Umatilla-Statewide County OR Archives Biographies.....Keeney, James Maynard October 15, 1865 - September 19, 1923
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Ila L. Wakley iwakley@msn.com April 27, 2009, 5:24 pm

Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company

    JAMES MAYNARD KEENEY.  As a prosperous rancher and hotel owner James 
Maynard Keeney was widely and favorably known throughout Oregon and during the 
period of his residence in Portland he held a secure place in the esteem of 
its citizens. Of resolute purpose and marked strength of character, he 
surmounted obstacles and difficulties which would have thoroughly discouraged 
the average man and pressed steadily onward to the goal of success. He was 
born in Brownsville, Oregon, October 15, 1865. His father, Elias Keeney, 
crossed the plains in an early day and settled on a donation land claim near 
Brownsville.

     James M. Keeney was reared on the home farm where he remained until he 
reached the age of eighteen, experiencing many phases of pioneer life in 
western Oregon. For two years he was a student at the State University and 
next attended a business college in Portland. After the completion of his 
course he returned home and when he attained his majority was given one 
thousand dollars by his father. With this sum he purchased a flock of sheep in 
Arlington, Oregon, but lost most of them during the ensuing winter, which was 
unusually severe. After this venture he opened a livery stable in Arlington 
and also served as postmaster of the town. Later he entered mercantile circles 
of Portland, conducting a cigar store at First, and Yamhill streets, but 
through his partner lost the business. In addition he was burdened with a debt 
of eight thousand dollars, incurred through no fault of his, but by hard work 
and self-denial paid all of the creditors of the firm and started life anew. 
From 1893 until 1895 Mr. Keeney was variously employed. Soon after the Maine 
was sunk in Havana harbor he saw an opportunity to make money and took 
advantage of it. Leasing a large ranch, he became a breeder of horses, which 
he sold to the United States government, and was thus engaged for four years. 
During that time he was offered and accepted the management of a hotel at 
Shaniko, Oregon, and was so successful that he purchased the property soon 
afterward. For several years he conducted the business, and then went to Vale, 
Oregon, where he owned another hotel, which he operated successfully for seven 
years. Meanwhile he had joined J. N. Burgess in purchasing the Cunningham 
ranch at Pilot Rock and for eighteen years he was active in the cultivation 
and improvement of that tract. On disposing of his holdings in eastern Oregon, 
Mr. Keeney located in Portland and bought a cherry orchard of one hundred 
acres near Salem. In 1920 he sold his interests in the ranch. His death 
occurred September 19, 1923, when he was nearly fifty-eight years of age.  For 
years he fought a losing battle against disease but maintained his courageous 
spirit until the end, being a man of exceptional will power and determination.

     Mr. Keeney was married July 20, 1904, to Miss Elizabeth Matlock, a 
daughter of Tom J. and Mary E. Matlock. In 1853, when a child of three, Mrs. 
Keeney's father crossed the plains with his parents, who settled near Eugene, 
Oregon. In 1875 he removed to Heppner, Oregon, and embarked in the sheep 
business. During the great flood at Heppner in June, 1903, he was seriously 
injured and his wife was drowned. Their daughter Elizabeth fainted and thus 
narrowly escaped death by drowning.

    Mr. Keeney joined the Elks lodge of Pendleton but had few outside 
interests, as he loved his home, finding therein his greatest happiness. In 
matters of citizenship he was loyal and public-spirited, and his innate 
courtesy and kindness of heart endeared him to all with whom he was 
associated. He was a man of straightforward, honest character, broad-minded, 
unselfish and helpful, winning his way on earth and going out of the world 
worthy of that eternal life beyond.


Additional Comments:
History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Vol. II, 
Pages 570-573

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