JAMES McKEEVER.

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         One of the well tilled and capably supervised farms of Morning Sun township is that of James McKeever, who is engaged in the cultivation of two hundred acres of land located on sections 16 and 17. He was born in Ohio on the 21st of November, 1860, and is a son of John and Mary (Wasson) McKeever. The parents, who were both natives of Ireland, emigrated to the United States in their early maturity, first locating in Cincinnati, Ohio. They resided there until 1864, then removing to Peoria county, Illinois, where they both passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McKeever were born eight children, four of whom are deceased. Those surviving are: John, who is a resident of this county; Archie, who is living in Peoria county, Illinois; Jane, the widow of E. W. Geadon, of Illinois; and James, our subject.

         In the acquirement of his education James McKeever attended the district schools of his native county, following which he assisted his father in the cultivation of the homestead until he was twenty-two years of age. For several years thereafter he farmed as a renter in Fulton county, Illinois, during which period he accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to become a property owner. In 1895 he came to Louisa county, purchasing the farm upon which he has ever since resided and during the ownership of which he has wrought many improvements. Here he engages in general farming, but makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs, which has proven to be a very profitable venture.

         On the 28th of September, 1889, Mr. McKeever was united in marriage to Miss Anna Loudin, a native of Ireland and a daughter of William and Mary A. (Purcill) Loudin. The family emigrated to the United States in 1880, locating in Illinois, where the mother passed away. The father, however, is still living and now makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. McKeever. Of the nine children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Loudin but seven are now living. The union of Mr. and Mrs. McKeever has been blessed with the birth of three sons and two daughters, in the . . .

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. . . following order: Harry A., Maggie J., Ruth, Ralph and William, all of whom are at home.

         The family attend the Presbyterian church of which the parents are both members. Mr. McKeever, being an ardent republican, casts his ballot in support of the candidates of that party, but never having aspired to public honors has never held any official position save that of school director. Energy and diligence, as well as keen business perception, have been the principle factors in the success of Mr. McKeever, who has become recognized as one of the prosperous residents of his community.