Yuma County, Colorado
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Yuma County Pioneers -

Joseph and Harriet S. (McGlaughlin) Keenan, Almond McLaughlin



In 1870 La Salle County, Edward Keenan is 33, Henrietta 28, John J. 10, Joseph 9, Caroline 8, Susan 6, Morris 4, Richard 2, and Herman 1.

In 1880, E.P. is 44, Henrietta 40, John J. 20, Joseph 19, Caroline 17, Susan M. 16, Morris 14, Richard 12, Herman 10, Charles L. 9, George 8, Lewis 7, Henrietta 4, and William F. 1.


In 1870 La Salle County, Illinois, Allen C. McLaughlin is a blacksmith 40 (this might be wrong - other census dates show an 1840 birth), with Mary 35, Ernest 5, Hattie 3, Edward 2, and "Almore" two months.
One tree said Almond had married Catherine Barrh in 1857, married Maria Wells about 1864, that Maria Wells died about 1873, and that he married Maria Charlton about 1881. This tree said Emma Maria Charlton died June 6, 1891 in Gettysburg, South Dakota.
One tree said a child of Edward McLaughlin and Phebe Masterman "Almon C., born April 16, 1840 in Jefferson County, Illinois, married (1) Maria Wells; married (2) Kate Barrh, said to reside in Gettysburg, Dakota."
Almond is on the Cheyenne River reservation in Dewey County, South Dakota in 1900, born April 1840, a servant for Silas Webb.

One tree said he died in 1905, and there's a marker in Gettysburg, South Dakota # 78213391, "Co B. 1st Minnesota Infantry"

One tree said that he had a son Lysle McLaughlin in March 1882 in Illinois, who's in South Dakota in 1900, a hired man.
He was baptised in 1910 in Madison, South Dakota.
And he could have had a daughter Blossom Dakota Mclaughlin in 1888. She was born Nov 2, 1888 in South Dakota, was married to a Gilkerson in 1910 and 1920, was divorced in 1930 Joplin Missouri, marrying a Hanvey in Washington in 1946 as Blossom Couch, and died as Hanvey in December 1989 in Snohomish Washington.
Blossom was in Cherokee County, Kansas in 1900, with Anna Earnest and her husband J.R. Earnest 57, married 31 years. Mable 20 was born in Illinois, Blossom October 1887 in South Dakota. Anna's mother Sarah Charlton Feb 1820 in England, is widowed. Sarah has had 12 kids, four living. So her aunt Anna might have adopted Blossom.

Sarah Charlton 1820-1903 is buried in Joplin Missouri # 49871928 "mother of Mrs. A.E. Earnest."

Almond McLaughlin and Emma Charlton had Freeman Alpha Mclaughlin in Gettysburg, South Dakota on June 19, 1884, who married Orpha and was an electrical worker in Chicago, dying December 11, 1950 in Gary, Indiana, to be buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Chicago.


(Ernest J. McLaughlin, father J.E., mother Wells, died March 31 1946 in Cowlitz County, Washington.)
E.J. and Elizabeth Farrell had a son Lloyd born in Spokane about 1897, marrying May Frances Maloney in Hill County Montana March 12, 1907.
E.J. is buried in Cowlitz County # 149933306.

The 1907 booklet said Joseph Keenan first came to Yuma County in August 1885.

Joseph Keenan married Hattie F. McLaughlin in La Salle County on June 22, 1892.

In 1900 Yuma County, Joseph Keenan is farming, born Feb 1862, married eight years to Harriett Aug 1866, with Grant V. Dec 1892, all three born in Illinois, with Hazle F. Aug 1894, Joesesphine C. Oct 1895, and Elisha J. Feb 1898, these three in Colorado.

In 1910 Yuma County, Joseph is 49, Harriet F. 43, Grant B. 17, Carl F. 15, Josephine 14, Ralph V. 11, and Thomas B. newborn.

In 1920 Joe and Harriet have Ralph P. 21, Thomas B. 10, and Hazel F. 26.

1921

March 23, 1922 Wray "The following people composed a party that enjoyed a fine dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Keenan last Sunday : Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Schafer, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Schafer, Mr. and Mrs. August Hesse, and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Keenan.."

In 1930, Joseph and Harriet are farming, with Thomas D. 20. Her nephew, Raymond McLaughlin 22 born in Illinois are with them, and adopted daughter Annabel Keenan 4.

Joseph died in 1938, buried in Wray, Harriet in 1943.

