Wayne County

John Keen

1884 Biographical Sketches of City of Fairfield

JOHN KEEN, JR, County Judge, Fairfield, is a native of Wayne County, Ill., and was born October 29, 1837. His parents, James and Harriet Keen, are still living in the county, well and favorably known, and among the oldest settlers now in tbe county. Judge John Keen is the oldest of a family of ten children, and grew to manhood under the influences of pioneer life, enjoying such educational advantages as the county then afforded, which were limited to a short subscription term each year, which was held in the historical old log schoolhouse, supplied with the puncheon floor and slab seats.

However, by making the best of his opportunities, he developed an ability for public position, which was recognized by the people of his town by electing him to the offices of Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace. He was afterward elected to the office of County Treasurer, and filled this position of public trust with acceptance for ten years.  In 1882, he was elected to the office of County Judge, which position he now occupies. He was admitted to practice in 1877, having accomplished the required reading under 0. J. George.

He was married in Wayne County on the 7th of. April, 1859, to Miss Martha J. Atteberry, daughter of Stout and Fannie L. Atteberry. She was born December 29,1832, in Kentucky. The record of their family is as follows:

  1. Isaac N. Keen, born January 18, 1860
  2. Asa F.. December 7,1863
  3. Martha J., born June 15, 1868, and died September 17, 1872
  4. Emma R., born October 25, 1869, and died September 18, 1872
  5. Harriet L. Keen, born May 12, 1875

Mr. Keen is a member of the Masonic order and of the Presbyterian Church, and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church. Residence, corner of Water and Factory streets.



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