Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

George F. Keesee Collection, Accession #86/Sep/17, Special Collections and Archives, Tompkins-McCaw Library, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.

Acquisition Information

Collection donated by Mrs. Edgar J. Fisher Jr.

Biographical/Historical Information

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.

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.

Arrangement

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