Shared Photo: The Keay Family

Question

I wanted to share this family photo of my grandfather, Norval Keay (center) and his parents, Alexander Keay and Amy McGhie Keay. The Keay's were a prominent family in Everett Washington in 1904. Alexander was the city treasurer and his wife Amy served in various roles at the 1st Presbyterian Church. Sadly, in 1911 Alexander embezzled what would be (today) $500,000 from the city and disappeared forever. Pinkerton detectives were sent as far away as Australia to locate him but to no avail. Abandoned by her husband, Amy lived on alone, dying at age 86 in 1952.

 

 

Location: Everett Washington. Date: 1904.

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Answer 1

Wonderful family photo, thank you for sharing the photo and the history with the WikiTree community.

Answer 2

Amazing photo and story! Thank you for sharing! :-)

Answer 3

Quite a story. I wonder where he went. He changed his name and now we don't know. How sad for your G grandmother. Thanks Beautiful family and photo.

Comments

Yes, he abandoned his two boys as well. It was a huge scandal and the family left behind was humiliated. Very sad.

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Here is the story as it was reported in the Everett Herald in 1911.

Keay Scandal of 1911

Answer 4

Fantastic old photo of your grandpa and his parents from 1904, the all look stunning and there amazing outfit, the really are very good looking people

Thank you for sharing this great photo Bart

Answer 5

This is a lovely picture.

I adore the frame - oval instead of the usual square or oblong.

The tops on the mother and son are stunning.

The father looks quite handsome in his suit and tie.

Thank you for sharing this extraordinary picture.