Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Keir, James 1830 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 5, 2007, 6:26 pm Author: Portraits & Bio Sketches, 1890 JAMES KEIR. Our country is indebted to the lands across the sea for many worthy citizens, and a high place should be accorded the Scotch, who are ever industrious, frugal and strictly honest. The sturdy virtues seem highly developed in all dwellers in mountainous regions and it is easy to trace a comparison between the rugged hills and the men who inhabit them. The Scotch character not only possesses these sterner traits, but is adorned with domestic virtues, as the landscape is by the blossoms of the heather and gorse, and the devotion to home and kindred is frequently so strongly manifested as to cause thoughtless remarks regarding the "clannishness" of the Scotch. Clannish they may be in their love for those of their own blood, but this does not prevent their appreciation of and love for all that is worthy in those about them, and their manifestation of kindness of heart to all in need. The subject of this sketch is a fine representative of the race which has produced a Bruce, a Wallace and a Burns, and a worthy descendant of two good families. His father, Alexander Keir, left his native land in 1852 to make a home in America, being followed in a few months by his wife, who had borne the maiden name of Catherine McNeil. Two years were spent by them in New York City where their son was already residing, and they then came to Illinois. Settlement being made on a farm in Joliet Township, this county, they spent the remainder of their days here. Their family consisted of twelve children, the subject of this sketch being the second. The natal day of James Keir was April 27, 1830, and his birthplace, Perthshire, Scotland. He grew to manhood there, improving his time by gaining information which would fit him for usefulness and a knowledge of work which would be available in his future life. In the spring of 1851 he crossed the briny deep and, landing in New York, found employment as a stone-cutter. In that city he remained until 1854, when with his father's family he came West, finding employment for five years in Chicago at the same occupation in which he had previously been engaged. He then settled on the homestead in this county, where he has since resided, giving his attention to farming. Beginning in life without means Mr. Keir has secured a competency, now owning two hundred and eighty acres in Joliet Township, two hundred acres in Jackson Township, and four hundred and fifty acres in Manhattan Township. The home farm is made attractive by an excellent set of farm buildings, including every necessary and convenient arrangement which will further the work of the estate and add to the comfort of the occupants. The other land owned by Mr. Keir is also well improved and valuable. The possession of a large amount of real estate is one of the best monuments to the zeal and thrift of our subject, whose life affords a striking example of the success which may be won by persistence. Mr. Keir chose for his companion in life a lady of his own land and name, and amid the scenery of Scotland in September, 1861, he was united in marriage with Ellen Keir, who shared his fortunes until June 20, 1876, when she was called from time to eternity. Mrs. Keir was a notable housewife, an affectionate and devoted mother, and a wife whose price was far above rubies. She bore her husband seven children, all yet living but George, the youngest, who died in infancy. Agnes is now the wife of Charles Richards; Alexanders a farmer in Jackson Township; Catherine is the wife of Robert Morrison, of Joliet; Ellen, James and David, yet remain under the parental roof. The office of School Director has been held by Mr. Keir, his work therein having been acceptable to the patrons of the school and creditable to himself. In politics he generally acts with the Republican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also his wife, and he carries out in his daily life the principles of his faith, winning respect and gaining good will. Additional Comments: Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/keir527gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/ File size: 4.8 Kb