From McDonough GenWeb, History, Chapter 40 - The City of Macomb, Part 2:
"George Keefer was a native of Clear Spring, Washington county, Maryland, and was born July 25, 1832, being the son of George and Susan (Fogwell) Keefer. After reaching his majority, he left his native city, and went to Dayton, Ohio, where for one year he clerked for Detrich & Oldin, wholesale druggists. While there he laid the foundation of a strict business life. In 1854, he removed to Canton, Illinois, and engaged in the drug business with his father, under the firm name of Keefer & Son, which partnership continued until 1861, at which time George retired from the firm, and immediately proceeded to look up a location. He traveled through Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, and finally chose Macomb as the most eligible locality. Here he established himself in business, his capital being very meagre, in fact, the capital with which he bought the first bill of goods was furnished by a brother-in-law, who put in $1,000 against Mr. Keefer's time and experience. The business was conducted under the name of George D. Keefer, who, three years later, bought out the interest of his silent partner, and continued the business alone until the winter of 1866-67, at which time John M. Keefer became a partner, and the firm was styled Geo. D. Keefer & Brother. This partnership existed until July 14,1879, when George D. departed this life. To no man is Macomb more indebted than to Mr. Keefer, for to him is due the credit that Macomb has the handsomest and most tastefully arranged business houses of any city of its size in the state – he making the first grand departure from the old style, by fitting up his store in a most beautiful and attractive manner, and soon after other business houses followed in the wake. He was possessed of most wonderful will power, and remained actively engaged in business almost up to the day of his death, although for the last year and a half of his life he was hardly able to walk. While in such poor health he also superintended the building of his residence, which is the handsomest in the city of Macomb. He was possessed of excellent business qualities, was a thorough master of the drug profession, and at his death left a competence for his widowed wife and children. George D. Keefer and Maggie B. Stenson, of Philadelphia, were united in marriage in November, 1866. They had seven children born to them, four of whom were left to a mother's care – George, Henry, Frank and Fred."
=====================
From The History of McDonough County, pages 1024-5:
"The popular drug store now conducted in Macomb, by John M. Keefer, was opened in 1861 by George D. Keefer in company with a brother-in-law as a silent partner, but three years later George D. bought out the interest of his partner, and continued the business alone until the winter of 1866-67, when John M. Keefer, bought an interest, the firm name becoming George D. Keefer and Brother. The partnership continued until the death of the senior member occurred, which was on the 14th day of July, 1879."
From The History of McDonough County, p. 1143:
"To no man is Macomb more indebted than to Mr. Keefer, for to him is due the credit that Macomb has the handsomest and most tastefully arranged business houses of any city of its size in the state, he making the first grand departure from the old style, by fitting up his store in a most beautiful and attractive manner, and soon after other business houses followed in the wake. He was possessed of the most wonderful will power, and remained actively engaged in business almost up to the day of his death, although for the last year and a half of his life he was hardly able to walk. While in such poor health he also superintended the building of his residence, which is the handsomest in the city of Macomb. He was possessed of excellent business qualities, was a thorough master of the drug profession, and at his death left a competence for his widowed wife and children. George D. Keefer and Maggie B. Stinson, of Philadelphia, were united in marriage in November, 1866. They had seven children born to them, four of whom were left to a mother's care - George, Harry, Frank and Fred."
=================================
George Daniel Keefer's will from the Courthouse records of Macomb:
George D. Keefer of the City of Macomb in the County of McDonough and State of Illinois of the age of 41 years being of sound mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of life do make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament.
First: It is my will that all my just debts shall be fully paid and discharged:
Second: I give, devise, and bequeath to my beloved wife Maggie B. Keefer all the residue of my Estate, both real and personal of which I may die, seized or proposed for her sole use and benefit forever. And upon the decease of my said wife, or in the event of her marriage, it is my will that all my Estate both real and personal and the proceeds thereof at that time remaining unsold or unexpended shall be Vested in and belong to my Children. If any then living share and share alike: if no Child or Children or descendants of Child or Children of mine are living at the time of the marriage or decease, as the case may be, of my said widow then in that case it is my will that William Keefer, Mary Keefer, and Rebecca Keefer, children of my brother William W. Keefer of the City of Philadelphia and the Survivors of them shall take hold own and enjoy whatever of my said Estate may remain not expended at the time of the death or marriage of my said wife and I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said wife Maggie B. Keefer sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills made by me.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the 9th day of January, AD 1873
Geo D Keefer
(Seal).
