John Joseph O'Keefe

Thanks for visiting the ancestry page of John J. O'Keefe, my great grandfather. He is my mother's father's father (Kevin --> Maureen O'Keefe --> Jack O'Keefe --> John J. O'Keefe). This is my best guess based on research. If you are curious about me, here is some information. If you have anything to correct or add (photos, newspaper clippings, stories, anecdotes, affiliations, etc.) please reach out here!

Ancestor: John Joseph O'Keefe

Born: Oct 3rd, 1891 in Brooklyn, NY

Died: Feb 13th, 1929 in Philadelphia, PA

Parents: Cecelia Kelley and John O'Keefe as well as Paul Och (Step-father)

Full Siblings: Margaret (4 1/2 years older), Kathryn (2 1/2 years older), and David (2 years younger)

Half Siblings: Cecelia Och (13 years younger), Paul Och (16 years younger), and James Och (19 years younger)

Spouse: Anna O'Malley (1921 to 1929)

Children: John J. O'keefe (b: 1922), Cecelia O'keefe (b:1924), and Eileen O'Keefe (b: ~1927)

Profile of Life (this is a best guess based on research):

John O'Keefe was born on Oct 3rd, 1891, in Brooklyn, NY. His parents, John O'Keefe and Cecelia Kelley, had been married for 5 years when John was born and are both from Philadelphia. He already had two older siblings, Margaret (Peggy) and Kathryn (Katie), who were close in age to him. His father worked worked as a printer. Sadly, his father passed away from when John was 5 years old. When John was 11 years old, his mother married Paul Och, who worked as a blacksmith and wheelwright and likely ran his own shop. He often was trying to hire a wheelwright to work with him as evident by advertisements in the paper. This was Paul Och's first marriage. By 1910, when John was 18, he was working as a pipefitter for a gas company. His sisters (Margaret and Kathryn) worked as saleswomen in a department store, and his mother had three more children with Paul Och (Cecelia, Paul, and James). All of them were living together in the same house in South Philly.

In 1917, when John was 25 years old, he was working as a machinist in the Navy Yard. On April 6th, the US declared war on Germany. On June 15th, John enlisted to fight in World War I. He started as a Machinists Mate 2nd class. He served on the USS Wisconsin from Jan 8th 1918 to April 4th 1918. From May 3rd 1918 to November 11th 1918 he served on the USS Muscatine. His rating at discharge was a Machinists Mate 1st Class while on the USS Columbia in NY, NY. He also served on the USS Edwards. John served on active duty from from 12/13/17 to 9/17/19.

When he returned to Philadelphia, he moved back in with his mother and step-father. In 1920, at the age of 28, he was working at the Post Office. His sister Margaret had moved out and married Waldo Abraham Reiszner. On May 16th 1921, John married Anna O'Malley. The wedding likely took place at Saint Monica's parish (source Deirdre O'Keefe) and they moved into their home at 2108 Mole St in South Philly. Anna and John were both 29 years old. On February 21st, 1922, John (Jack) O'Keefe was born. During the summer of 1924, John had another child (Cecelia) who had medical issues and died at the age of two months. In 1927, Eileen Ann O'Keefe was born. From the pictures, it seems like John enjoyed going down to the shore. John O'Keefe continued to work at the US Post Office. He was likely part of the National Federation of Post Office Clerks (NFPOC) and there is a picture below from an event. On February 13th, 1929, John O'Keefe passed away from pulmonary tuberculosis at the age of 37. Contracting tuberculosis was likely connected to his service in World War I although it also lead to the death of his father, so there might have been a genetic disposition. John is buried in Cathedral Cemetery in section O, range 3, and lot 39.

Analysis

Birth date and place: It is very likely John was born in Oct 3rd, 1891. This date is stated on his draft card, death certificate, and war veteran compensation application. Regarding where he was born, that is more confusing. His parents were both born in Philadelphia and they got married in Philadelphia 1886. The 1900 census states Pennsylvania as the birth place. The 1910 census states New York. His 1917 draft card states Philadelphia, PA. The 1924 death certificate of 2-month old Cecelia states Brooklyn, NY. And his own death certificate in 1929 states Brooklyn, NY. The war veteran application submitted by Anna states Brooklyn, NY. I think it is likely he was born in Brooklyn, NY, since I can think of no reason why it would keep coming up in the documents.

