**************************************************************************** File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 2008, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author at http://fulton.ilgenweb.net. **************************************************************************** Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890 **************************************************************************** The Biography of Haden KEELING Pages 798 & 801, transcribed in full by Karen CRANE Goggin [Surnames: BOONE, CLAYTON, COLLINS, EYSTER, HOWEY, KEELING, OBERHAUSER, SEBREE, SNELL] HADEN KEELING, deceased. It has been but a few years since this honored citizen and prominent business man of Canton, was borne to his long home. Few of the old residents of the place have been more thoroughly identified with its various interests than he, or would be mourned with greater sincerity when called hence. In the bereavement which befell them his family had the general and hearty sympathy of the community, whose members met in large numbers to pay the last sad tribute to the deceased. Mr. Keeling was born in Sangamon County, not far from Springfield, Ill., April 5, 1825. he was reared on a farm during his early boyhood, subsequently becoming a resident of Springfield, where his father engaged in the manufacture of brick. Our subject learned the business thoroughly, assisting in the yard for several years. In 1849, when the gold fever was at its height, he went to the land of promise, California, and engaged in gold mining with satisfactory success during a period of two years. Returning to the Prairie State, Mr. Keeling took up his permanent residence in Canton, beginning the manufacture of brick which he carried on until his death. His brickyard was located in the northwestern part of the city, became the seat of a flourishing industry, and afforded employment for quite a number of men. Mr. Keeling finally amassed a handsome fortune by means of his persistent and well directed labors, and eventually became the owner of considerable city property of value. He built and owned a number of dwellings from the rent of which he derived a considerable income. Mr. Keeling was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, weighed well the matters under consideration, and was firm in his opinions after having once arrived at a decision. He was not, however, bigoted or despotic, but was open to conviction of error, and willingly granted to others the privilege of forming their own conclusions. He was interested in all the movements which would advance the true welfare of the community, or build up the material prosperity of this section of a great commonwealth. He breathed his last august 8, 1884, after a long illness. His political support was given to the Republican party. November 10, 1852, the rites of wedlock were solemnized between Mr. Keeling and Miss Catherine Snell, the ceremony taking place in this city. Mrs. Keeling was born in Sangamon County, Ill., being a daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Collins) Snell, who removed thither from Ohio at and early period in the history of this section. During the childhood of their daughter, Mr. And Mrs. Snell removed to Lewistown, this county, where the father died ere many years had passed. His widow subsequently married James Sebree, and took up her residence in Canton, where the daughter grew to womanhood. Mrs. Keeling possesses those qualities which are embraced in the word "motherly", and in the care of her large family has manifested the utmost devotion and loving wisdom. Her capability as a housekeeper, and her work as a companion were duly appreciated by him who has preceded her to the silent land. The children of Mr. And Mrs. Keeling are named respectively: Jennie E., Lilly D., Charles E., Ida M., Lizzie B., Effie L., George H., and Leonard H. The first mentioned has built up an excellent reputation as a florist, having the love for plants which leads her to study their habits and cultivate them with great success. She has a well-arranged green house, devotes much of her time to floriculture, and has a good trade at different points in furnishing decorations for various occasions of joy or mourning. Lovers of flowers find great enjoyment in her society, as she is not only well versed regarding plants, but is able to converse pleasingly with reference to them. She resides with her mother on the homestead, where Lizzie B. George H., and Leonard H. may also be found. The dwelling is a substantial brick structure, built a number of years ago and presenting an appearance of homelikeness and comfort which all modern residences do not possess. The second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Keeling is now the wife of Charles Clayton; Ida married Louis Oberhauser, of Peoria; Effie L. is the wife of Thomas Eyster, of Canton. The son Charles E. is engaged in brickmaking at his father's old place. The father of our subject was Lewis Keeling, who was born in New Jersey, and accompanied his parents to Kentucky, becoming an intimate friend of Daniel Boone. For a time he operated a mill and distillery, the business, however, being conducted on a small scale. He was numbered among the early settlers of Sangamon County, Ill., where he died in 1850. His wife, Lydia, daughter of Joseph Howey, was born in New Jersey, October, 1800, and likewise went to Kentucky with her parents. For some time her home was near the present site of Louisville. Like her loved companion, she breathed her last in Sangamon County, ILL.