Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
KEENAN, John
KEENAN, John. (Ireland, May 16, 1824--Dubuque, IA, Mar. 8, 1909). One of Dubuque's first contractors, Keenan came to America at the age of eighteen and learned his trade in Philadelphia. He moved to Dubuque in 1854 and worked through much of the 1880s. (1)
In 1929 Keenan was appointed the western agent for Robert Wood & Company's ornamental iron works. Located in Philadelphia, the company was the largest of its kind in the United States. Keenan was also the agent for Reedy's patent harvesting machine. (2)
The architect and builder of the Good Shepherd Home, ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, and the monastery of New Melleray, Keenan was also responsible for improvements made on MOUNT CARMEL MOTHERHOUSE. He served fifty years as president of the Dubuque Council of ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY. (3) He was also an agent for Reedy's elevators. (4)
See: JOHN KEENAN
---
Source:
1. Oldt, Franklin. History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880, p. 819
2. "Iron Works Agent," The Herald, February 17, 1872, p. 4
3. Ibid.
4. "News in Brief," The Herald, April 28, 1889, p. 8