OBIT # 5525 - EASTERN CHRONICLE - 26 FEBRUARY 1942 WILLIAM ROBERT McKEAN, a leading citizen of the district and well known throughout the county died at his home at Lyons Brook late Monday night after a three weeks' illness. Endowed with a keen buisness ability, possessing a wide range of interests in community and church affairs, and with a warm and friendly personality, his activities covered a wide range in the life of the community, and his friends were many. He was in his 77th year. Born at Rogers Hill , Pictou County, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. RICHARD McKEAN, he had been a resident of Lyons Brook for more than fifty years. He carried on buisness as a blacksmith, retiring from active work about 20 years ago.. His wife who survives him, was formerly CASSIE CAMERON, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. JOHN CAMERON of Lyons Brook. In December, 1940, Mr. and Mrs. MacKEAN celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Among his many activities Mr. MacKean was a director for many years of the Pictou County Dairy Company, Stellarton and connected with the Pictou County Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company since its incorporation. He was a Justice of the Peace for many years. Prominent in Oddfellowship, he was a member of Eastern Star Lodge and Stuart Encampment, being a past noble grand of Eastern Star. He was a member of Durham Presbyterian Church, took a great interest in the activities of the church, and was a strong temperance worker. A wide reader, particularly in history, he was particularly well informed in the history of Pictou County, especially that of Durham and West River, scene of many developments in the early life of the county. He took a deep interest in the affairs of the Durham Cemetery Company of which he was secretary-treasurer for many years. Some years ago he took a leading part in the restoration of the Durham cemetery, the oldest in the county, where many of the early pioneers are laid. and he searched out and marked all the old graves and compiled a history of each of the early pioneers who are laid there. Besides his wife, Mr. McKean is survived by two daughters, MRS. W. E. HARRIS, Pictou; and MRS. WALLACE MURDOCK, Saint John, N. B. Another daughter died some years ago. Interment was at Durham Cemetery.