Jerry and Linda Butler

Tennessee: The Volunteer State 1769-1923
(Chicago, S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1923)

JOHN THOMAS KEETON, M.D.
(pp. 128-129)

Dr. John Thomas Keeton has practiced in Sardis for many years and he is numbered among the representative members of the medical profession in Henderson county. He was born in Decatur county, on the 30th of September, 1882, a son of Sanders L. and Amanda Ellen (Hay) Keeton, natives of Tennessee. The paternal great-grandfather, Dr. Robert Keeton, was born in North Carolina and was one of the pioneer settlers of Decatur county, Tennessee. His son, Dr. John Lawson Keeton, was born in this state and died in 1862. The maternal grandfather was Thomas Hay, a native of Ireland, who came to this country at an early age. He located in Tennessee and married Violet Jackson. He was a minister and farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Keeton are now residing in Texas and are prominent and highly esteemed citizens of the community in which they make their home.

The common schools of Decatur county afforded John Thomas Keeton his early education and in due time he entered the Huntingdon high school. After graduation he enrolled in the University of Tennessee, taking up the study of medicine, and he was graduated from that institution in 1909, with the M.D. degree. He practiced first at Vise, in Decatur county, between terms but after receiving his degree he came to Sardis, where he has since resided. He enjoys an extensive practice and has won an enviable position among the foremost members of the profession in the county. Aside from his practice he is active in financial circles, being a director in the Peoples Bank. Upon the entrance of the United States into the World war the Doctor was very anxious to enlist and he was among the first to volunteer his services. He became a member of the Medical Corps hut was not in active service, the armistice being signed before he was called.

In Decatur county, on the 9th of February, 1902, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Keeton to Miss Cordie A. Holland, a daughter of William Francis Holland, whose death occurred in 1904. Her mother was Mary Wyatt, who died in 1906. Her paternal grandfather, William Holland, lived to the age of ninety-six, while her grandmother also lived to an advanced age. Her grandmother was a member of the well known Gardner family. To Dr. and Mrs Keeton four children have been born: Mildred M., whose death occurred in childhood; Mabel E.; Paul Holland; and Flora May.

Dr. Keeton has given his strict allegiance to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has never sought nor desired public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his profession He is, however, a public-spirited citizen and one whose aid can always be counted upon in tine furtherance of any movement for the upbuilding of the community. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and is also identified with the Eastern Star lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Along Strictly professional lines he is identified with the Southern Medical Association and the Tennessee Medical Association. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church.