The son of a sculptor and grandson of a master mason, Keyworth studied under his father before attending the Royal Academy Schools, London, from 1863, before returning to Hull, winning a commission in 1866, for a figure of Britannia for the shipping exchange, Hull, and in 1867 the commission for four lions outside Leeds Town Hall. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1869, but continued to work in Yorkshire, largely in Hull, winning public commissions for a number of statues of local figures, as well as private commissions for portrait busts.

In 1902, following a brief visit to London, Keyworth shot himself in his studio. No obvious reason for his suicide was given at the inquest.