KEITH, Thomas L. Keith 1893-1947

KEITH, MCCONNELL, HANCOCK, VERMAZEN, CURTIS

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 3/5/2014 at 19:04:36

Services Friday for Thomas L. Keith

Farmington was rocked from one end to the other when word was received of the death of one of our well-loved citizens, Thomas L. Keith, publisher of the Tri-County News, May 12, 1947.

He had been in poor health for several months, and had returned from Graham Hospital some time before and from the Iowa City hospital a week ago. Family and friends were hopeful of his recovery. He was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage Monday evening at 4:30 o’clock and succumbed at 7:45 at the St. Joseph hospital in Keokuk.

Thomas L. Keith was born April 27, 1893 at St. Francisville, Mo., the youngest child of Phebe McConnell Keith and John Ellis Keith. He died May 12, 1947 in Keokuk, Iowa age 54.

As a child he lived for a short time in Farmington, attending his first school here, then moved to Montrose which was his home until the later part of 1934, when he moved to Winfield. In Montrose he was employed by the late Rev. Geo. Duty on the Montrose Journal. Later he was employed in the Kerr & Kennedy Hardware store, and afterward published the Montrose Journal. After moving to Winfield he was employed on the staff of the Winfield Beacon.

On November 29, 1922 he was married in Montrose to Ethyl Hancock of New Boston, Iowa. Two children, a daughter and son, were born to this union, both of whom survive him.

In March 1938 he purchased the Farmington News-Republican of Wm. H. Knott and moved his family here in April. He made a success of the paper, now known as The Tri-County News, and was well liked from the time he moved here.

Possessed of ability, energy, a likable disposition and interested in civic affairs he soon became a leader in the welfare of the town. He was a member of the Chamber od Commerce, the Board of Education, the Richard-Anthony Post No. 231, of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 27, A. F. & A. M., and was a Royal Arch Mason, of Bonaparte, and belong to the Knights Templar of Keosauqua. ______some lines torn off______.

Thomas L. Keith was of a sociable nature. His Irish wit, pertinent quips, and wholesome smile added to his popularity. He had the knack of making friends and keeping them. He was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends. He used his voice in song which gave pleasure to others. He was devoted to his family and will be missed in countless ways, not only in the home, but in the community.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1918, a brother, Harry Keith, in 1924, and his mother in 1941.

Left to mourn his passing are his devoted wife, two children, Mary Ethyl 11, and Thomas Lee 8; two sisters, Viola Vermazen and Helen Curtis, of Montrose; and an uncle Thomas Keith of St. Francisville, Mo., several nephews and niece and a host of friends.

Services will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Methodist church with the Rev. Bruce Masselink, of Burlington, in charge. Burial will be in the Montrose cemetery.

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, page 82