Joseph Galloway Keys ~ Quaker Cabinet Maker, Justice of the Peace, and President of the Western Star Publishing Co.

1903 Centennial Atlas of Warren County, Ohio

Joseph Galloway Keys was a brother of Judge John W. Keys and his partner in the cabinet ware business during the 1850s in Waynesville. The following biography is taken from the 1903 Centennial Atlas of Warren County, Ohio:

Joseph G. Keys, the subject of this sketch, was born in Waynesville, Warren County, Ohio on October 25, 1827. His father Isaac Keys, spent most of his life in Pennsylvania, but removed to this county in 1819, and settled in Waynesville. Squire Keys, as he is generally known, was one of the family of eight children. His brother, John, held the office of Probate Judge and other positions of trust in this county. His father died when he was but two and one-half years old, but from early boyhood he had displayed the characteristics that he still possesses, that of great energy coupled with strong will power. He secured only the limited education which the times afforded, but during his life has been a great reader, close observer and student, and in his early life, by close application and frugality, he laid the foundation, for his future success in life. He has always enjoyed the fullest confidence of his neighbors, and his mind being of a judicial turn, for twenty years, in an eminently satisfactory way, he acted as Justice of the Peace, and as a safe counsel in his neighborhood. He was married in 1857; two children, a son and a daughter, being born to the union, the son having died in early manhood. Squire Keys, at present, is the President of the Western Star Publishing Company, the oldest Republican paper in the county, and one of the oldest papers in the State. It has been his privilege and good fortune to travel considerably, and he has not only made visits to relatives in New Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia, but he has seen a goodly portion of the west, having spent considerable time in California and parts of the Southwest. Being an adept in the art of describing what he has seen, his friends are frequently entertained by accounts of his travels. In religious belief he is a Friend. He is one of Warren County's most substantial citizens, and, notwithstanding his years, is still active in affairs.

The father of Joseph G. Keys was Isaac Keys, b. June 16, 1787 ~ Jaunuary 25, 1830. His mother was Sarah Keys, b. June 4, 1788.

Joseph G. Keys (1827-1908) was married to Adeline Alice Crispin (1832-1917) on September 17, 1857 and they had two children, Charles L. (b. October 1, 1858 ~ d. June 14, 1864) and Clara E. (b. December 3,1865 ~ d. 1929). In the 1880 Federal Census Joseph G. Keys is listed as a Notary Public. In the 1850, 1860 and 1870 Census' he is listed as a merchant and cabinet maker. Joseph was in partnership with his brother John W. Keys in the Furniture Ware Room in Waynesville. For more information about this business during the 1850s see: WAYNESVILLE BUSINESSES & PROFESSIONS LISTED IN THE MIAMI VISITOR WEEKLY NEWSPAPER WITH FURTHER INFORMATION INCLUDED.

Adeline is listed as a seamstress in the 1860 Census.

Jospeh Galloway Keys departed this life on Monday April 27, 1908, aged 80 years, 6 months and 2 days. Adaline Alice Keys departed this life October 17 (Wed.) 1917, aged 85 years, 8 months and 27 days. This information is taken from the family Bible located in THE OHIOANA ROOM ~THE MARY L. COOK PUBLIC LIBRARY. Joseph, Adaline and their two children are buried in Section F of Miami Cemetery ~ Located in Corwin, Across the River from Waynesville .