Michael McKee, Jr

Descendants of Michael McKee, Jr

Generation No. 1

        1.  Michael28 McKee, Jr  (Michael27, Adam26, Archibald25, Archibald24, Thomas23, James22, Robert21 McKie, Thomas20, Andrew19, John18 McGhie, Alexander17, Alexander16 MacKay, Gilbert15 MacKie, Malcom14 MacKay, Gilbert13 M’Kie, Neill12, John11, Iye10, Martin9 MacKay, Iye Hugh8 MacEthj, Hugh7, Malcolm6 MacEth, Hugh or Angus5, Aoidh4 Heth, Malcolm3 III, Duncan2 I, Crinan of1 Dunkeld) was born May 11, 1804 in Abbeville County, South Carolina, and died Abt. 1890 in Clear Lake, Greene County, Iowa.  He married Elizabeth Louisa Gamble March 05, 1834 in Jefferson County, Missouri, daughter of John Gamble and Mary Reid.  She was born 1816 in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and died March 05, 1880 in Scranton, Green County, Iowa.

 

Notes for Michael McKee, Jr:

From Wayne Adams

followed brother-in-law Joseph GAMBLE to Carroll Co, IL during 1850s;  to Cerro Gordo Co, IA by 1870C & Greene Co, IA by 1880C. Thorough research of this line shared by Linda Goodell.

 

Household #234 in Green Co, IA on 1880C (Distr.#4, ED90 pg.1 10 Oct 1880) gave birthplaces SC/Ire/PA for Michael & parents; wife, 3 adult daughters (2 married), grandchild and nephew included in household.    Parents of nephew not known (William, age 45, IL/SC/MO; “idiot”) but pob places him in IL before.   Michael Jr.  Betty Harman found a potential match on 1850C for Randolph Co, IL

 

(across from Jefferson Co, MO) in a household headed by Archibald McKee born ca 1810 in SC; the mother would be Jane, born ca.1814 in SC.

This nephew does not fit with any known sibling of Michael Jr.

His brother Archibald died in 1830s.

No match with any of the documented Archibalds with SC connections.  Remains a mystery

 

 

MICHAEL McKEE, Jr. (the gr-gr-grandfather of “researching cousin” Linda DIMOND GOODELL) was born 11 May 1804 in Abbeville County, SC and came to Missouri with his parents prior to his “teen-age years”.  Young MIKE stayed at home and helped on the family farm until he was nearly thirty.

On 5 Mar 1834 MICHAEL married Elizabeth Louisa GAMBLE and between 1837-1858 they had ten children:

 

 

 

 

From Linda Goodell (Igoodell@gwtc.net)

I live in South Dakota. Michael McKee, Jr. my ancestor left Missouri in the 1850s, traveling with his brother-in-law and family, Joseph Gamble, to Carroll County, Illinois. Joseph Gamble was killed in an accident and soon, Michael McKee, Jr. and family moved to Clear Lake, Iowa. I have copies of a couple of letters written by Michael McKee, Jr. I would lik to have known him because he seems like such a kindly man. I also have copies of a couple of letters written by his son Archibald Michael McKee, written in the Civil War. Archiblad Michael McKee, too seems like a kind person. You may know that three of Michael McKee’ss sons were killed int he Civil War or died from their wounds shortly after the war. Archibald Michael McKee made it home but he died shortly thereafter. I have been unable to find where he and his brother James are buried. On Joseph military record, he was listed as having grey eyes, light hair and complexion, height 5 ft 5 1/2 inches tall. He was a Pvt. of Co. I, 34th Reg. Illinois Infantry, listed as a resident of Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., Illinois. He was listed as being born in Jefferson Co., Illinois. He was listed as receiving a penetrating wound of the abdomen at Buzzards Roost, GA on May 9, 1864 and died at Ringold, GA. He was originally interred at Ringgold, GA, then later buried at the National Cemetery at Charranooga, Tennessee. James MCKee was listed as killed on the same day and same battle as Joseph. I have a casualty sheet but no other information. I should try to write again to see if I can get more. Archibald Michael McKee was a member of Co. F, 15th Reg. Iowa Volunteer Infantry and he fought with great distinction. He was wounded in the neck severely on Apr 6, 1862 at the Battle of Shiloh, Tennessee. He reentered the war and was remustered on Jan 29, 1864. He was mustered out Jul 24, 1865 and I found him listed on a train full of wounded headed to Keokuk, Iowa but that is the last I ever heard of him and would very much like to know where he is buried. These men gave their lives to this war and it would certainly be nice if their family knew where they were buried. I cannot imagine the pain this family suffered with three of their sons being killed.

 

Here is a letter written by Michael McKee, Jr. to his half brother, William Seth McKee on the death of his wife, Elizabeth Gamble McKee.

 

April 27, 1881 ?

 

Dear Brother and Family,

I seat myself this evening to write you a few lines and it is my painful duty to inform you of the death of my dear wife and your sister, Elizabeth, which occured MArch 5, 1881, the fourty sixth anniversery of our wedding day. Seth, that is a long time for two to live together on this earth. I cannot think we will be parted long. I am well as usual as well as I could expect to be at seventy six, which I willbe if I live until the eleventh day of May. Elizabeth was a good wife, a kind mother, and a Christian woman. Her sickness was apoplexcy. She was called away very sudden. She was only sick one week. She was taken so sudden. It seemed we could not give her up but we must submit to the all mighty power. I have three daughters and one grand daughter, Twiny (Edna), with me in my old age. Betsy Gamble is visiting us now. Her family is all well as common. I am farming some this summer though. I am not able to work much myself. I have a hired man to put in my crop. I wrote to Polly some time ago but have not received an answer yet. Well I must close. Write soon as you get this. Iremain as ever your most affectionate brother until death.

 

From Michael McKee to Seth W. McKee and family

 

In this letter, he says that Elizabeth McKee is the sister to Seth W. McKee. That leads one to believe that maybe they did have the same mother Lucinda Whitney Gamble McKee.

 

In another letter, he asks if Margaret McKay is still alive. He also asked if his brother Benjamin was still alive. He said he had not heard from his brother Benjamin in a great many years and would much like to hear from him. He also told his half brother, Seth Whitney, that he would very much like to see him again but did not expect to see him in this world.

 

I have a correction to make to that article. The first wife of Samuel McKay was Mary McKee who died about 1842 in Missouri. He later married Margaret Murrell who was the wife with him when he disappeared on the way to Texas.

 

This incident (do not have that part of the email) without an end has always bothered me. Did he keep on rolling, choosing to be free of family responsibilities, did the friends of the injured stranger gun him down a few days later or did he perchance die from the bit of a Texas rattlesnake?

I have a kindred feeling for this twice great grandfather who took umbrage when the stranger called him a liar.

In Barnes Hospital when I was rapidly lossing all control and feeling in my legsa neuro-surgeon was called in, hopeful to do an operation that might reveal the cause of my aliment. When he examined me, he asked me what portion or part of my lefs and feet he was examining. When I answered he said flatly and rudely, you are lying. I replied I’m answering you as well as I can under the circumstances. I still get riled up sitting in a wheelchair for over three years when I recall the unkind, unsympathetic remark of this specialist supposedly at the top of his profession. I understand how Grandpa Samuel felt. I didn’t like to be called a liar either.

What did Grandpa’s wife, sons, and daughters do after Grandpa’s mysterious disappearance? They continued on to their destination. The son Samuel Jr. and his wife died sometime later leaving four children. My Great-great Uncle Billy McKay, the oldest son of Grandpa Samuel who disappeared whento Texas about 1858 or 1859 and brought the children back to Missouri. He had planned to bring his mother back too but they decided she was too feeble to undertake the trip.

My father siad this great-greath grandmother of mine was Michael McKee’s Daughter. (Margaret McKee McKay). Was she Amanda, Susan, Rebecca or Sally? I’ve searched my father’s records but haven’t found her name. Her name, how she accepted the disappearance of her husband, and how she spent the rest of her life is also untold.

Father Charles did know that she remained in Texas until her death in the early 60’s. After Grandmother’s death, Aunt Polly and the  Pierce family came back to Missouri. As I finish this pioneer saga, I have a strange, haunting feeling, that here-in-lies the mucleus for a mystery move.

Next: Great-Uncle Billy McKAy, the Pioneer Preacher.

The only thing I left out was a paragraph about the woman being in the hospital and some more about the doctor which was not revelant to the story. I think I mentioned to you about the Michael McKee letter written in the 1880s about wondering if Margaret McKee McKay was still alive. There was also a note hand written at the end of the article which said Margaret McKay, born 1797, SC on census of Grayson Co;, Texas, 1860.

