JOHN H. McKEEHEN, one of Labette county's early settlers, was born in Carter county, Tennessee, in 1846, and is a son of W. W. and Nancy (Douglas) McKeehen. They were natives of Tennessee, and were of Scotch descent. They reared 10 children. Two of them are in Washington, - G. W. is a carpenter; William is a railroad employee. E. B. is a professional man and trader, in Tennessee. The others, who are daughters, live in Tennessee.

John H. McKeehen received his mental training in his native state, where he lived until he reached the age of twenty-two years. At the time he located in Labette county, May 12, 1869, he had but one suit of clothes and $19.50 in money. He settled in Osage township in the northeast quarter of section 14, township 31, range 17, being one of a party of three who settled in that section. Mr. Sparks lives on the southeast quarter of the section, and W. A. Collins, the third of the party, has left the county. Mr. McKeehen worked and boarded at different places until his marriage, when he located permanently. He first built a box house 12 by 16 feet, in size, which is now used as a kitchen. He erected his present house in 1891, and in 1900 built a new barn, corn-crib and granary. When he settled on this farm there was little timber; one elm sprout, which escaped the plow, is now a large tree. Mr. McKeehen has about five acres of orchard and forest trees. The yard is studded with flowers and vines, and a few hives of bees supply honey. Mr. McKeehen has rented some additional farming land since his sons have grown to manhood. He takes great pride in his farm, which presents a very neat and attractive appearance, and speaks welt for its owner's thrift and energy.

Mr. McKeehen was united in marriage with Mary M. Rinker, who was born in Indiana, in 1857. She was one of seven children. Her mother is yet living, but her father died several years ago. Three children have resulted from her union with Mr. McKeehen, namely: W. H., G. M. and Jessie A. In politics, Mr. McKeehen is an independent voter, although he was raised a Republican. He has served as trustee of Osage township five terms, which shows the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He is now treasurer of the school board in District No. 102. He is a member of the Christian church at Cherryvale. He has the advantage of living on the free mail delivery route. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. McKeehen and their two sons, W. H. and G. M., accompany this sketch.