Francis S. Keese

Francis S. Keese, Delta, 1862, Phi Alpha 1897-1989

Francis S. Keese, Delta, 1861, was a successful Philadelphia banker, military officer and civic leader.

Brother Keese withdrew from Rutgers in 1861 to enter the Union Army and had an active and full military career. He was a sergeant in the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Infantry in 1861 and was promoted to captain in 1862 with the 128th New York Volunteer Infantry. He served with General Banks in the Battles of New Orleans and Vicksburg and was promoted to a major in 1863. In 1864, he was with General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley and was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He was named a brevet colonel and was mustered out of the army in 1865.

He joined Bradstreet & Company, the predecessor company of present-day Dun & Bradstreet in 1866 and had a long career of almost forty years, most of the time as the inspector of offices (auditor).

It is interesting to note that Roy A. Foulke, a prominent
Zete from the Lambda chapter, also had a long and distinguished career with Dun &
Bradstreet, serving as a vice president.

Brother Keese was active in Zeta Psi throughout his life. He served as Alpha Sigma,
Alpha Phi Alpha before being elected Phi Alpha in 1897. He was installed Phi Alpha
during Zeta Psi’s fiftieth anniversary convention. Brother Keese served as treasurer of the
Philadelphia Association of Zeta Psi for many years.

Brother Keese with a member of the Sons of the Revolution, Military Order of the Loyal
Legion of the United States, the Netherlands Society and the Union League Club of
Philadelphia.

He had two nephews, Alfred and Francis F.W. Drury who were Delta Zetes, classes of
1896 and 1898, respectively.