Thomas Bird KEITH

Thomas
1849 - 1924

*Obituary (as written)
Benton County Record
Friday, December 5, 1924

KEITH, Thomas Richard - Thomas R. Keith, a native son of Benton county and one who helped make history along the western border of this county, died in Gravette on Saturday night following a short illness. He was 77 years of age. Funeral services were held Monday at the home of his son, R.M. Keith, and were conducted by Rev. W.A. McDonald and the Masonic Lodge at the grave. Burial was made in the Odd Fellows' cemetery by the side of his wife who preceded him to the grave a number of years ago. He is survived by three sons - R.M. Keith of Gravette; John Keith of Joplin; and Claude Keith of Walsenburg, Col.; two daughters - Mrs. Herbert Witty of Independence, Kansas and Mrs. Paull of Helena, Montana. A sister, Mrs. Dave Victor, of near Maysville also survives him. Thomas Richard Keith was born at Maysville in 1847 where he lived for over 30 years. In his early years he operated a large hardware store when that town was about as wild and woolly as they make them. Later Mr. Keith conceived the idea of starting a new town as a rival to this important trading post about a mile south of the present town of Maysville. This he called "Rome City." Here he erected a fine brick building, the bricks being made on his own farm there. Mr. Keith operated his hardware in this new town for a number of years. When the Kansas City, Pittsburg & Gulf Railway built through the county and established the town of Gravette Mr. Keith saw the passing of Rome City and Maysville and took down his building, brick by brick, and moved to this promising new town. Here he built a new and substantial brick business block that is now known as the Buffington Hotel. In this building he engaged in the hardware business for quite a number of years before retiring. For over 30 years Mr. Keith was a resident of Gravette and in his death Saturday another of our sturdy pioneers passes on.

*Obituary (as written)
Gravette News Herald
Friday, December 5, 1924

Thomas R. Keith, who has been in feeble health for some time, died at the home of his son, R.M. Keith, Nov. 29, 1924. He was born near Maysville, Ark. Sept. 8, 1849 and has resided in this part of the county most of his life. He was married to Miss 011ie Lewis in November 1872. Seven children were born to them, five of whom survive: Mrs. Gertrude Paull, Helena, Mont.; Mrs. Beulah Witty, Independence, Kan.; Claude Keith, Walsenburg, Colo.; John Keith of Joplin, Mo. and R.M. Keith of Gravette. There are also several grandchildren. Mrs. Keith died June 24, 1912 at Heavener, Okla. where they made their home for a short time after returning from Texas. Brother Keith obeyed the gospel 50 years ago and was a charter member of Gravette Christian church, serving as elder, teacher of the Book, and for many years was a power in the church. The church and friends as well as the family feel a loss in his departure. Mr. Keith moved to Gravette from Maysville about 27 years ago, erecting the building known as Hotel Buffington and Gravette Produce house, conducting a hardware business in the latter building and later at the Kirkpatrick stand. He was a loyal, highly respected citizen, whose life of service will live on in the community. A large crowd of people attended the funeral at the R.M. Keith home Monday, which was conducted by Dr. Wm. A. McDonald. Burial was in the I.O.O.F. cemetery.

*Obituary (as written)
Gravette News Herald
Friday, December 5, 1924

All of Thomas Keith's children except the eldest daughter were here to attend the funeral, including R.M. Keith and family at whose home he died; Claude Keith and family, Walsenburg, Colo.; Mrs. Herbert Witty and family, Independence, Kan. and John Keith and family of Joplin, Mo. Claude made the 800 miles auto trip to Gravette in about 36 hours.

Ollie
1858 - 1912

*Obituary
Gravette News-Herald
Friday, June 28, 1912

KEITH, Ollie LEWIS - The many friends of Thomas Keith and family deeply regretted to hear Monday of the death of Mrs. Keith who died that day at their home at Heavener, Okla. after several weeks of dropsical trouble. Mrs. Keith, who as a maiden was Miss 011ie Lewis, was born in Jackson Co., Mo. August 6, 1858 and died June 24, 1912, was aged 53 years, 10 months and 18 days. She moved with her parents to Benton county and settled near Maysville, at which place she was united in marriage with Thomas Keith. Mrs. Keith was a mother of seven children, five boys and two girls, some of whom departed this life before her. Mrs. Keith was a member of the Christian church for more than 25 years; and most of her life was spent near Maysville excepting a few years in Oklahoma and some years in Gravette. After departing from Gravette the family located at Heavener, Okla. at which place Mrs. Keith died. The body was conveyed to Gravette Monday night and to the home of their former neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Witty, at which place the funeral was conducted Tuesday afternoon by Dr. E.J. Emmons, whose address was a beautiful tribute to Christian womanhood; many sympathizing friends being present. Burial occurred at the I.O.O.F. cemetery. Besides the bereaved husband there were present their sons, Reynolds, Claud and their families, and John; daughter, Mrs. Herbert Witty and husband, and other relatives and visiting friends. The sympathy of a host of close friends of the family, especially associates in the Christian church and all their old acquaintances of northwest Arkansas and elsewhere, goes out to the family.

Contributed on 8/5/08 by wfields55
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Record #: 40274

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