=================================
George Daniel was able to accumulate a good fortune, return to Philadelphia for his marriage to Margaret in 1866 and bring her back to the mansion he had built for her that same year in Macomb. Only thirteen years later, 1879, he was dead of consumption, as the cemetery records indicate.
===================================
The following article appeared in the McDonough Times, Macomb, Illinois, July 14, 1960 about the George D. Keefer home:
"Its cost, I am told was $15,000 and native woods, walnut and bird's eye maple were beautifully used throughout. It was his greatest annoyance that the narrow gauge road to Littleton ran in front of his mansion." It was
==============================
An article from the Journal, Macomb, in August 1967, when the house was razed:
"The large 11 room, three story house at 120 Johnson St., was once one of Macomb's finest homes. It sold at auction for $150. (to Mrs. George Swisegood of near Colchester). It had, in addition to its 11 rooms, six bathrooms, four marble fireplaces and beautiful ornate walnut woodwork. Contractors have estimated that there is enough material in the house to build three average sized homes by today's dimensions and would cost as much as $100,000 to build at today's prices. One of the most attractive features is the long winding staircase. It, too, is of walnut."
===========================
From Robert Alan Keefer's book (1974):
I with several others from the university in De Kalb drove to Macomb in the spring of 1958. As we turned off the main street from th north onto Carroll, I could see the gables of the George D. Keefer home rising above the surrounding nondescript buildings. It was situated several blocks northwest of the Square on the southeast corner of Johnson and Carroll streets. When I took slides of it on that day, it still had its big front porch with the fancy railings and posts; a garage for used cars stands where the lawn, garden, and pool once had been.
From the north side of the house the windows of the big kitchen in the basement could be seen. This kitchen was connected with the dining room above by a dumb waiter. Later I went on to the front porch to the front door, looked into the spacious front hall with the walnut woodwork and the curving stairway, also of walnut, which swept around at the left. At the time of my visit, the house had been divided into numerous apartments; hence I couldn't get into the rooms to see the fireplaces of Italian marble, which, Ruth Keefer-Stocker wrote me, were sold when the house was razed, a sad end for a house that had meant so much to Macomb and which Macomb will someday regret.
As we left town going north, I stopped in Oakwood Cemetery with the hope of finding the graves of George and Margaret but could find nothing. Not until November 3, 1972, was I able to find them with John Stocker's help on the day of the funeral of Ruth Keefer-Stocker. The stone reads, "George D. Keefer died July 15, 1879 aged 47 years." Underneath is the text, "Death is eternal life..." ." Margaret is buried on George's right.
In Macomb the pharmacy that George Daniel founded on the northwest corner of the Square continued to prosper.
===============================
For a more complete family history, you can click on Richard Alan Keefer. His bio contains a 50 page book that goes into depth on this family.
"George Keefer was a native of Clear Spring, Washington county, Maryland, and was born July 25, 1832, being the son of George and Susan (Fogwell) Keefer. After reaching his majority, he left his native city, and went to Dayton, Ohio, where for one year he clerked for Detrich & Oldin, wholesale druggists. While there he laid the foundation of a strict business life. In 1854, he removed to Canton, Illinois, and engaged in the drug business with his father, under the firm name of Keefer & Son, which partnership continued until 1861, at which time George retired from the firm, and immediately proceeded to look up a location. He traveled through Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, and finally chose Macomb as the most eligible locality. Here he established himself in business, his capital being very meagre, in fact, the capital with which he bought the first bill of goods was furnished by a brother-in-law, who put in $1,000 against Mr. Keefer's time and experience. The business was conducted under the name of George D. Keefer, who, three years later, bought out the interest of his silent partner, and continued the business alone until the winter of 1866-67, at which time John M. Keefer became a partner, and the firm was styled Geo. D. Keefer & Brother. This partnership existed until July 14,1879, when George D. departed this life. To no man is Macomb more indebted than to Mr. Keefer, for to him is due the credit that Macomb has the handsomest and most tastefully arranged business houses of any city of its size in the state – he making the first grand departure from the old style, by fitting up his store in a most beautiful and attractive manner, and soon after other business houses followed in the wake. He was possessed of most wonderful will power, and remained actively engaged in business almost up to the day of his death, although for the last year and a half of his life he was hardly able to walk. While in such poor health he also superintended the building of his residence, which is the handsomest in the city of Macomb. He was possessed of excellent business qualities, was a thorough master of the drug profession, and at his death left a competence for his widowed wife and children. George D. Keefer and Maggie B. Stenson, of Philadelphia, were united in marriage in November, 1866. They had seven children born to them, four of whom were left to a mother's care – George, Henry, Frank and Fred."
