Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
KEIM, Edward T.
KEIM, Edward T. (Reading, PA, Aug. 8, 1844-- ). Superintendent and manager, Dubuque Telephone Exchange Company. Keim and his parents came to Dubuque in 1855. He grew up and attended school here, graduated from high school, and entered Beloit College.
After leaving college, Keim returned to Dubuque entered the bank of Babbage & Co. for one year. He then worked for American Express Company for about thirteen years. In April, 1879, he accepted the position of superintendent of the National Bell Telephone Company for Dubuque County and the towns of Rockford and Freeport, Illinois. Upon the consolidation of the two telephone interests he became the manager of the Dubuque Telephone Exchange Company. He also introduced the system in Rockford, Ill.
Keim was the first Secretary of the Dubuque Building and Loan Association and held that office three years. He was also president of the Episcopal Church Building Association.
Keim was interested in the study of natural sciences and his collection of mineral and fossil specimens took the first premium and three diplomas at the Northwestern Exposition in 1878.