My Genealogy Hound

J. KEENAN, merchant and banker; Le Roy; born in Clinton Co., Ohio, March 10, 1828. He attended school and assisted his father in farming until 18 years of age, when he engaged in business for himself in Ohio, the last four years of which he engaged in farming. Selling his farm in Ohio, in 1854 he came to McLean Co., and purchased a farm, upon which he lived until 1865, when he removed to Le Roy, and, after dealing in real estate one year, engaged in the dry goods trade, which business he has since successfully followed, in 1872 he added a general banking business, and does the only banking in Le Roy. He is also associated with S. F. Barnum in buying and supplying grain to the Eastern markets. They do an extensive milling business, supplying their choicest brands of flour in lots from a few sacks to a car-load. They also deal in lumber and coal, meeting the demands of Le Roy and the country tributary to it. His business card appears in the Business Directory of Le Roy. Mr. Keenan is truly a public-spirited citizen, and has probably done as much as anyone to advance the interests of Le Roy. He is among the most successful and one of the wealthiest merchants in Le Roy. His marriage with Hannah Sidles was celebrated Oct. 8, 1848; she was born in Ohio, Jan. 5, 1828; they have four children now living — Walter M., born Nov. 17, 1850; Clara B., April 2, 1859; Arthur J., April 17, 1862; and Luther C., May 5, 1866. In the fall of 1866, Walter M. entered the Hillsdale College, where he attended two years, and in 1868 he entered the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and graduated in 1872, and, after completing his law studies, he associated in the law business with Baker & Osgood, remaining in this business until 1878, when he engaged in the dry goods commission trade, corner of Monroe street and Fifth avenue, Chicago, under the firm name of Albright & Keenan, which business he has since successfully followed. Clara B., after attending the High School at Le Roy, attended the Ladies’ Seminary one year at Monticello, after which she entered the Female College at Evanston, where she attended two years, and is now receiving instruction at the Academy of Design, in Chicago.