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WILLIAM C. KEIG
One of the important and successful industries of Napa is the Keig Shoe Company, the name of the company being
one that has been connected with the shoe buisness, in one form or another, in this part of the state for a good
many years. The success which has attended the present organization is largely due to the indomitable energy and
sound business ability of William C. Keig, who is the secretary treasurer of the company and general manager of
the business. Mr. Keig was born in San Francisco, California, on the 10th day of August, 1874, and is the son of
Daniel and Ann Jane (Corlett) Keig, both of whom were born in the Isle of Man. The father left his home and came
to America in 1865, going first to Chicago, whence he came by train to California. The mother also came to this
country and they were married in Chicago.
Daniel Keig's first occupation in this country was as a cutter in a shoe factory. He later engaged in the manufacture
of shoes in San Francisco and continued that business until in 1875 when, because of ill health; he came to Napa
where, by persistent outdoor life, he regained his health. He then started a shoe shop in the old McInernay building
in Napa, later moving to the corner of Second and Main streets, where he engaged in the retail shoe business which
became very successful and which, prior to his death, was sold to his sons, William C. and Daniel T. Keig. In 1901
he resumed business by buying a third interest, at which time William C. Keig went to Petaluma and started a shoe
store, as a branch of the partnership business, his brother looking after the business at Napa. He was still in
Petaluma when his father finally retired from the business, and remained there until 1919, a period of eighteen
years. Daniel Keig died in 1909.
While a resident of Petaluma, William C. Keig built up a fine business which he is still managing. He took an active
part in local public affairs there and served one term as mayor of that city. In 1919 he returned to Napa to live
and in partnership with L. J. Evans became engaged in the manufacture of shoes, establishing the business that
now is conducted under the firm name of the Keig Shoe Company, of which he is the secretary treasurer and general
manager. The company manufactures all kinds and grades of shoes and the factory, which is located along the Northwestern
Pacific railroad tracks, is well equipped in every respect and gives employment to a large force of men. Mr. Keig
received a good public school education, which he supplemented by attendance at Oak Mound College. At the age of
seventeen years he was managing his father's business and is a practical and experienced shoe man in every phase
of the business.
Mr. Keig has been twice married. In 1902, in Petaluma, he married Miss Harriet Ackerman, who was born and reared
in Sonoma county and who died in 1909 without issue. In 1912 he married Miss Alice G. Graham, also a native of
Sonoma county, and they have two children, Alice Lyle and William C., Jr. Mr. Keig is a democrat and is actively
and intelligently interested in public affairs. He is the president of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, is a member
of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Fetaluma and is president of the Napa Rotary Club. He is a man of
fine personal qualities, friendly and companionable, and, because of his splendid ability as a business man, his
fine public spirit and his genial manner, he enjoys an enviable standing in the confidence and esteem of the entire
community. He is large hearted and generous, giving liberally to all worthy benevolent and charitable objects and
lending his aid and support to all efforts to advance the development and prosperity of his community.
From:
History of Solano County, California
BY: Marguerite Hune
and
Napa County, California
BY: Harry Lawrence Gunn
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Chicago 1926
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