BIO: Sidney A. KEEFER, Huntingdon County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Denise Phillips

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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, pages 119-120.
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  SIDNEY A. KEEFER, Birmingham, Huntingdon county, Pa., was born in 
Warrior's Mark township, Huntingdon county, December 12, 1867.  He is a 
son of Joseph and Rebecca (Chamberlain) Keefer.  His father, Joseph 
Keefer, was born in Fulton county, Pa., 1829.  His parents moved to 
Spruce Creek, where he was educated and learned wagon-making, at which 
he worked for some years.  Mr. Keefer was a member of the Democratic 
party; he never sought office.  He married Rebecca Chamberlain, of 
Warrior's Mark township, and settled in Franklin township.  He died in 
Warrior's Mark township in August, 1894.  Mrs. Keefer is still living.  
Their children are:  William W., who learned watchmaking, but now 
manufactures mineral water at Lancaster, Pa.; Francis, member of P. O. 
S. of A., and merchant in Ironsfield; Mary (Mrs. John Riley), of 
Altoona, Pa.; Ella, wife of Dr. Fickes, of Tyrone; Sidney A.; Warren 
J., and Carl.
  Sidney A. Keefer received his education in the public schools of Eden 
Valley, Warriors Mark township.  At the age of fourteen, he began to 
contribute towards the support of the family, commencing work at the 
ore banks as a mule driver for seventy-five cents a day.  His ability 
was rewarded by an advance to one dollar a day.  After some years Mr. 
Keefer turned his attention to contracting, to loading cars, etc.  He 
next went to work in a stone quarry, receiving seventy-five cents a day 
for the first month, eighty for the second, and afterwards one dollar 
and fifteen cents per day.  At intervals he worked for farmers.  When 
bridge No. 7 was being constructed, Mr. Keefer was made night-watchman.  
Just before the bridge was completed in February, 1889, he was 
appointed superintendent of the Keystone limestone quarry, which 
position he still holds.