=====================
From The History of McDonough County, pages 1024-5:
"The popular drug store now conducted in Macomb, by John M. Keefer, was opened in 1861 by George D. Keefer in company with a brother-in-law as a silent partner, but three years later George D. bought out the interest of his partner, and continued the business alone until the winter of 1866-67, when John M. Keefer, bought an interest, the firm name becoming George D. Keefer and Brother. The partnership continued until the death of the senior member occurred, which was on the 14th day of July, 1879."
From The History of McDonough County, p. 1143:
"To no man is Macomb more indebted than to Mr. Keefer, for to him is due the credit that Macomb has the handsomest and most tastefully arranged business houses of any city of its size in the state, he making the first grand departure from the old style, by fitting up his store in a most beautiful and attractive manner, and soon after other business houses followed in the wake. He was possessed of the most wonderful will power, and remained actively engaged in business almost up to the day of his death, although for the last year and a half of his life he was hardly able to walk. While in such poor health he also superintended the building of his residence, which is the handsomest in the city of Macomb. He was possessed of excellent business qualities, was a thorough master of the drug profession, and at his death left a competence for his widowed wife and children. George D. Keefer and Maggie B. Stinson, of Philadelphia, were united in marriage in November, 1866. They had seven children born to them, four of whom were left to a mother's care - George, Harry, Frank and Fred."
=================================
George Daniel Keefer's will from the Courthouse records of Macomb:
George D. Keefer of the City of Macomb in the County of McDonough and State of Illinois of the age of 41 years being of sound mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of life do make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament.
First: It is my will that all my just debts shall be fully paid and discharged:
Second: I give, devise, and bequeath to my beloved wife Maggie B. Keefer all the residue of my Estate, both real and personal of which I may die, seized or proposed for her sole use and benefit forever. And upon the decease of my said wife, or in the event of her marriage, it is my will that all my Estate both real and personal and the proceeds thereof at that time remaining unsold or unexpended shall be Vested in and belong to my Children. If any then living share and share alike: if no Child or Children or descendants of Child or Children of mine are living at the time of the marriage or decease, as the case may be, of my said widow then in that case it is my will that William Keefer, Mary Keefer, and Rebecca Keefer, children of my brother William W. Keefer of the City of Philadelphia and the Survivors of them shall take hold own and enjoy whatever of my said Estate may remain not expended at the time of the death or marriage of my said wife and I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said wife Maggie B. Keefer sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills made by me.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the 9th day of January, AD 1873
Geo D Keefer
(Seal).
=================================
George Daniel was able to accumulate a good fortune, return to Philadelphia for his marriage to Margaret in 1866 and bring her back to the mansion he had built for her that same year in Macomb. Only thirteen years later, 1879, he was dead of consumption, as the cemetery records indicate.
===================================
The following article appeared in the McDonough Times, Macomb, Illinois, July 14, 1960 about the George D. Keefer home:
"Its cost, I am told was $15,000 and native woods, walnut and bird's eye maple were beautifully used throughout. It was his greatest annoyance that the narrow gauge road to Littleton ran in front of his mansion." It was
==============================
An article from the Journal, Macomb, in August 1967, when the house was razed:
"The large 11 room, three story house at 120 Johnson St., was once one of Macomb's finest homes. It sold at auction for $150. (to Mrs. George Swisegood of near Colchester). It had, in addition to its 11 rooms, six bathrooms, four marble fireplaces and beautiful ornate walnut woodwork. Contractors have estimated that there is enough material in the house to build three average sized homes by today's dimensions and would cost as much as $100,000 to build at today's prices. One of the most attractive features is the long winding staircase. It, too, is of walnut."
