Ernest M. Keys, M. D., one of the representatives physicians and leading citizens of Alameda, California, is a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he was born May 14, 1855, son of Luther H. and Frances (Haven) Keys. His mother was a native of Kentucky, and died in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His father, a native of Ohio, moved from that state to Iowa in 1849, settling in Cedar Rapids, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine for many years. In 1876 he moved to Kansas and is still a resident of the latter state.

Ernest M. Keys was the second born in a family of four sons, his brothers being John, Charlie and Luther. Up to the time he was nineteen years of age Ernest M. attended the public schools of Cedar Rapids. then he decided to take up his father's profession and accordingly began the study of medicine in his father's office. In 1875 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, where he spent three years as a student and in 1878 received the degree of M. D. Immediately thereafter he took up the practice of medicine in Iowa, and remained in his native state until 1888, when he came to California. Four years he practiced at Livermore, and from there came to Alameda, which has since been his home and where he has established a large practice. Since coming to California Dr. Keys has identified himself with Alameda County Medical Society and the California State Medical Society. He keeps himself well posted and up-to-date on all matters pertaining to his profession, and is recognized as one of the progressive and successful physicians of Alameda.

Dr. Keys has always been more or less interested in public affairs, in educational and political mattes, and his influence has ever been felt for good in the different towns in which he has lived. Politically a Republican, he has served as delegate to both the county and state conventions of his party. From 1899 to 1903 he was a member of the board of education of Alameda. He has fraternal relations with the I. O. O. F., the B. P. O. E., and the Masonic order, having taken all the degrees of the last named.

In 1878 Dr. Keys married Miss Jennie R. Carter, a native of Earlville, Iowa, and a daughter of John and Harriet Carter. They have two children, Fannie and Harold.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume II

The Lewis Publishing Company - 1905
Edited by Leigh H. Irvine