The Erie Daily Times, May 20, 1927

'Andy Kehoe Was Smart' - People Excuse His Acts While Maniacal

By Robert Ross
International News Service Special Correspondent

Bath, Mich., May 20.  - "Andy Kehoe was smart."  Despite the sorrow over the 
school disaster the townspeople of Bath today paid that compliment to the man
of twisted mind who had conjured their misery.  

Yes, Andy Keboe was smart.  Maybe not neighborly, maybe not a good farmer, 
but surely smart, and he had a head for figures.  

Kehoe, by those who knew him in a community which counts every man its friend,
is described as a slight hollow-chested man of 45.  Surly at times, and always
obstinate, he had a reputation for being "close-mouthed".

His lips were thin and his eyes downcast as he talked.  Although it was admitted
he acted queer, he was not a man Bath distrusted.

He became known to the village eight years ago when he bought an 80-acre tract
a quarter of a mile from the village at post-war, inflated values.  He, with his
bride, moved there "from up a driveway".

Enters Politics

For four years he bothered no one and few paid any attention to him.  He was 
curt to the men who saw him on the streets where he appeared at rare intervals 
and seldom with his wife.  Even those with whom he did busines, did not pierce 
the shell in which he held himself.

Then the township clerk died and to the villagers' surprise he asked for the job.  
The salary was small; it was mostly a thankless task; and his request was granted.

Kehoe expanded a trifle in his new post.  He began to make acquaintances.  Some 
he spoke to on the street while others he marched by with his eyes straight ahead.

It was in this position that Kehoe's stubbornness was first noted.  At public 
meetings he was out-spoken and never changed his mind once he had taken a stand.
He also was known as a foe of taxes.  He did not take an active part when the 
proposal for a consolidated township school was advanced, but in his public 
office he was openly hostile.  

It was Kehoe's record as township clerk that won him the berth on the school 
board.  His books were commended for their neatness and accuracy.

So when he announced that he would like a hand at solving the village's 
educational problems he had many supporters.  Whether the animosity between 
Kehoe and Superindendent Huyck existed before the former was elected a board 
member is not known, but it did not take long in showing itself.  The school 
teacher, who took the reins when the schools were merged, was a young man with 
progressive ideas.  Many of these ideas cost money and all, regardless of their
merit, drew abuse from Kehoe.