David Charles McKeeman, Allen County Indiana Biography by Jane Anne Hunter Hodgson 21 May 1821 Born in Ballyoglaugh by Mosside, County Antrim, Ireland to William McKeeman 8 Feb 1850 Married Margaret McConahey at Croaghmore, County Antrim, Ireland,29 1850 Census Nil McKeeman New York State 1850's Church records Nil for Albany 1st Pres, 2nd Pres, 1st Meth, St. Peter's Epis. Nil for McKeeman baptisms 3 Apr 1851?Arrived in New York from Liverpool, age 30 Apr 1852 John born, Albany, NY, age 31 20 Jul 1853 Maria Catherine born, Albany, NY, age 32 8 Feb 1855 Margaret born, age 34 24 Jan 1856 Jennie born, age 35 1850-1858 Nil McKeeman Albany City Directory 1860 Census? Nil McKeeman New York State Move to Allen County, Madison Twp, NE Quarter Sec 29, N of Range 14, 40 acres, T 29 N, R 14 E, #18 SE, age 39 21 Oct 1860 Applied for Naturalization, Allen County, IN, age 39 30 Jan 1861 James born, Allen County, Hoagland, IN, age 40 1862 Nancy born, Allen County, Madison Twp, IN, age 41 27 Mar 1863 William born, Allen County, Madison Twp, IN, age 42 1 Jan 1864 Deed David McKeeman James English Book 12 Page 434 13 Mar 1865 Isobel born, Allen County, Madison Twp, IN, age 44 7 Apr 1867 Alexander born, Allen County, Hoagland, IN, age 46 15 Mar 1869 Ellen born, Allen County, Hoagland, IN, age 48 1870 Census, Allen Co, Madison Twp, IN age 49 8 Feb 1871 David C. born, Allen County, Hoagland, IN, age 50 27 Feb 1874 Robert Benjamin born, Allen Co, IN, age 53 23 Mar 1876 Son John died 24 May 1876 Died at farm in Hoagland, IN. Buried Odd Fellows Cemetery, New Haven, IN. Will File Box 301, No. 191, Apr 1882, age 55 ____________________________________________________ CHILDREN OF DAVID CHARLES MCKEEMAN & MARGARET MCCONAHEY MCKEEMAN 1. JOHN MCKEEMAN (29 Mar 1851 - 23 Mar 1876) 2. MARIA CATHERINE MCKEEMAN (20 Jul 1853 - 1918) m. William T. Wybourn 3. MARGARET MCKEEMAN (8 Feb 1855 - 1901) m. August Merillat 4. JENNIE MCKEEMAN (24 Jan 1856 - 24 Jul 1925) m. Henry F. Dauer 5. NANCY MCKEEMAN (1862 - 2 Dec 1938) m. Robert Mercer 6. ISOBEL MCKEEMAN (19 Dec 1864 - 2 Feb 1888) m. William W. Emmenhiser 7. JAMES MCKEEMAN (30 Nov 1860 - 20 Jan 1892) 8. WILLIAM M. MCKEEMAN (27 Mar 1863 - 30 Jul 1941) m. Minnie Jane Emerick 9. ALEXANDER MCKEEMAN (7 Apr 1867 - 25 Apr 1949) m. Emily Margaret Merillat 10. ELLEN ELIZA MCKEEMAN (15 Mar 1869 - 17 Feb 1927) m. William Essig 11. DAVID CHARLES MCKEEMAN (8 Feb 1871 - 13 Oct 1945) m. Almina Susan Chapman 12. ROBERT BENJAMIN MCKEEMAN (27 Feb 1874 - 4 Mar 1937) m. Susie May Hocker BIOGRAPHY The McKeeman Family by Jane Hunter Hodgson Robert Benjamin McKeeman was the yountest of 12 children born to David C. McKeeman and Margaret Ann McConahey McKeeman. David was born in County Antrim in Ireland on May 21, 1821. Margaret was born in the same Irish county near Bally o' Glaugh on September 9, 1829. The couple was married in Ireland and came to the United States sometime between 1850 and 1851. The marriage of David and Peggy Ann took place in Deffrick, County Antrim on the eighth of February 1850. Records of passage have not been located but it is assumed that the young couple came by way of New York because they first settled in the area of Albany. While in Albany, New York, John was born on May 1, 1852; Maria Catharine was born on July 20, 1853; Margaret was born in 1855; and Jennie was born on January 24, 1856. It was probably between these births that the family relocated to a farm near Hoagland, Indiana. David was a member of the republican party and the Presbyterian church. James was born on November 30, 1860; Nancy was born in 1862; William F. was bron on the 27th of March, 1863; Isobel was born March 13, 1865; Alexander was born on April 7, 1867; Ellen was born on March 15, 1869; David was born on February 12, 1871; and Robert Benjamin was born February 27, 1874, the