BIO: Zachary KEATLEY, Huntingdon County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Denise Phillips Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************** __________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, page 117. __________________________________________________________________ ZACHARY KEATLEY, Franklinville, Huntingdon county, Pa., was born at the village of Oak Hall, Centre county, Pa., August 24, 1858. He was the son of Matthew G. and Rebecca (Ludwig) Keatley. Mr. Keatley's grandfather was of Irish descent. He taught school, and for many years before his death was justice of the peace of Centre county. His wife was of Scotch descent. Matthew G. Keatley, father of Zachary Keatley, was born in Centre county, Pa., in November, 1819. His childhood was spent in Center county. When he was ten years old his parents died. He learned plastering and worked at that trade until 1849, when, in company with Mr. Kendel, he started a woolen mill at Houserville, Centre county. This partnership continued for five years, when Mr. Kendel moved to Oak Hall, and rented Irving's woolen mill. Here he remained for five years, and then moved to Franklinville, and started a woolen mill on Spruce creek. He was a Republican, an active worker, eager for the success of his party. Mr. Keatley was ambitious and energetic, thoughtful for others, and ever ready to help those in distress. He died April 11, 1885, and is buried in Franklinville cemetery. As a good business man, his loss was felt by the entire community. His wife died April 7, 1887. Their children are: Edmund, employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at Altoona; Zachary, and Ida, wife of George B. White, of Newport, Perry county, Pa. When Zachary was four years old his parents moved to Franklin township, Huntingdon county. He attended the township schools until he was ten years old, when he entered his father's mill at Franklinville. He was so small that he was obliged to stand on a platform. Working in all departments, he acquired a thorough knowledge of the business, and when his father died in the spring of 1885 he took entire charge of the mill. In 1887 his mother died, and he formed a partnership with his brother Edmund, which lasted until the spring of 1888, when they closed the mill. Mr. Keatley set up a cider press in the building, and it has been used for that purpose ever since. In 1891 Mr. Keatley bought the homestead property of 599 acres, with a house and barn. In May, 1892, he was appointed postmaster of Franklinville, a position which he still holds. He has served as auditor and tax collector, and has been clerk of the township for many years. In 1896 he was appointed mercantile assessor for the year. Zachary Keatley was married in Juniata county, February, 1887, to Miss Hannah J. Hoke. Mrs. Keatley is a member of the Presbyterian church; her husband practices the teachings of the Golden Rule. Their children are: Matthew G.; and Nellie Gertrude.