MICHAEL C. KEATING.

Michael C. Keating, a retired farmer residing in Pecatonica, is a native of the Emerald isle, and in his life has displayed many of the sterling characteristics of the Celtic race, including the ready adaptability and unfailing enterprise which have been strong elements in the success of the sons of Erin.

He was born in Oueen's county. Ireland, October 3. 1846, andwas educated in Westchester county, New York, and in the schools of Rockford. He came to America in March, 1848, with his parents, James and Winifred (Brannon) Keating. They were eight weeks in crossing the Atlantic to America, as passengers on a sailing vessel, which dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. Michael Keating was then about a year and a half old, and the family lived in Westchester county for five years, after which they removed to Oswego county. New York, where they spent a year. Three children had been born in Ireland and three more children were added to the family in the Empire state

In 1834 the parents left New York, made their way by boat to Detroit, Michigan, thence by canal to Chicago, and on by rail to Elgin. For a year the family home was maintained between Rockbridge and Elgin, and the father laid the track for the Fox River road and also worked on the old St. Charles Air Line. In the spring of 1855 he removed to Rockford, living in the city for four years, working on the water power. He then came to Pecatonica on the 27th of July, 1859, and purchased a small lot on the north side of the river, after which he at once began to clear his land. There was a log house on the place in whch he and his family took up their abode. They had lost one daughter, Mary, while living in Rockford, and the youngest daughter, Margaret, died here in 1859. The father added to his land from time to time as his financial resources increased until he had about three hundred acres, constituting a valuable property. He was one of the early pioneer settlers of the county, industrious and honest, and he enjoyed the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He died at the age of seventy-two years and three months, while his wife passed away when about eighty-seven years of age. He and all his family were communicants of the Catholic church.

Michael C. Keating accompanied his parents on their various removals and lived with them until they were called to the home beyond He worked upon the home farm after coming to Winnebago county until the age of thirteen years, when he began earning his own living by working as a farm hand in the neighborhood by the day and month. He was employed by Samuel Derwent for two years, after which, in 1863, he began farming on his own account, and was thus engaged until 1864, when he could no longer content himself to remain at home while the Union was in peril, and enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Forty -sixth Illinois Infantry. as a private. He was enrolled in the month of August, and went to Camp Butler. at Springfield, where he received his uniform. He then went to Brighton, Macoupin county, where the troops were drilled until ordered to Alton on provost duty, remaining there for about three months. They next went to Peoria on provost duty, Mr. Keating being there with nine others of his company. Later he returned to Springfield, and on to Cairo, where he was on guard duty for about two months. He was next sent to New Orleans by boat to take parolled prisoners to the south, and was in that city when the rebel ram ran the blockade. He afterward returned to Cairo, leaving there upon the day that President Lincoln was assassinated—April 14, 1865, when he re­ ported at Camp Yates, in Springfield, being mustered out there July 8, 1865.

Returning to his home, Mr. Keating engaged in farming again, and in connection with his father purchased land and carried on general agricultural pursuits. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he wedded Miss Ellen Kennedy, to whom he was married June 10, 1879. Her parents were Patrick and Ellen Kennedy, both natives of Ireland. The mother was twice married, having two children by her second marriage, but Mrs. Keating was the only child of the first marriage. Her second husband was Michael Russell, who is now living in Rockford. Mr. Kennedy died in 1854, while the mother of Mrs. Keating passed away in 1878. They were early settlers of Winnebago county, and arrived here in the '50s. Mr. and Mrs. Keating have two children, a son and daughter : James W., born February 5, 1880, and Mary, born January 30, 1881. The wife and mother passed away November 10, 1883, and her remains were interred in the Irish Grove cemetery.

The daughter Mary is now acting as her father's housekeeper, and they have a pleasant home in the village of Pecatonica. The son, James W., attended the public schools in Pecatonica until twenty-one years of age, when he was graduated from the high school, after which he went to Chicago and entered the law department of the Northwestern University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1903. He is now engaged in the practice of his profession in that city, and was formerly connected with Thomas Foley, a leading attorney there. The daughter was a student in St.Charles Sisters' School, in Chicago, completing the eighth grade work. Her mother died about that time, and she then re­ turned to Pecatonica and completed her education by graduation in the high school here.

Mr. Keating owns three hundred acres of well improved land, but is now practically living a retired life. His farm lies near the town, and the house thereon is situated about two miles from the village. He and his family are com­ municants of the Catholic church. In politics he is a republican, and has been a member of the town board and has been district school director for twelve years. He ha's never sought or desired office, however, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. He has always been a lover of fine horses, and at the present time owns four very fine specimens, two coming from Tennessee, one of these being a pedigreed animal. He worked hard from early boyhood through long years. and his well earned ease is a fitting crown to his life of industry and well directed effort.

 

History of Winnebago County-1877

 

 

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