===========================
From Robert Alan Keefer's book (1974):
I with several others from the university in De Kalb drove to Macomb in the spring of 1958. As we turned off the main street from th north onto Carroll, I could see the gables of the George D. Keefer home rising above the surrounding nondescript buildings. It was situated several blocks northwest of the Square on the southeast corner of Johnson and Carroll streets. When I took slides of it on that day, it still had its big front porch with the fancy railings and posts; a garage for used cars stands where the lawn, garden, and pool once had been.
From the north side of the house the windows of the big kitchen in the basement could be seen. This kitchen was connected with the dining room above by a dumb waiter. Later I went on to the front porch to the front door, looked into the spacious front hall with the walnut woodwork and the curving stairway, also of walnut, which swept around at the left. At the time of my visit, the house had been divided into numerous apartments; hence I couldn't get into the rooms to see the fireplaces of Italian marble, which, Ruth Keefer-Stocker wrote me, were sold when the house was razed, a sad end for a house that had meant so much to Macomb and which Macomb will someday regret.
As we left town going north, I stopped in Oakwood Cemetery with the hope of finding the graves of George and Margaret but could find nothing. Not until November 3, 1972, was I able to find them with John Stocker's help on the day of the funeral of Ruth Keefer-Stocker. The stone reads, "George D. Keefer died July 15, 1879 aged 47 years." Underneath is the text, "Death is eternal life..." ." Margaret is buried on George's right.
In Macomb the pharmacy that George Daniel founded on the northwest corner of the Square continued to prosper.
===============================
For a more complete family history, you can click on Richard Alan Keefer. His bio contains a 50 page book that goes into depth on this family.
From McDonough GenWeb, History, Chapter 40 - The City of Macomb, Part 2:
"George Keefer was a native of Clear Spring, Washington county, Maryland, and was born July 25, 1832, being the son of George and Susan (Fogwell) Keefer. After reaching his majority, he left his native city, and went to Dayton, Ohio, where for one year he clerked for Detrich & Oldin, wholesale druggists. While there he laid the foundation of a strict business life. In 1854, he removed to Canton, Illinois, and engaged in the drug business with his father, under the firm name of Keefer & Son, which partnership continued until 1861, at which time George retired from the firm, and immediately proceeded to look up a location. He traveled through Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, and finally chose Macomb as the most eligible locality. Here he established himself in business, his capital being very meagre, in fact, the capital with which he bought the first bill of goods was furnished by a brother-in-law, who put in $1,000 against Mr. Keefer's time and experience. The business was conducted under the name of George D. Keefer, who, three years later, bought out the interest of his silent partner, and continued the business alone until the winter of 1866-67, at which time John M. Keefer became a partner, and the firm was styled Geo. D. Keefer & Brother. This partnership existed until July 14,1879, when George D. departed this life. To no man is Macomb more indebted than to Mr. Keefer, for to him is due the credit that Macomb has the handsomest and most tastefully arranged business houses of any city of its size in the state – he making the first grand departure from the old style, by fitting up his store in a most beautiful and attractive manner, and soon after other business houses followed in the wake. He was possessed of most wonderful will power, and remained actively engaged in business almost up to the day of his death, although for the last year and a half of his life he was hardly able to walk. While in such poor health he also superintended the building of his residence, which is the handsomest in the city of Macomb. He was possessed of excellent business qualities, was a thorough master of the drug profession, and at his death left a competence for his widowed wife and children. George D. Keefer and Maggie B. Stenson, of Philadelphia, were united in marriage in November, 1866. They had seven children born to them, four of whom were left to a mother's care – George, Henry, Frank and Fred."