 

 

From Jerry Howe

 

1850 Census’s of Jefferson County.  Household #41

 

On 1880 census Kendrick,Greene co,Iowa

Michael 75 SC;Elizabeth 64 PA;Malinda 27 MO;Mary 25 MO; Wealthy 23 IL;(daughters) Edna 4 IA gdau; William 45 IL neph.

 

 

 

 

1850 Census         District 42              Jefferson County, Missouri               Living next door to Benjamin McKee

Michael McKee   46           Farmer  $75

Elizabeth                               34

John G.                  13

Michael                 11

Joseph N.               8

James A.                                6

Margaret L.           3

William J.              1

 

 

1870 Census         Lake Township, Iowa

Michael McKee   64           Farmer                                   SC

Elizabeth                               55                                                           Penn

John                       34           works on farm                      Missouri

Wm                        21                                                           Missouri

Wesley                   19                                                           Illinois

Malinda                 17                                                           Missouri

Mary                      15                                                           Missouri

Wealthy                 12                                                           Illinois

 

 

1880 Census         Hundred Township             Greene County, Iowa

Michael McKee   75                           Farmer

Elizabeth                               60

 

 

1885 Iowa State Census

Michael McKee

 

 

 

Excerts from “Family Tree” by Ernest Reid Gamble

(Nephew of Michael McKee Jr & Elzabeth “Eliza” nee Gamble)

 

Ernest Reid Gamble wrote a most interesting account of the Gambles (including reference to his Uncle Michael McKee) of Jefferson County during the first half of the 19th Century.  I am extracting a number of paragraphs which either relate to “our” McKee line or are particularly descriptive of the life and times of Jefferson County settlers during that century.

To put it into context Elizabeth Louisa Gamble (1816-1880) and Michael McKee Jr (1804-1890) were married  3/19.1835.  Elsewhere in these files are copies of a couple letters and a postcard from Mike & Elizabeth plus other material on these McKee and Gamble families.

 

…”Eliza, the only girl married Mike McKee.  I believe there were 3 girls and 4 or 5 boys.  I know the three girls.

The oldest one, Melinda married George Bush at Jefferson, Iowa ….

second daughter Wealthy McKee married a man named Fitch and lived in Calhoun Co, Iowa

Mary McKee, the youngest girl, never married but lived mostly with “Linn” (Malinda), the older sister

Of the boys, the oldest one, Joseph McKee, was a Illinois volunteer and was killed by a cannon ball in some battle of Civil War, but cannot remember where.  I believe perhaps “The Wilderness”.

Another brother Archie was killed while serving in the same regiment.

And a third, Johnnie, was wounded while in sme regiment

My father also enlisted in same Co but only served 3 mo getting as far South as Tennessee…”

 

“They were all inclined to be horse fanciers and each raised considerable stock, sheep – cattle – and horses.  In Mo hogs were almost common property and were rounded up out of the woods each fall and every one was privileged to “shoot their meat” out of the round up, that being one of the big events of the year.  It was a rather wild rough country and quite rolling and timbered.  Lead was mined in shallow shafts and being melted down into “pigs”  was hauled to St. Louis being quite a source of cash revenue.  Grandfather made all the shoes for the family and the flock of sheep furnished clothing after wool was carded, spun and woven by Grandmother…”

 

“When the Calif gold rush opened in 49, all three of the remaining (Gamble) Brothers- Julian I think had already passed away – were caught in the wave of hysteria and made arrangements for their families while they would be gone.  They expected to make the round trip in 2 years, fully expecting a fortune could almost be picked up over night.  Each outfitted himself with heavy wagons & ox teams for the long trip.  With them also went “Uncle Peter Gamble” their father’s cousin (actually a brother if I have the Gamble family straight?) a man of 55 or 60 years.  Its not hard to imagine the restless, almost reckless and adventuress dispositions of these men…

My father drove oxen from the time he was old enough to handle a whip and knew oxen and the way they were handled.  For one thing a “team of oxen” as they called themin the book, were to the ox driver always called “a yoke of steers”.  The larger ox in a team was always worked on the “off side” which of course is the right.  For the driver when he walked always walked on the left or “near side” and it was easier to hit over the smaller ox if either were smaller.  I never tired of hearing Father tell of the oxen he and his brothers drove and of some of the scrapes and adventures they got into with them…”

 

“Joseph (Gamble) finally sold his farm for the princely sum of $800, all in corn.  And saddling a horse set out in dead of winter for Ill – Carroll Co —  I never knew why there but must have had some reason.  Anyhow he purchased land there very cheaply.  Wild prairie land, no improvements of course.  And returning to Mo prepared to move the following Spring.  As early as possible they were on their way.  He had a number of ox wagons and quite a few work oxen to pull them and besides that he took with him 9 head of horses, 40 head of cattle and about the same of sheep.  Uncle Peter Gamble went went with him and several neighbors who also wanted to see the new country took this opportunity of going by helping him either with a team or driving cattle and sheep.  My Father I believe was 8 or 9 years old and remembered the trip distinctly and in detail…”

 

 

(wa note –There is a tradition that Michael McKee Jr was among those who accompanied Joseph Gamble on that spring trip.  From various sources I learned that Joseph Gamble died 6/18/1858 in Carroll County, IL.  Jefferson County, MO records indicate that Mike McKee sold his land there in 1856 but he may have returned to do so after their initial trip??  I need to dig further into notes and copies for the source of the info about the cattle swimming the Mississippi and heading back toward Jefferson County — possibly also in the Gamble narrative but not copied when I extracted some material a couple decades ago.  There is a copy in the DeSoto Library and I possibly made additional handwritten notes or some photocopies?  Also the narrative context might help in pinning down dates.  Of course he was relying on memory after passage of time and we know he got some details a bit confused but this narrative certainly captured the flavor and some unique information not readily available elsewhere)

 

Mary Ann McKee (3/31/1831-2/8/1899) d/o Wm Seth & Mary Freeman McKee

died unmarried and her Jefferson Co, MO estate record reflects her siblings and their heirs

(whoever raided McKee probate records apparantly missed this one)

 

 

 

 

From Wayne Adams

 

One of the best early sources we have of information about this branch is from a narrative prepared by a nephew of MIKE & LOUISA, who “got the genie bug” long before the current generation of researchers were even thought of.   Ernest Reid GAMBLE’s fond recollections of “Uncle MIKE” and his insights into what pioneer life in Missouri was really like add a flavor which cannot be duplicated through the customary avenues of research.  ERNEST “often wondered why common people in so called civilized countries, make so little effort to keep a record of their ancestry back at least a few generations.”  Linda obtained a copy from another “researching cousin”, Fran Neitzke.  [In the following extract from his narrative, “square-bracketed” comments are additions for “clarification” of relationships, etc.]

Excerpts from Family Tree by Ernest Reid GAMBLE

 

(Describing Jefferson County, MO ca.1850)

 

ELIZA [Ernest’s aunt], the only girl, married “MIKE” McKEE.  I believe there were 3 girls and 4 or 5 boys.  I knew the three girls.  The oldest one, MELINDA, married GEORGE BUSH, at Jefferson, Iowa….Second daughter, “WEALTHY” McKEE married a man named FITCH and lived in Calhoun Co., Iowa.  MARY McKEE, the youngest girl, never married but lived mostly with “LINN” [Melinda] the older sister.  Of the boys, the oldest one, JOSEPH McKEE, was a Illinois volunteer and was killed by a cannon ball in some battle of Civil war, but I cannot remember where.  I believe perhaps “The Wilderness”.  Another Bro, ARCHIE was killed while serving in the same regiment.  And a third, JOHNNIE was wounded while in same regiment.  My Father also enlisted in same Co, but only served 3 mo. getting as far South as Tennessee….

They were all inclined to be horse fanciers and each raised considerable stock, sheep – cattle – and horses.  In Mo. hogs were almost common property and were rounded up out of the woods each fall and every one was privileged to “shoot their meat” out of the round up, that being one of the big events of the year.  It was a rather wild rough country and quite rolling and timbered.  Lead was mined in shallow shafts and being melted down into “pigs” was hauled to St. Louis, being quite a source of cash revenue.  Grandfather made all the shoes for the family and the flock of sheep furnished clothing after wool was carded, spun and woven by Grandmother……

When the Calif. gold rush opened in ’49, all three of the remaining [Gamble] Brothers (JULIAN I think had already passed away) were caught in the wave of hysteria and made arrangements for their families while they would be gone.  They expected to make the round trip in 2 years, fully expecting a fortune could almost be picked up over night.  Each outfitted himself with heavy wagons & ox teams for the long trip.  With them also went “Uncle PETER GAMBLE”, their father’s cousin [actually brother per other research], a man of 55 or 60 years.  Its not hard to imagine the restless, almost reckless and adventuress dispositions of these men…My father drove oxen from the time he was old enough to handle a whip and knew oxen and the way they were handled.  For one thing a “team of oxen” as they called them in the book, were to the ox driver always called “a yoke of steers”.  The larger ox in a team was always worked on the “off side”, which of course is the right.  For the driver when he walked always walked on the left or “near side” and it was easier to hit over the smaller ox if either were smaller.  I never tired of hearing Father tell of the oxen he and his brothers drove and of some of the scrapes and adventures they got into with them….

