JAMES KEEN, farmer, stockman and merchant, P.O. Six Mile, was born February 16, 1839, in Keenville, Wayne Co, IL.
His father, John Keen, Sr. was a native of Sumner Co, TN, born in 1814, and yet living in this county. His history will appear more complete in another part of this work.
The grandfather of our subject, Ford Keen, was born in Virginia. Catherine (Book) Keen was the mother of eleven of eleven children, of whom eight are now living. She died in November 1857.
Our subject attended the old-fashioned sbuscription schools, only going about twelve months, and is therefore mainly self-educated. In early life, he farmed onhis father's farm, and stayed with him until he was thirty-one years old. In 1866, at the age of twenty-five, he commenced to deal in stock in partnership with his father and brother, but since 1871 he has only been in partnership with his brother, Samuel Keen, which partnership is still existing. They also keep a general store, which is conducted by Harvey M. Maxey.
Mr. Keen owns a fine farm of 360 acres. He has been School Trustee, Highway Commissioner, and in the fall of 1880 was elected to the General Assembly of Illinois, which position he filled with ability.
Mr. Keen was joined in matrimony twice. His first wife, Sarah J. Ellis, born March 10, 1849, in Wayne County, IL, died July 15, 1876.
His present wife, Rispah J. Whitney, born in 1846, in Ripley County, IN. She is a daughter of Nathan and Mary J. (Moore) Whitney. He is a native of Maine, and she of Hamilton County, Ohio. One child, now living, came to bless this union, Raab D., born September 15, 1882.
Mrs. Keen is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Keen is a Democrat and hoping to live and die in the old party.
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