Francis Watkins Keen
Francis Watkins Keen (c1864-1933) of the Patent Nut and Bolt Co and later GKN
son of Arthur Keen
1933 Obituary [1]
FRANCIS WATKINS KEEN was the second son of the late Mr. Arthur Keen, M.I.Mech.E., of Messrs. Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds.
He was born at Smethwick and educated at Clifton College.
He began his apprenticeship in 1883 at the West Bromwich Works of the Patent Nut and Bolt Company, founded by his father.
He then entered the works of Messrs. Bolckow, Vaughan and Company, Middlesbrough, but later returned to the Patent Nut and Bolt Company to take charge of the Stour Valley Works and was appointed managing director in 1895.
In 1900 this firm, together with the Dowlais Iron Company, became amalgamated with Messrs. Guest, Keen and Company, and Mr. Keen was appointed one of the first managing directors.
Two years later Messrs. Nettlefolds of Birmingham were also incorporated in the company and its present title adopted.
In 1918 he became deputy chairman and was responsible in many directions for the firm's progress and development.
He was elected a Graduate in 1883 and was transferred to Membership in 1889.
His death occurred at the age of 69 years on 14th April 1933.
1933 Obituary [2]