Keck-Rachor Family                

George Keck & Elizabeth Doran

 George KECK was born in Zellhausen, Germany on 8 Mar 1842[1].  He came to America with his parents and 5 siblings in 1844 and first settled in Latrobe, PA from 1844-47.  He moved with his parents and siblings to Minerton in Vinton Co, OH in 1847 and helped his father raise sheep.  He married Irish born Elizabeth “Lizzie” DORAN in 1866.  The 1870 census shows George and Elizabeth living with his mother, Anna Maria in her home in Vinton Co.[2]  His occupation is listed as carpenter.  They moved to Trowbridge, Illinois between 1870 and 1871.  Their children were all born in Illinois: Anna (1871), Albert (1873), Mary E. (1876), Stephen (1878), George E. (1881), Catherine (1883), Austin (1885), and Regina (1888). 

He was a farmer, a master carpenter, and woodcarver.  His home contained much gingerbread decoration.  Lizzie was known for her hospitality and great household management skills.

 George died at the age of 47 on 23 Nov 1890.  Lizzie died at 78 yrs. on 16 Jan 1927 in Trowbridge, IL.[3]  They are both buried in Trowbridge, IL.

November 2004                                                                                                                          Jim Keck

(to be continued)                                                                           jkeck1@triad.rr.com   336 229-0426