Submitted by: Dan Rich

William D. Keyes

July 22, 1859 – Oct. 10, 1921

South Bend Tribune, Tuesday, October 11, 1921

William D. Keyes, of 221 East Fourth street, one of Mishawaka's best known citizens, dropped dead in his gravel pit one-half mile south of Springbrook park at 4:20 o'clock Monday afternoon, aged 62 years. The city ambulance was summoned and the remains were brought to this city and taken to the Finch undertaking rooms and later to the home.

Mr. Keyes had just returned from South Bend and was feeling as well as usual. He was engaged in conversation with George Ernsperger, of 2424 Lincoln Way West, who was loading some sand. The latter looked away an instant and when he turned around he found Mr. Keyes had fallen to the ground. He picked him up but he expired in two minutes. Mr. Ernsperger called to F. M. Ritter and P. F. Roglinski, employed at the pit and they at once called for the ambulance.

Several months ago, Mr. Keyes was injured in the pit as the result of a cave-in and some believe that this injury may have been indirectly the cause of his death, which is attributed to heart disease. The coroner was notified but up to this morning had returned no verdict as to the cause of death.

Mr. Keyes was born in Portage township, this county, July 22, 1859, but for the past 41 years had resided in Mishawaka. For 28 years he was an employee of the rubber department of the Mishawaka Woolen Manufacturing company. He was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Eberhart in 1888. She survives with one son, John Arthur Keyes, of this city. Mr. Keyes also leaves one sister, Mrs. Emma Walker, of Mishawaka.

The deceased was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church, this city.

The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from St. Paul's Episcopal church, Rev. L. C. Rogers, the rector, officiating. Interment will be in the Fairview cemetery.