Keyes Family papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS-0813

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Keyes family papers

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Scope and Contents note

A collection of correspondence, diaries, biographical notes, scrapbooks, photographs, memorabilia and other papers. It concerns the emigration of the family of John Washington Keyes and his wife Julia Hentz Keyes to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after the Civil War, and their subsequent travel all over the world. Of special interest is the diary Mr. Keyes kept during his trip from Montgomery to Rio de Janeiro and accounts by Julia Keyes titled "Our Life in Brazil," concerning the establishment of "Dixie Island" there. The correspondence also involves other members of the family and grouped into four categories: Alabama letters (1846-1865); Brazillian letters (1867-1935); American letters (1872-1944); and European letters (1900-1941).

Dates

Creation: 1846-1944

Biographical/Historical note

Dr. John Washington Keyes

25 November 1825--Born in Athens, Alabama 1843--Suspended from LaGrange College (AL) for fighting. He returned home, studied medicine, and entered a medical practice with a partner, Dr. Welch, in Somerville, Alabama. 4 November 1846--Married Julia Louisa Hentz, eldest daughter of Professor Nicholas Marcellus and Caroline Lee Hentz, in Tuskegee, Alabama 1849--Studied dentistry in Cincinnati 1850--Earned the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery from Ohio Dental College and the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Ohio. 1857--Moved to Montgomery, Alabama, and earned a living as a dentist 1861-65--Joined the Confederate Army in Mobile, Alabama (Company A-1st Battalion of Hilliard's Legion) and served as a surgeon at St. Mary's Hospital in Montgomery. 1867--Moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he continued to practice dentistry. 1873--Returned to the United States and cultivated oranges in Calhoun County, Florida 27 November 1892--Died in Wewahitchka, Florida.

Children of John W. and Julia L. Keyes

1. Ellen Lee (Nelly): b. 8 September 1847, d. 23 February 1907; m. James Hunter and lived in Wewahitchka, Florida; their children: Helen, James Branch, and Joe

2. Julia Hentz: b. 11 February 1849, d. 6 December 1849

3. Henry Whiting: b. September 1851, d. 4 November 1856

4. Jennie Rutledge: b. 26 December 1852, d. 20 October 1878; m. James E. Davidson of Montgomery, Alabama, 1875; their child: Eula Lee (m. Fitzgerald Salter)

5. Buran: b. 15 December 1853, d. 16 December 1853

6. Eula Hentz: b. 23 February 1855, d. 7 July 1920; m. John W. Coachman and lived in Rio de Janeiro; their children: James Joseph, Hentz, John Keyes (m. Jeanette Dunlop), Kendrick, Julia (m. Michael Dickie), Linnie (m. J. Merritt Fordham), and Eula Helen (m. Clifford Ross)

7. Caroline Whiting (Linnie): b. 14 February 1857, d. 1942; m. Oceola Pickens; their child: Robin

8. Wade: b. 20 March 1858, d. 17 October 1864

9. Alice: see separate biographical sketch

10. Julia (Alice's twin): b. 11 December 1859, d. October 1917; m. Frank Branch; their children: Theresa and Emelyn (Emmie) (m. Robert Austin)

11. William Baldwin: see separate biographical sketch

12. Charles: see separate biographical sketch

13. David Rebel: b. 24 June 1865, d. 1948; m. Elizabeth Stratford; their children: Mary Elsbeth, David Franklin

14. George P. : b. 6 December 1866, d. 22 September 1898; m. Jessie Hentz (a cousin); their child: Emilie (m. Frederick Evans)

15. Mattie Louise: b. 16 January 1870, d. 17 November 1875

Alice Keyes Scott

11 December 1859-- Born in Montgomery, Alabama 1867--Accompanied family to Brazil 1870--Returned to United States 23 February 1893-- Married Henry Warren Scott (b. 26 May 1854, d.17 February 1897) Their children: 1. Henry Eldon: b. 22 January 1894 in Quincy, Florida; m. Louise Roberts and had three children: a) Henry Eldon, Jr.: b. 9 June 1922; b) William Warren: b. 7 June 1926; c) Roberts Boyd: b. 11 August 1928; 2. Elizabeth Davidson (Beth): b. 27 November 1895; m. Irby Walter Kirkpatrick; she died in childbirth 17 June 1927. 1903-04?--Lived in Atlanta, Georgia 1913-14?--Lived in Highland Home, Alabama 1915-?--Lived in Linden, Alabama 1944--Died

William Baldwin Keyes

William Baldwin Keyes moved to Brazil with his family in 1867. He returned to the United States but moved back to Sao Paulo in 1878. He and his brother, Charles, practised dentistry there and became dentists to Brazilian Emperor Don Pedro and the royal family.

Dr. Keyes married Annabel Christie and later they moved to France. They eventually settled in London, England, where William continued to practice dentistry. Their children: 1. Gladys, m. Robin K. Erridge; 2. Theresa A. (Thusa); 3. Alma, m. H. G. Henman

Charles Keyes

Charles Keyes was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on 4 August 1863, and, like his brother, became a prominent dentist in Brazil's capital city, Sao Paulo. Charles married Emily Longstreth of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they had six children: 1. John, m. Theodora Ross; 2. Baldwin m. Harriet Kift; 3. Merritt, m. Florence Cochran; 4. Jennie, m. Edward Hubbs; 5. Tilney, m. Helen Zane; 6. Anna Lucy

Charles was sent by the government to represent Brazil at the World's Convention of Medical Science, held in Paris, France (no date available).