Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 695.
 
PERRY LEWIS KEETON

     who enjoys the distinction of being the only sheriff that Wheeler county
ever had, is well known throughout the county and the adjoining country and is
an upright, fearless and capable man, who has walked in the path of integrity,
and is governed by principles of honor. He was born in Texas, in 1853, the son
of Moses and Mary Elizabeth (Adams) Keeton, natives of Missouri and Virginia,
respectively. In 1854, the family started west across the plains with teams and
when they arrived at the Humboldt river, experienced the terrible bereavement of
Mr. Keeton's death. The mother succeeded, however, in bringing the family the
balance of the way with the train and located in Shasta, California, where she
remained until the spring of 1855. Then they moved to Yreka, in the same state.
They remained at Yreka until 1864, when they moved to Grant county, Oregon. Our
subject received his education in the public schools and the Agricultural
college at Corvallis in 1869 and 1870. Following that, the family moved to the
vicinity of Mitchell, where our subject engaged in stock raising. The mother has
since died. Mr. Keeton continued in the business of stock raising with success
until 1898, when he was appointed by Governor Geer as the sheriff of Wheeler
county at the creation of this political division. He has held the office
continuously since, being the choice of the people at the expiration of each
term of service. This alone establishes the fact that Mr. Keeton is a man worthy
to be trusted and he is well known throughout the county.  It also speaks very
highly of him as, although the county is Republican in politics, he is, and
always has been a Democrat.
     On April 20, 1884, Mr. Keeton married Miss Mattie Gage, a native of Douglas
county, Oregon. Her father, Edward Gage, is one of the pioneers of Oregon, was
born in Missouri, crossed the plains in early days and was a veteran of the
Indian wars of this part of the country. Mr. Keeton has the following named
brothers and sisters: Thomas, who died in 1892 ; and Mrs. Annie Cavanaugh, still
living at Edgewood, California. Three children have been born to our subject,
Elizabeth Lucile, George T., and Jessie Pearl.
     Mr. Keeton is a member of the A. 0. U. W. and the I. 0. 0. F. In his public
life as well as in private business, he has so conducted himself as to win the
esteem of all and has justly earned the reputation for integrity and
thoroughness which he enjoys.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in March 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.