of emotion and gratitude to God for His protection during their travels, pursued their way joyfully till they reached the bank of the big Missouri River opposite the little town of St. Charles . . . After traveling a few miles further they were at their destination and were received with joyful acclamations from their children.

They were now entertained by their children in a wilderness country, lately vacated by Indians at whose hands their eldest son, Abraham had fallen a victim near Fort Femme Osage. They visited his grave and mourned the loss of their first born son: they smote their breasts and returned to their living children who comforted them in their sorrow.

They went to see all of their children and grandchildren in St. Charles and Pike counties. . . After a joyful visit of some weeks in the new country of their children's adop- tion . . .they prepared for the return journey. Their packs made ready and provisions put up for their comfort; and after a sad farewell, for they expected to see their faces no more, they mounted their horses and probably with an escort of some of their children they turned their faces homeward. After crossing the two great rivers at St. Charles and St. Louis, the escort bade them farewell and left them to pursue their homeward way alone. The roughness of the road and the weary way to their home was doubtless relieved by the reflection that they had been permitted to see their children and grandchildren one more before they died.

Grandfather and grandmother lived many years after this visit; grandfather to about ninety years of age. He died of old age sitting in his chair. Grandmother outlived him some time and grew fleshy and almost helpless . . Thus these old people 'Came to their graves in full age, as a shock of corn cometh in his season.' They were the ancestors of a numerous progeny counted by thousands and spread over Missouri and all the western states. Thus we see one generation passes away and another takes its place as the world moves on. And so it shall continue to be 'until the Angel Gabriel shall descend from heaven and put one foot upon the land and the other upon the sea and swear by Him who liveth forever that time shall be no longer! Revelation 10:5,6."

J. C. Keithley's History, 1910.

THE KEITHLEY FAMILY

A Chapter from "Some Pioneers of Missouri"

by Mary Iantha Castlio (1923)

containing excerpts from "The History of Jacob Carter Keithley" (1910)

Go back to Keith_a.html, Part One

Continue on to Keith_e.html, Part Five

Look at Maryland Keithleys.