R. S. H. KEYS, M.D., the oldest practicing physician in Monongahela, traces his lineage to Hibernian ancestry. His grandfather was born in Ireland, and in an early day set sail for the New World. After arriving in America he located permanently on a place now known as the Miller farm, near Beallsville, Washington Co., Penn. Politically he voted with the Democratic party, and in religion was a member of the Episcopal Church. His children were Andrew, Thomas and Hugh. Hugh Keys was born in 1790, in the "Emerald Isle," and with his parents came to America where he learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1810 he was married to Elizabeth Irwin, a native of Maryland, whose parents died when she was very young. The newly wedded couple first located in Baltimore, Md., then moved to Hillsborough, Washington co., Penn., where he conducted a hotel for many years. He finally moved to Fayette county, Penn., and there followed his trade for several years. He was actively identified with the Democratic party, and held various local offices, having in 1840 been elected canal commissioner under Van Buren, which position he held until his death. He was a leading member of the Episcopal Church. He died in October, 1841, his widow on January 23, 1886, in her ninety-sixth year. They were the parents of the following children: Mary, wife of James Thompson, of Beallsville; William; Margaret, married to R. S. H. Henderson, of Lawrence county, Penn.,; Andrew, in Fayette county; Sarah, married to Nelson Randolph, also of Fayette county; John; Christian; George; James; Hugh; R. S. H. and Thomas, all now deceased except Andrew and R.S.H. Dr. R. S. H. Keys was born March 12, 1832, in Fayette county, Penn. When twelve years of age he left home, first entering the general merchandise store of E. C. Roddy, in Upper Middletown, Fayette county, and then worked for his brother, John Keys, M.D., at Bentleyville, Washington county, remaining there several years. He finally entered his brother's office, and after studying medicine and dentistry for about seven years, took his brother's place. On August 23, 1856, Dr. Keys married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Julia Holland, of Bentleyville, and continued to reside in Bentleyville until 1862. He was then commissioned lieutenant of Company D, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and went to West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, but returned to Bentleyville the same year. In the spring of 1863 he came to Monongahela, where he has since followed his profession with eminent success. He is a stanch advocate of the principles embodied in the Democratic party, and has served as a member of the school board of the city. In religious faith he is a member of the Episcopal Church. To his marriage with Elizabeth Holland the following children were born: Julia, wife of George R. Smith, of San Francisco, Cal,; Lizzie, wife of Charles Oldfield, also of San Francisco; Harry K., in the West; John, a boatman on the Monongahela; Vol. O., Catherine and Sophia, all three deceased; and James Stockdale, at home. The mother of this family died September 6, 1881, and for his second wife Dr. Keys married, June 6, 1883, Mrs. Emeline Howe (a native of Monongahela), widow of Maj. S. B. Howe (to whom she was married in 1864), and daughter of Ira R. Butler, of Carroll township, this county. Maj. S. B. Howe was a native of Washington county, Penn., born May 2, 1835, was educated in California, same county, and there learned the trade of brick molding, which he followed several years. He served during the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in the First West Virginia Veteran Cavalry at its organization, and was soon promoted to second lieutenant and captain, respectively, in which latter rank he distinguished himself in many hard-fought battles of the years 1863-64. In the campaign of 1864 he was selected and detailed by Gen. Averill to command the company of scouts, in which capacity he performed some of the most daring exploits of the war, and received the highest encomiums from the commanding general. In February, 1865, he was commissioned major, and immediately, in command of the First Regiment West Virginia Veteran Cavalry, started on the great raid of Gen. Phil. H. Sheridan up the Shenandoah Valley and to the James river. After this historic event he performed, among other prodigies of valor and generalship, at Little Sailor's creek, an important part, his brigade making the best and most successful charge of the war, capturing Gen. Ewell and his entire corps, cannon, battle-flags, etc.; in fact, it is said of him that he was "second to no regimental commander." At Appomattox Courthouse, April 8, 1865, he was killed at the close of that obstinate engagement, at the hour of midnight, whilst gallantly leading his regiment in his final charge, and the following day Gen. Lee surrendered. Dr. Keys now confines himself to city practice, and at special points on the line of railroad, having practically retired from country work, it being too fatiguing. He is a Knight Templar.

Text taken from page 390 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed June 1997 by Kathy Petty of Evansville, IN as part of the Beers Project. Published June 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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