=====================
From The History of McDonough County, pages 1024-5:
"The popular drug store now conducted in Macomb, by John M. Keefer, was opened in 1861 by George D. Keefer in company with a brother-in-law as a silent partner, but three years later George D. bought out the interest of his partner, and continued the business alone until the winter of 1866-67, when John M. Keefer, bought an interest, the firm name becoming George D. Keefer and Brother. The partnership continued until the death of the senior member occurred, which was on the 14th day of July, 1879."
From The History of McDonough County, p. 1143:
"To no man is Macomb more indebted than to Mr. Keefer, for to him is due the credit that Macomb has the handsomest and most tastefully arranged business houses of any city of its size in the state, he making the first grand departure from the old style, by fitting up his store in a most beautiful and attractive manner, and soon after other business houses followed in the wake. He was possessed of the most wonderful will power, and remained actively engaged in business almost up to the day of his death, although for the last year and a half of his life he was hardly able to walk. While in such poor health he also superintended the building of his residence, which is the handsomest in the city of Macomb. He was possessed of excellent business qualities, was a thorough master of the drug profession, and at his death left a competence for his widowed wife and children. George D. Keefer and Maggie B. Stinson, of Philadelphia, were united in marriage in November, 1866. They had seven children born to them, four of whom were left to a mother's care - George, Harry, Frank and Fred."
=================================
George Daniel Keefer's will from the Courthouse records of Macomb:
George D. Keefer of the City of Macomb in the County of McDonough and State of Illinois of the age of 41 years being of sound mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of life do make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament.
First: It is my will that all my just debts shall be fully paid and discharged:
Second: I give, devise, and bequeath to my beloved wife Maggie B. Keefer all the residue of my Estate, both real and personal of which I may die, seized or proposed for her sole use and benefit forever. And upon the decease of my said wife, or in the event of her marriage, it is my will that all my Estate both real and personal and the proceeds thereof at that time remaining unsold or unexpended shall be Vested in and belong to my Children. If any then living share and share alike: if no Child or Children or descendants of Child or Children of mine are living at the time of the marriage or decease, as the case may be, of my said widow then in that case it is my will that William Keefer, Mary Keefer, and Rebecca Keefer, children of my brother William W. Keefer of the City of Philadelphia and the Survivors of them shall take hold own and enjoy whatever of my said Estate may remain not expended at the time of the death or marriage of my said wife and I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said wife Maggie B. Keefer sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills made by me.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the 9th day of January, AD 1873
Geo D Keefer
(Seal).
=================================
George Daniel was able to accumulate a good fortune, return to Philadelphia for his marriage to Margaret in 1866 and bring her back to the mansion he had built for her that same year in Macomb. Only thirteen years later, 1879, he was dead of consumption, as the cemetery records indicate.
===================================
The following article appeared in the McDonough Times, Macomb, Illinois, July 14, 1960 about the George D. Keefer home:
"Its cost, I am told was $15,000 and native woods, walnut and bird's eye maple were beautifully used throughout. It was his greatest annoyance that the narrow gauge road to Littleton ran in front of his mansion." It was
==============================
An article from the Journal, Macomb, in August 1967, when the house was razed:
"The large 11 room, three story house at 120 Johnson St., was once one of Macomb's finest homes. It sold at auction for $150. (to Mrs. George Swisegood of near Colchester). It had, in addition to its 11 rooms, six bathrooms, four marble fireplaces and beautiful ornate walnut woodwork. Contractors have estimated that there is enough material in the house to build three average sized homes by today's dimensions and would cost as much as $100,000 to build at today's prices. One of the most attractive features is the long winding staircase. It, too, is of walnut."
===========================
From Robert Alan Keefer's book (1974):
I with several others from the university in De Kalb drove to Macomb in the spring of 1958. As we turned off the main street from th north onto Carroll, I could see the gables of the George D. Keefer home rising above the surrounding nondescript buildings. It was situated several blocks northwest of the Square on the southeast corner of Johnson and Carroll streets. When I took slides of it on that day, it still had its big front porch with the fancy railings and posts; a garage for used cars stands where the lawn, garden, and pool once had been.
