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The Keenan Families of County Monaghan, Ireland, and
Allegheny County and Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
14. Edward Johnston4 Keenan (James3, Thomas2, James1) He was born 3 April 1834 at Youngstown, Pennsylvania, and died 1 June 1877 at Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He was educated in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and reading law with Henry C. Marchand. His father's will gave him $300.00 which was to be paid to him by his brother Alexander Keenan. His father also chose William S. Head and Henry Marchand, to serve as Edward's guardians.[58]
About the year 1851, when he was 16 years old, Edward "accompanied his brother, Thomas Johnston Keenan, then European law agent, on a trip to Europe, and spent some eight months in the British Isles."[59]
The Greensburg Democrat began publication on 18 November 1853 with E. J. Keenan and John Klingensmith, Jr., as owners and editors. "The paper had been established to represent and give expression to that wing of the Democracy which advocated the renomination of William Bigler to the governorship, and which indorsed [sic] his administration." E. J. Keenan became the sole owner and editor when John Klingensmith died in 1854. At the beginning of 1857, his brother William W. Keenan became the local editor and manager. His brother, James Keenan bought the paper from Edward in June 1858.[60]
From 1857 to 1860, Edward J. Keenan served as the Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills for Westmoreland County.[61]
Edward J. Keenan joined Company H, Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, as a 1st Lieut. under the command of Capt. Daniel Kistler, Jr. (died 28 Sept. 1862) and Capt. Lewis A. Johnson. He resigned 30 December 1862. His military records indicate that he served from 21 June 1861 until 16 December 1862. His wife received pension benefits based upon his military service.[62]
He was admitted to the Westmoreland County Bar in the November Term of 1863 and practiced law in Greensburg. "His engaging personal qualities drew to him a considerable clientage, and he became an adroit trial lawyer, one equally skilled in maneuvering his adversary upon dangerous ground and resourceful in extricating himself for positions of peril in the trial. Amon the many arrows in his quiver was a strong sense of humor which he could summon with equal readiness in the passages at arms in the trial and in his argument to the jury. His strategy in a lawsuit was inscrutable to his adversary, for he consistently followed the maxim, `admit nothing, and demand proof.' "[63]
He also engaged in oil operations making considerable money which was lost to creditors in the "panic." He served as chairman of the Democratic County Committee on various occasions and was deputy chairman for the western part of Pennsylvania for the Democratic State Committee under William Wallace.[64]
"Mr. Keenan wore his generosity and kindness of heart upon his sleeve. The boys of the town, now grizzled citizens, knew `Uncle Ned' as they affectionately called him, as a perpetual and unfailing reservoir which they were priviledged to tap on all proper occasions to supply their boyish wants. On Christmas there was a regular and concerted hegira from their homes to the home of `Uncle Ned,' upon the outskirts of town for the Christmas treat, usually in money, which they knew awaited them. He never ceased, with all his burdens and labors, to be a boy himself, with a boy's exuberance of spirit, aspirations, appetite, sense of want, and all that creates a kinship with youth."[65]
The 1860 census records recorded the value of his real estate as being $5,000 and the value of his personal property as being $5,000. Ten years later the worth of his holdings increased to $15,000 of real estate and $40,000 of personal property. In 1860, Ester Henry, their servant, Robert West, printer's apprentice, and Maggie Kuhns, Eliza's sister, lived with the family. In 1870, Anna Painter, their house keeper, and John Painter, Anna's son, lived with the family.[66]
