John O'Keefe

Thanks for visiting the ancestry page of John O'Keefe, my great great grandfather. He is my mother's father's father's father (Kevin --> Maureen O'Keefe --> Jack O'Keefe --> John J. O'Keefe --> John 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!

Also, a big thanks to Larry McCabe for all his wonderful research of the O'Keefe family. His site, which I relied on heavily, is here ... http://www.lmccabe.com/.

Ancestor: John O'Keefe

Born: January 9th, 1864, in Philadelphia

Died: December 9th, 1896, in Philadelphia

Parents: John O'Keefe and Margaret O'Brien (Stepmother: Johanna Milan)

Full Siblings: David (3 years older), a still born child (2 years younger), and an unknown 4th child (3 years younger)

Half Siblings: Ann and Margaret (8 years older), Patrick (5 years younger), Daniel (8 years younger), and William (10 years younger)

Spouse: Cecelia Kelley (m:1886)

Children: Margaret (b: 1887), Kathryn (b: 1889 ), John J. (b: 1891), and David (b:1894)

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

John O'Keefe was born on January 9th, 1864, on North Front St. right off the Delaware River in Philadelphia, PA. His parents were John O'Keefe and Margaret (nee O'Brien) O'Keefe . He was baptized at St. Augustine Church. This church was burned down in the Philadelphia Nativist Riots in 1844 (before John's baptism) but was rebuilt since then and still stands today. It was also featured in the film The Sixth Sense. This was John's father's (also named John O'keefe) second marriage after his first wife (Catherine Nelson) passed away. When John was born, he already had an older sister (8 years older) from the first marriage and an older brother (3 years older) from the current marriage. Sadly, John's mother Margaret passed away in childbirth when John was just 3 1/2 years old. His father married again (his third wife) a women named Johanna Milan within two years of the death of Margaret and soon more children followed: Patrick, Daniel, and William ( 5, 8, and 10 years younger than John).

John's father worked as a laborer and a longshoreman, most likely on the docks of the Delaware River. In 1870, when John was 6 years old, there were about 45 people listed as living in the same dwelling as him including his father, stepmother, 3 brothers, sister, grandparents, and extended family. By the 1880 census, when John was 16, he was working as a printer. Philadelphia had a large printing and publishing industry during that time. John and his brothers found work in this emerging industry including Patrick, who was working as a printer at the age of 11 in the 1880 census. His two youngest brothers, Daniel and William, were in school at that time. They were all living with their parents near 228 North Front St. I do not have any information about his older sister.

John's older brother David was married on December 12th 1883. John and his future wife (Cecelia Kelly) were witnesses to the wedding. On November 12th 1885, when John was 21, his father passed away at the age of 55 from Phthisis (i.e. Tuberculosis). Six months later, on May 16th, 1886, John married Cecelia Kelley in Philadelphia at the Annunciation BVM Church in South Philly. John was 22 and Cecelia was 21. Prior to getting married, John lived at 512 St. John St and worked as printer. Cecelia lived at 2021 Stiles St and worked as a shoe operator (not sure what that means, perhaps a factory job making shoes).

Now living in South Philly, John and Cecelia first child Margaret (aka Aunt Peggy) was born a year after their marriage on March 6th 1887. She was baptized at Annunciation BVM Church. Then Kathryn was born in 1889, John J. in1891 and David born in 1894. Sadly, just like his father, Tuberculosis struck again and John died at the age of 31 while working as a printer. He passed away on Dec 9th, 1896. He was survived by his children (approximately 2, 5, 7, and 9 years old) and his wife Cecelia. At the time, he was living at 815 Snyder Ave, which is in South Philadelphia near 9th street. The solemn requiem mass was held at the Church of the Epiphany. He was buried on Dec. 14th, 1896 in Cathedral Cemetery.

