Joseph Keefer died at his home in Leaf River early Sunday morning at the age of 92. Mr. Keefer was born October 7, 1849 at Millersburg, PA. He came to Illinois at the age of 14 and settled near Leaf River. He was united in marriage to Amelia Reber, December 18, 1879. To this union one daughter, Mrs. Mary Storer, of Leaf River, was born. Two grandchildren and several great grandchildren also survive.
Mr. Keefer spent his early days farming, coming to the village when he became interested in laying the first water main and building the first cement sidewalks in Leaf River. At that time he was the village marshall, a position which he held with great interest for many years. He was a member of the Methodist church.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 P.M. at the home, with the Rev. Earl Edwards of Mt. Morris officiating. Burial was made in the Lightsville Cemetery.
Source Leaf River, IL newspaper, 1942
Note: Joseph's middle initial is A. in the obituary but H. for Henry in cemetery and census records.Return to Ogle Co. Genealogy Site