He was a member of the Urania Chapter, No. 192, H. R. A., of the Masonic Lodge, and served as the High Priest of the chapter in 1869.[67]
He married Eliza Kuhns on 21 July 1857 at the residence of H. Byers Kuhns. The Rev. W.H. Paddock and Rev. Potter conducted the wedding. She was the daughter of Joseph H. Kuhns of Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania. Joseph H. Kuhns was admitted to the Westmoreland County Bar in the August Term of 1823. Eliza K. Keenan died on 22 January 1914 at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.[68]
The 1870 census records list 4 children in the family of Edward J. Keenan and Eliza Kuhns. However, the information contained in the History of the County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania states that at the time of his death in June 1871, he left a widow and three children. Since their sons Joseph and James are mentioned in the 1876 codicle of the will of Isabella Keenan (their grandmother) and son James E. Keenan and daughter Elizabeth C. Keenan are mentioned in the 1914 pension file records, it assumed that Isabella died in 1870 or 1871. [69]
| 45. | i | Joseph H.5 Keenan born about 1858. He was given ten shares of Pennsylvania Railroad Stock from his grandmother's estate. | |
| 46. | ii | James E. Keenan born about 1859, He was given the house his grandmother lived in and the half of the lot where the house was located from his grandmother's estate. | |
| 47. | iii | Isabella Keenan born about 1862, believed to have died about 1870-1871. | |
| 48. | iv | Elizabeth C. Keenan born about 1867. |
15. William W.4 Keenan (James3, Thomas2, James1) He was born about 1838 in Pennsylvania.[70]
At "the commencement of 1857, ... William W. Keenan, ... became the local editor and manager" of the Greensburg Democrat.. In 1862, he became the sole editor and manager of the paper after his brother [Edward J. Keenan] enlisted in the Army. The interest of James Keenan in the Greensburg Democrat was sold to Alexander Allison in July of 1862, and "the publication of the Democrat would thenceforward be conducted under the style of William W. Keenan & Alexander Allison." On 6 March 1863, he purchased Alexander Allison's interest in the Democrat.. In August 1864, W. W. Keenan purchased the Republican and consolidated the two papers under the name Republican and Democrat. His brother E. J. Keenan again became associated with the newspaper in 1864. The newspaper was sold in 1871.[71]
His mother, Isabella Johnston, gave him the eastern part of her lot on West Pittsburgh Street, Greensburgh, where he lived with his family.[72]
In 1860 census, he was reported to be living with his mother Isabella Keenan, his occupation was listed as printer, and had personal property valued at $2,000. During the 1870 census, their housekeeper Eliza Bull was recorded as living with the family. In 1870, his personal property was valued at $3,000. In the 1880 census, Herbert James, the brother-in-law of William W. Keenan, lived with the family. He married Martha James about 1866. She was born about 1842 in Pennsylvania.[73]
| 49. | i | Herbert5 Keenan born about 1867 in Pennsylvania. | |
| 50. | ii | Edward J. Keenan born about 1869 in Pennsylvania. | |
| 51. | iii | William W. Keenan born about 1874 in Pennsylvania. |
18. Thomas Vincent4 Keenan (Hugh3, Thomas2, James1) He was born about 1852 in Dublin, Ireland. His early education was completed at Dundalk, Co. Louth. He entered Trinity College in October 1870. Although the records at Trinity College indicate that hes was awarded his BA and MA in 1879, it is likely that he completed his BA in 1874 and was awarded his MA in 1879, as the Master of Arts degree can be automatically conferred on any BA of three years' standing. On 14 April 1877, the Board minutes recorded that Thomas V. Keenan "was elected to the office of Reading Room Clerk in the Library and Junior Assistant Librarian".[74] A silver warming dish inscribed "Thomas V. Keenan MA, TC Library, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Xavier Keenan, 24 April 1890" was apparently a wedding gift since it was given to Daniel Xavier Keenan and Bridget Agnes Treanor on the date of their wedding.
