Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1893-11-01
Julius Hyde Keyes.

70, 1895. Two years ago Mr.. hoyeS
commenced to show that serious and
insidious pulmonary affection was MAX
ing gradual approaches upon system
by no means strong and robust, and a
winter spent in Florida was one of the
means used for the restoration of his
health. This step did not succeed in
the object sought, and Notwithstanding
the battle for life that he waged with
all the force and energy of his nature,
he was impelled to give up the man
agement of the Eau Claire Linen COM
pany, which he had conducted with
great tact and ability for several years.
Realizing fully the serious condition of
his health, he had planned, short
time before his death, winters resi-
dence in Colorado. Becoming rapidly
worse he set about "putting his house
in ORDER" giving careful attention to
the details affecting the future of his
family. His last moments were quiet
and peaceful, the Angel of Death
touched him and he slept.
Deceased was born at Randolph, Yer
mont, in 1910, going to Ohio when a
child with his parents. In 1S49 the
family removed to the then village of
Watertown. Mr.. Keyes is best known
to our citizens as a gallant soldier of
the war and the publisher and pro-
of of
He served as non-commissioned Off
Ger of Company B, TwentyNinth Wis
consin Volunteer Infantry. At the
battle of Champion Hills, while ad-
vancing with the colors, he was shot in
the temple. From this terrible wound
he suffered to the day of his death.
The bullet, which destroyed the sight
of one eye, he carried for two years,
and his recovery was almost miracu-
lous. It is related Of him that he did
not fall on the field, but walked with
out assistance.
In 1868 Mr.. Keyes purchased THE
WATERFOWL REPUBLICAN from Attor-
ney-General Charles R. Gill, and in a
short time sold an interest in the paper
to Edwin D. Coe, now of Whitewater.
Two years later Mr.. Coe retired, Mr..
Keyes again becoming sole editor and
proprietor, William l.. Norris being
connected with the paper as assistant
editor. In the fall Of 1881 Mr. Keyes,
then filling the office of clerk in the
state insurance department, under
Phil. j. Spooner, Jr., disposed of THE
REPUBLICAN to its present owner, and
with }. H. Waggoner purchased The
Eau Claire Free Press. About six
years ago he disposed of his interest1n
The Free Press to Mr.. Waggoner and
as before stated. purchased an interest
IN the Eau Claire Linen company. The
writer was connected with Mr.. Keyes
in social and business relations for
nearly a lifetime and is competent
therefore to speak Of his general char
acteristics. What seemed to some
blunt and rugged exterior, carried
within it a kind and tender heart. In
all his dealings he was fair and honest,
exacting for his own, but paying his
just dues to the "uttermost farthing."
He was most unsuspecting person.
Once you gained his confidence you
were thereafter left free and indepen-
dent, with no rest of suspicion from
him. But his crowning aspiration was
his great love for home, to be with wife
and children, sharing their joys and
burdens.
Mr.. Keyes was true patriot In one
of his last collected moments he said,
81 want to be buried under the old
fag," and it was his most ardent wish
that he be carried to the grave by his
comrades of the Grand Army, and that
the flag of his country be draped upon
his coffin. Mr.. Keyes was married to
Miss Martha Churchill, of Lake Mills,
by whom he is survived with two sons.
He was member of Eagle Post, G..
A. r., of Eau Claire, and was also
member of the Ancient Order of
Ch1CCO w VI hnSu, III WHICH OTSdulZa-
ton he carried an insurance of $4,000,
and also leaves good estate.
Funeral services were held at his
home Friday afternoon. The body
was brought here for intermeDt, arriv-
ing by the Northwestern train Saturday
morning, and taken to the home of his
brother. W. P. Keyes. After brief
services conducted by Rev. G. G. Weiss,
with singing by a quartette composed of
Mrs. A. M. Prime, Mrs. S. r. Sleeper,
Prof. A. J. Whiting and w. C. Stone,
the body was taken in charge by a de-
tail from the 0. d. Pease Post, G. A.
b., the ceremony at Oak Hill cemetery
being conducted under full military
honors, closing with three volleys
fred over his grave, q fitting tribute
to the fallen soldier.
The following poem touching upon
the life and character of the deceased,
was read at the funeral services at Eau