My Genealogy Hound

JOHN T. KEATING, a rising young lawyer of Northampton, was born in that town, July 20, 1864. He is of Irish ancestry and parentage, and has inherited in an eminent degree the sterling traits of character that distinguished his father, the late Michael Keating.

Michael Keating was born July 10, 1828, in Limerick, Ireland, son of Owen and Mary Keating. He was one of a family of six children, all of whom, except one who died in infancy, grew to manhood, and, after the death of their father, came with their widowed mother to America. The long voyage was made in a sailing-vessel in 1849, and occupied seven weeks. After a short stay in New York City the family located in Northampton, where Michael learned the trade of a mason and bricklayer. He afterward became one of the leading contractors and builders of the city; and for nearly thirty years he was employed by the government, doing all work needed from time to time at the hospital grounds. He counted among his friends Dr. Earle, who was for so many years the beloved superintendent of the asylum. Michael Keating was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and ability. He was honored by his fellow-townsmen by being elected a member of the first City Council. In this capacity he served three years, being the presiding officer one year. He was also the incumbent of several other offices of trust and responsibility. His death, on July 14, 1891, was a loss to the city, as well as to his family. On August 21, 1853, he married Mary Maloney, who came to America from Limerick, Ireland, in 1848 with her father, John Maloney. Of their five children three died very young. The survivors are: John T., above named; and Michael J., who has succeeded his father in business. The mother lived but one short year after the decease of her husband, dying July 14, 1892.

John T. Keating is a man of scholarly attainments, having been graduated from the Northampton High School in 1883 and four years later from Amherst College. Mr. Keating subsequently entered the law office of Judge Bassett, and on June 18, 1889, was admitted to the bar of Hampshire County. In the following October he was admitted to partnership with Judge Bassett; but since October, 1890, he has been in practice in his own office, at 102 Main Street. He is very active and influential in politics. He has been chairman of the Democratic City Committee for four years. He likewise served as Clerk of the Common Council for five years. Mr. Keating is a very fluent and ready speaker, and, during the Presidential campaign of 1892, made some of the most effective stump speeches of the time, including many addresses in French — a language with which he is very familiar. He is a very popular man in all circles, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight of Pythias.

On September 17, 1892, Mr. Keating was united in marriage with Annie I. Cooney, a daughter of Michael Cooney. Mrs. Keating is a very bright and capable woman, and, with her sister, Ella Cooney, is engaged in the millinery business in Northampton. In 1892 Mr. Keating was prominently mentioned as an eligible candidate for Mayor. Mr. and Mrs. Keating have a beautiful home at 94 State Street, a house erected by his father in 1884 for John T. Dewey, who afterward sold it to the builder.