Lawrence and Julia Keese
Courtesy of Jim ClarkBorn: August 16, 1850
Died: May 1, 1940
Married: Julia Ryan
Children: James Keese, Joseph Keese, Lawrence Keese, Julia Keese, Veronica Keese, Mrs. William Kelly
Lawrence E. Keese, Sr. was a logger who lived in Alder Brook. He was the oldest son of James and Mary Howard Keese, who were among the pioneer settlers at Alder Brook. He is buried in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery.
He was the subject of an NCPR North Country at Work profile titled Walking to the Loon Lake logging camps by his great-grandson, Saranac Lake native Jim Clark.
Plattsburgh Daily Press, May 8, 1940
LAWRENCE KEESE, 89, ALDER BROOK, DIES
Lawrence Keese, one of Franklin county's oldest and highly esteemed residents, died at his home at Alder Brook, N. Y. on May 1 after a short illness. He was in his ninetieth year.
Mr Keese was a native of Alder Brook and spent all of his life there. He was born August 16, 1859, the oldest son of James and Mary (Howard) Keese, who were among the pioneer settlers at Alder Brook.
On November 5, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia Ryan, daughter of Patrick and Julia (Tierney) Ryan. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary five years ago.
Mr. Keese was a devout member of St. Rose's Catholic church, Alder Brook. Present with him shortly before he died was the pastor, Rev. Richard O’Donnell, who administered the last rites of the church.
Mr. Keese is survived by his widow, three sons and three daughters. They are: — James Keese of Bethel, Vt., Joseph Keese and Lawrence Keese of Alder Brook; Julia and Veronica Keese of Alder Brook and Mrs. William Kelly of Bloomingdale; also six grandchildren, Mrs. Victor Kelley of Plattsburgh, Joseph Kelly of Bloomingdale, Helen Kelly, Plattsburgh, Winifred Kelly, Kathleen Kelly and Lawrence Kelly of Bloomingdale. One brother, Thomas Keese, also survives.
Funeral services were held from St. Rose's church Saturday morning at 9:00 o'clock. Father O'Donnell was celebrant of the Mass of Requiem. The funeral was largely attended. The pall bearers were:— Michael, James, Archie and Brendan Keese, Howard O'Neill and Karl Gaskell. Interment was in the family plot in St. Rose's cemetery.