JOSEPH [GAMBLE — who MIKE McKEE, Jr. later followed to Illinois] finally sold his farm for the princely sum of $800, all in corn.  And saddling a horse set out in dead of winter for Ill.  Carroll Co.  I never knew why there but must have been some reason.  Anyhow he purchased land there very cheaply.  Wild prairie land, no improvements of course.  And returning to MO prepared to move the following Spring.  As early as possible they were on their way.  He had a number of ox wagons and quite a few work oxen to pull them and besides that he took with him 9 head of horses, 40 head of cattle and about the same of sheep.  Uncle PETER GAMBLE went with him and several neighbors who also wanted to see the new country took this opportunity of going by helping him either with a team or driving cattle and sheep.  My Father I believe was 8 or 9 years old and remembered the trip distinctly and in detail….

[Other “side-lights” including an amusing “Lassie-Come-Home” episode of the cattle’s 140 mile trek on their own initiative back to their beloved Missouri pastures are not included here but the entire ERNEST REIS GAMBLE narrative is delightful reading.]

 

On the 1840 Federal Census for Jefferson County, MO, we find MICHAEL Jr’s household on Page 196, Line 25 (just above his father’s mousehold with David WILEY, Samuel McCAY, Harvay McKEE and Joseph GAMBLE on the other side).  MICHAEL was shown to be in his 40’s and his wife (LUISA) in her 30’s.  The two boys under age 5 were JOHN and ARCHIBALD (who later also went by Michael).  During the 1840’s, three sons and a daughter were added to the family.  On the 1850 census enumeration for Jefferson County we find MICHAEL listed as Household #41:

Michael McKEE                  44           SC

Elizabeth                               34           SC

John G.                                  13           MO

Michael                                 11           MO

Joseph N.                               8             MO

Lucius F.                                6             MO

Margaret L.                           3             MO

William J.                              1             MO

 

 

 

 

 

MICHAEL Jr was in Cerro Gordo Co, IA on the 1870 census (Linda noted that oldest son GEORGE was in his parent’s household, indicating that he had survived the Civil War).  During the 1870s they moved to Green County, Iowa where we find them enumerated (10/10/80) on the 1880 census (Distr.#4, ED90, Pg.1, Family #234):

 

Michael McKEE, Jr             75 (1805)              SC Ire PA              father

Elizabeth                               64 (1816)              PA Ire Cn              wife

Malinda                                 27 (1853)              MO  SC PA           daughter (married; surname should be BUSH?)

Mary                                      25 (1855)              MO  SC PA           daughter (single)

Wealthy                 23 (1857)              IL  SC PA              daughter (married; surname should be FITCH?)

Edna                                      4 (1876)                IA  IN IL               gr-daughter (surname should be FITCH?)

William                                  45 (1835)              IL  SC MO            nephew (single; “idiot”)

 

From the 1880 census we see that if JOHN G. was still alive, he had moved away.  “Mack, the other son surviving the Civil War, had married during 1872 and was in Otterdale County, MN in 1880.  We don’t know where the husbands of the two married daughters were in 1880 but the most intriguing question is the identity of the nephew.  He was born during 1835 in Illinois and does not fit in with what we know of any of Michael Sr’s sons.  Betty Harmon located a very promising potential matchup on the 1850 census for Randolph Co, IL (004/55/55 5S R5)  This was across the Mississippi River from Jefferson County, MO and was a household headed by “Archibald McKEE”, that name so frequently given among the heirs of our SC McKEE heritage.  This Archibald was born during 1810 in SC.  Michael Sr had five sons born 1800-1811.  If they hadn’t already named a son Archibald (and that son died in 1837), the fit would be almost perfect.  This Archibald’s wife (Jane, born ca.1814 in SC) fits in nicely with the migration pattern for our McKEEs.  Archibald & Jane had six children:

 

WILLIAM                    15? (1835) IL (hard to read; age could be 13 or 18)

Sarah                                             10  (1840)

Mary J.                                          8  (1842)

James                                             6  (1844)

Margaret                       5  (1845)

Archibald                      3  (1848)  (age could be 5)

 

Childrens names are also a rather good “fit” with family naming traditions (particularly if a couple were named after the mother’s family).  Yet, unless Benjamin started using his deceased brother’s name (or some similar explanation), how could this Archibald be “ours”?  If we were playing horseshoes, we would call this one a “leaner” but not quite a “ringer”.  One other outside possibility would be that William was a nephew from Elizabeth’s side and, as with the two married daughters in the household, the 1880 enumerator neglected to document the proper surname.  Since William was handicapped, court records might help to resolve the mystery if we hit the right jurisdiction (although many children were taken in by relatives without court involvement). In any event we can say that taking in this handicapped nephew was a very decent thing for Michael Jr. & Elizabeth to do.

 

1840 Census Jefferson County, Missouri, Big River Twp.

McKee, Michael Jr. 2-0-0-0-0-1    0-0-0-0-1

2 male under 5, 1 male between 30 and 40, 1 female between 20 and 30

 

 

1850 Census Jefferson County, Missouri

District 42

House 41

Michael McKee 44 male white farmer 75 born SC

Elizabeth 34 female white born Pa.

John G. 13 male white born Mo.

Michael 11 male white born Mo.

Joseph N. 8 male white born Mo.

James A. 6 male white born Mo.

Margaret L.M.A. 3 female white born Mo.

William J. 1 male white born Mo.

 

 

1860 Census Jo Davies County, Illinois, Rush Twp.

McKee, Michael age 55 farmer 300 personal property, born SC

Elizabeth age 43 born Pa.

John age 24 born Mo.

Archibald age 21 born Mo.

James A. age 16 born Ia.

Margaret A. age 14 born Ia.

Malinda age 7 born Ia.

Mary age 5 born Ia.

Wealthy age 2 born Ia.

William and Wesley are not on the census with them. Are they living somewhere else or where they just overlooked by the census taker????

 

1870 Census Lake Twp. Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. Roll 381, Book 1, page 414

House 129, Family 144

McKee, Michael age 64 male white farmer value of real estate 1,000 value of personal property 500. born in South Carolina.

Elizabeth age 55 female white keeps house born in Pennsylvania

John age 34 male white works on farm born in Missouri

William age 21 male white works on farm value of personal property 100, born in Missouri

Wesley age 19 male white works on farm born in IL.

Malinda age 17 female white attends school born in Missouri

Mary age 15 female white attends school born Missouri

Wealthy age 12 female white attends school born IL.

 

1880 Census Kendrick, Greene County, Iowa page 234A

McKee, Michael male married white age 75 born South Carolina

Elizabeth McKee wife female married white age 64 born Pennsylvania

Malinda McKee daughter female married white age 27 born Missouri

Wealthy McKee daughter female single white age 23 born IL.

Edna McKee granddaughter female single white age 4 Iowa

William McKee nephew male single white age 45 born IL.

 

 

 

 

More About Michael McKee, Jr:

Burial: Greene County, Iowa

 

Notes for Elizabeth Louisa Gamble:

From Wayne Adams

 

Her grandfather John GAMBLE Sr came to PA from Monaghan County, Ireland.

Letters from Michael Jr to brother Seth W. about her last illness [Apoplexy] & death a week later on their 46th wedding anniversary.

ELIZABETH LOUISA GAMBLE was born during 1816 in Bradford County, PA.  Relying largely upon ERNEST’s narrative, the GAMBLE family can be traced back to two of five GAMBLE brothers “who came across from Ulster, Ireland”..”it must have been early in the 1800’s”, settling in Pennsylvania.  Details concerning the other three brothers were not available but “at least two…finally settled in the south; some say Virginia”.  The two GAMBLE brothers known to have settled in PA were JAMES and JOHN.  A researcher note on the handwritten copy (by Fran Neitzke?) suggests that Ernest may have added an extra generation in identifying JAMES, JOHN, WILLIAM, JOSEPH & MINOR GAMBLE as children of immigrant JAMES.  In any event, JOHN GAMBLE [brother or son of JAMES] married MARY REID.  They “immigrated to Missouri and settled…near town of DeSota” :

 

John GAMBLE

|

–m/Mary REID————————————————————–

|               |                 |                 |                      |

Julian          Joseph             ELIZA              John                  Myhner

Reid

(7 dau. &      (Ernest’s         (mar. MIKE          (had 2                 (had 2

1 son)         grandfather)      McKEE Jr)         children)              children)

 

JOSEPH and MINOR GAMBLE headed households next to MICHAEL McKEE Jr on the 1850 Census for Jefferson County and it is noted that both said they were born in Ohio, so the GAMBLEs obviously spent at least a few years in Ohio ca.1818-1820 enroute to Missouri.  JULIAN’s widow (MATILDA) was listed near MICHAEL McKAY with the son & seven daughters mentioned by ERNEST REID GAMBLE.

