Category:David Dean O'Keefe

David Dean O’Keefe (1824–1901) was an Irish-American who became a well-known figure in Micronesia. He is often recognized for his activities on the island of Yap, where he established himself in the late 19th century. O’Keefe is particularly famous for integrating into the local culture and reportedly aiding the islanders with his wealth and resources. He provided them with necessities and modern goods, primarily in exchange for labor and copra (dried coconut meat used to extract coconut oil) but also played a role in the traditional stone money trade of the island. His life was popularized by the 1954 film “His Majesty O’Keefe,” which, while fictionalized, drew inspiration from his life and interactions with the people of Yap.