Frank Bateman Keefe (April 30 1872 – July 12 1952) was an American lawyer and Republican politician from Wisconsin who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives.
Early life and education
Keefe was born in Rochester, New York. He moved with his family to Wisconsin during his youth. He attended public schools in the state and later studied law, gaining admission to the Wisconsin bar in the 1890s.
Legal career
After becoming a licensed attorney, Keefe practiced law in Milwaukee and later in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He also served as a city attorney and held various local legal positions, establishing a reputation within the state's legal community.
Political career
Keefe was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican, representing Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district. He served two consecutive terms, from March 4 1939 to January 3 1945, during the 76th and 77th Congresses. While in Congress, Keefe was a member of committees that dealt with agriculture and judicial affairs, reflecting his professional background and the interests of his largely rural constituency.
Later life and death
Following his congressional service, Keefe returned to his legal practice in Wisconsin. He remained active in local civic affairs until his death. Keefe died on July 12 1952 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and was interred in a local cemetery.
Legacy
Frank B. Keefe is remembered as a mid‑20th‑century representative who contributed to the legislative process during a period that encompassed the end of the Great Depression and the early years of World War II. His career exemplifies the involvement of state‑level legal professionals in federal governance during that era.