 

LUISA’s Uncle JOSEPH GAMBLE undoubtedly described the rich Illinois topsoil he found on the expedition described by ERENEST REID GAMBLE and some time during the early 1850s, the family moved to Carroll County, Illinois.  Carroll County lies in the north-western part of Illinois, across the Mississippi River from the State of Iowa and separated by only one county from the State of Wisconsin.  During the 1850’s four more children were born, bringing MIKE & LUISA’s family to an even dozen, including the ten children — six boys & four girls.  I do not have specific birthdays for any of the children.

Then came the Civil War!  The war was particularly hard on this patriotic family as at least three of the boys marched off to battle, never to return home again.  Linda’s research into the McKEE brothers killed/wounded during the Civil War.

 

 

The four youngest children of MICHAEL Jr. & ELIZABETH were WESLEY, born during 1851 in Illinois; MOLINDA (born 1853) & MARY (born 1855) both in Missouri according to later census records; and the youngest WEALTHY born ca.1858 in Illinois.  MOLINDA married GEORGE BUSH and WEALTHY married a FITCH.

 

Letters from Michael Jr to brother Seth W. re her last illness [Apoplexy]

& death a week later on their 46th wedding anniversary.

..”Family Tree” by Earnest Reed Gamble in talking of his paternal aunts & uncles states “Eliza,

the only girl, married Mike McKee”

 

 

More About Elizabeth Louisa Gamble:

Burial: March 1880, Dilavou Cemetery, Scranton, Greene County, Iowa

 

Marriage Notes for Michael McKee and Elizabeth Gamble:

From Wayne Adams

 

the MICHAEL McKEE Jr/ELIZA nee GAMBLE line charted earlier, the marriage records of Jefferson County, MO show that  MICHAEL McKEE and LUISA GAMBLE were married on 19 Mar 1835.  The marriage ceremony was conducted by “David STITES, Preacher”.

Children of Michael McKee and Elizabeth Gamble are:

2                 i.    John Gamble29 McKee, born 1837 in Jefferson County, Missouri; died Aft. 1870.

 

Notes for John Gamble McKee:

From Wayne Adams

 

John G. was still living at home on 1870C (Cerro Gordo, IA) but not in his

parents household on the 1880C

 

 

JOHN G. McKEE was the only one of the four brothers who fought in the Civil War who was known to have survived the war.  He probably served in the 34th IL Infantry along with brothers JOSEPH & JAMES.  JOHN was the oldest of the ten children born to MICHAEL Jr. & ELIZABETH nee GAMBLE.  He was born ca.1837 in Jefferson County, MO and would have been one of the two young boys enumerated in MICHAEL Jr’s household on the 1840 census.  He was age 13 on the 1850 census.  I don’t have any other information on him.

 

 

From Wanda Frazer

John was in the 34th Illinois Infantry and wounded during the Civil War.  He served with his borthers, Joseph and Archie.  Both brothers were killed.

 

 

Linda documented service of the two brothers were

killed in the Battle of Buzzards Roost and Archibald’s service but gp sheet does

not reflect John having served.  However the Ernest Reid Gamble manuscript

showed he was wounded “Of the boys, the oldest one, Joseph McKee was a

Illinois volunteer and was killed by a cannon ball in some battle of the Civil War

but I cannot remember where.  I believe perhaps the Wilderness.  Another

brother Archie was killed while serving in the same regiment.  And a third

Johnnie was wounded while in the same regiment” — appears he may have

confused names and ages of Mike’s sons.

 

 

3                ii.    Archibald Michael McKee, born February 12, 1839 in Jefferson County, Missouri; died November 18, 1865 in Shullsburg, Lafayette County, Wisconsin.

 

Notes for Archibald Michael McKee:

From Wayne Adams

 

He was still alive after his two brothers were killed in Battle of Buzzard

Roost but believed to have died later (never known to have returned/no record

found of his death).  Linda shared copies of letters he wrote during the Civil

War

 

 

ARCHIBALD M. (Michael] McKEE enlisted in the 15th Iowa Infantry on 10 Oct 1861 while residing in Mills County.  His nativity was shown as Missouri and he was mustered in on 18 Nov.  Records showed that he was severely wounded in the neck on 6 Apr 1862 in Shiloh, TN but re-enlisted and re-mustered 29 Jan 1864.  Linda had a typed transcript of some letters he wrote to his cousins while in service and he indeed went by “Archibald” or “A.M.” even though an earlier census had listed him as Michael.  On 31 Apr 1864, they had orders for marching, and by May 3 (when he finished the letter) had just been taken to Paducah, KY in anticipation of an attack “which did not come off” so he was assigned to a detail of 50 men to go to Cairo (IL) after “comastores”.  By September, writing from just outside Atlanta, GA he was reporting that he had “been unwell for some time” but that Atlanta had indeed been taken.  He mentioned that he had “never seen troops worn out so much” and that while he felt “some better this morning” but “I expect again soon I will be as bad as ever again.  It is believed that he died in service or soon afterward but no documentation was found.

 

..Enumerated in his parent’s household on the 1850C Jefferson Co HH#41

Michael McKee       11  MO

..(Ernest Reid Gamble manuscript) Of the boys, the oldest one, Joseph McKee

was a Illinois volunteer and was killed by a cannon ball in some battle of the

Civil War but I cannot remember where.  I believe perhaps the Wilderness.

Another brother Archie was killed while serving in the same regiment.  And a

third Johnnie was wounded while in the same regiment — appears he may have

confused names and ages of Mike’s sons.

..He was still alive after his two brothers were killed in Battle of Buzzard

Roost but believed to have died later (never known to have returned/no record

found of his death).  Linda shared copies of letters he wrote during the Civil

War, the latest one dated 9/4/1864

 

 

 

From Wanda Frazer

Archie was killed during the Civil War and served with his brothers in the same 34th Illinois Infantry.

 

From Linda Bullard

 

Civil War  15th Iowa Infantry.  Severely wounded in the neck at Battle of Shiloh.  Recovered and released.

 

Died from injuries during the Civil War.

 

 

Archibald Michael McKee’s Letters Home

Letters sent to the Gamble Family [his mother being Elizabeth Gamble]

 

Atlanta, Ga, Sept 14, 1864

 

Dear Cousin,

 

It is with pleasure that I have my pen in hand to answer your most welcome favor, which I received about two months ago.  I was glad to hear that you was well.  That is more than I can say for myself.  I have been very unwell for sometime, though I am a little better at present.

 

Well, I have no news of any count to write at present.  We have very pleasant weather here.  It is not too warm nor too cool.  We have gone into Camp near Atlanta, and expect to rest for one month, if not longer.  Well, we all need the rest, for I never seen troops worn out so much in my life.  Well, as I feel so tired and have written tow letters this today, I will close.

 

I remain your Cousin,

 

A. M. McKee

To Sarah Gamble

 

 

Atlanta, Ga, Sept 15

 

Well, Greene, I will try and drop you a few lines this morning in answer to yours.  I would of finished this last night, but I got so tired that I had to quit until this morning.  I feel some better this morning, but I don’t know how long it will last.  I expect again soon I will be as bad as ever again.

 

Well, you wanted me to write and let you know for certain whether Atlanta was taken or not.  Well it certainly is taken, though I have not been in the city yet myself, but several of the Boys in the Co. has been in and they say it is taken, and we are camped inside of the Rebel works, and that is as good evidence as I want.  I could have been in the city before this time, if I had of been able to of walked there.

 

The 34 Reg is camped about two miles from here, and I have not been able to go and see them since we have been here.  Well, Green, when we took Atlanta, we took a great many prisoners, but the most of them was of the female sex, so we had no particular use for them, so we have turned the most of them over to the Confederate Army.  All that had friends in the North was sent north, and them that had no friends in the North, had to go south.  General Sherman said they could not stay inside of his lines atall.  The soldiers think it was the nicest thing that the General ever done.

