Bios: Ben F. Keck, 1865- : from near Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co 

Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Candy Grubb.
 candyg@theofficenet.com

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>From "History of North Washington" Published 1904
Ferry County Biographical Sketches

Transcribed by: Candy Grubb (candyg@theofficenet.com)
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BEN F. KECK
	Ben F. Keck is a well known business man in northern Washington,
having business interests as well as valuable residence and business
property in both Okanogan and Ferry counties.  He is at present engaged
in the manufacture of brick in partnership with Mr. Harry Bird, the firm
being Keck & Bird.  He and Mr. Mason started the first brick kiln in 
Ferry county, which he has kept in operation ever since, and is now turning
out a large number of first-class brick. This has assisted materially in
the substantial upbuilding of Republic, where the industry is located,
and Mr. Keck is to be commended as the pioneer manufacturer of Republic.
	Ben F. Keck was born near Mechanicsburg, Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1865, being the son of Henry and Margaret
Keck, natives of Pennsylvania.  In 1877, the family located in Iowa, 
where the father died aged fifty-three years.  The mother is still living 
in Odebolt, Iowa.  Our subject was next to the youngest of six children,
named as follows, Charles E., Albert L., Martin L., Elmer E., B.F., and 
Harry E.  His father served throughout the Civil War as First Lieutenant,
being a volunteer from Pennsylvania.  Our subject received a good common
school education, and at the age of seventeen went to the Black Hills,
South Dakota.  That was in 1882, and from then until 1889, he was engaged
in freighting and various other business.  He then went to Seattle and 
started in teh retail liquor business.  Two years later he came to 
Okanogan county, establishing himself in the same line, and finally changed
his place of business to Loomis.  It was in February, 1889, that Mr. Keck
came to Republic and entered into partnership with L.H. Mason.  They
started a brick kiln, and since that time Mr. Keck has given his attention
to its successful operation.  He owns two blocks in the heart of Republic,
besides residence property and various interests in other parts of the 
state.
	Politically, he is an active Democrat, has served on the school
board, and is now one of the councilmen of Republic.  Mr. Keck is a member
of the Red Men and of the Spokane Eagles.
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