My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES L. KECK. Much of the progress of a city depends upon the development of its manufacturing interests, and in Sedalia no one has contributed more to this line of industry than has our subject. Though a native of Germany, his home has been here since 1867, and he has been intimately identified with the growth and prosperity of the town. He is engaged in the manufacture of store, office and bank fixtures, and has supplied with the products of his factory the best buildings in Sedalia and the adjoining territory, covering a radius of more than one hundred miles.

Charles L. Keck was born near Freudenberg, Baden, Germany, June 26, 1840. His father, Michael, and grandfather, Joseph, were also natives of that place, where the latter engaged in farming. The former, in addition to following the occupation of an agriculturist, was a dealer in fruits in Frankfort, conducting an extensive business, both wholesale and retail. His death occurred in Frankfort in 1889, when he was eighty-two years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Maggie Kern, was born in Freudenberg, and died when our subject was six years old. Both were Catholics in religious belief, and died in the faith of that church.

The seven children comprising the family of Michael Keck were named as follows: Michael, Jr., who still remains in Germany; Constantine, a resident of Henry County, Mo.; Catherine, who is living in Cooper County; Herman, who resides in the Fatherland; Charles L.; Margaretta, also in Germany; and Killion, who died in that country. Our subject attended the common schools of Freudenberg in boyhood, and during the intervals of study he assisted his father in the fruit business. In 1867 he came to America and at once located in Sedalia, reaching this city with only $4 in his possession. After working in a brewery for a time, he opened a saloon on Main Street, where he remained for eight years, and later was similarly engaged on Ohio Street for four years.

Desiring to engage in a better business, Mr. Keck sold his saloon, and, forming a partnership with Joseph Dickman, under the firm name of Keck & Dickman, he commenced to manufacture show cases, office fixtures, church seats, fancy woodwork, etc. Two buildings are utilized, one for a store, the other for a factory, and the machinery is run by steam power. The factory has a capacity for seventy-five employes, and the products are gaining a deserved reputation for accuracy of detail and excellence of finish.

At different times Mr. Keck has invested in real estate, and now owns considerable valuable property, including his neat residence on the corner of Third and Washington Avenues. He is a Director in the Occidental Building and Loan Association, and has other important interests in Sedalia. In the Sacred Heart Catholic Church he is officiating as Trustee and Treasurer, and he belongs to the Catholic Knights of America. Politically he reserves for himself the right to vote for whom he deems best qualified for office, regardless of party ties. His marriage took place in Sedalia in 1873, his wife being Mrs. Clara (Fresh) Clegg, a native of Cole County, this state. Their seven children are named as follows: Edward J., a graduate of the Sedalia High School, and now his father’s assistant in the factory; Clara L. and Isabelle, who are accomplished and popular young ladies, Charles P., an employe of the Citizens’ National Bank; Emily Z., Oscar P. and Lurina.