22. Daniel Xavier4 Keenan (Hugh3, Thomas2, James1) He was born 4 May 1869 at Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, Ireland. He died 8 October 1945 at St. John of Gods Stillorgen in the County of Dublin and was buried at Latlurcan Cemetery, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, Ireland.[75]
His early education was at Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. He went to Blackrock College in Dublin. He studied law under William Gallagher, solicitor at Armagh. He was admitted as a solicitor at the Michaelmas term in 1895 and commenced practice in Monaghan. He was solicitor to the Board of Guardians and Rural Council, and Monaghan Urban Council. "... He manifested truly wonderful zeal in his profession. In most legal matters he could give his advice at once. When involved issues presented themselves he got down to them, spent hours in his library, probed the pros and cons, and when his opinion was given it was rarely, even after severe tests in courts, upset. In court he was an able and eloquent advocate. Amongst his colleagues he was recognised as a perfect gentleman, who adorned the profession. ..."[76]
Daniel Xavier Keenan's residence on 19 July 1940, when he signed his will, was Glasslough Street, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, Ireland. Daniel Xavier Keenan made his son Daniel Xavier Keenan, a resident of 62 Merrion Square, Dublin, the sole executor of his will. His son Daniel Xavier Keenan received all of the office and household furniture. His son John Joseph Keenan was given all of his law books, all the deeds, will and other documents from the law practice. He left four-fifths of the remainder of the estate to his son Daniel Xavier Keenan and one-fifth to his son John Joseph Keenan. John Joseph Keenan's bequests were subject to the condition that he had to take possession of the law books and documents within one month of the proving of the will or he would forfeit all rights to the bequests. His estate was valued at £22,387.[77]
He married Bridget Agnes Treanor on 24 April 1890 at Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, Ireland. She died 24 June 1931 at Monaghan, Ireland, and is buried in Latlurcan Cemetery. Daniel X. Keenan met Bridget Treanor at Blackrock, Co. Louth, a small seaside resort. She had been on holiday [vacation], with her father and sister Ellen, when Daniel Keenan met the family.[78]
Bridget Agnes Treanor was the daughter of John Treanor (born about 1826, died 25 January 1909) and Bridget [-?-] (born about 1831, died 22 May 1901). John Treanor's obituary stated: "... As an auctioneer he was well known over a wide district of this county, and the public generally recognised in him a very capable and trustworthy salesman, who by his advice, sympathy, and financial assistance to many struggling farmers in the most trying times, saved them from the pinch of circumstances which otherwise must have ended badly for them. He had the means and the disposition to befriend. ... He was one of the old honest, straightforward school, who had all men's good will and respect, ... In politics he was liberal in his views but while always supporting his party with enthusiasm, he had invariably a kindly word for opponents, and recognized their right to uphold their opinions with equal vigor and determination. Mr. Treanor was a Catholic, a warm and devoted member of his church, to whose many schemes and enterprises he contributed liberally and ungrudgingly. ... Never probably in the memory of the oldest inhabitant of the town has such a vast cortege of mourners been witnessed as that which followed the hearse containing the remains of the Late Mr. Treanor. ... Mr. Francis Tierney, J. P., chairman, and accompanied by the Town Clerk, Mr. J. T. Boylan, walked in procession to Dublin Street, afterwards walking behind the hearse to the Cathedral. Among the numerous vehicles were the carriages of Lord Rossmore, H. M. L., and Major Richardson, D.L. "[79]
In Bridget Agnes Treanor's obituary, it was reported that "... Monaghan mourns the death of one who was noted as a most charitable and philanthropic lady. Few could devote the time Mrs. Keenan did to such work, but placed as she was, she had plenty of time at her disposal for the doing of good works. She loved to alleviate the suffering and help those in distress as she went quietly about from home to home comforting and making life better for her fellow mortals and experiencing in the depths of her soul that happiness and joy that springs in the human heart from the knowledge that in a quiet unostentatious manner one has made the lot of fellow beings better. All her kind acts will never be known, but in the hearts of those to whom she brought solace she will always be remembered.
She was connected with practically every organisation that aimed at assisting the poor. She was a member of the Urban Council Child Welfare committee and manifested a great interest in the work of that Committee for the little children. She was President of the Clothing Guild and of many religious organisations working in the cause of charity. ...
