William Keleher : Not Forgotten

William Aloysius Keleher is a name that will not be forgotten, no matter what. Especially in the region of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the name will always live among the people as a shining star, a person who started from scratch, yet was bold enough to make a difference. William Keleher was a relentless worker who continuously strived to bring about a positive change in the society.

It was the year of 1886 when Mary Ann Gorry Keleher gave birth to their son (William) in Lawrence, Kansas. His father, David Keleher, decided that the family should move to Albuquerque, New Mexico and so they went there in 1889. William Keleher enrolled at Saint Mary’s Parochial School where he studied till the eighth grade. Due to unavoidable circumstances, he, however, had to quit the school and start working in order to support the family financially. He started his new life as a messenger for Western Union Telegraph Company, becoming telegraph operator later on. He also worked for education boards and development companies for a brief period before becoming a newspaper reporter (he also became the city editor for two newspapers). This was the pivotal moment when he was attracted to law. It is believed that events at a local County Court influenced his decision. He once mentioned that he felt as if destiny was guiding him towards the court. With the newfound spirit, he joined the law school at Washington and Lee University in the last quarter of 1913. It did not take the meritorious Keleher more than two years to receive the Bachelor of Laws degree and thereby, graduate successfully from the law school, who was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in the same year (1915). He returned to Albuquerque after a while and honored the post of city attorney. Later on, he joined forces with George Downer, practicing law till 1930. In 1931, he found a new partner – A.H. McLeod. Together, they formed ‘Keleher & McLeod’, a law firm that would relentlessly practice law for the betterment of society for decades. Even after so many years, this firm remains as efficient as before.

William Keleher soared to greater heights with his literary works. He always had an avid interest in writing, especially history-related ones. With quality books like the Maxwell Land Grant, Turmoil in New Mexico, The Fabulous Frontier, Memoirs and Violence in Lincoln Country, he gained international recognition and historians’ acclamation. His first book came out in 1942, and the last in 1969.

William Keleher played a key role in settling the much talked-about dispute between the government and coal-field miners that took place in New Mexico in 1933. The Gallup American company was troubled with the Mexican coal miners’ strike, which was initiated rightfully after much suppression. The situation was going from bad to worse and an immediate remedy was needed to prevent apocalypse. This was the time, William Keleher and M. Mechem presented the “Mechem-Keleher” report on the Gallup coal strike to the government, who later on decided to settle the strike.

Keleher served the Museum of New Mexico and the New Mexico State University which was really worthy of praising. He also took the post of director and legal counsel in a few private organizations.

Even after death, Keleher is still inextricably related with the betterment of society. More than twenty years ago, the W. A. Keleher Memorial Journalism Scholarship was established at the UNM College of Arts and Sciences. As of June 30, 2001, the total investment value of the scholarship is eight million US dollars, huge by any standards.

Keleher died on December 18th, 1972 leaving behind innumerable well-wishers and monumental achievements. His legacy, however, have not gone to the grave with him. Instead, it has given him immortality among the people of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Researchers are unearthing more and more information about Keleher. Thanks to the generous donation by the Keleher family, researchers are finally able to have a better understanding of the society and culture in W.A. Keleher’s times. In addition, unknown or little known information about William Keleher is finally being divulged to the world. This proves that people have not forgotten William Aloysius Keleher and his marvelous deeds.