From the north side of the house the windows of the big kitchen in the basement could be seen. This kitchen was connected with the dining room above by a dumb waiter. Later I went on to the front porch to the front door, looked into the spacious front hall with the walnut woodwork and the curving stairway, also of walnut, which swept around at the left. At the time of my visit, the house had been divided into numerous apartments; hence I couldn't get into the rooms to see the fireplaces of Italian marble, which, Ruth Keefer-Stocker wrote me, were sold when the house was razed, a sad end for a house that had meant so much to Macomb and which Macomb will someday regret.
As we left town going north, I stopped in Oakwood Cemetery with the hope of finding the graves of George and Margaret but could find nothing. Not until November 3, 1972, was I able to find them with John Stocker's help on the day of the funeral of Ruth Keefer-Stocker. The stone reads, "George D. Keefer died July 15, 1879 aged 47 years." Underneath is the text, "Death is eternal life..." ." Margaret is buried on George's right.
In Macomb the pharmacy that George Daniel founded on the northwest corner of the Square continued to prosper.
===============================
For a more complete family history, you can click on Richard Alan Keefer. His bio contains a 50 page book that goes into depth on this family.
"George Keefer was a native of Clear Spring, Washington county, Maryland, and was born July 25, 1832, being the son of George and Susan (Fogwell) Keefer. After reaching his majority, he left his native city, and went to Dayton, Ohio, where for one year he clerked for Detrich & Oldin, wholesale druggists. While there he laid the foundation of a strict business life. In 1854, he removed to Canton, Illinois, and engaged in the drug business with his father, under the firm name of Keefer & Son, which partnership continued until 1861, at which time George retired from the firm, and immediately proceeded to look up a location. He traveled through Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, and finally chose Macomb as the most eligible locality. Here he established himself in business, his capital being very meagre, in fact, the capital with which he bought the first bill of goods was furnished by a brother-in-law, who put in $1,000 against Mr. Keefer's time and experience. The business was conducted under the name of George D. Keefer, who, three years later, bought out the interest of his silent partner, and continued the business alone until the winter of 1866-67, at which time John M. Keefer became a partner, and the firm was styled Geo. D. Keefer & Brother. This partnership existed until July 14,1879, when George D. departed this life. To no man is Macomb more indebted than to Mr. Keefer, for to him is due the credit that Macomb has the handsomest and most tastefully arranged business houses of any city of its size in the state – he making the first grand departure from the old style, by fitting up his store in a most beautiful and attractive manner, and soon after other business houses followed in the wake. He was possessed of most wonderful will power, and remained actively engaged in business almost up to the day of his death, although for the last year and a half of his life he was hardly able to walk. While in such poor health he also superintended the building of his residence, which is the handsomest in the city of Macomb. He was possessed of excellent business qualities, was a thorough master of the drug profession, and at his death left a competence for his widowed wife and children. George D. Keefer and Maggie B. Stenson, of Philadelphia, were united in marriage in November, 1866. They had seven children born to them, four of whom were left to a mother's care – George, Henry, Frank and Fred."
=====================
From The History of McDonough County, pages 1024-5:
"The popular drug store now conducted in Macomb, by John M. Keefer, was opened in 1861 by George D. Keefer in company with a brother-in-law as a silent partner, but three years later George D. bought out the interest of his partner, and continued the business alone until the winter of 1866-67, when John M. Keefer, bought an interest, the firm name becoming George D. Keefer and Brother. The partnership continued until the death of the senior member occurred, which was on the 14th day of July, 1879."
From The History of McDonough County, p. 1143:
"To no man is Macomb more indebted than to Mr. Keefer, for to him is due the credit that Macomb has the handsomest and most tastefully arranged business houses of any city of its size in the state, he making the first grand departure from the old style, by fitting up his store in a most beautiful and attractive manner, and soon after other business houses followed in the wake. He was possessed of the most wonderful will power, and remained actively engaged in business almost up to the day of his death, although for the last year and a half of his life he was hardly able to walk. While in such poor health he also superintended the building of his residence, which is the handsomest in the city of Macomb. He was possessed of excellent business qualities, was a thorough master of the drug profession, and at his death left a competence for his widowed wife and children. George D. Keefer and Maggie B. Stinson, of Philadelphia, were united in marriage in November, 1866. They had seven children born to them, four of whom were left to a mother's care - George, Harry, Frank and Fred."