final of 12 children. Margaret was 45 years of age when the last child was born, and David was 53. David died just two years later, but Margaret lived for another 20 years. _______________________________________________________ BIOGRAPHY DAVID AND MARGARET (MCCONAHEY) MCKEEMAN by Maryellen Larimore Hower David was born in Northern Ireland, 21 May 1821, son of William McKeeman. He married Margaret Ann (Peggy) McConachy, daughter of John McConachy, 8 February 1850 at Croaghmore Presbyterian Church, Ballintoy Parish, County Antrim. The marriage record shows David's occupation as farmer and his residence as Ballyoglough. Margaret, born 9 September 1829, was a resident of Deffrick. Both their fathers were farmers. Margaret's father, John, was present at the marriage. David was literate, as he signed the certificate. As was usual in those years in Ireland, daughters were not educated and Margaret signed with her mark, X. Research into available passenger lists has not shown when David and Margaret came to America. Their first child was born April 1851 in New York, according to the 1870 Indiana Census record. Immigration must have been between Feb 1850 and April 1851. They lived in the Albany, New York area for several years before migrating to Indiana. It can be assumed that they came to Indiana because Margaret's brother and two sisters had already settled in the Hoagland area by that time. Sisters Nancy Kerr had immigrated to America in 1843 and Isobel English in 1847. David and Margaret came to Indiana between 1853 and 1861. The 1870 Indiana Census lists their son, John, as born in New York and the rest of the children born in Indiana. The 1880 Census states (John dead and Catherine married) Margaret and Jennie as born in New York. How they traveled to Indiana can only be assumed. As they lived in New York, they could have gone by river and canal to Lake Ontario, thru Lake Erie to Toledo, then by river and Wabash & Erie Canal to Fort Wayne. If not by the Canal, then by wagon. If they came later, they could have traveled by railroad. They purchased land near Hoagland on arrival, and sold 40 acres to Conrad Miller in 1864. The 1875 Allen County Atlas shows they owned 160 acres. James and Isobel (McConahey) English owned 189 acres west of them. Hugh and Nancy (McConahey) Kerr owned 77 acres, southwest of them. John McConahey owned 116 acres immediately south of Hoagland. David and Margaret's oldest child, John, born April 1851, died by drowning 23 March 1876. He is buried IOOF Cemetery, New Haven, Indiana. On 24 May 1876, two months after John's death, David McKeeman died. He is buried IOOF Cemetery, New Haven, Ind. Margaret was left with 10 children at home, the youngest, Robert only 2 years old. The 1880 Indiana Census states 9 children still at home. James, 17 years old, William, 15 years old and Alexander, 12 years old worked on the farm. Also listed is Stephan McConaha, laborer, age 25, born Ohio, parents born Ireland and Ohio. Stephan must have been Margaret's nephew, son of John McConahey. David died intestate and in 1882, the heirs applied to the Allen County Circuit Court for permission to sell land of value $1700 to pay debts of the estate. At that time there were 7 minor children. Margaret died 9 September 1894. She is buried IOOF Cemetery, New Haven, Indiana. Her will was probated 20 March 1896. It is probable that Gaelic was spoken in the home. Margaret Kerr, daughter of Nancy McConahey Kerr, and neice of Margaret McKeeman, was not allowed to attend school in Hoagland in 1851 until she could speak English. ____________________________________________________ MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE (age 29) Marriage Certificate Page 607 Registrar's District of Ballycastle 1850 Marriage solemnized at Croaghmore in the Parish of Ballintoy in the