The George F. Keesee Collection 1869-1924

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Commonwealth University, Health Sciences Library
Health Sciences Library
Virginia Commonwealth University
P.O. Box 980582
509 North 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23298-0582
Contact for questions and access:
POC: SCA Staff
Phone: (804) 828-9898
Fax: (804) 828-6089

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The core of this collection is Keesee's dental office ledgers which are complete for the years of his practice. (1869-1924). There is also a collection of speeches written by Keesee, as well as some memorabilia. The collection does not include any materials documenting Keesee's work with the Masons, or the dental associations in which he belonged.

Biographical / historical:

Dr. George Fisk Keesee as born on 05 September, 1842 in Richmond, Virginia. Orphaned at an early age, Keesee was raised by his father's friend, and prominent businessman, Cornelius Crowe.

At age 19, he joined the Confederate army. As a member of the Virginia Life Guards, he participated in what would become the first engagement of the war, the Battle of Bethel. (10 Jun, 1861) Keesee's war career was short lived, as he became ill and was reassigned to the defense of Richmond, a task he continued until war's end.

He decided on a career in dentistry, and graduated Valedictorian of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1869. Keesee set up his practice in Richmond where he remained active until his retirement in 1924. Keesee was a founding member of the Virginia Dental Association and was named Secretary, a post he would hold for over 50 years. He also helped organize the Richmond Dental Society serving the organization in a variety of capacities. At the time of his death, he was an honorary lifetime member and president emeritus.

Keesee received many accolades during his long career including being named Secretary-General of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition National Dental Conference. Keesee was reelected as secretary of the Richmond Randolph Masonic Lodge a record 59 consecutive times. He also served as its Worshipful Master from 1875-1877. His portrait still hangs in his Masonic Lodge grand hall.

Keesee married the former Sallie Bennett on 30 November, 1871 and they had five children. Keesee died 09 October, 1924 in Richmond. He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery.

Acquisition information:
Collection donated by Mrs. Edgar J. Fisher Jr.
Arrangement:

This collection is compiled by merging accessioning numbers: 86/Sep/17, 88/Sep/18, 89/Mar/06, 90/Jul/19.

Physical description:
1.7 linear feet. 29 items