=================================
George Daniel Keefer's will from the Courthouse records of Macomb:
George D. Keefer of the City of Macomb in the County of McDonough and State of Illinois of the age of 41 years being of sound mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of life do make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament.
First: It is my will that all my just debts shall be fully paid and discharged:
Second: I give, devise, and bequeath to my beloved wife Maggie B. Keefer all the residue of my Estate, both real and personal of which I may die, seized or proposed for her sole use and benefit forever. And upon the decease of my said wife, or in the event of her marriage, it is my will that all my Estate both real and personal and the proceeds thereof at that time remaining unsold or unexpended shall be Vested in and belong to my Children. If any then living share and share alike: if no Child or Children or descendants of Child or Children of mine are living at the time of the marriage or decease, as the case may be, of my said widow then in that case it is my will that William Keefer, Mary Keefer, and Rebecca Keefer, children of my brother William W. Keefer of the City of Philadelphia and the Survivors of them shall take hold own and enjoy whatever of my said Estate may remain not expended at the time of the death or marriage of my said wife and I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said wife Maggie B. Keefer sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills made by me.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the 9th day of January, AD 1873
Geo D Keefer
(Seal).
=================================
George Daniel was able to accumulate a good fortune, return to Philadelphia for his marriage to Margaret in 1866 and bring her back to the mansion he had built for her that same year in Macomb. Only thirteen years later, 1879, he was dead of consumption, as the cemetery records indicate.
===================================
The following article appeared in the McDonough Times, Macomb, Illinois, July 14, 1960 about the George D. Keefer home:
"Its cost, I am told was $15,000 and native woods, walnut and bird's eye maple were beautifully used throughout. It was his greatest annoyance that the narrow gauge road to Littleton ran in front of his mansion." It was
==============================
An article from the Journal, Macomb, in August 1967, when the house was razed:
"The large 11 room, three story house at 120 Johnson St., was once one of Macomb's finest homes. It sold at auction for $150. (to Mrs. George Swisegood of near Colchester). It had, in addition to its 11 rooms, six bathrooms, four marble fireplaces and beautiful ornate walnut woodwork. Contractors have estimated that there is enough material in the house to build three average sized homes by today's dimensions and would cost as much as $100,000 to build at today's prices. One of the most attractive features is the long winding staircase. It, too, is of walnut."
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From Robert Alan Keefer's book (1974):
I with several others from the university in De Kalb drove to Macomb in the spring of 1958. As we turned off the main street from th north onto Carroll, I could see the gables of the George D. Keefer home rising above the surrounding nondescript buildings. It was situated several blocks northwest of the Square on the southeast corner of Johnson and Carroll streets. When I took slides of it on that day, it still had its big front porch with the fancy railings and posts; a garage for used cars stands where the lawn, garden, and pool once had been.
From the north side of the house the windows of the big kitchen in the basement could be seen. This kitchen was connected with the dining room above by a dumb waiter. Later I went on to the front porch to the front door, looked into the spacious front hall with the walnut woodwork and the curving stairway, also of walnut, which swept around at the left. At the time of my visit, the house had been divided into numerous apartments; hence I couldn't get into the rooms to see the fireplaces of Italian marble, which, Ruth Keefer-Stocker wrote me, were sold when the house was razed, a sad end for a house that had meant so much to Macomb and which Macomb will someday regret.
As we left town going north, I stopped in Oakwood Cemetery with the hope of finding the graves of George and Margaret but could find nothing. Not until November 3, 1972, was I able to find them with John Stocker's help on the day of the funeral of Ruth Keefer-Stocker. The stone reads, "George D. Keefer died July 15, 1879 aged 47 years." Underneath is the text, "Death is eternal life..." ." Margaret is buried on George's right.
In Macomb the pharmacy that George Daniel founded on the northwest corner of the Square continued to prosper.
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For a more complete family history, you can click on Richard Alan Keefer. His bio contains a 50 page book that goes into depth on this family.
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George D. Keefer died July 15, 1879 aged 47 years
Death is eternal life
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