Well, Green, you just hit the nail on the head by sending me that stamp.  I was writing a letter to Ava when I received your letter, and was going to put the last stamp on it that I had.  I have a plenty of paper and envelops, but no stamps.

 

Well, I have written all the news that I have, I believe, so I will close.  I think you better hurry and send me them pictures that you promised me, don’t you think so?  Well, I will close for the present, hoping soon to hear from you again.  Give my love to all the family.

 

I remain your Cousin now and forever.

 

Archibald M. McKee

To Greene Gamble

 

Enlisted Oct. 10, 1861  Mills Co, Iowa  age 22

Mustered Nov. 18, 1861

Wounded in neck April 6, 1862  at Shiloh, Tenn.

Re-Enlisted and mustered on Jan. 29, 1864

Mustered out July 24, 1865 at Louisville

Born Jefferson County, Missouri to Michael McKee, Jr. [b. 1806  SC] and Elizabeth Gamble [b. 1816 PA]

Moved to Carroll Co, M Ill. In the 1850’s.

Burial place unknown.

 

ARCHIBALD MICHAEL McKEE’S LETTERS HOME; 15th IA INFANTRY

Letters sent to the Gamble family (his mother being Elizabeth Gamble

 

 

Letter 1

 

Bird Point, MO, April 31, 1864

Dear Cousin,

 

It is with pleasure that I have my pen in han this sabath afternoon to

pen you a few line. I am well as usel hoping those few lines will reach

and find you and all the family enjoying the same good blessing. Well I

have nothing of importance to write at present, we arived here yesterday

and expect to l-ave before long. we have orders for marching now and we

will move just as soon as there can be a boat procured for us to go an we

have sined the payroles today and I expect that we will be paid tomorrow.

I hope we will be so that I can send my money home before we leave here.

I have my clothes boxed up all redy and am going to start them home

tomorrow if I can get over to Cairo.

 

Well green (Green Gamble), I started from home one week ago last thursday

and joined my Ky at Keakn where we staid one week and you can bet I had a

fine time.  I was at five dances and to Church on Sunday night, the girls

there was gay and festif untill our Ky went to start and then they began

to look kinda sober. I did not think the old 15th was thought so much of

untill we started away and then I tell you there was tears shed, we got

the prase of being the swelest ky that ever Kindervased in that town and

we got the prais all the way down the River.

 

 

May 3, 1864

Well green, I will endever to finish this letter as I was called out while

I was writing on sunday and had to stop writing. they was expecting an

attacte at paduka, Ky and we was takin up there on sunday but the fight did

not come off so the ky still remains there and I was sent back with a

detail of fifty men to Cairo after the comastores and the boat has not got

redy to start back yet so we are laying here.  we will move east prehaps

to the armey of the Cumberland at least that is generly the supision among

the men.

well green, I have writen about all the nuse that I can think of at present.

I want you to be shure and write soon and often and tell me all the nuse

you know, you must be shure and send the girls pictures and yours and

Johnes and Franks if you can, you must send the girls anyway.

 

Well I will close,

give my love to all

I remain your afectionate

Cousin  Archibald

To Green

 

 

Direct Co. F 15 Iowa vet volenters via Caro  Ill

 

 

Atlanta, GA, Sept 14, 1864

 

Dear Cousin,

 

It is with pleasure that I have my pen in hand to answer your most welcome

favor which I received about two months ago. I was glad to hear that you

was well. That is more than I can say of myself. I have been very unwell

for sometime, though I am a little better at present.

 

Well, I have no news of any count to write at present. We have very

pleasant weather here. It is not too warm nor too cool. We have gone

into Camp near Atlanta, and expect to rest for one month, if not longer.

Well, we all need the rest, for I never seen troops worn out so much in

my life. Well, as I feel so tired and have written two letters this today,

I will close.

 

 

I remain your Cousin,

A. M. McKee

 

 

To  Sarah Gamble

Atlanta, Ga, Sept 15

 

Well, Greene, I will try and drop you a few lines this morning in answer

to yours. I would of finished this last night, but I got so tired that I

had to quit until this morning. I feel some better this morning, but I

don’t know how long it will last. I expect again soon I will be as bad as

ever again.

 

Well, you wanted me to write and let you know for certain whether Atlanta

was taken or not. Well it certainly is taken, though I have not been in

the city yet myself, but several of the Boys in the Co. has been in and

they say it is taken, and we are camped inside of the Rebel works, and

that is as good evidence as I want. I could of been in the city before

this time, if I had of been able to of walked there.

 

The 34 Reg is camped about two miles from here, and I have not been able

to go and see them since we have been here. Well, Green, when we took

Atlanta, we took a great many prisoners, but the most of them was of the

female sex, so we had no particular use for them, so we have turned the

most of them over to the Confederate army. All that had friends in the

North was sent north, and them that had no friends in the North, had to

go south. General Sherman said they could not stay inside of his lines

atall. The soldiers think it was the nicest thing that the General ever

done.

 

Well, Green, you just hitthe nail on the head by sending me that stamp. I

was writing a letter to Ava when I received your letter, and was going to

put the last stamp on it that I had. I have a plenty of paper and envelops,

but no stamps.

 

Well, I have written all the news that I have, I believe, so I will close.

I think you better hurry and send me them pictures that you promised me,

don’t you think so? Well, I will close for the present, hoping soon to

hear from you again. Give my love to all the family.

 

I remain your Cousin now and forever,

 

Archibald M. McKee

 

To   Greene Gamble

 

 

 

More About Archibald Michael McKee:

Burial: November 1865, Evergreen  Cemetery, Shullsburg, Lafayette County, Wisconsin

Military service: Civil War

 

4               iii.    Joseph N. McKee, born Abt. 1842 in Jefferson County, Missouri; died May 09, 1864 in Buzards Roost, Georgia.

 

Notes for Joseph N. McKee:

From Wayne Adams

 

Report of Casualty indicates died of penetrating wound of abdomen during

Battle of Buzzard Roost; first buried in Ringgold, GA; later reburied in

National Cemetery, Chatanooga, TN.

 

 

From Wanda Frazer

Joseph was by a cannon ball during the Civil War.  He served with his brothers, Archie and John,  in the same 34th Illinois Infantry.

 

 

From Linda Bullard

 

Died at the Battle of Buzzard’s Roost in Georgia during the Civil War.  Member of Company I, 34th Illinois Infantry.  He died from an abdomen wound and was first buried at Ringold, Georgia.  He was later re-buried at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

 

 

Excerts from “Family Tree” by Ernest Reid Gamble

Of the boys, the oldest one, Joseph McKee, was a Illinois volunteer and was killed by a cannon ball in some battle of Civil War, but cannot remember where.  I believe perhaps “The Wilderness”.

Another brother Archie was killed while serving in the same regiment.

And a third, Johnnie, was wounded while in sme regiment

My father also enlisted in same Co but only served 3 mo getting as far South as Tennessee…”

 

 

 

 

JOSEPH McKEE was residing in “Mt. Carroll” of Carroll County, IL when he went to Chattanooga, TN and enlisted for three years of service (Company I, 34th Reg’t, IL Infantry; 23 Dec 1863).  He was mustered in on 3 January and was described as aged 21, a farmer, 5’5 1/2″ tall, with light complexion, light hair and grey eyes.  A $60 bounty was paid with an additional $340 due later.  The Muster Rolls show that in or before March 1865 he was “wounded and in the hospital”.  He was carried in this status through at least July.  A subsequent War Department notation adds the detail: “Received a penetrating wound of abdomen at Buzzards Roost, GA May 9, 1864.  Disposition not given and died at Ringold, GA, date and cause of death not known”.  The Roll of Honor, Vol 11, pg 39 shows that Joseph was originally buried at Ringgold, GA but was re-interred in the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, TN.

 

 

Enumerated in his parent’s household on the 1850C Jefferson Co HH#41

Joseph N. McKee       8  MO

..(Ernest Reid Gamble manuscript) Of the boys, the oldest one, Joseph McKee

was a Illinois volunteer and was killed by a cannon ball in some battle of the

Civil War but I cannot remember where.  I believe perhaps the Wilderness.

Another brother Archie was killed while serving in the same regiment.  And a

third Johnnie was wounded while in the same regiment — appears he may have

confused some of the names & ages for Mike’s sons

..Civil War Muster Rolls & Report of Casualty indicate:

Joseph N McKee, Pvt, Co. I, 34 Regt. Illinois Infantry

Born: Jefferson, Missouri,            Age: 21        Ocupation: Farmer

Grey eyes, Light hair, Light complexion, Height: 5 ft  5 1/2 in

(above from Re-Enlistment Muster Roll 1/3/1864)

[ An earlier muster dated 9/7/1861 – Capt Heffelfinger Co, 34 Rgt, Inf*

[ Roll at Camp Butler, New Springfield, Ill.