Addresses:

1896 - 815 Snyder St. in South Philly
1900 - 2040 S. Mildred St (corner property where 815 Snyder St. is located)
1903 - 502 McKean St in South Philly
1910 - 502 McKean St
1917 - 1516 N 25th St in North Philly near Strawberry mansion
1917-8-9 - On the USS Wisconsin and USS Muscatine
1919 - 1516 S. 15th St (perhaps a typo)
1920 - 1516 N. 25th St in North Philly
1921 - 2108 S. Mole St in South Philly
1924 - 2108 S. Mole St in South Philly
1929 - 2108 S. Mole St in South Philly

Siblings:

Margaret O'Keefe Reiszner - born 1887 and died in 1958 - Also known as Aunt Peggy (source: Deirdre O'Keefe). She married Waldo Reiszner when she was 31. He worked as an electrician. In 1920 and 1930, they lived at 1524 North 25th St, a couple doors down from the Och family. She died in 1958 at the age of 71 while living with her half-sister, Cecelia Och Cullaton at 5127 N 16th St.
Kathryn O'Keefe - Born 1889 (perhaps in NJ) and died 1968 in Philadelphia while living at 7580 Mayland St. She lived with her mother and step father until the 1930s.
David O'Keefe - Born in 1894, David died when only 3 days old.
Cecelia Och - Born in Philadelphia in 1904. Married Thomas Cullaton in 1934. Thomas worked as a bookkeeper for the C.C.C. They had two kids, Mary Jean and Thomas. Was known to Jack O'Keefe as Aunt Dolly.
Paul Och - Born in Philadelphia in 1907 and died in Warminster, PA in 1983. Married in Mary Imogene O'Malley. Had one child: Paul G. Worked in an auto garage repair shop.
James Och - Born in Philadelphia in 1910 and died in Roslyn, PA in 1980. Married Grace Jamieson. Had three kids: Patricia, Cecelia, and Margaret. Worked as a wireman for Western Electic and a demonstrator of automotive products.

Death: February 13th, 1929, in Philadelphia from Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Arrival to US: John was born in the US in Brooklyn, NY. Both his parents were born in Pennsylvania.

Nationality: John was of Irish descent.

Historical records for John O'Keefe

1896 Death Certificate of John's father

John O'Keefe was 31 years old when he died. He died on Dec 9th, 1896, of Tuberculosis. He worked as a printer and was born in Pennsylvania. He lived at 815 Snyder Ave and was buried on Dec. 14th 1896 in Cathedral Cemetery.

1896 Obituary of John's Father

"On December 9th, 1896, John J., son of the late John and Margaret O'Keefe, aged 30 years. The relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Monday morning, at 8:30 o'clock, from his late residence, 815 Snyder avenue. Solemn requiem mass at the Church of the Epiphany. Interment at Cathedral Cemetery."

1900 US Census from Philadelphia, PA

Line 62 - Cecilia O'Keefe (age 34)

Line 63 - Margaret O'Keefe (age 13)

Line 64 - Katie O'Keefe (age 11)

Line 65 - John O'Keefe (age 8)

Line 66 - Maud Torbeit (age 23 - Boarder)

Line 67 - William Reese (age 46 - Boarder)

Line 68 - Mary Reese (age 39 - Boarder)

NOTES: Cecelia is widowed mother of 3. She had a child who previously died. She is the head of the household with 3 boarders including an English married couple. Cecelia is a homemaker. All the kids are in school. The boarders jobs include: working at a silk mill, day laborer at the wharf, and a seamstress. The home is at 2040 S. Mildred St in South Philly. It is rented.

1903 Marriage Documents of Paul Och and Cecelia O'Keefe

Marriage application, marriage certificate, and newspaper announcement for the 1903 marriage of Paul Och and Cecelia O'Keefe. John was 11 years old. Cecelia and Paul were married on June 4th, 1903. Paul was born in Germany on Oct 20th 1866 and works as a blacksmith. He resides at 502 McKean St. This is his first marriage. Cecelia was born in Philadelphia on March 15th 1866 and works as a housekeeper. She resides at 815 Snyder Ave and was married once before. Her previous husband died 7 years ago.

