Keokuk in Lee County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Keokuk Memorial
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 26, 2021
1. Keokuk Memorial
This Monument
is erected by popular Subscription
In the Memory of The
SAC Chief
Keokuk
for whom this city was named. In 1883, his remains together with the marble slab on the reverse side of this die were brought from Franklin County, Kansas, where he died and was buried.
His grave was located about 3½ miles S.E. of the Village of Pomona Franklin County, Kansas, on the S.E ¼ of the N.W ¼ of section 16 Township 17 range 18 east of the 6th principal Meridian , and was covered by the slab above mentioned. His remains and other matter of historical value were deposited in the base of this structure.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 40° 24.712′ N, 91° 22.778′ W. Marker is in Keokuk, Iowa, in Lee County. Marker is on River Road north of Rand Park Terrace, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Keokuk IA 52632, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Keokuk's Speech In 1812 (here, next to this marker); To The Memory of Pioneers (here, next to this marker); U.S.S. Maine Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S Maine Memorial
this page online
More about this memorial. Located overlooking Mississippi River in Rand Park.
Additional commentary.
1. Setting of the Monument
William Stuart Kerr (1861-1943) was responsible for setting the monument on its platform in 1883 with Rand Park. His assistant was an African-American man. They worked together to prepare the statue and base. While the statue was being lowered onto the base it slipped and landed heavily. Apparently, at the last moment, Mr. Kerr's fingers were caught under the weight of the monument. The assistant fled in fright and Mr. Kerr was trapped. He was unable to either free himself or raise help with his cries of alarm. In desperation, he used his knife to amputate two fingers and release himself.
Source: Family legend (Mr. Kerr was submitter's grandfather)
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 26, 2021
2. Keokuk Memorial
— Submitted January 25, 2023, by L. Patricia Van Gorp of Granite City, Illinois.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 26, 2021
3. Keokuk Memorial Reverse
Sacred to the memory of
Keokuck
distinguished SAC Chief
Born at Rock Island in 1788
Died in April 1848
Keokuck
distinguished SAC Chief
Born at Rock Island in 1788
Died in April 1848
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 224 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
