Russell W. Keeney

Russell Watson Keeney (December 29, 1897 – January 11, 1958) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. representative from Illinois. He died just over one year into his first term in office.

Biography Born in Pittsfield, Illinois, Keeney attended grade and high schools in Naperville, Illinois. He graduated from De Paul University, Chicago, Illinois, in 1919 and in 1921. He was admitted to the bar in 1919 and commenced the practice of law in Naperville, Illinois. In 1920 became Justice of the Peace of Lisle Township and in 1924 town clerk. He served as assistant State's attorney until 1935. State's attorney of Du Page County 1936-1939. County judge of Du Page County 1940-1952. Circuit judge of the sixteenth judicial district of Illinois 1953-1956.

Congress Keeney was elected as a Republican to the Eighty-fifth Congress and served from January 3, 1957, until his death in Bethesda, Maryland, January 11, 1958.

Keeney voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

Death He died on January 11, 1958, and was interred in Naperville (Illinois) Protestant Cemetery.