1910 US Census from Philadelphia, PA

Line 26 - Paul Och (age 44)

Line 27 - Cecelia Och (age 44)

Line 28 - Cecelia Och (age 6)

Line 29 - Paul Och (age 3)

Line 30 - Margaret O'Keefe (age 23)

Line 31 - Catherine O'keefe (age 21)

Line 32 - John O'keefe (age 19)

Line 33 - Joseph O'Keefe (age 17)

NOTES: This is Paul Och's first marriage, but Cecelia second. They have been married for 7 years. Cecelia has had 6 children with 5 of them surviving. Paul Och is German. Cecelia listed her parents as being from Irish-English. Paul Och arrived in the US in 1868. Paul Och builds wagon in his own shop. Margaret and Catherine work as a saleslady at a dept store. John works as a pipe fitter at a gas company. They all live at 502 McKean St which is rented by Paul Och.

1917 Registration Card for John O'Keefe

Card indicates John is 25 on June 15th 1917. He is living at 1516 N 25th St. His date of birth is Oct 3rd, 1891. He was born in Phila. PA (this contradicts other documents). His trade is a machinist helper at the Navy Yard. Show's John's signature. His is of medium build and medium height with brown eyes, black hair.

1919 Navy Service Card for John O'Keefe

Card indicates John enlisted at the Navy Recruiting Station in Philadelphia. He was 26 years and 2 months and living at 1516 North 25th St. He started as a Machinists Mate 2nd class. From 1/9/18 to 4/4/18 he served on the USS Wisconsin. From 5/3/18 to 11/11/18 he served on the US Muscatine. His rating at discharge was a Machinists Mate 1st Class while on the USS Columbia in NY, NY. His active duty from from 12/13/17 to 9/17/19.

1919 Evening Public Ledger blurb about John O'Keefe

"Mr. John J., of Corley C. C., has returned to his home, 1516 South 15th st, after giving two years active service with the navy." Published on October 8, 1919. Corley Catholic Club was a downtown catholic association. They has active sports teams including distance runners, basketball, and baseball.

1920 US Census from Philadelphia, PA

Line 7 - Paul Och (age 54)

Line 8 - Cecelia Och (age 53)

Line 9 - Cecelia Och (age 15)

Line 10 - Paul Och (age 12 )

Line 11 - James Och (age 9)

Line 12 - John J O'Keefe (age 28)

Line 13 - Catherine O'Keefe (age 30)

Line 14 - Mary Reese (age 58 - Aunt)

NOTES: Cecelia now has three kids with John Och. John J O'feefe is living under his step-father room and renting space with his sister and Aunt. The aunt, who was on the 1900 census, is now widowed. Census states that Paul Och Sr arrived in 1870 and we naturalized in 1887. Paul Och Sr. is working as a blacksmith in his own shop. John O'Keefe is working as a clerk in a post office. Catheirne is working as a saleslady in a department store. The address is 1516 N. 25th St. which is in North Philly.

1921 Marriage Certificate of John J O'Keefe and Anna M O'Malley.

Marriage License number is 442976. I do not have a copy of this. The information is from ancestry.com

1921 Newspaper wedding announcement

Wedding announcement in the Evening Public Ledger of Philadelphia from June 8th, 1921. In the South Philadelphia subsection (part of the "Just Gossip about People" section) it states "Mr. and Mrs. John J. O'keefe have returned from their wedding trip and are now living in their new home at 2108 South Mole Street. Mrs. O'keefe will be remembered as Miss Anna O'Malley, daughter of Mrs. Kathryne O'Malley of 2513 South Sixteenth street, whose wedding took place on May 16th."

1922 Photo of Anna and John at the Shore

Anna and John O'Keefe at the beach. Based on other pictures with Baby Jack, this could be the summer of 1922.

1922 Multiple Photos of John, Jack, and John's Sisters at the Shore

Multiple pictures of Baby Jack with Catie O'keefe, John O'Keefe, and Margaret O'keefe (Aunt Peggy) at the beach. Based on Jack's age, this must be the summer of 1922.