Analysis

Birth date and place:

Addresses:

1864 - 409 North Front St - John is born.
1864 - St Augustine Church, Philadelphia - John is baptized
1867 - 419 North Front St - John's Mom passes away in childbirth.
1870 - 419 North Front St - Living here for the 1870 census.
1880 - 228 Ferris Court - Address from the census. I believe this was a side street off of North Front St. In a city ordinance, it states "Ferris Court, from Front Street about 253 westward, North of 228 North Front."
1886 - 512 Saint John St. This is John's address when he married Cecelia. In 1897, Saint John's Street was renamed American Street. It is between 2nd St. and 3rd St. north of Vine St in the neighborhood of Northern Liberties.
1886 - Annunciation BVM Church, Philadelphia - John and Cecelia are married
1887 - Annunciation BVM Church, Philadelphia - Baptism of first child Margaret
1896 - 815 Snyder St. in South Philly - This was John's home address when he passed away.
1896 - Church of the Epiphany - Requiem Mass at death.
1896 - Interment at Cathedral Cemetery.

Siblings:

[Children of Catherine Nelson, John's 1st wife]

Ann and Margaret - These twins were born on July 28th, 1856 in Pennsylvania. They were baptized at St. Augustine Church. Their mother was Catherine (nee Nelson) O'Keefe. She passed away before 1860, but I'm not sure of the exact date. Their father was the same as John's father. I believe Ann must have passed away at a young age. Margaret (age 3) is on the 1860 census but not Ann. Margaret is also on the 1870 census and is living with her Grandparents but in the same swelling as her parents. Her grandparents passed away in 1874 and 1875. I don't know what became of Margaret.

[Children of Margaret O'Brien, John's 2nd wife]

David - Born in March 5th, 1861 in Philadelphia. His mother was Margaret (nee O'Brien) and John O'Keefe. He was a full sibling of John O'Keefe. He married Margaret (nee Murphy) on December 12th, 1883. They had seven kids. Mary, Margaret, Minerva, Gertrude, David, Marie, and Catherine between 1885ish and 1902ish. He worked at Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia, PA. David died on January 13th, 1934 in Atlantic City, NJ.
Unknown - A still born child born on June 28th, 1866. Mother was Margaret (nee O'Brien).
Unknown - A 4th child of John and Margaret was born on August 1st, 1867. I do not known the name of this child. Sadly, Margaret passed away in childbirth.

[Children of Johanna, John's 3rd wife]

Patrick - Born on April 12th, 1869 in Philadelphia. In 1900 census, he is living with his mother Johanna and working as a deck hand. I think he married a women named Regina in 1919 and was a stepfather to her three children with the last name Houch. He might have worked in the fire department as a baker.
Daniel - Born around 1872 in Philadelphia. In 1900 census, he is living with mother Johanna and working as a wagon driver. He married Mary Bender around 1910. I don't believe they had any children. He appeared to be working in the Philadelphia Fire Department in 1910 and 1930, based on census records.
William - Born on April 5th, 1874 in Philadelphia. William married Margaret Logue in 1893. They had one daughter, Florence. According to the 1900 U.S., William was living with his mother Johanna and is listed as divorced. He also worked as a printer. William died on December 26, 1900 and is buried in the Holy Cross cemetery.

Death: December 9th, 1896, in Philadelphia from Tuberculosis.

Arrival to US: John's parents were likely born in Cork County Ireland.

Nationality: John was of Irish descent.

Historical records for John O'Keefe

1864 Birth Records of John O'Keefe

On January 9th, 1864, John Keef was born at 409 North Front St to John and Margaret Keef. John's father is working as a laborer. Entry is the 10th from the top. (Credit: Larry McCabe)

1864 Church Baptism Records of John O'Keefe

On January 24th, 1864, John Keefe was baptized at St. Augustine's Church. His parents are John Keefe and Margaret Bryan. John Keefe is the 10th entry and the second entry for January 24th. Note the entry is in Latin. Thus John is Joannem.