[  Joseph McKee — Age 19     New Springfield, Illinois for 3 years

[–*(form footnotes – subsequently became Co I, Reg, Illinois Infantry

[                                 Company mustered in to take effect 10/2/1861)

Re-Enlisted: 12/23/1863 for 3 yrs     Residence:     Mt Carroll, Carroll Co, Ill

Mustered in: 1/3/1864 @ Chattanooga, Tenn    Bounty paid $60; Due $340

March, April, May & June 1865 Muster Rolls — Veteran wounded, in hospital

Mustered out 7/12/1865 noting wounded, in hospital, last paid to 1/23/1864

“Notation” 3/23/1876  Joseph McKee Co I, 34 Regt, Ills Vols

Received a penetrating wound of abdomen at Buzzard Roost, GA.

Disposition not given and died at Ringold, GA, date & cause of death not known

Casualty Sheet 10/30/74 taken from Roll of Honor, Vol 11, Page 39

Joseph McKee, Infantry, 34 Regt, Illinois –Death @ Ringgold, Georgia

“Interred in National Cemetery, Chatanooga, Tenn.

Original place of interment Ringgold, Ga.”

(Michael Jr. group sheet by Linda Goodell includes family traditions shared by

Carol McKee Didier)

 

 

More About Joseph N. McKee:

Burial: May 1864, National Cemetery Chattanooga, Tennessee

Military service: Civil War

 

5               iv.    James Alfred McKee, born June 16, 1844 in Hillsboro, Jefferson County, Missouri; died November 22, 1919 in Apple River, Jo Daviess County, Illinois.  He married Alzinia Elston June 28, 1868 in Monticello Township, Lafayette County, Wisconsin; born November 12, 1851 in Rush Township, Jo Daviess County, Illinois; died October 30, 1942 in Apple River Jo Daviess Co, Illinois.

 

Notes for James Alfred McKee:

According to James Civil War papers he was 5′ 8″ tall, fair complexion,gray eyes, brown hair so he was not a big man either.

 

 

James A. McKee

Joined army 9 February 1865  Darlington, Lafayette co, WI

Mustered into service  Company C., 50 Regiment of WI Inf. Volunteers on the 9 day of Mar 1865 at Madison, WI

 

Deserted Aug. 30, 1865 in Omaha.  Returned to Company Sept. 8, 1865

Returned to duty June 13, 1866    (Linda’s note…I wonder about this desertion.  I found a date for Archibald Michael returning from the Civil War on a train full of wounded to Keokuk, Iowa.  I wonder if James leaving might have been to get Archie to where he needed to go.]

 

On every Muster Roll from Sept till June it says Returned from desertion Sept 8, 1865, now under arrest awaiting trial.  There is nothing saying if he had a trial or what the punishment was.  Unless the punishment was bring time for 6 months.  He was mustered out on June 12, 1866,(one paper says June 15).

 

He received a pension from 1914 until his death and then his wife received one until her death.

 

On the 1880 census James’s place of birth has been given as Pennsylvania. Someone other then himself must have been giving the information to the census taker.

 

1870 Census Jo Daviess County, IL. Rush Twp. page 275b

Dwelling 24 Family 24

McKee, James age 26 teamster born Mo

Alzina age 19 keeps house born IL.

Nettie age 10 months born IL.

 

 

1880 Jo Daviess County, IL., Rush Twp. page 384b

Dwelling 180 Family 184

James Mackee age 36 born Penn? Blank Blank farmer

Alzina wife age 28 born IL/Pa/Pa

Nettie L. daughter age 10 born IL.

George W. son age 8 born IL.

Mary daughter age 8 born IL.

Cora daughter age 6 born IL.

Maggie daughter age 4 born IL.

Joseph son age 2 born IL.

Edith daughter age 1 month born IL.

 

1900 Census Jo Daviess County, IL. Rush Twp.

Dwelling 153 Family 185

McKee, James head age 55 married 31 years Mo/SC/Pa

Elzina wife age 49 married 31 yrs. 14 children 11 still living born IL/NY/NY

Fred son age 14 single born IL

Edward son age 12 single born IL

Vernon son age 7 born IL

Marvin son age 4 born IL

 

1910 Census Jo Daviess County, IL., Apple Creek Twp.

Dwelling 127 Family 129

McKee, James A. age 64 married once for 39 years born Mo/Mo/Mo laborer odd jobs OFH

Alzina wife age 57 married once for 39 years born IL/Vermont/Pa

Marvin son age 14 single born IL. laborer odd jobs

 

1920 Census Jo Daviess County, IL. Apple River Twp.

Dwelling 67 Family 67

McKee, Alice OFF age 68 widowed born IL/NY/Pa

 

1930 Census Jo Daviess County, IL. Apple River Twp.

Dwelling 117 Family 119

McKee, Alzina age 76 born IL/NY/Pa.

 

 

 

JAMES McKEE served as a Private in Company I, 34th IL Infantry (along with JOSEPH) and a Casualty Report shows that he was wounded on 9 May 1864 during the Georgia Campaign (place of casualty “not stated”)  The nature of his injury was not shown, nor the ultimate disposition, but his casualty date is identical to that of his brother, JOSEPH.  Most likely JOSEPH & JAMES were fighting side by side at Buzzards Roost, GA when they were felled by enemy fire.  Presumably he also died as a result of wounds received.

 

 

Enumerated in his parent’s household on the 1850C Jefferson Co HH#41

James A. McKee       6  MO

..(Ernest Reid Gamble manuscript) Of the boys, the oldest one, Joseph McKee

was a Illinois volunteer and was killed by a cannon ball in some battle of the

Civil War but I cannot remember where.  I believe perhaps the Wilderness.

Another brother Archie was killed while serving in the same regiment.  And a

third Johnnie was wounded while in the same regiment  — appears he may have

confused names and ages of Mike’s sons.

Casualty Sheet (no muster rolls attached)

James McKee, Private, Company I, Regiment 34, Infy VV, Illinois

Wounded May 9th, 1864

Official Report Book – Mil Div Tenn Page 42 report of killed, wounded and

missing of the 34 Regiment 2 Brigade 2 Division 13 Corps dated 9/6/1864

 

 

More About James Alfred McKee:

Burial: November 1919, West Ella Cem, Lafayette Co, Wisconsin

 

More About Alzinia Elston:

Burial: October 1942, West Ella Cem, Lafayette Co, Wisconsin

 

Marriage Notes for James McKee and Alzinia Elston:

On his marriage license gives fathers name as Michael,  and a John McKee was a wittness

 

6                v.    Margaret L. Ava McKee, born June 16, 1847 in Jefferson County, Missouri; died November 07, 1933.  She married Joseph Walton Eddy July 04, 1865 in Lafayette County, Wisconsin; born Abt. 1838 in New York; died Aft. 1880.

 

Notes for Margaret L. Ava McKee:

From Wayne McKee

Linda Goodell said that they had six daughters and four sons.  Do not have any names.

 

 

From Wayne Adams

 

The fifth child and oldest daughter born to MICHAEL & ELIZABETH was MARGARET L.M.A. who was born ca.1847.  She went with the family to IL and later married Joseph Walton EDDY.

 

 

 

 

I have a middle name of Ava–need to check on this.

 

1930 Census Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, Mason Twp.

516 6th St. South West

Hughs, Jack F. head age 52 married at age 50 born Ohio/NY/Ohio

Fannie F. wife age 39 married at age 26 born IA/NY/Mo

Campbell, Deloris stepdaughter age 13 single born IA/IA/IA

Jack D. son age 2 years 2 months born IA/Ohio/IA

Eddy, Margaret mother-in-law age 82 widow born Mo/Mo/Ohio

Becker, Ida E. sister-in-law age 55 divorced born IA/NY/Mo

 

1920 Census Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, Mason Twp. 4WD

516 6th ST. South West

Dwelling 109 Family 153

Eddy, Margaret head OF age 72 widow born Mo/SC/Pa

 

1910 Census Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, Mason Twp. 4 WD

page 229a

516 Dwelling 65 Family 68

Eddy, Mrs. J. W. head age 64 widow born Wis. Unknown Unknown

Fannie daughter age 20 single born IA/NY/Wis

Pitman, Nettie daughter age 26 married 2 years (1 child 1 still living) born IA/NY/Wis

Henry son-in-law age 28 married 2 years born IA/UNknown/Unknown clerk in tobacco store

Roger grandson age 8 months born Ia.

