John P. KEENAN is known as a progressive farmer, stock feeder and shipper and since 1895 he has made his home in Blockton, where he owns a nice residence, although he still retains possession of a valuable farm of three hundred acres, located within a mile and a quarter of Blockton. Mr. KEENAN is a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, born December 27, 1857, and came as a young man of eighteen years to the west, making a location first in Taylor county, Iowa. He was here engaged three years in herding cattle. Subsequently he purchased a farm in Ringgold county, this state, and removing thereto, was engaged in its operation for several years. He then returned to Taylor county and purchased his present farm in Jefferson township, his place embracing three hundred acres of fine farming land. For a long period Mr. KEENAN gave his entire attention to cultivating his farm and after taking possession he built a new house, supplied with all conveniences, built a barn and other outbuildings, set out an orchard and shade trees and his place is now one of the valuable properties of Jefferson township and Taylor county. While still residing on the farm he also fed stock on quite an extensive scale, shipping annually about six carloads of cattle to the city markets. In 1895 Mr. KEENAN left the farm and purchased a residence in Blockton, which he has since occupied. He is still engaged in buying and shipping stock. He makes his purchases both in Iowa and Missouri and his long experience in this line of business has made him an excellent judge of stock, so that he is able to carry on a very profitable business.

It was during his residence in Ringgold county that Mr. KEENAN was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Minnie NORTON, whom he wedded February 18, 1884. Mrs. KEENAN was born in Brown county, Illinois, a daughter of M. K. NORTON. The latter was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, and was there reared and married to Miss Rebecca NELSON, a native of Indiana county, that state. While still residing in the east Mr. NORTON engaged in farming but in an early day went to Brown county, Illinois, while in 1868 he continued his journey westward, then locating in Ringgold county, Iowa. He there engaged in farming and spent his remaining days, passing away in 1888. Mrs. NORTON survived for several years but is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. KEENAN lost their only child, Hugh, who died when but eleven months old.

Mr. KEENAN has been a life long democrat but would never consent to hold public office, preferring to give his attention to this private business affairs. He has always lived at peace with fellowmen. He has never incurred an indebtedness, nor has he ever sued any man. Mrs. KEENAN is a member and an active worker in the Christian church. They are people of the highest respectability, and Mr. KEENAN has a very wide acquaintance in Taylor and adjoining counties, his business transactions taking him to various sections of this state and Missouri. He has advanced year by year in the business world and today he stands as one of the most prominent stock buyers and feeders of this section of Iowa.

SOURCE:  CROSSON, Frank E. History of Taylor County, Iowa: From The Earliest Historic Times to 1910  p. 642. S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Chicago. 1910.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008