Co. Antrim February 8th, 1850; David McKeeman m Peggy Anne McConachy; He full age; She full age; Bachelor; Spinster; He Farmer; He Ballyoglaugh; She Deffrick; His father William McKeeman, Farmer; Her father John McConachy, Farmer Married in the Croaghmore Meeting House according to the Form and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church by Licence by me. ________________ This Marriage was solemnized between us, David McKeeman, Peggy Anne McConachy Her Mark X, in the Presence of us, John McConachy, Richard Mulock ______________________________________________ APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION (age 39) United States of America State of Indiana County of Allen Be it Known That on the 20 day of October A.D. 1860 personally appeared in the Allen Circuit Court before the Clerk thereof David MCKEEMAN an alien and reports himself for NATURALIZATION, and being duly sworn on oath declares that he is a native of Ireland aged about 33 years, and signs allegiance to Victoria Queen of Great Britain Ireland that he emigrated thence, embarked at Liverpool and arrived at New York in the United States on the 3 day of April A.D. 1861?, and that it is bona fide his intention to reside in and become a citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever All Allegiance and Fidelity to every Foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatever, and particularly to ______. Sworn to and subscribed the 21 day of October 1860. David McKeeman In Testimony Whereof, I.D.G. Nelson, Clerk of the Allen Circuit Court, hereunto set my name, and affix the Seal of said Court this 21 day of October 1860. I.D.G. Nelson, Clerk __________________________________________________________________ DEED (age 43) Deed Record This Indenture Witnesseth that David McKeeman and Margart McKeeman his wife of Allen County in the State of Indiana convey and warrant to Conrad Miller of Allen County in the State of Indiana for the sum of eight hundred dollars the following REAL ESTATE in Madison Township Allen County in the State of Indiana to wit: The west half of the East half of the North East Quarter of Section Twenty nine Township in Twenty Nine (29) North of Range fourteen (14) containing forty acres . In witness thereof, The said David McKeeman and Margart McKeeman hereunto set their hands and seals this twelvth day of April 1864 David McKeeman Margaret McKeeman x her mark State of Indiana, Allen County, Sct: Before me: Arnold Smith Justice of the Peace in and for said County this Twevth day of April 1864 personally came the above named David McKeeman & Margaret McKeeman and acknowledged the execution of the annexed Deed. Witness, my hand and prect Seal Arnold Smith I certify that the Deed of which the above and foregoing is a true ___________________________________________________________________ CITY HISTORY A Pictorial History of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He (Robert Mercer) was married on February 28, 1876, to Miss Nancy McKeeman, daughter of DAvid C. and Marguerite (McConahey) McKeeman, who came from Ireland and who were well-to-do farmers of Hoagland, now both deceased. They were the parents of twelve children, named John, Catherine, Margaret, Jennie, Nancy, Belle, James, William, Alexander, David C., Ella, and Robert B. ___________________________________________________________________ 1860 FEDERAL CENSUS ___________________________________________________________________ 1870 FEDERAL CENSUS 1870 Census Allen County, Madison Township, IN David MCKEEMAN 49 Farmer Ireland (age 49) Margaret 37 Ireland John 19 NY Catherine 16 IN Margaret 14 IN Jane 11 IN Nancy 9 IN James 7 IN William 6 IN Isobel 5 IN W.M. 4 IN Eliza 1 IN ___________________________________________________________________ 1880 FEDERAL CENSUS 1880 Census, Madison