Caroline Keyes Dies After Short Illness

(1928)

   Mrs. Caroline Barber Keyes, aged 71, died at her home on Scott street Saturday, Oct. 6, following an illness of nearly three weeks resulting from a shock which she suffered September 18.

   Mrs. Keyes was born at South New Berlin, July 4, 1857, the daughter of David G. and Milicent Griswoll Barber.  She is the last member of a family long to be remembered in this section.  Her father as principal of Oxford Academy was one of the most highly esteemed principals in the history of the Academy, holding this position for 11 years.

   When a young girl her parents moved to Norwich and later to this village where her education was gained at Oxford Academy.  On May 29, 1881, she united with the local Baptist church and continued until her death as one of its most devout and loyal members.  Her marriage with George S. Keyes occurred October 17, 1883.  One child was born to them but died in infancy.  Mr. Keyes sudden death on Dec. 7, 1887 cast a gloom upon the community and the home thus broken.

   Mrs. Keyes then went to live with her parents and following the death of her mother in 1901 she went to New York where she made her home with her sister, Mrs. Coggshell.  Following the death of her sister she returned to this village in 1917 and has since made her home here.

   Her loss will be especially felt in the Baptist church.  She was teacher of the Philathea class and was also connected with the Ladies' Aid and Missionary society.  She served as church clerk for several years and taught a class in week-day religious instruction.  She was also a member of the Joseph Jefferson Literary society and for two years from 1925-1927 was its secretary.

   Surviving are four nieces, Mrs. James Marselis, Miss Mary and Miss Hettie Halsey of Wyoming, Ohio and Mrs. Frank Closs of Rose, N. Y., also a cousin, Mrs. George H. Spring of Elmira.

   The funeral was held at the Baptist church Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. B. A. Gates officiating.  Burial was made in Riverview cemetery.

NOTE:  DATE WAS HAND-WRITTEN ON THE ARTICLE.