Charles M.
Keith, the subject of this sketch, was born November 28, 1903, at Rinard,
Illinois. His father, Earl Keith, who is well known throughout this
community as an extensive land owner and stock raiser naturally brought to
Charles a knowledge of farming, along with his school education, which was
completed at the Millikin University at Decatur, Illinois, 1922-1926, where
he graduated in commerce and finance with B. S. degree, after he had
graduated from the Flora high school with the class of 1922.
After
his high school and university work was completed he accepted employment
with the Sexton Manufacturing Company at Flora as manager of order
department, remaining with the company about a year when he accepted a
position with a chain store company as manager of one of their stores in
Flora. He had only served this company one year when he came to Clay City in
June, 1929, and took charge, as manager, of the Clay City Lumber & Hardware
Company, the business formerly owned by a number of stockholders and
purchased by Earl Keith, in 1928.
Mr. Keith, upon entering into the
new line of business here, began at once to exercise his business ability
and talent, with the assistance of his able clerk. Will Bradley, who had had
previous experience in the line of merchandise handled by the company, in
building up the business. He began at once letting the people know that they
had the goods, the price and would render the service — he believes in
advertising. The store room was remodeled, brightened up with paint, stock
rearranged and displayed and it seems that Mr. Keith (and Bill, for Bill is
always found busy in adding to the appearance of the store and the
displaying of light as well as heavy hardware in such a manner that it is
really attractive) have been untiring in their efforts to render a service
that their patrons would really appreciate and long remember.
Extracted 12 Jun 2017 by Norma Hass from 1930 Pictures and Biographical Sketches of the Business Men of Clay City, Illinois.
| Fayette | Effingham | Jasper |
| Marion |
 |
Richland |
| Wayne |
Clay County ILGenWeb Copyright
Design by 