Samuel Ennis Keeton

So, there appears to be two Samuel Ennis Keetons. One born December 27, 1877 in Joplin, Missouri and died on February 13, 1972 in Comanche County, Texas. The second Samuel Ennis Keeton was born on May 18, 1879 in Boxley, Newton County, Arkansas and died on September 20, 1871 in Salem, Marion, Oregon. Every tree I have looked up has the first birthdate (only recorded as May 1880) with the 1972 death date. Clearly these two Samuel's are being confused! Most people state that Samuel Ennis Keeton was born May 1880 in Newton County, Arkansas and died on February 13, 1972 in Comanche County, Texas and as being a child of Joseph S. Keeton and Zella S. Whiteley.

It seems that people are just combining the two to fit the records they find, but there are two set of census records for each Samuel.

Samuel Ennis Keeton (1877-1972) married Willa Walton White on October 16, 1898. They had 10 children: Finis Fletcher, Mary Stella, Clarence Boyd, Louella May, Lillie Bernice, Willie Pauline, Robert Victor, Chester, Lester and Kittie Marie.

Samuel Ennis Keeton (1879-1971) married Ruth Bernetta Robinson and had the following children: Thelma Elizabeth, Samuel Ennis, Jack R., Thisba and George L.

Most people attribute the first Samuel to Joseph and Zella, while the 1900 census suggest the second one is more likely their son. Part of the confusion is that the Texas death certificate lists the first Samuel's father's name as Joe Keeton. Perhaps they are both sons of a Joseph? Also, the first Samuel is married by 1900, so why would he be on the census with his parents if he is already married?

In 1880, Samuel, son of Joseph and Zella is listed as 1 year old and being born in Arkansas. I cannot find a second Samuel born in 1877 anywhere, however, there is an S. Keeton age 3 years old, born in Missouri and listed as a son of J. M. Keeton. They are living in Bates County, Missouri. Perhaps the J. stands for "Joe?"

In 1900, Samuel, son of Joseph and Zella is listed as 20 and being born in May 1880 in Arkansas. The other Samuel is married to Willa and listed as being born in Feb. 1877 in Missouri. They are clearly TWO different people.

1910, Samuel has married Ruth and is living in San Jose County, California, age 30 born in Arkansas. Samuel and Willa are living in Brown County, Texas.

I have not found either Samuel in 1920.

In 1930, Samuel and Ruth are living in Los Angeles County, California. Samuel and Willa are living in Brown County, Texas.

In 1940, Samuel and Ruth are still living in Los Angeles County, California. I have not found Samuel and Willa.

It is clear there are two Samuel Ennis Keetons, both are probably sons of a man named Joseph. I feel, however, that the Samuel listed on most genealogies as the son of Joseph and Zella Keeton is incorrect and that the Samuel Ennis who married Ruth and lived in California is actually their son. If anyone has a document that says otherwise, please let me know!

Sources:
Census Records
Burial/Obituary - Samuel Ennis Keeton (Find-A-Grave Page)(Find-A-Grave Page)
Death Certificate - Samuel Ennis Keeton (FamilySearch.org Record)
WWI Registration Card - (FamilySearch.org Record)