Mrs. Keenan was a daughter of the late Mr. John Treanor, Dublin Street, Monaghan, who was prominent in public life of Monaghan in days gone by. Mr. John W. Treanor, who succeed his father is her brother. Her father had many business interests. Amongst others he owned the Clarmont Arms Hotel, Blackrock, Co. Louth, and for some years Mrs. Keenan looked after his business interests there. ..."[80]
| + | 52. | i | John Joseph5 Keenan born 13 March 1891, died 26 May 1967. |
| 53. | ii | Francis Xavier Keenan born May 1893, died 23 September 1893, buried at Latlurcan Cemetery, Monaghan.[81] | |
| 54. | iii | Marion (Mary) Keenan born about 1896, never married, died of carcinoma of the oesophagus [sic] and cardiac failure at the County Hospital at Monaghan on 5 December 1941. She was a hospital matron [nurse] at the Feaver [sic] Hospital Clones..[82] | |
| 55. | iv | Bridget Josephine Keenan born April 1897, died 6 October 1898, buried at Latlurcan Cemetery, Monaghan.[83] | |
| + | 56. | v | Daniel Xavier Keenan died 20 April 1971 at Dublin, buried at Dublin, Ireland. |
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[58] Albert, History of the County of
Westmoreland, p. 282; Boucher, Old and New Westmoreland, Vol. II, p.
69, entry for Edward Johnston Keenan; Will Book 3 for Westmoreland Co.,
Pennsylvania, p. 331-334, 1851, will of James Keenan.
[59] Albert, History of the County of
Westmoreland, p. 282.
[60] Albert, History of the County of
Westmoreland, p. 281-282.
[61] Albert, History of the County of
Westmoreland, p. 421.
[62] Albert, History of the County of
Westmoreland, p. 282; Civil War Pension Files for Edward J. Keenan,
National Archives, Military Pension Applications, Record Group 15, Widow's
Application 572177, Certificate 651145.
[63] Albert H. Bell, Memoris of the
Bench and Bar of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvannia (n.p.: n. pl., ca
1924), pp. 157-160, biography of Edward Johnston Keenan, Pennslyvania State
Library, Harrisburg, Pa, photocopy in possession of the writer.
[64] Albert, History of the County of
Westmoreland, p. 282.
[65] Bell, Memoris of the Bench and Bar
of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvannia, pp. 157-160.
[66] 1860 U.S. Census,
Pennsylvania, Westmoreland Co., Greensburg Borough, page 10, dwelling 73,
family 69; 1870 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania, Westmoreland Co., Greensburg
Borough, page 49, dwelling 299, family 299; estimated year of birth based upon
age noted in census.
[67] Albert, History of the County of
Westmoreland, p. 514.
[68] Fischer and Wilson, Marriage and
Death Notices from Weekly Newspapers 1818-1865, Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, p 244; Albert, History of the County of
Westmoreland, p. 331; Civil War Pension Files for Edward J. Keenan,
National Archives, Military Pension Applications, Record Group 15, Widow's
Application 572177, Certificate 651145; record of death included in files.
[69] 1860 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania,
Westmoreland Co., Greensburg Borough, page 10, dwelling 73, family 69,
estimated ages for children based on census; 1870 U.S. Census,
Pennsylvania, Westmoreland Co., Greensburg Borough, page 49, dwelling 299,
family 299, estimated ages for children based on census; Albert, History of
the County of Westmoreland, p. 282; Will Book 6 for Westmoreland Co.,
Pennsylvania, p. 169-170, 1877, will of Isabella Keenan, includes references to
children; Civil War Pension Files for Edward J. Keenan, National Archives,
Military Pension Applications, Record Group 15, Widow's Application 572177,
Certificate 651145; James E. Keenan and Elizabeth C. Keenan were noted as being
alive in the 1914 record of Eliza Kuhns death.
[70] 1870 U.S. Census,
Pennsylvania, Westmoreland Co., Greensburg Borough, page 41, dwelling 319,
family 319; estimated year of birth based upon age noted in census.
[71] Albert, History of the County of
Westmoreland, p. 281-283.
[72] Will Book 6 for Westmoreland Co.,
Pennsylvania, p. 169-170, 1877, will of Isabella Keenan.
[73] 1860 U.S. Census,
Pennsylvania, Westmoreland Co., Greensburg Borough, page 28, dwelling 192,
family 192; 1870 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania, Westmoreland Co., Greensburg
Borough, page 41, dwelling 319, family 319; 1880 U.S.
Census,Pennsylvania, Westmoreland Co., Greensburg, Vol. 90, ED 126, Sheet
27, Line 20; estimated year of her birth based upon age noted in census,
estimated year of marriage based upon age of oldest child, wife's first name
noted in census and wife's surname assumed to be James based on the information
that William Keenan's brother-in-law Herbert James was living with them, year
of birth for children estimated based on census records.