 

1900 Census Cerro Gordo County, Iowa page 192A

534/455/488

Eddy, J. W. head Jan. 1837 age 63 married 35 years farmer retired born NY

Eva wife born June 1847 age 52 married 35 years, 10 children all still living born Mo/SC/Pa.

Charles A. son born Dec. 1881 age 18 born Iowa/NY/Mo farm laborer

Nettie G. daughter bon Oct. 1883 age 16 born Iowa

Vinnie daughter born Feb. 1886 age 14 born Iowa

Fannie daughter born Feb. 1890 age 10 born Iowa

 

 

1880 Census Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo, Iowa

page 248C

Joseph W. Eddy age 43 born New York

Adie Wife age 33 born Mo.

George W. son age 18 born Wisconsin

Emma daughter age 14 born Wisconsin

Ethelda daughter age 12 born Iowa

Barton J. son age 10 born Iowa

Ida daughter age 6 born Iowa

Lewis son age 4 born Iowa

May daughter age 2 born Iowa

 

 

1870 Census Douglas Twp. Adams County, Iowa, Quincy Roll 374 Book 1 page 61A

House 47 Family 47

Eddy, J. Walton age 32 farmer 1800 real estate 425 personal property born New York

Ava wife age 24 keeps house born Mo.

May E. daughter age 4 born Wisconsin

Ethzelda daughter age 2 born Iowa

Joseph B. son age 3 months born Iowa

Ferris, Warren J. age 47 farm laborer born New York

 

 

 

 

..Linda Goodell shared a photocopy picture of Margaret & her husband.  Her contacts with

relatives provided only limited “useful” information.  Margaret Ava visited Francis Walton Eddy a

couple times before she died, the last visit in 1928.  She lived until 1933.  Francis recalled her

telling that the Mexicans tied up their prisoners on ant hills.  “One of the Eddy women” called

Linda from Canada but was unable to supply much information.  Linda had examined the 1880

census but didn’t mention what jurisdiction — Iowa or ??.   Linda noted “Margaret said her mother

was born in PA and her dad in KY..I am sure she knew better but even after 15 years did not

want to say he was from the deep south”.

..Precise dob from WFT42

..There is a reasonable match on the 1880C for Cerro Gordo Co, IA. Although it misidentifies the

apparant wife as a “male other” dates, birthplace and similar name/nickname lead to my

accepting this as showing names/dates of Joseph W Eddy and seven of the children (Linda’s

sources said total of 6 sons & 4 daughters).  This was on page 248C, Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo,

IA.  No clues from adjacent 3 households in either direction.

Joseph W. Eddy     43  NY NY NY     farmer

Adie (male!)            33  MO KY PA   “other” but age/pob & mth pob agree

George W               18  WI NY MO    son  (mother pob agrees w/ “Adie”)

Emma                     14  WI NY MO     dau

Ethelda                   12  IA NY MO       dau

Barton J                  10 IA NY MO       son

Ida                             6 IA NY MO        son

Lewis                        4  IA NY MO       son

May                           2  IA NY MO       dau

 

 

More About Margaret L. Ava McKee:

Burial: November 1933

 

Notes for Joseph Walton Eddy:

 

1880 Census                          Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo, Iowa1254331 T9-0331 248C

Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace

Joseph W. EDDY Self          M M W   43            NY  (NY-NY)

Adie EDDY                           Other       M M W   33            MO  (KY-PA)

George W. EDDY                 Son          M S W    18            WI   (NY-MO)

Emma EDDY                        Dau         F S W                      14            WI   (NY-MO)

Ethelda EDDY                       Dau         F S W                      12            IA    (NY-MO)

Barton J. EDDY    Son          M S W    10            IA    (NY-MO)

Ida EDDY                             Dau         F S W                      6              IA    (NY-MO)

Lewis EDDY                         Son          M S W    4              IA    (NY-MO)

May EDDY                           Dau         F S W                      2              IA    (NY-MO)

Note the confusion over “Adie” probably resulted the enumerator incorrectly showing her sex as “Male”.  Age, birthplace and parent birthplace for children all point to Margaret L.M. Ava McKee who was born 6/16/1847 in Jefferson Co, MO.  Birthplaces shown for HER parents (KY/PA) is ok for her Mom but inaccurate for her Dad.

 

 

7               vi.    William J. “Mack” McKee, born May 03, 1849 in Jefferson County, Missouri; died 1900 in Sioux City, Iowa.  He married Hannah Leona Wells January 08, 1872 in Cerro Gordo, Iowa; born February 16, 1854 in Noble County, Ohio; died 1904 in Brocksbury, Nebraska.

 

Notes for William J. “Mack” McKee:

From Linda Bullard

He was told that he had a goiter, went to Omaha or Sioux City for surgery.  On his way home, he bled to death in a motel room.

 

1880 census for Inman, Otter Tail, MN

 

wondering if he was the son of Michael.

 

Wm McKee  29, MO

 

Hannah        26  OH

 

Anna             7  IA

 

Dora             6   NE

 

Maud            4  MN

 

Wm              2  IA

 

 

This is William’s widow, Hannah, and their children after his death.

 

1900 Census Keya Paha Precinct, Keya Paha County, Nebraska page 273 book 2

House 10 Family 10

McKee, Hannah head white female born Apr. 1853 age 47 widow 10 children 7 still living Oh/Oh/Pa

William A. son born May 1878 age 22 single born Ia/Oh/Oh

George J. son born Aug. 1881 age 18 single born Ia/Oh/Oh

Arthur son born Oct. 1886 age 13 single born Ia/Oh/Oh

Lewis J. son born Dec. 1890 age 9 born Nebraska/Oh/Oh

 

 

 

From Wayne Adams

 

 

Linda’s ancester, WILLIAM J. (MACK) McKEE was the sixth child and fifth son of Michael Jr and Elizabeth.  “Mack” was born during 1849 in Jefferson County, MO.  He moved with the family to Carroll County, IL and later to Cerro Gordo County, IA where he married HANNAH LEONA WELLS on 8 Jan 1872.  Hannah was a daughter of Claudus and Anna WELLS.  She was a nursemaid as well as a homemaker.

 

 

“Mack” & Hanna’s first child, ANNA was born 19 Nov 1872 in Wheatland (Clinton Co) Iowa.  More about Anna and the other children’s lines will follow this segment on “Mack” and Hanna’s family.  The family moved to Redfield, Nebraska and the second daughter, DORA ANGIE was born there 8 Mar 1874.  Again the family moved.  This time to Deer Creek (Ottertail Co) Minnesota where MAUDE CAROLINE was born 30 Apr 1875.  Then it was back to Iowa, settling in Clear Lake (Cerro Gordo County) where Linda’s grandfather, WILLIAM ALVA was born 9 May 1878.  By 1880 they went back to Ottertail Co, Minnesota and were enumerated there on the federal census but bounced back to Iowa the next year.  GEORGE J. was born in August 1881 and ARTHUR C. in October 1886, both in Iowa (counties not established).  The youngest child, JAMES LOUIS, was born in December 1890 in Nebraska.  From marriage jurisdictions of the three oldest children it appears they were in Wayne County, Nebraska in 1890, Knox County in 1893 and Holt County in 1894.  The family was listed on the 1900 census in Keyapaha County, Nebraska.  Mack was a contractor and his work undoubtedly accounted for the frequent moves.

 

“MACK” was believed to have gone to Lincoln or Omaha, NE ca.1900 for some stomach surgery but died in a hotel room in Sioux City, IA while enroute home to Crofton, NE.  Finding the death record had proved elusive.  He is buried in the Methodist Cemetery near Crofton.  Some time after Mack died, Hannah went to Brocksburg (Keyapaha County) NE where she died 7 March 1904.  She is buried beside Mack in the Methodist Cemetery near Crofton.

 

 

 

 

 

..This was Linda Goodell’s gr-grandfather,  Sources include family traditions via Carole McKee

Didier, Betty Balfany, 1860C for Scott Co, IA; 1880C for Ottertail Co, MN; and 1900C for

Keyapaha Co, NE.

.. Mack died on his way home following goiter surgery during 1900.  Linda could not establish

precisely when and where he died.  It was probably in a hotel in Sioux City (either on the

Nebraska or the Iowa side of the river).  He was 50 or 51 years old at that time.  His body was

taken to Crofton in Knox County, Nebraska and he was buried in Methodist Cemetery there.  He

was a contractor. At various times Mack and his family resided in Jefferson Co, MO (where he

was born), Carroll Co, IL (where he grew up); Cerro Gordo Co, IA; Wheatland, NB; Ottertail Co,

MN, Knox Co, NE and Keyapaha Co, NE.

