Maude Barkley Keck papers

Collection

Identifier: IWA0554

Staff Only
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Scope and Contents

The Maude Keck papers date from 1937 to 1976 and measure 7.5 linear inches. The papers consist of Keck's 1941-1975 diaries, her 1937-1975 account books, a copy of her 1976 obituary, and a brief Keck family history. The diaries are filled with news about the everyday activities of a rural Iowa woman: housekeeping, farm chores, parenting, socializing, and eventual widowhood. The account books document the financial records of an Iowa farm family and the final years of an elderly woman.

Dates

Creation: 1937-1976

Creator

Keck, Maude Barkley, 1883-1976 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The papers are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Biographical / Historical

Maude Heaton was born on October 23, 1883 in Marcus, Iowa. She married Howard Barkley on June 15, 1904. The couple had four daughters: Ada (died 1929), Ava (Wittchen), Erma ( Wilson) and Elma ( Harvey). Howard Barkely died on April 27, 1913. Maude Barkley married Orren Keck on May 3, 1939. He had one daughter, Rachel, from a previous marriage. Orren Keck died on September 30, 1966. Maude Keck taught rural school in Tilden Township. She also served as postmistress in Pierson, Iowa for many years. She was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cherokee, Iowa and an active member of the quilters group at Meadow Star Church in rural Washta. Keck also belonged to Columbian Club in Cherokee and the Washta Cherio Club. Maude Barkley Keck died on May 10, 1976.