Newton Co., IN Biography Newton County, Jefferson Township. From A History of Warren, Benton, Jasper & Newton Counties, 1883. PATRICK KEEFE, groceries and hardware, Kentland, was born March 23, 1845, in County Tipperary, Ireland. At the age of twenty, he emigrated to this country, and after twelve days arrived at Castle Garden, New York; then went to Blackston, Massachusetts, where he stayed on a farm. He then moved to Benton County, Indiana, on a farm, and remained one year; then to Kentland in 1866, where he has since been in business. He is senior partner in the firm of Keefe Brothers, established in 1880, and they drive a thriving business. The great fire of 1870 swept almost everything, without insurance. As an example of his energy, he moved his few remaining goods, the same night, into another building (the one which burned first in the fire) and began selling immediately. In the fire of 1883, he lost all except $200 worth, with some insurance, and in the last fire he moved his stock the same night into his present store, and was selling again as soon as he could settle with the insurance adjusters. He now carried a heavy stock, and is well insured. In 1873, he married Miss Caroline, daughter of Anthony Dehner, one of the oldest settlers and a County Commissioner. Mrs. Keefe died June 16, 1878. Mr. Keefe was Town Treasurer three consecutive terms, and gave general satidfaction, and was the Democratic candidate for Sheriff in 1872; he was defeated, but ran ahead of his ticket. Mr. Keefe and Mrs. Keefe are members of the Catholic Church. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted By Gerald Born Email - Wizzofozl0@aol.com