Hon. David E. Keefe, formerly county judge of Macoupin
County, is now a resident of East St. Louis, Illinois, where he enjoys a
large and lucratice law practice. He was born in Madison County, Illinois,
December 13, 1863, and is a son of John and Honora (Runlan) Keefe.
John Keefe was born in Ireland and there grew to manhood. In 1848 he
migrated to America and first settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where he|
remained until 1855. In the latter year he moved to Madison County,
Illinois, where he engaged in farming and lived the remainder of his days,
dying in 1893, at the age of 83 years. His widow is still living at the
advanced age of 87 years. Of a family of 10 children born to them, five are
now living, namely: Mary; Patrick H.; Catherine; John; and David E., subject
of this biography.
David E. Keefe received a preliminary education
in the public schools of Madison County, which was supplemented by a course
of study in the Northern Illinois Normal School. After leaving the latter
institution, he engaged in teaching for some four years and in the meantime
pursued the study of the law. He was admitted to the bar in May, 1890, and
the following July opened an office for practice at Bunker Hill, where he
met with almost immediate success. He was elected to the office of city
attorney of Bunker Hill in 1893, and served a term of two years. In October,
1896, he removed to Carlinville, the county seat, where he became associated
with the law firm of Peebles & Peebles, the style and title of the firm
being changed to that of Peebles, Keefe & Peebles. They commanded an
extensive practice throughout the county, and were recognized as one of the
strongest combinations of legal talent in this section of the State. Judge
Keefe became his party's choice for county judge of Macoupin County in 1898,
and was elected for a term of four years. Upon the expiration of his term,
he resumed practice as senior member of the firm of Keefe & Peebles. Both on
the bench and in private practice. Judge Keefe has displayed marked ability;
although his election to office came at the hands of the Democratic party,
those of different political views never had cause to complain of the
treatment accorded them. He was utterly impartial in all the decisions
rendered by him, and was equally popular with Democrats and Republicans. He
has been a constant student of his profession, possesses a discriminating
mind and retentive memory, and few members of the bar are as well posted on
the statutes of the State.
On November 29, 1893, Judge Keefe was
joined in marriage with Jennie C. Chire of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and
four children have blessed their home, namely: J. Robert; May H.; Virginia;
and Agnes A.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 553-554.
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