William Aloysius Keleher was a multifaceted individual. No, it is not an exaggeration, nor is it an exaggerated truth. It is a completely unadulterated fact. Why would one say that? This is because Mr. Keleher was a unique person who stood out among many for his work and his exceptional achievements. The way he fought his way to success and fame is truly remarkable. In this article, readers will rediscover the multifaceted William A. Keleher.
Born in Lawrence (Kansas) in 1886, William Aloysius Keleher lived in Albuquerque (New Mexico) from his earliest childhood where his family (David and Mary Ann Keleher) moved in 1889. He studied at Saint Mary’s Parochial School for some time but ironically , had to put a stop to his studies at one stage. It was the year of 1900 when his family could no longer support his education expenses. The magnanimous youth to work to help his family survive the difficult times. William Keleher’s first job was as a messenger. He worked for the prestigious Western Union Telegraph Company. Thanks to his skills and his hard work, he was promoted to front desk clerk telegraph operator in a fairly quick time. However, he was always looking to do new things. As a result, he worked in different places for a short time, most notably on the Board of Education and at BlueWater Development Company. He even managed to attract local journalists with his exceptionally good writing skills, who appointed him a reporter in the year 1908. In addition, he got a job as a writer at the Albuquerque Evening Herald and the Albuquerque Journal.
It was during this time that he showed a new interest in the law while observing contemporary events in a rural courthouse. Within five years, she joined the Washington and Lee University School of Law, graduating successfully in two years in 1915. He wasted almost no time in beginning to practice law at the New Mexico Bar Association. A short time later, she returned to Albuquerque to work as a city attorney. Subsequently, she joined a law practice with G. Downer that did not last long. In 1931, she founded a law firm with A. Howard McLeod called ‘Keleher & McLeod’. This firm, even after more than ninety years, continues to serve its clients successfully. Today, it is perceived as one of the most prestigious law firms in New Mexico. Keleher also worked as a city editor for the two magazines he previously worked for.
The versatile individual did not stop there. He was an active citizen of New Mexico and served as chairman of its Democratic State Central Committee. The State Board of Finance also obtained the service of him for seventeen years. Mr. Keleher acted as conservator for Albuquerque’s First National Bank when he was in dire straits. He also participated in the elaboration of the “MECHEM-KELEHER” report in the year 1933 that convinced the government to start negotiating with the coalfield workers after a large-scale strike.
Keleher was counsel to the New Mexico Public Service Company and a director of the Equitable Life Assurance Society. His contribution to the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts (now known as New Mexico State University), the Old Lincoln County Memorial Commission, and the New Mexico Museum also demonstrates his proactive nature.
This article will be incomplete without mentioning the other side of William A. Keleher: the writer’s personality. Keleher always had a knack for writing and first demonstrated it as a newspaper reporter. Years later, in 1942, his first book (The Maxwell Land Grant) appeared. After that, he wrote great books like The Fabulous Frontier, Turmoil in New Mexico, Violence in Lincoln Country, New Mexicans I Knew, and Memoirs. It is worth mentioning that he always maintained a balance between the life of an author and the life of a lawyer, devoting adequate time to both. As a result, William A. Keleher not only succeeded as a great lawyer, but also excelled as an effective writer.
This multi-talented individual passed away in 1972, but is still remembered today for his outstanding achievements. He was truly a man of unique features.