..He met Hannah Leone Wells, the daughter of Claudus C & Anna Wells, who had come to

Scott Co, IA from Ohio.  They were married 1/8/1872 in Cerro Gordo, IA when he was 22 and

she was 17.  Linda’s grandfather, William Alva McKee,  was the fourth of seven children born to

them between 1872 and 1890.  Hannah worked as a nursemaid.  She remained a widow for four

years prior to her death 3/7/1904 at age 50 when their youngest child was just 13 years old.

..1880C Inman, Ottertail Co, MN pg 200C (from net)

Wm McKee     29   MO — —         Farmer

Hannah            26   OH OH PA   Wife, housekeeping

Anna                  7    IA  MO OH   Dau

Dora                  6    NE MO OH  Dau

Maud                 4    MN MO OH  Dau

Wm                   2     IA  MO OH

 

 

More About William J. “Mack” McKee:

Burial: 1900, Methodist Cemetery, Crofton, Knox County,  Nebraska

Cause of Death: Compllications from surgery on a goiter, bled to death in a hotel room

Cause of Death (Facts Pg): Compllications from surgery on a goiter, bled to death in a hotel room

 

More About Hannah Leona Wells:

Burial: 1904, Knox, Nebraska

 

8              vii.    Wesley Seth McKee, born September 1850 in Missouri.  He married Phoebe J. ShoeSmith 1878; born 1862 in Missouri.

 

Notes for Wesley Seth McKee:

1900 Bay City, Michigan Census shows Wesley McKee lived at 208 Walnut Street,  Michigan.

 

1880 Census Bay City, Bay County, Michigan

page 321A

Seth W. McKee male married white age 29 born Mo.

Phoebe L. McKee wife female married white age 19 born Mi.

James W. McKee son male white age 9 months born in Minnesota

 

1900 Census West Bay, Bay County, Michigan Roll 702, Book 1, page 227

208 Walnut Street, # dwelling 60, family 62

McKee, Wesley born Sept. 1850 age 49 married 23 years born in Missouri father South Carolina mother Pennsylvania day laborer in mill.

Phoebe wife born May 1862 age 38 married 23 years 12 children 10 still living born Mi. Mi. Mi.

James son Oct. 1879 age 20 sailor born Minn.

Frank son Sept. 1880 age 19 sailor born Michigan

Sadie daughter Sept 1883 age 16 servant born Mi.

Mamie daughter March 1885 age 15 born Mi.

Robert son Feb. 1887 age 13 at school born Mi.

Goldie daughter March 1890 age 10 born Mi.

Hazel daughter Feb. 1891 age 9 born Mi.

Laura daughter Feb. 1893 age 7 born Mi.

Estella daughter May 1896 age 4 born Mi.

Zelda daughter May 1898 age 2 born Mi.

 

1910 census Bay City, Bay County, Michigan

Family 644

McKee, Seth W. age 59 widow born Mo. SC. Pa.

Wilson? Goldie daughter age 21 widow born Mi.

”          Viola granddaughter age 4 born Mi.

”          Wesley grandson age 2 born Mi.

McKee, Estella daughter age 14 single born Mi.

”       Zelda daughter age 12 single born Mi.

Lots??? Absolom age 67 boarder

 

 

 

Michael Jr. group sheet by Linda Goodell includes family traditions shared by Carol McKee

Didier  — just shows he was born 1851 in IL   Actually they were still in MO until at least 1853.

..Darlene & Robert Nutt <robndar@  > joined McKee Fam History gp.  Robert is from this branch:

Wesley “Seth McKee

Mary Louis McKee m/ [  ] Tebo

Florence Louella Tebo m/ [  ]Nutt

Albert Earl Nutt (father of Robert Edsel Nutt)

..Wesley was residing at 208 Walnut St, Bay City, Michigan when the 1900C was taken.  James,

the first of their ten children was born 10/1879 in Minnesota; the others were all born in Michigan

1880-1898

 

 

9             viii.    Malinda McKee, born January 1852 in Missouri.  She married George Bush in Jefferson, Greene County, Iowa; born December 1854 in Jefferson, Greene County, Iowa.

 

Notes for Malinda McKee:

1900 Census ward 2 Jefferson, Greene County, Iowa

House 359 Family 373

Bush, George A. head born Dec. 1854 age 45 married 10 years born IL. Farmer #35

Malinda J. wife born Jan. 1852 age 48 married 10 years born Mo/SC/Mo

Easter E. daughter born March 1891 born Iowa

John H? son born Aug. 1896 born Iowa

 

 

10             ix.    Mary McKee, born Abt. 1855 in Missouri.  She married Unknown Fitch.

 

Notes for Mary McKee:

From Wayne Adams

 

listed with father on 1880C (single, age 25); per Linda Goodell she lived

mostly with her sister Molinda after her parents died.

 

 

 

11              x.    Wealthy McKee, born February 07, 1858 in Illinois; died January 07, 1933 in Boone County, Iowa.  She married (1) unknown Busick.  She married (2) Albert W. Fitch November 20, 1888 in Greene County, Iowa; born July 1867 in Indiana.

 

Notes for Wealthy McKee:

From Wayne Adams

 

On the 1880 census for Green Co, IA Wealthy & Malinda were both at home but

shown as married.  Immediately below Wealthy was “Edna age 4, granddaughter of

Michael Jr”  No surname copied but mother’s pob matches only Wealthy within the

household.  Linda Goodell group sheet shows he was a FITCH.  Father’s pob =

Indiana

 

 

 

From Linda Goodell

 

1900 Census Cerro Gordo County, Iowa

House 506 Family 558

Fitch, Albert W. head born July 1867 age 32 married 11 years born Iowa/Iowa/IL

Wealthy wife born Feb. 1859 age 41 married 11 years born IL/SC/Pa

Earl son born Sept. 1889 age 10 born Iowa

Benton L. son born Feb. 1893 age 7 born Iowa

Mary E. daughter born Dec. 1887 age 2 born Iowa

 

1910 Census Nebraska, Wheeler County, Bartlett Twp.

page 189b

House 28 Family 29

Fitch, Albert head male white age 43 married 22 years born Iowa/Unknown/Unknown farmer #27

Wealtha E. wife age 52 married 22 years born IL/SC/Pa

Earl son male white age 20 single born Iowa

Lewis son male white age 17 single born Iowa

Mary E. daughter age 12 born Iowa

 

1920 Census Boone County, Iowa, Des Moines Twp. City of Boone

page 3b

They are living at the address of 810 1/2 Seventh street along with numerous boarders.

Dwelling 69 Family 88

Fitch, A. W. head age 52 born IA/Oh/Pa manager of hotel

Weltha E. wife age 61 born IL/SC/Pa works at hotel

Fitch, Walter son age 30 born IA/IA/IL no occupation

Fitch, Marie daughter-in-law age 22 born IA/IA/IA no occupation

 

1930 Census Boone County, Iowa, Des Moines Twp. City of Boone

They are still living at the same address 810 1/2 Seventh St. several boarders living in same household.

Dwelling 467 Family 510

Fitch, A. W. head age 62 married at age 21 born IA/OH/Pa

Manager for hotel

Wealtha wife age 72 married at age 30 born IL/Mo/Pa housekeeper at hotel

Wealthy is buried in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Boone County, Yell Twp.

Wealthy E. Fitch

Born Feb. 7, 1858 and died Jan. 7, 1933

I could not find where Albert was buried.

 

 

On the 1880 census for Green Co, IA Wealthy & Malinda were both at home but shown as

married.  Immediately below Wealthy was “Edna age 4, granddaughter of Michael Jr”  The only

surname given was McKEE.  Malinda born in MO/ Wealthy in IL and child’s mother matches

only Wealthy within the household.  Linda Goodell group sheet shows he was a FITCH.  Father’s

pob = Indiana  Group sheet also shows “lived in Calhoon Co, IA” includes family traditions

shared by Carol McKee Didier

 

 

More About Wealthy McKee:

Burial: January 1933, Rose Hill Cemetery,  Boone County, Iowa

 

Notes for Albert W. Fitch:

From Wayne Adams

 

He wasn’t reflected on 1880 Census;

Wealthy listed with father & (presumably) Wealthy’s daughter.

More About Albert W. Fitch:

Occupation: Hotel Manager

Marriage Notes for Wealthy McKee and Albert Fitch:

In Greene County, Iowa on Nov. 20, 1888 Albert W. Fitch married Wealtha E. Busick. I couldn’t find a marrieage for Wealthy or Wealtha McKee marrying a Busick.

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One comment

  1. Are you still looking for the grave of Archibald Michael McKee? If so, I believe I found it in Evergreen Cemetery, ,Shullsburg, Lafayette County, Wisconsin, USA. There is a listing on Findagrave.com.

    Jeannie

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