Chester W. Keatts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chester W. Keatts
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Chester W. Keatts
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| Born | September 25, 1854. |
| Died | January 16, 1908 (aged 53) |
| Nationality | United States |
| Occupation | U.S. Deputy Marshall |
| Known for | Co-founded the Mosaic Templars of America in Little Rock, Arkansas |
Chester W. Keatts (1854–1908) was an important leader and former slave. He helped start a major organization called the Mosaic Templars of America in Little Rock, Arkansas. Keatts worked in different jobs, including for the railway mail service and in federal courts. He also served as a law enforcement officer.
He ran for political office twice as a member of the Republican Party. Even though he won the most votes, he was not officially elected. This was because of unfair actions by the opposing party.
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Early Life and Freedom
Chester W. Keatts was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on September 25, 1854. At that time, he was born into slavery. Slavery ended in 1865 after the American Civil War. This meant he became a free person. He finished his basic school education in 1874.
A Busy Career
Keatts worked on a farm until 1875. Then, he got a job as a clerk for the U.S. Railway Mail Service. This service was important for sorting mail on trains. He worked there until 1890 and was promoted three times.
Political Challenges
Chester Keatts was a member of the Republican Party. In the 1890s, he was elected as the Circuit Clerk for Pulaski County. This was a big win, but he was "counted out" by the other party. This means his votes were unfairly ignored.
Working in Law and Business
Later, a judge named Henry Clay Caldwell appointed him to a court job. Keatts became a crier and messenger for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. These roles involved helping the court run smoothly.
In 1895, another judge, John A. Williams, chose Keatts to manage a company. This company was the Little Rock Traction and Electric Company. Keatts was trusted because of his good standing in the community.
In 1896, he became a U.S. Deputy Marshall for Eastern Arkansas. This meant he was a federal law enforcement officer. He also served as a Deputy Constable for Big Rock Township for many years. He ran for Little Rock police court judge and won by a lot of votes. However, he was again "counted out," just like his election for Circuit Clerk.
Starting the Mosaic Templars
Chester Keatts and his friend, John E. Bush, started the Mosaic Templars in 1882. They wanted to help former slaves who were struggling. Many people had no money for medical care or to bury family members.
The organization officially began in Arkansas on May 24, 1883. It offered life and burial insurance to its members. Local groups, called temples, were set up for people to join. They had special ceremonies and traditions. In August 1883, groups were also created for women members.
The Mosaic Templars grew to be one of the largest African American organizations. It also helped people start businesses and offered savings and loan services. Keatts was the leader, called the Grand Mosaic Master, until he passed away.
Personal Life
In 1881, Chester Keatts married Mary Warren. He was also a member of several important community groups. These included the Colored Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, and black Masons. He was a trustee at the First Baptist Church in Little Rock.
Chester Keatts had some health problems starting in 1905. He died at his home on January 16, 1908. He was buried at the Oakland-Fraternal Cemetery in Little Rock.