[74] "Jane Maxwell to Mr. Barry," email
letter of 15 January 1996, in possession of writer. Letter notes information
obtained from the Trinity College Archives, Dublin, Ireland, notes age in 1870,
place of birth, place of education, father's name and occupation, awarding of
degrees and appointment to library staff; True copy of the original Probate
of the last will and testament of Hugh Keenan, Phillip S. Smith, Solicitor,
17 August 1888. Irish Land Commission, Record Department, Dublin, Ireland. Box
298, Record 841. Seen at the Irish Land Commission in July 1997, notes
transcribed by the writer, identifies Thomas Vincent Keenan as his oldest
son.
[75] Birth Certificate for Daniel Xavier
Keenan, Certificate UM 102/40, Registrar of Births and Deaths, Monaghan,
Ireland, copy of birth certificate obtained by John Edward Keenan in possession
of writer; Entry of Grant, Daniel Xavier Keenan, Principal Registry, 4 March
1946, Certified Copy of a document in the custody of the National Archives,
Dublin, Ireland, The grant of probate of the estate of Daniel Xavier Keenan to
his son Daniel Xavier Keenan lists the date and place of death; Tombstone of
Daniel Xavier Keenan was seen at Latlurcan Cemetery, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan,
Ireland, by the writer in July 1980.
[76] Obituary Notice for Daniel Xavier
Keenan, Northern Standard, Monaghan, Ireland, Friday, October 12, 1945,
p. 1, col. 1-2, seen and photocopied at the National Library, Dublin, Ireland,
July 1997, in possession of writer.
[77] Will of Daniel Xavier Keenan,
Principal Registry, 4 March 1946, Certified Copy of a document in the custody
of the National Archives, Dublin, Ireland, copy obtained by John Edward Keenan
in possession of writer; Entry of Grant, Daniel Xavier Keenan, Principal
Registry, 4 March 1946, Certified Copy of a document in the custody of the
National Archives, Dublin, Ireland, The grant of probate of the estate of
Daniel Xavier Keenan lists the value of the estate.
[78] Certified Copy of Entry in the
Marriage Register Book for Daniel Xavier Keenan and Bridget Agnes Treanor,
Document B No. 241/22, copy obtained by John Edward Keenan in possession of
writer; Probate Registry for the Estate of Bridget Agnes Keenan, dated 22 June
1932, lists her place of residence on Glasslaugh Street, Monaghan, her husband
Daniel Xavier, and her date of death, copy obtained by John Edward Keenan in
possession of writer; Tombstone of Bridget Agnes Keenan was seen at Latlurcan
Cemetery, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, Ireland, by the writer in July 1980; Family
Group Sheet for John Treanor and his wife Bridget, typescript, source unknown,
includes notes about the holiday/vacation meeting of Daniel Keenan and Bridget
Treanor, obtained by John Edward Keenan in possession of writer.
[79] Family Group Sheet for John Treanor
and his wife Bridget, typescript, source unknown, obtained by John Edward
Keenan in possession of writer; Obituary of John Treanor, Northern Standard,
Monaghan, Ireland, January 30, 1909, p. 5, col. 1-2, seen and photocopied at
the National Library, Dublin, Ireland, July 1997.
[80] Obituary of Bridget Agnes Keenan,
Northern Standard, Monaghan, Ireland, June 26, 1931, p. 1, col. 4, seen and
photocopied at the National Library, Dublin, Ireland, July 1997.
[81] Tombstone of Francis Xavier Keenan
was seen at Latlurcan Cemetery, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, Ireland, by the writer
in July 1980.
[82] Certified Copy of Death Certificate
for Marion Keenan, No. J 3709/4, Register Book of Deaths, Registrar of Births
and Deaths, Office Monaghan, District of Monaghan; copy obtained by John Edward
Keenan in possession of writer.
[83] Tombstone of Bridget Josephine Keenan
was seen at Latlurcan Cemetery, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, Ireland, by the writer
in July 1980.
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