THURSDAY JUNE 17, 1943 WRAY GAZETTE
Mrs. Harriett F. Keenan, a long time and widely known resident of this community, died Friday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hazel Schafer, in Wray at the age of 76 years, 9 months and 14 days. She had been ill but a short time, following a light stroke, and her death was unexpected. Funeral services were held at the Hitchcock Mortuary Sunday afternoon conducted by Rev. William Brown and Burial was at Grandview Cemetery.
Harriett F. McLaughlin was the daughter of Almond C. and Marie McLaughlin, and was born on August 27, 1866 in Dimmick, LaSalle County, Illinois. On June 22, 1891 she was married to Joseph S. Keenan at Ottawa, Illinois.
Five children were born to this union - Grant, Hazel Schafer and Josephine Hesse of Wray, Ralph of Denver and Thomas, who with the husband and father, preceded her in death. Other survivors include three brothers, Ernest, Allie and Edward McLaughlin and one sister, Mrs. Nell Adkins.
The Keenan family came to Colorado in pioneer days and made their home on a ranch east of Wray. Mrs. Keenan contributed in everyway to the growth and advancement of this community. She was a Christian Science student.
(Nellie Davis is in Princeton, Illinois in 1880, the adopted daughter of Ferdenand 64 and Betsey D. Davis 55. Nellie Adkin applied for a passport in 1910, saying she was born at Mendota, Illinois May 25, 1873, married Canadian Thomas Adkin, a publisher in 1900 Rochester, New York.
They were married in March 1892 in Bureau County Illinois, and had two children by 1910. Vernon was the only one living, born July 27, 1893 at Princeton, Illinois.

1906 Rochester, New York auto hill climb


Thomas Franklin Adkin (August 12, 1871 Bothwell, Ontario - February 1924, Lakewood, New Jersey) was a Canadian-born businessman, beginning as a manager of stage hypnotists and eventually becoming a magnetic healer and manufacturer of nostrums, popularly known for his promotion of Vitaopathy through his New York Institute of Physicians and Surgeons and a number of related businesses.
"Thomas F. Adkin Dies While on Business Trip", Rochester Times-Union (Rochester, NY): 2, 23 February 1924"

August 24, 1946 "Miss Lavonne Rienzi Aghetto and John Vernon Adkin, both students in engineering, were married in New York. "
John Vernon (Jack) Adkin, 91, of Port Charlotte, formerly of Punta Gorda Isles and Rochester, NY died peacefully October 7, 2014 of congestive heart failure in Port Charlotte, Florida. He was born to the late Vernon and Emily Adkin on October 30, 1922. After Jack returned from three years with the army in New Guinea, he met and married Lavonne (Vonnie) Aghetto. Jack graduated from the University of Rochester in 1950 as an electrical engineer and spent his entire career at The Rochester Gas and Electric – the last 15 years as superintendent of the line operating department. Jack and Vonnie moved to Punta Gorda Isles, Florida in 1984 and enjoyed many years of sailing the local waters and travel around the world.
Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Lavonne (Vonnie) and is survived by four daughters. Linda McGavin (Bruce), Diane Adkin (Bob Raemer), Sharon Adkin and Cynthia Beeler (Robert). He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Both Jack and Vonnie will rest at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, NY.
NELLIE MARIE MCLAUGHLIN (ALMON CELY, EDWARD ROOLES, DAVID, JOHN H., JOHN) was born May 25, 1872 in Mendota, IL, and died September 30, 1963 in Rochester, N.Y..

October 3, 1963 Rochester "Monday, Sept. 30, 1963. Nellie Adkin, formerly of 136 Shore Dr. She is survived by her son, Vernon F. Adkin; also two grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Private funeral services were held on Wednesday at The John M. Hedges Funeral Home, corner of Culver Road and Empire Boulevard, of the convenience of the family. Interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery,

JOSEPHINE

July 30, 1914

In 1920 Yuma County, August Hesse is farming, 30, Josephine 24, George 4, Maxine 2, and brother Charlie C. 27, all born i nColorado.

Josephine 1896-1966 is buried in Wray, # 63842129, with August William Hesse 1888-1951.

GRANT

Grant Vivian Keenan was born December 14, 1892 at Leland, Illinois.


Sylvia Hazlett married Grant Keenan on October 18, 1911, recorded in Yuma County. Sylvia is married to Grant Keenan in 1920 Yuma County, both 27. She was born in Oklahoma. Keith Y. is 3, Florine C. 2.

August 21, 1913 "Mr. and Mrs. Grant Keenan left Monday morning for Oregon where they will spend some time and may perhaps remain permanently. Mr. Keenan has a position with the railroad."


