Clark, Robert Carlton, Ph.D. "History of the Willamette Valley Oregon."  Vol. 3.
Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1927. p. 242.

EDWARD BENJAMIN KEENE

     For fifty-four years Edward Benjamin Keene: was a resident of Marion county
and his life record constituted a fine example of manliness and industry. His
attention was given to mercantile affairs and in business circles of Salem he
was long a prominent figure. He was born in the state of Minnesota in 1867 and
his parents, Henry and Man (Deiner) Keene, were natives of Germany. In 1870 they
migrated from Minnesota to Oregon, settling in Marion county, and the father
purchased a ranch near Shaw. He brought to its operation the knowledge and
efficiency acquired through study and practical experience and developed one of
the best farms in that district. He also manifested a keen interest in public
affairs and served in the Oregon legislature. Several years before his death he
moved to Stayton, where he passed away, and his homestead is now owned by Henry
Keene.
     Edward B. Keene was a child of four when the family came to Oregon and his
education was acquired in the rural schools of Marion county. He assisted his
father in cultivating the farm and remained at home until he was twenty-one
years of age, when he secured a position in a hardware store at Stayton and
later was employed by Gray Brothers and other merchants of Salem. He improved
his opportunities and eventually was able to purchase an interest in a Salem
hardware store. Well versed in the details of the trade, he worked
systematically and effectively to expand the scope of the business and continued
therewith until his death on February 16, 1925. He was an enterprising merchant
and his honesty was above question.
     In 1897 Mr. Keene married Miss Ida Munkers, a native of Linn county,
Oregon, and of German extraction but a representative of an old American family.
Her parents were J. M. and Mary (Chrisman) Munkers, the former born in Missouri
and the latter in Indiana. In 1846, when J. M. Munkers was a boy of twelve, the
family started for Oregon in a covered wagon drawn by oxen and were six months
en route. His father, Benjamin Munkers, took up a donation claim about three
miles southeast of Salem and also purchased a large tract of land. He was one of
the earliest settlers in this district, in which he lived for many years, and
his children inherited the estate. His son, J. M. Munkers, operated a portion of
the homestead and also owned a fine ranch in Linn county, where he was residing
at the time of his death. He demonstrated his valor by service in the Indian
wars in southern Oregon and experienced all of the hardships and dangers of
frontier life. He was an influential citizen and for three terms was a member of
the state legislature. His wife made the overland journey in 1853 with her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Chrisman, who were also Oregon pioneers and lived
for some time on a farm on French prairie. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Keene
was born one child. La Velle, a native of Marion county.
     Mr. Keene was affiliated with the Christian church and gave his political
allegiance to the republican party. Along fraternal lines he was connected with
the Independent Order of Foresters, the Woodmen of the World and the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks. He never sought public office but championed all
movements for the good of his community, and his genuine worth won for him the
esteem, confidence and friendship of all with whom he was associated. Mrs. Keene
has filled all of the chairs in the Royal Neighbors and the Women of Woodcraft
and also belongs to the Women's .Benefit Association. She resides in the family
home at No.'224 Division street and her many admirable qualities have endeared
her to a wide circle of friends.
     
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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in April 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.