| Roger Keagle's Complied History of Canton, Bradford County PA |
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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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