Keith, W. A. Rev. 1810 – 1895

KEITH

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:46

Source: Decorah Republican Jan. 2, 1896 P 4 C 2

The Falling of a Pioneer.
The Denver News of the 16th ult., handed us by Mr. C. W. Burdick, contains a lengthy account of the life and burial of Rev. W. A. Keith. To most readers the name carries no great significance, but a few will recognize it as that of the organizer and first minister to the Congregational Church in Decorah. Mr. Keith was born in Maine in 1810, and soon after maturity entered the ministry of the Congregational faith. All his active life was spent on the frontier as a pioneer missionary. He went to Missouri in 1845, but moved over into Iowa in 1846. It was in June 1854, that he came to Decorah and Freeport, and found the material neccessary to make a church start, in ten persons—seven resident in Decorah and three in Freeport. Of these ten, by the way, two are still living, viz: Mrs. Almira Burdick, of this city, and David C. Bacon now of Newtown, Conn. Mr. Keith was invited to remain with the church as its pastor; and accepted. The relation lasted until July 1st, 1857, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. Adams. During this period he lived at Freeport, and Mrs. Keith taught school. C. W. Burdick was one of her scholars. A number of his years were spent in Jackson and Clinton counties. Sixteen years ago he moved to Colorado, where he continued his labors as a pioneer missionary. Until three years ago he enjoyed perfect health. His wife survives him and his son, the paper before us says, is one of the well-known citizens of Denver.

Transcriber's Note: Find a Grave shows he is buried in Fairmont Cemetery in Denver, CO.