1922 Photo of John and Jack at the Shore

Baby Jack with John O'Keefe at the beach. Based on Jack's age, this must be the summer of 1922.

1922ish Photo of Kathryn, John, and Margaret

Picture of John O'Keefe with his sisters (Kathryn on the right and Margaret on the left). Not sure who all the other people are. Perhaps Och family members or Waldo Reiszner could be in the picture. Also, not sure of the exact summer.

1922ish Picture of James Och with baby Jack

The picture shows James 'Jim' Och (John's half brother) with Jack O'keefe (John's son).

1924 Certificate of Death for 2 month old Cecelia O'Keefe

Death certificate of Cecelia O'keefe who was born on May 23rd, 1924 and died on August 7th, 1924. Cause of death was malnutrition. Anna and John were living at 2108 S. Mole St at the time. Cecelia is buried at Cathedral Cemetery. John O'Keefe was born in Brooklyn.

1925ish Photo of the National Federation of Post Office Clerks

Picture of John at what appears to be a picnic for the National Federation of Post Office Clerks. I believe Jack is in his arms. Based on Jack's age, this picture was from about 1925.

1927ish Photo of John, Aunt Catie, and unknown boy

Picture of John O'Keefe with his sister Catie and unknown boy. Perhaps an Och child (James or Paul) or Jack. Note sure of the date. Guessing based on John's photo.

1929 Certificate of Death for 37 year old John O'Keefe

John J. O'keefe was born on October 3rd, 1891 and died on February 13th, 1929. Cause of death was Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Same as his father. He had the disease for 5 years and contracted it in the army. He was working as a clerk at the US Post Office at the time of his death. He was born in Brooklyn, NY. His father was John J. O'keefe and his mother was Cecelia Kelly, both born in Philadelphia. John is buried in Cathedral Cemetery.

1929 Obituary in Philadelphia Inquirer for John O'Keefe

"O'Keefe - Feb. 13, John J., husband of Anna M. O'Keefe (nee O'Malley), and son of Cecelia Och and the late John J. O'Keefe. Relatives and friends, also employees of Phila. P.O., are invited to attend funeral. Mon. 8:30 A.M. from his late home. 2108 S. Mole St. Solemn Requiem Mass, Church of St. Moncia. 10 AM precisely. Int. Cathedral Cem."

1929 Veterans Memorial Card

Card stating John J. O'Keefe served in WW1 from 12/13/17 to 9/17/19. rank was M.M2/c. Cemetery is Old Cathedral, Phila. PA. Died on Feb 13th 1929.

1929 Request for Headstone for John O'Keefe

Anna submitted a request for a headstone since John served in the Navy. The request has details about his service. He served on the USS Wisconsin and the USS Muscatine as a Machinist Mate 1st class. He enlisted on Dec 12 1917 and served from 12/13/17 to 9/17/19. He is buried in Old Cathedral at 48th and Lancaster Ave. The request was submitted on March 26th 1929 and ordered on October 25th 1929 from Proctor, VT. It shipped in December.

1934 Veterans Compensation Application

Anna M O'Keefe is living at 2108 S. Mole St when she request veterans compensation for her deceased husband's service in the Navy from 1917 to 1919. John is 12 years old and Eileen is 8. The outcome appears to be $10 a month for 20 months. It states John was born on Oct. 3rd 1891 in Brooklyn NY. John served in the USS Wisconsin, the USS Muscatine, USS Edwards, and USS Columbia. Second page indicates John's mother was Cecelia Kelley (note the second 'e'). John's children are John Joseph and Eileen Ann.

1934 Letter from Veterans Affairs

Letter states that John Joseph O'Keefe service number in the navy was 124-73-16. He enlisted in 13-Dec 1917 and served on active duty from that date until 17-Sept 1919. He was given an honorable discharge, due to expiration of enlistment, from the USS Columbia at New York. The letter is dated June 18th 1934.

1940ish Picture of Jack O'Keefe and Aunt Peggy

The picture shows Jack O'keefe (John's son) with Aunt Peggy (John's sister Margaret). Not sure of the date, but perhaps around high school graduation.

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