William A. Keleher : the Unknown Facts

William A Keleher : The Unknown facts

William A. Keleher (1886-1972), son of David and Mary Ann Keleher was one of the best lawyers in New Mexico and also a prominent writer who engendered numerous masterpieces. This article does not talk about his well known works. Rather, it will focus on the little known or unknown facts. Please read on.

Ironically, historians often neglect William A. Keleher's significant role in dealing with the Gallup Coal Strike that took place in New Mexico in 1933. That year, Mexican coal miner went on strike against an American company named Gallup in New Mexico. Consequently, hundreds of miners were arrested. La Liga, an organization led by Jestis Pallares was heavily involved in this scenario as it worked to protect the jobs of its eight thousand members and guarantee a relief payment. The situation was deteriorating fast and something had to be done without further delay. This is when (November, 1933) William A. Keleher, along with M.C. Mechem came forward to negotiate on behalf of the government. Their findings ("MECHEM-KELEHER report") on the Gallup coal strike convinced the federal government to settle the strike

Many people do not know that William Keleher and contractor A. Hebenstreit acquired land from F. Huning's heirs and played the Huning Castle Addition. The initial problem, however, was the presence of swamps that made the development unattractive and difficult. It was remedied when the nearby river was finally controlled thanks to the efforts of Middle Rio Grande Conservancy. Albuquerque Country Club shifted from the East Mesa to its current location in the year of 1928. Needless to say, it added esteem to the development. Sadly, they only got a handful homes built before the crash of the stock market in the year of 1929. These homes were later known as the Country Club neighborhood as a whole.

Little is known about William Keleher's personal life. Keleher was married twice. His first wife, Mae, died in 1923 leaving one daughter, Mary Ann. Nine years after the demise of his first wife, Keleher decided to move on. He married Loretta Barrett of Forest city who was a graduate of the University of Iowa. She arrived in the University of Mexico in 1925 to as a part-time teacher. Loretta also served as the president of an elite group called the Ladies' Altar society. William and Loretta were the proud parents of four sons: William Barrett, John Gorry, Micheal Lawrence and Thomas Franklin. Loretta Keleher passed away in the year of 2000.

The Zimmerman Library has received Keleher's great collection of southwestern books and manuscripts. The research is not finished yet. More and more information regarding the great William A. Keleher is being divulged. It should be noted that this collection was a gift from his son (W.B. Keleher, M.L. Keleher, J.G. Keleher and T.F. Keleher) and Mary Ann Keleher Rogers.

Invaluable information was acquired from the Keleher Family papers. These papers contained never-seen-before information on Loretta and her four sons (Will, Micheael, John and Thomas). In addition, William Keleher's parents' and siblings' information was there too. The invitation papers showcase the social lifestyle in Albuquerque and the Keleher's participation in social events with elite citizens and fundraisers from 1950 to 1900. These papers also mentioned about the family owned properties which included Mandell Residence Addition, Buena Vista Addition, Altura Addition etc.

Even after death, William A. Keleher is synonymous to the betterment of humankind. A scholarship named the 'William A. Keleher Memorial Journalism Scholarship' was introduced in 1980 at the University of New Mexico (UNM). This scholarship aids aspiring journalists in pursuing their dreams. Many such journalists have been benefited immensely by this scholarship. Today, the total investment value stands at an astounding $8,000,000 and it is still growing.

William A. Keleher was an exceptional individual. He did many outstanding things in his life and was an active citizen of the New Mexico. Furthermore, he was honored by and invited to join copious groups. This New Mexico Hall of Famer's monumental achievements are undeniably worth admiration. Many of his stories have been told; some still remain untold. As time goes on, we hope to discover more and more about this great individual, who has really made a difference.