Very Important Passengers

San Francisco Gold Rush 1849.

Thomas Keane

April 20, 1888, Daily Alta California, San Francisco

The Merchants' Club

Palace Hotel, Carriages, San Francisco.

The newly organized Merchants' Club held a meeting in Parlor A of the Palace Hotel last evening, at which the following officers; were elected to serve the first year: President, M. J. Flavin; Vice-President, A. Andrews; Secretary, M. C. Hogan; Treasurer, C. H. Ramsen; Directors, R. F. Bunker, Thomas Keane, A. Andrews, L. S. Kast, M. Hart, C. P. Kennedy, Jacob Goldberg, J. R. Smith and P. F. Nolan.

October 29, 1889, Daily Alta California, San Francisco

Superior Court Suits.

Thomas Keane has sued Helen Coleman to recover $437.28 for goods sold and delivered.

April 9, 1890, San Francisco Call, San Francisco

THOMAS KEANE.
Death of One of San Francisco's Prominent Merchants.

Thomas Keane, the well-known dry goods merchant, died of quick consumption at his home at 340 Page street at 9 o'clock last evening.

Up to five weeks ago Mr. Keane was in the best of health, and by his untiring energy and business tact kept his large business well in hand. He began to feel ill, however, and after trying vainly lor two weeks' time to continue his labors he took to his bed never to rise again. The best medical skill of this city was called to attend him, but It was of no avail against the ravages of the dread disease which had taken a firm hold on his constitution, and four days ago his family was apprised that his condition was hopeless, and that death might come at any time. Signs of speedy dissolution appeared yesterday, and at 9 o'clock last evening, surrounded by relatives and the members of his family, he expired.

Mr. Keane had for many years been identified with the business interests of this city, and had gained an enviable reputation as a man of integrity and capability, beside building up a handsome business and amassing a fortune.

Mr. Keane was born in Kilrush County Clare, Ireland, in 1841, of good Irish stock, and came to America in 1862. He first settled in New York City, and in the latter part of 1853 came to this Coast by way of Panama.

His first venture In this city was the opening of a dry-goods house on Third street. in 1867 a branch house was established on Kearny street, which soon afterward became the main place of business. There the firm became Keane, O'Connor & Co., and continued so for many years, until the brother James became associated with him under the firm name of Keane Bros. Since his brother's death, in 1880, the deceased was the sole owner of the business, though the firm name of Keane Bros, was still retained. About two years ago the business was removed to the present location on Market street. In 1870 Mr. Keane was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Dipley, a well-known lady of this city, the ceremonies being magnificent. Mrs. Keane, besides possessing a considerable fortune, was a woman of great accomplishment and tact and aided Mr. Keane materially in his struggle for fame and fortune.

The deceased leaves a widow and eight children, six boys and two girls, the eldest child, James, being about 16 years of age. Mr. Keane's fortune, consisting of his business and some landed property, Is estimated to amount to at least $125,000. The business will be carried on by the heirs, as it is now in a remarkably prosperous condition. The funeral services will probably be held tomorrow from St. Mary's Cathedral.

May 11, 1890,San Francisco Call, San Francisco

THE LATE THOMAS KEANE
A Memorial for Presentation to the Family by His Employees

The employes of the firm of Keane Bros. had a series of resolutions engrossed bearing testimony to their respect for the late Thomas Keane and their sympathy for the bereaved family.

They are beautifully designed and inclosed in a massive oak frame, with a lining of solid coin silver, two inches in breadth, and will be presented to Mrs. Thomas Keane and family. The work on the memorial is artistic and entirely with pen and ink. In the upper left-hand corner is the figure of the Angel of Mercy holding a scroll upon which are inscribed the words "In Memoriam."

Below is a figure representing Commerce in the act of laying a laurel wreath upon a tablet bearing the monogram of the deceased. It is an elaborate and handsome affair and attests the esteem in which he was held by those whose lot it was to serve him in life.


The Annals of San FranciscoThe Annals of San Francico 1855. Early San Francisco.
Frank Soule, John H. Gihon, Jim Nisbet. 1855
Written by three journalists who were witnesses to and participants in the extraordinary events they describe. The Annals of San Francisco is both an essential record for historians and a fascinating narrative for general readers. Over 100 historical engravings are included. Partial Contents: Expeditions of Viscaino; Conduct of the Fathers towards the natives; Pious Fund of California; Colonel John C. Fremont; Insurrection of the Californians; Description of the Golden Gate; The Presidio of San Francisco; Removal of the Hudson's Bay Company; Resolutions concerning gambling; General Effects of the Gold Discoveries; Third Great Fire; Immigration diminished; The Chinese in California; Clipper Ships; Increase of population; and Commercial depression.

San Francisco, You're History!
Politicians, Proselytizers, Paramours, and Performers Who Helped Create California's Wildest City
Politicians, Proselytizers, Paramours, Performers.
Early San Francisco.California Performers.
J. Kingston Pierce
Seattle-based freelance writer Pierce presents a fascinating view of a variety of colorful people and events that have molded the unique environment of San Francisco. He chronicles historical highlights along with a focus on current issues. Pierce touches on the gold rush, earthquakes, and fires and introduces the lives of politicians, millionaires, criminals, and eccentrics. Pierce sparks the imagination in relating the stories of yesterday to today.


Naval Order of the United States.

The Naval Order of the United States The Naval Order of the United States. has a history dating from 1890. Membership includes a wide range of individuals, many with highly distinguished career paths. When it was established, the Founders provided "that any male person above the age of eighteen years who either served himself, was still presently serving, or was descended from an officer or enlisted man who served in any of the wars which the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, or Revenue or Privateer services was engaged was eligible for Regular membership." Today, the Order is a "by invitation only" society, and includes men and women who have served or who assist in accomplishing its Mission, including research and writing on naval and maritime subjects.

The San Francisco Commandery meets the first Monday of each month in San Francisco, California and holds two formal dinners each year:

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Sources: As noted on entries and through research centers including National Archives, San Bruno, California; CDNC: California Digital Newspaper Collection; San Francisco Main Library History Collection; and Maritime Museums and Collections in Australia, China, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Wales, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, etc.

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