Township, Allen County, Indiana Margaret McKeeman F 45 Head House Ireland Margaret F 23 D NY Ire Ire Jennie F 21 D SchoolNY Ire Ire James M 17 S Farm IN Ire Ire Wm. M 15 S Farm IN Ire Ire Isabelle F 13 D Home IN Ire Ire Alexander M 12 S Farm IN Ire Ire Eliza E. F 10 D Home IN Ire Ire David C. M 8 S IN Ire Ire Robert B. M 6 S IN Ire Ire Stephan McConaha M 25 LaborerOH Ire OH ______________________________________________________________________ ____ ESTATE OF DAVID MCKEEMAN DOED 1876 State of Indiana File Box 301 Allen County Jennie Dauer Jennie A. McKeeman Administratrix of the Estate of David McKeeman, Deceased Margaret S. McKeeman, Sr. Jennie McKeeman now Jennie Dower Maria C. Whyburn Allen Circuit Margaret McKeeman Court Nancy Mercer James McKeeman William McKeeman Isabel B. McKeeman Alexander McKeeman Eliza E. McKeeman April 1882 Trus David C. McKeeman Robert B. McKeeman The above names Plaintiff complains of above named defendants & says, that David McKeeman, died intestate May 23, 1876, seized in fee of the following real Estate, among ohters, actuate in Allen County, Indiana, viz: The South East quarter of South East quarter, Section 18, Township 29, Range 14 East, which as per inventory and appraisement heretofor filed is of the value of $700.00, Exclusive of lieus; that there are no heirs in same that then is no personal estate of said decedent has come into your administrative hands - that the amount of claims filed & allowed are as follows: William Muldthorn, May 20, 1881 $100.00 Margaret McKeeman Nov 29, 1881 275.00 which are unpaid, besides $100. still due in widow $500. and costs & attorneys fees herein - that these are general debts against the estate - that said decedent left as his heirs & legal representatives, Margaret A. McKeeman, his widow, Margaret McKeeman, Maria C. Whyburn (formerly Maria C. McKeeman), Nancy Mercer (formerly Nancy McKeeman), Jennie Dower, (formerly Jennie McKeeman), James McKeeman, William McKeeman, Isabel B. McKeeman, Alexander McKeeman, Eliza E. McKeeman, David C. McKeeman & Robert B. McKeeman, of whom James McKeeman, William McKeeman, Isabel B. McKeeman, Alexander McKeeman, Eliza E. McKeeman, David C. McKeeman, & Robert B. McKeeman are minors under the age of twenty one years - that the Real Estate here described is liable to be made assets for the payment of said indebtedness and your advisors natix further shows, that said appointment herein she has witnessed with Henry Dower, who has filed his cesestrat for your petition to act Jennie Dower seal Subscribed & sworn to this 14th day of March 1882 Bayless Swift Notary Public Exhibit A The Estate of David McKeeman to Margaret McKeeman To money paid for the benefit of said estate & on debts as said estate to wit: 1. David McKeeman to McCoy & Co. Merchandize $23.29 2. " " to W Jacobs & Son " 41.25 3. " " to Geo Brewer Borrowed money 98.00 4. " " to Griebel Son Merchandize 23.00 5. " " to Bowman et al (For Saving) 15.00 6. " " to Jacob Kline Merchandixe 10.00 7. " " to J. English Funeral Expenses 22.00 8. " " to M. Hoffman Funeral Expenses 20.00 9. " " to B McIntish Funeral Expenses 10.00 10. " " to Kauff & Mitch Shingles 40.00 11. " " to Chris Miller Sawing 20.00 12. " " to Brattimiller Wagon 90.00 13. " " to Doc Olds Physician's Services 8.00 14. " " to Doc Gornll Physician's Service25.00 15. " " to B. Neizle 170.00 _______ 615.54 That said moneys were paid out by the said Margaret McKeeman within the past three years. ____________________________________________ CEMETERY Odd Fellows Cemetery at New Haven, Indiana David McKeeman d May 24, 1876 aged 55 y _______________________________________________ Submitted by; Jane Hunter Hodgson Tucson, Arizona ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Jane Hunter Hodgson< hodgson@pop.azstarnet.com > (© 1997 Jane Hunter Hodgson)