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| The History Center on Main Street, 83 N. Main Street, Mansfield PA 16933 histcent83@gmail.com |
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Tribute to Eleanor Keagle by Harriett Doll of Canton Eleanor Parsons Keagle, Canton Historian, was born of pioneer stock which undoubtedly influenced the keen interest she always had in area history. Her great grandfather came to western Bradford County in 1830 and shortly after his arrival purchased a small holding of fifty acres in what is now Canton Borough. A son, Mrs. Keagle’s grandfather, acquired a portion of the original farm and erected thereon a large frame double house which became known as the “Parsons Homestead”. The house was completed in 1854, five consecutive generations of the family have occupied it to the present time. Six generation have lived on the land. An impressive record indeed. Small wonder the old, well preserved house, standing in its lovely natural setting, seems to glow with thanks for the kind treatment it has received. |
Eleanor, a skilled photographer in her own right, was an avid collector
of old pictures as well as anything of historic import about the region.
She was a veritable storehouse of information for anyone doing genealogical
research. She could reel off families, generation by generation, giving
Christian names and the partners attained by marriage too. Her historical
articles and accompanying pictures have been a feature of area newspapers
for many years. They were in demand not only because they were authentic
and factual; they were written in an easy, imaginative style often with
a humorous vein which captured and held the reader’s attention.
| In spite of the interest and respect with which Eleanor Keagle regarded
history, however, she did not live in the past. A mother’s natural pride
was much in evidence when she spoke of her children’s accomplishments in
the field of education, music, medicine and community life. Her grandchildren
also received the fond indulgence innate in all grandmothers. She kept
well abreast of current events; membership in various local organizations
occupied much of her time until failing health curtailed her activities.
The death of Eleanor Parsons Keagle on January 20, 1971, brought to an end the indulgence on her part of a favorite pursuit, the exploration of the history of her town and its people. We all feel a sharp sense of loss with Eleanor’s death but because her work was well documented through her writings and shared, we know it will live. To say that one’s work will live is the highest tribute for “to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”. |
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