Keen, Catherine 1821-1896

KEEN, KEENE, DRUMB, CRAWFORD, ADAMS, SANDUSKY, ECKER

Posted By: A. Haught (email)
Date: 4/3/2015 at 16:59:00

Died at her home in Clayton, Saturday morning, Jan. 4, 1896, about 3 o’clock A.M. Mrs. Catherine Keen.

Deceased had for the past month been in better health than formerly and had several times remarked that something was going to happen, for she felt so good. She retired as usual Friday evening and about 2:30 A.M. called her grandson Victor Drumb who lives with her and told him she did not feel well. He arose at once and built a fire in the stove when she arose from her bed and came and seated herself by the stove.

After sitting there a moment, she remarked to Victor that he had better run and call the children, as she believed she was going to die. He got her to lie down upon her bed again, and started out to call Mrs. James Crawford and Mrs. Adams, and returned in a very short time to find her lying as he had left her only dead, and from the appearances it is believed that she, upon lying down concluded to take a nap, with the thought upon her mind, “they are coming.” And quietly passed away without a struggle, and when we look back and hear her repeat that she would like to go in that manner, it seems as if her prayers had been answered and her request granted. Before retiring Victor had asked her if she was not going to bed. Her reply was, “after I have read my chapter in the Bible.”

Mrs. Keen was born in Petersburg, Columbian Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1821, being at her death two days over three-fourth of a century old - a ripe old age. She cane West about 1845 and lived in Minnesota until about 1850. It was always a treat to her to tell of some of the hardships endured by the early settlers, and of their encounters and trials with the Indians.

From Minnesota she came to Clayton, and has resided in Clayton ever since. She leaves four daughters: Mrs. James Crawford and Mrs. A. Adams of this place, Mrs. Kate Sandusky of Cherokee, Iowa; Mrs. Mollie Ecker of North McGregor. A step-son George Keen, of Oklahoma, and a number of grandchildren, among them Victor Drumb who has lived with her for a number of years.

She was indeed an old citizen and will indeed be missed by neighbors and friends very much. A large number were present at the funeral services which were held at the school house Sunday at 2 p.m., Rev. Schoenfeldt of Prairie du Chien officiating. He delivered a very good, sensible sermon which was impressive and highly commended by all. The relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.

The Clayton Picket: January 9, 1896