Samuel J. Keys
Samuel J. Keys (August 1847 – May 12, 1924) was an American politician and businessman from Maryland. He served as mayor of Elkton, Maryland, from 1898 to 1900. He served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Cecil County from 1900 to 1901, in 1904 and in 1910.
Samuel J. Keys | |
---|---|
![]() Sketch of Keys in 1894 newspaper | |
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the Cecil County district | |
In office 1910–1912 Serving with George W. Cosden and Adam Peeples | |
In office 1904–1906 | |
In office 1900–1901 | |
Personal details | |
Born | August 1847 Vienna, Maryland, U.S. |
Died | May 12, 1924 76) Elkton, Maryland, U.S. | (aged
Resting place | Elkton Cemetery Elkton, Maryland, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse |
Mary H. Hopkins (m. 1873) |
Children | 1 |
Occupation |
|
Early life
Samuel J. Keys was born in August 1847 in Vienna, Dorchester County, Maryland, to Ann M. (née Spedden) and Samuel Keys. His father was a shoe manufacturer and salesman.[1][2][3][4] He attended public schools and Vienna Academy.[2][4]
Career
![](../I/Keys_%2526_Miller_Lumber_Company_(1909)_(cropped).png.webp)
Keys worked in the produce business in Vienna.[2][3] Keys moved to Elkton in 1872 or 1873 and worked in the produce business. He later purchased Mr. Miller's interest in the Davis & Miller Lumber Company. The business was renamed Davis & Keys with his partner Colonel I. D. Davis until Mr. Miller re-entered the business and it was named Davis, Keys & Co. In 1890, the business was incorporated as The Keys & Miller Lumber Company was Keys as president. He served in that role until his death.[1][2][4] He also owned additional real estate in Elkton.[2]
Keys served as town commissioner in Elkton.[3] Keys ran for mayor of Elkton in 1896, but lost. He was elected as mayor of Elkton in 1898, defeating incumbent George B. Kerfoot.[5] He assumed office on May 10, 1898, and served until May 1900.[6][7]
Keys was a Democrat. He was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Cecil County, from 1900 to 1901, in 1904 and in 1910.[8]
Keys served as director of the Cecil Mutual Fire Insurance Company and the Mutual Building Association.[1] He was a trustee and member of the board of the Elkton Methodist Episcopal Church.[1]
Personal life
Keys married Mary H. Hopkins, daughter of Ezekiel Hopkins and cousin of Johns Hopkins, in 1873.[2][4] Keys had one daughter, Mabel (who married John B. Hinckley).[1][4] He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.[4]
Keys died on May 12, 1924, at his home in Elkton. He was buried in Elkton Cemetery.[1]
References
- "Samuel J. Keys". The Midland Journal. May 23, 1924. p. 1. Retrieved June 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Samuel J. Keys, National Representative of State Council". The Cecil Whig. April 21, 1894. p. 5. Retrieved June 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Cecil County". The Baltimore Sun. October 18, 1899. p. 8. Retrieved June 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- Portrait and Biographical Record of Harford and Cecil Counties, Maryland. 1897. pp. 273–274. Retrieved October 16, 2023 – via Archive.org.
- "Elkton Election". The Baltimore Sun. April 12, 1898. p. 10. Retrieved June 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Elkton News". The Morning News. April 15, 1898. p. 5. Retrieved June 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Maryland Items". The Baltimore Sun. May 4, 1900. p. 8. Retrieved June 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Historical List, House of Delegates, Cecil County (1790-1974)". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. February 1, 2000. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
External links
Media related to Samuel J. Keys at Wikimedia Commons