1864 Baptism Records of John O'Keefe

Research from Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center. On January 24th, 1864, John Keefe was baptized at St. Augustin Church. He was born in January 9th. His parents are John Keefe and Margaret Bryan. His sponsor was Ellen Keefe. (Credit: Larry McCabe)

1867 Death Certificate of Margaret Keef

Margaret Keef passed away on August 1st, 1967, the same day as her fourth child was born, due to uterine hemorrhage. She was buried on August 4th, 1867, in Cathedral Cemetery. She lived as 419 North Front St and was born in Ireland. She was 35 years old. (Credit: Larry McCabe)

1870 US Census from Philadelphia, PA (June 24th Version)

Line 30 - John Keefe (age 35)

Line 31 - Johana Keefe (age 34)

Line 32 - David Keefe (age 9)

Line 33 - John Keefe (age 6)

Line 34 - Pattrick Keefe (age 1)

(New Family) Line 35 - David Keefe (age 45) - Likely John's Granfather

Line 36 - Margaret Keefe (age 55) - Likely John's Grandmother

Line 37 - Margaret Keefe (age 14) - Likely Jon's sister.

NOTES: Address not giving.

1870 US Census from Philadelphia, PA (Nov. 17th Version)

Line 20 - John Keefe (age 35)

Line 21 - Johanna Keefe (age 34)

Line 22 - David Keefe (age 10)

Line 23 - John Keefe (age 6)

Line 24 - Patrick Keefe (age 2)

Line 25 - David Keefe (age 75)

Line 26 - Margaret Keefe (age 75)

Line 27 - John Keefe (age 40)

Line 28 - Johanna Keefe (age 30)

NOTES: Census was incomplete. Living at 419 North Front Street. Patrick and Ann Keefe's family is the previous entry. David and Margaret Keefe (age 75 on the census) are likely John's grandparents.

1880 US Census from Philadelphia, PA

Line 33 - John Keefe (age 47)

Line 34 - Johanna Keefe (age 48)

Line 35 - David Keefe (age 19)

Line 36 - John Keefe (age 16)

Line 37 - Patrick Keefe (age 11)

Line 38 - Daniel Keefe (age 10)

Line 39 - William Keefe (age 6)

NOTES: John Sr. works as a longshoreman, was born in Ireland, and can read but cannot write. Johanna keeps house, was also born in Ireland, and cannot read or write. All the kids were born in Pennsylvania and can read and write. David is an engineer. John and Patrick are printers. Daniel and William are in school. The address appears to be 228 Ferris Court, although I'm not certain. I believe it was off 228 North Front St, which no longer exists.

1884 Church Record of the Marriage of David O'Keefe and Cecelia Kelley

David O'keefe and Margaret Murphy were married on December 12th, 1883 at St Augustine's Church. The witnesses were John O'keefe and Cecelia Kelly.

1885 Death Certificate of John O'Keefe (b: 1830ish)

John O'Keefe passed away at the age of 55 on November 12th, 1885. He was born in Ireland and lived at 230 N Front St. He was buried on Nov. 16th 1885 in Cathedral Cemetery. Cause of death was Phthisis.

1885 Church Record of the Marriage of John O'Keefe and Cecelia Kelley

John and Cecelia were married at the Annunciation BVM Church in Philadelphia on May 16th. The entry is in Latin where John is written Joannem and Cecelia is Ceceliam. I believe the witnesses are also stated, but I cannot read the names.

1886 Marriage Documents of John O'Keefe and Cecelia Kelley

John and Cecelia were married on May 16th, 1886 in Philadelphia. John was 22 and Cecelia was 21. John lived at 512 St. John St and worked as printer. He has not been married before. Cecelia Kelley was born on March 14th, 1865 in Philadelphia. She lives at 2021 Stiles St, works as a shoe operator (?) and had not been married before.

1887 Church Record of the Baptism of Margaret O'Keefe

Margaret O'Keefe was baptized on March 6th at the Annunciation BVM Church in South Philly. Her parents are Joanne OKeefe and Cecelia Kelly. The sponsors were Robert Dalton and Maria Bowau.

1896 Death Certificate of John's O'Keefe

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 O'Keefe

"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."

2018 Photo of historical marker in front of St. Augustine's Church

Photo of me in front of St. Augustine's Church, next to the historical marker.

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