James Washington Keene was the son of George Washington Keene and Mary Mildred "Mollie" Hawkins.

DIED - At the Decker Hotel, Sonora, Texas, Wednesday, September 17th,
1902, at 6:00 o'clock p.m., James W. Keene, aged 35 years. The direct
cause of his death was pneumonia and congestion of the stomach
brought on by exposure and injuries received on the morning of the fire,
Friday, Sept, the 12 h.(sic) J.W. Keene was one of Sonora's firemen; at
the time the explosion took place he was in the Morris building and was
thrown violently against a desk, sustaining injuries in the left sids(sic);
but not withstanding that, he worked hard and faithfully in removing
goods from the buildings; he had three hemorrhages from the left lung on
that morning, but did not seem to much attention to that but kept right on
with his work. When he was not able to go any longer Dr L. Taylor was
sent for and did all that was possible to releive(sic) him, but pneumonia
had set in; his stomach refused tn(sic) retain either medicine or food and
the battle for life was on; after a brave struggle death gained the victory
and James W. Keene passed to the great beyond.
The Deceased had been a resident of Sonora for the past eight years
and during that time had made many friends here. He was a member of
the Woodmen of the World, in good standing, and that beneficent(sic)
organization took charge of the remains and conducted the funeral
services at the Sonora cemetery Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock.
At the hour above mentioned the the(sic) members assembled at the
Decker Hotel; they formed in wedge shape; the pall-bearers: J.L. Davis,
Sam Merck, W.A. Holland, R.S. Caruthers, Green Justice, and Edgar
Saunders, took charge of the casket and carried it to the hearse
preceded by the members of the order, the procession started for the
cemetery. It appeared as if the whole town had turned out to attend the
funeral and pay a last tribute of respect to the deceased; it was the
largest funeral pocession(sic) ever seen in Sonora.
At the grave members of the Camp again took their wedge-shaped
position; the choir sang some pathetic songs; R.C. Dawson, commander
of the local camp then came forward and and (sic) read the beautiful
ceremony of the Woodmen of the World, being assisted by other officers
of the order. The flight of the white dove was very effective and was
the first time ever witnessed in Sonora. Rev. Nath Thompson offered up
a fervent prayer and the friends of the deceased turned from the sad
scene with feelings of sorrow and regret. Several boquets(sic) were
placed on the grave by members of the order and friends of the departed
one.
The deceased leaves two children, Claud and Alvin, a wife from whom
he was recently divorced, in Sonora; mother, brother and sister, at
Bonham. Texas. J.W. Keene was very popular in Sonora; he had many
good qualities; he was our friend; aud(sic) we extend out heartfelt
sympathy to all his relatives. May his soul rest in peace."