John T. Keaton
He of whom this brief sketch is written is a representative of one of the pioneer families prominent here over half a century ago, the subject having passed his entire life within the borders of Shelby County, with the exception of trips of short duration to other localities, and he is now regarded as on of the successful citizens of Hanover township, having attained prosperity through is own well-directed efforts. His birth occurred in this township, August 24, 1852, the son of Benjamin and Mary (Spurrier) Keaton, the former a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was born February 2, 1811. Mr. Keaton, great-grandfather of the subject, was killed in the Revolutionary war. Thomas Keaton finally came to Indiana, settling in Fayette county, later coming to Madison county, where he owned a farm and in which county he died. Benjamin Keaton came to Hanover township, Shelby county, where he was married to Mary A. Spurrier, a resident of Hanover township at that time. Benjamin Keaton entered four hundred and forty acres of land and spent the balance of his life here, developing his farm from the primitive. He is remembered as a quiet unassuming man of upright character. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth and Jane (twins), America, James L., Walter A., Alonzo, deceased; Missouri, deceased; Emeline, deceased; John T., Albert R., and Zelda.
John T. Keaton was reared on the farm where he now lives, which he helped to clear and ditch. He attended school in the meantime in the district schools and obtained a good education. He remained on the farm, assisting with the work there until he was twenty-seven years old.
Mr. Keaton was united in marriage with Belle Gowdy on October 8, 1879. She is the niece of Captain Gowdy, and was born in Jasper county, Indiana, March 3, 1860, and she was reared on a farm in her native community. She was thirteen years old when she was brought to Posey township, Rush county, by her people.
Mr. and Mrs. Keaton are the parents of these children: Louis B., born September 4, 1884, married Nellie Linville. They live on a farm west of that of our subject. Mary, Mr. Keaton’s daughter, was born September 17, 1892.
Mr. Keaton owns a fine farm of one hundred ninety-one and one-half acres. It is well improved in every respect and on it stands a substantial and comfortable dwelling and other good buildings. Mr. Keaton is largely interested in short horn cattle, keeping much registered stock and his sales on the same are rapid, his excellent breeds of cattle often bringing fancy prices, for they are admired by all who see them. Our subject is also a stockholder in the local telephone and gas company. In politics he is a Democrat. His name is associated with progress in his native county and among those in whose midst he has always lived he is held in the highest esteem by reason of an upright life and of fidelity to principles that command the respect of all.
From Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, by Edward H. Chadwick, B.A., assisted by well known local talent, B.F. Bowen & Co, Publishers: Indianapolis, IN, 1909, pp 650-652.
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