Dr. William J. McGee 1853-1912

MCGEE, NEWCOMB, ANDERSON

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 3/13/2020 at 12:02:48

W. J. McGee, born April 17, 1853, was a very sickly child until the age of three. He was called Don in his home.

Don was very fond of clothes and very methodical. He wanted everything in its place. He was interested in fossils, stones, clay, etc. His many accomplishments point out his untiring energy.

He started a blacksmith shop in Farley, but that was short lived. Don had other projects in mind. He attended school in the little red school house of the district during the four months of the winter term. He was taught by his brother George Henry who attended Cornell during 1867-1868.

Bicycling was the rage during those days and he loved to race his bicycle.

From 1867-1877, W. J. devoted all his spare time to home study. He learned to be a surveyor. He also studied law and from 1871-1876, he was engaged in surveying and justice court practice. He was known for his surveying skills and his services were eagerly sought by neighbors as well as strangers.

In 1901, a doctor’s degree was conferred upon him at Cornell College for an essay on the: Beginning of Mathematics.”

On Feb 4, 1888, he married Miss Anita Newcomb, daughter of a most distinguished astronomer of German descent, who had a doctor’s degree from John Hopkin. The children were born to this union.

W. J. ‘s first point of observation after leaving the farm were the Indian mounds near Dry Hollow (now owned by Ralph Simon) not far from his home. These mounds ere very carefully studied.

In 1875-1877, he studied geology and archaeology.

In 1877- 1881, he made geologic and topographic surveys of north east Iowa. The period of 1883-1894 covers the period of his most intensive constructive geological activities. He was known worldwide for his work in the field of science and for his writings. He died September 5, 1912. He was brought back to Farley to be buried.

The History of Farley, Iowa - Copyright 1996 - Welu Printing Co.