Edward L. Keyes (politician)

Edward L. Keyes (circa 1812-June 6, 1859) represented Dedham, Massachusetts in the Great and General Court in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.[1][2] He also served on the Massachusetts Governor's Council and in the Constitutional Convention of 1853.[2]

Personal life

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Keyes was born to Dr. Justus and Betsey (née Corey) Keyes.[2] He was the brother of General Erasmus Darwin Keyes.[2]

He had only a common school education with one or two terms at an academy.[2] He had a keen taste for literature, and his youthful ambition led him to employ his leisure time in the acquisition of knowledge.[2] He distinguished himself in the Lyceums and was regarded as a brilliant youth.[2] He went to Boston as a clerk in a wholesale store, and availed himself of the facilities for acquiring knowledge so abundantly afforded by that city.[2]

He is buried in the Brooks tomb in Medford, Massachusetts.[2]

Career

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While in Boston, Keyes wrote articles for the daily papers. He took a leading part in the formation of the Free Soil Party.[2] In 1844, he bought the printing establishment of the Dedham Gazette.[2]

He died from softening of the brain, in the hospital in Taunton, Massachusetts on June 6, 1859, at the age of 47.[2] He represented Dedham for two years in the House of Representatives.[2][1] In 1851 and 1852 he represented the County of Norfolk in the State Senate.[2] In 1848, he was a member of the Executive Council, and in 1853, represented the town of Abington, Massachusetts in the Constitutional Convention.[2] He was also one of the Commissioners for the erection of the State Alms Houses.[2] For several years, "Keyes was one of the foremost young men of the Massachusetts."[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Worthington 1827, pp. 106–107.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Keyes, Asa (1880). Genealogy--Robert Keyes of Watertown, Mass., 1633, Solomon Keyes of Newbury and Chelmsford Mass., 1653 : and their descendants, also, others of the names. Brattleboro, Vt.: G.E. Selleck. OL 24191068M.  This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

Works cited

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