David D. Kieff, was born in Bombay, Franklin County, on July 3, 1866, the son of Michel and Bridget Ward Kieff. He grew up on a farm, was educated in public schools and graduated from business college.
At the age of fifteen, he and his family came to Watertown. He began the study of architecture, with John Hose and W. W. Tucker. In 1887 he formed a co-partnership with Mr. Hose, under the firm name of Hose & Kieff, architects. They continued in business until 1893 when Mr. Kieff bought Mr. Hose's interest and established an office in the Flower building. Among the more important buildings Mr. Kieff designed were the old Watertown City Hall on Court Street, the Empsall Building (at the time the tallest building in Watertown), the Herald building on Park Place, Cooper Street School, Mercy Hospital and the Jefferson County Office building. He also designed many buildings throughout the North Country including the St. Mary’s Academy in Ogdensburg, two banks in Gouverneur and the Brownville-Glen Park High School.
Politically, Mr. Kieff was a Democrat who served as secretary of the Board of Health and building inspector. He was also a member of the Jeffersonian and Citizen Clubs. He first ran for Mayor during the Aldermanic era but was unsuccessful. He served as an Alderman, and later, under the City Manager format, was on the City Council. In 1935, he ran a successful campaign and was elected Mayor in 1935, defeating incumbent Mayor Harris in an upset. He served one four-year term.
He was a Charter Member of Watertown’s Knights of Columbus and its first Grand Knight.
He married Rosalie Adele Van Namee and they had three sons. David V., Ambrose E. and George F. Kieff.
Mr. Kieff died at his home on South Massey Street in Watertown on October 26, 1946 at the age of 81. He is buried in Glenwood Cemetery.