They're farming in Yuma County in 1920, Grant 27 born in Illinois, Sylvia 27 in Oklahoma. Keith Y. 3 and Florence C. 2 were born in Colorado. They're next to Joe Keenan 59 and Harrett 54, both born in Illinois and three kids.


In 1927 Mrs. Grant Keenan was paid by the Yuma County Commissioners for the care of Winnie Leasure.
Sylvia is divorced in 1930 Wray, 37, Keith M. 14, Florene 12, Lorraine 4. Winnie Leasure 39 is living with them.

In December 1935 Mrs. Sylvia Keenan of Laird was charged with violating liquor laws.

December 1938


October 16, 1947


In 1930 Alamosa County, Colorado, Grant is 38, married to Laura 28, with Keith 14. Arthur Teeters 20 is a lodger.

In 1940 Yuma County, Grant V. is 47, born in Illinois, with Laura M. 38 in Nebraska. John J. is 7, Robert F. 4, and Lowell T. 3, all born in Colorado. The family was in Alamosa County Colorado in 1935.

Grant V. Keenan 1892-1954 is buried in Brush, Colorado # 70211902, wife Violet.

One descendant wrote "When my Great Grandfather was younger he and his siblings got into a huge fight and each one of them went their own way. My Grandfather's name is Ronald, and my Great Grandfather's name is Keith Y. Keenan. He was born in Wray, Colorado in 1916, and died April 30,1992. "
Keith is buried in Joplin, Missouri # 64305423, with Iva M. 1925-1991.

Lorraine Rex Keenan, age 40, married Viola D. Matheny in Clark County, Washington on July 26, 1966.

He's buried in Willamette National 1925-2001 # 36293870.

Florene married Delmer E. Foreman, and they're in Vernon precinct in 1940. Delmer 1915-1980 is buried in Pierce County, Washington # 29664905, with Anna (Bren) Foreman 1922-1974.
Florene C. Fahrenholz, age 90, died April 2, 2007 in Clackamas County, Oregon.

THOMAS

Thomas 1909-1934 is buried in Wray # 64333906.

RALPH

Ralph Vernon Keenan was born Feb 1, 1899 at Wray, and registered for WWI working for his father Joe.

October 5, 1922 "Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Keenan departed Wednesday for Porterville, Calif., near which town they will make their home in the future. Mr. and Mrs. Keenan will reside on the fruit farm of Mrs. Keenan's father, Bill Heindel "

Waldo R. Keenan was born May 18, 1928 in Tulare County.

Ralph is doing odd jobs in 1930 Wray, 31, with Marie A. 27, Ralph W. 8, Waldo R. 6, Larry L. 3, and Donna D. 2, all born in Colorado.

In 1940 Wray, Ralph is 41, Marie 38, Waldo R. 17, Larry L. 13, and Donnadean 12.

Pete (Ralph Vernon) and Marie Keenan about 1944
Thanks to Russ Keenan

In 1951, Ralph and Marie are living at 1083 S. Vine in Denver.

Ralph died in June 1968.

1974 " Marie Keenan of Tabernash, Colorado" was a great grandmother, with Mrs. Donna Worthy of Tyler and her husband Bill.

Marie H. Keenan, born Sept 15, 1902, died Sept 23, 1999 in Smith County, Texas.
Ralph W. Keenan was a Sergeant in the Army during World War II. Ralph was captured by Imperial Japan while serving in the Philippine Islands, and was sent to Pine Tree Camp (Fukuoka #1) near Kashii, Japan where 2,647 other American POWs were held. Ralph's capture was first reported to the International Committee of the Red Cross on May 7, 1942, and the last report was made on September 13, 1945. Based on these two reports, Ralph was imprisoned for at least 1,225 days (3 years and ~5 months), one of the longest durations of captivity recorded. Ultimately, Ralph was returned to military control, liberated or repatriated.

In 1960 Ralph is a sergeant in the Air Force, living in Gulfport, Mississipi.

In 1963 Ralph W. (Betty) Keenan is a distributor for the Denver Post, living at 1012 N. 31st in Colorado Springs.
July 2000 - courtesy of Russ Keenan

Children of Pete (Ralph) and Marie Keenan. Left to right: Donna, Waldo, Larry, Ralph (deceased)

Ralph W. Keenan 1921-2003 is buried in Fort Logan # 36076349, with Betty Lou 1925-2015.
.


