Keeney, Alva

KEENEY

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/23/2021 at 11:31:10

Source: History of Warren County, Iowa, by Gerard Schultz and Don L. Berry, The Record and Tribune Co., Indianola, Iowa, 1953, p.315

ALVA KEENEY
Alva and Mary Bryant Keeney came to Warren County from Danville, Indiana, in 1862, and settled in the Hoosier Row neighborhood. In 1878 the Keeneys moved to Indianola where they operated the Madison House, which became the town's leading hotel during the eighties and early nineties. The Keeney children were Sylvia, Clara, Silas G., Nannie, Susie, Grace and Frank E. The girls married and moved away, but Silas G. Keeney and Frank E. Keeney spent their lives in the Indianola community.
Around the turn of the century Silas G. Keeney and Frank E. Keeney operated a livery and sales barn. They bought and shipped horses by the carloads to eastern markets. When automobiles came into use Frank bought the Daniel Van Pelt farm, located two miles north of Indianola. Silas went into the gas and oil business, operating a station at the old stand where old friends met daily.
In 1886 Frank E. Keeney married Mat-tie M. Van Pelt, the youngest daughter of Daniel and Martha Van Pelt, who settled in Warren County in 1855. Twin daughters, Mary Easter and Martha Esther, greeted them one Easter Sunday. Later five sons, Clarence E., Ernest E., Ralph M., Don V. and Park, joined the family group.
Frank E. Keeney, who died Jan. 2, 1930, was the first to pass away. July 11, 1940, his wife was the first to follow him. Then Ralph, who died July 31, 1940, and Esther, who passed away Sept. 21, 1945.