"Mar 19, 2016 - Happy 70th Anniversary !! Larry and Alpharae Keenan Married in Grand Lake Colorado on March 17th, they raised their family in Tabernash, "
Alpharae Thurston and Larry Keenan married March 17, 1946, in Grand Lake
Alpharae Thurston was, if you can believe it, an honest-to-goodness milkmaid. Buck and Alpha Thurston had a ranch in Tabernash, a tiny Grand County town on U.S. Highway 40, and their six children grew up on it.
Alpharae delivered milk to the Keenan family store and cafe in Winter Park, which is where Larry Keenan, just home from World War II, was working one afternoon in the summer of 1945.
"I smoked then," he recalled, "and I blew smoke her way, and she slapped me."
"I reached over and slapped his face," Alpharae recalled.
"I thought she was cute."
"I thought he was disgusting."
She was 18, he was 19, and she managed to forget her initial disgust because "he was a good dancer and I love to dance," she said.
Back then, there was a bar in Winter Park where the owner didn't check IDs, so they went there and danced the night away. Love bloomed "in a hurry," Larry said, and by December they were engaged.
Larry's brother had been engaged but called it off, so he offered the ring to Larry, who made monthly payments to his brother for the $125 band. That ring and a second one wore out over the decades, replaced by the third, wide gold band Alpharae wears now.
They got married on St. Patrick's Day, and the first of their five children came a year and a half later.
Larry's work took the family from a cranberry bog in Washington state to a brief stint in the U.S. Air Force, to Grand Junction when the Grand County altitude was affecting Alpharae during a pregnancy, and finally back to Tabernash.
Larry retired as director of building and grounds maintenance at the local school district, and Alpharae as director of food services. They moved to Palisade more than 20 years ago and have traveled and spent their days with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
"Years don't mean anything to me," Alpharae said. "Time just goes on. I can't imagine being with anybody else."  

Dan Keenan of Clifton died with family by his side on Nov. 26, 2012, at Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado due to complications from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was born on the way to Kremmling at the intersection of Hwy 34 and 40 on April 13, 1955. Dan grew up in Tabernash and attended East Grand Schools. While attending Middle Park High School he played football and was named to the Colorado All-State team his senior year. Dan excelled as a nordic combined skier and was honored to be part of the US Nordic Combined Ski Team from 1972 through 1976. The team was the first American team to enter and compete in Russia. Dan ranked as the number one US nordic combined skier for three years and finished tenth in the world.
Dan drove trucks throughout Colorado and nationwide for 39 years, specializing in hauling in rough mountain terrain and hauling difficult equipment. His real passion was raising and feeding cattle and farming to raise hay. Both of these careers allowed Dan to be in the great outdoors that he loved until he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) in 2010.
Dan always displayed a positive and upbeat attitude that brought joy and laughter to those that knew him. He is remembered for his fun spirit, smile and willingness to unselfishly lend a hand to those he knew. He was an inspiration to all.
He is survived by his wife Kay, two sons Jimmy (Denice) and Dusty (Tammy) Keenan and two grandchildren, Garret and Emma Keenan. He is also survived by his parents Larry and Alpha Rae Keenan; brothers Tom (Angie) and Larry (Michelle) and sisters Cindy Keenan and Tammy (Guy) Granger.


HAZEL

In 1930 Vernon precinct, Hazel is 35, married to Lyle A. Schafer 30, with Ernest L. 9, Robert D. 5, Geneva 4, and Carl born in Colorado. Dale's father Carl A. 64 born in Nebraska is with them.

Lyle, a carpenter, and Hazel are living in Los Gatos, California in 1947 and 1962.

Hazel is buried in Vernon 1894-1967 # 47711364.

THOMAS

Thomas B. Keenan 1909-1934 is buried in Wray # 64333906.

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Almond McLaughlin married Ruth Heide February 5, 1894 in La Salle County.

In 1900 La Salle County, Illinois, Almond born May 1870 in Illinois, is married to Rosa August 1867 Illinois, with Hazel May Oct 1890 Illinois. They're with Rosa's mother Rosine Heide Sept 1833 Germany and her son John 1873 Illinois.

Almond and Rose are in Whiteside County, Illinois in 1920, with Ivy 15, Leroy 8, and Ralph 2.

Rosa, born Aug 22, 1857, died January 3, 1925 in Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois, a day laborer.

Almond and Raymond are in Laird precinct, Yuma County, in 1935 and 1940,
Almond C. McLaughlin 1868-1945 is buried in Wray # 14531441, with son Raymond a farm laborer, R. 1906-1994.

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