McKEE, Greer - 1890 Bio (1827-1914)

MCKEE, DUNCAN, TEDROW, MILLER, LAWSON, JOHNSON

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/15/2007 at 21:31:45

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 627-628

Greer McKEE is the owner of a fine farm of four hundred acres, his home being situated on section 34, Liberty Township, Jefferson County. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in the 8th of November, 1827, in Washington County, Pa., his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (DUNCAN) McKEE. The family is noted for its faithfulness to duty and its patriotism when the country was in danger. William McKEE, the grandfather of our subject, was a member of the Colonial Army. Of Scotch-Irish (sic) birth, he grew to manhood in his native land, graduated from one of the leading universities of Ireland, and attained considerable prominence, but for political reasons sought a home in America, bringing with him a fortune of $10,000 in gold -- a vast amount for those days, which, together with his personal services, was sacrificed on the altar of his adopted country. In return he received worthless Continental money, which practically had no value. Fortune was gone but the consciousness of having done his duty remained and brought with it a peace and satisfaction which could not have been his had he shirked the responsibilities resting upon him. In 1813, he removed to Fayette County, Pa., where he died. Other members of the family were also men of prominence and on the maternal side, in the GREER family were noted Presbyterian ministers and also one of the judges of the Supreme Court. During the War of 1812, Henry McKEE, father of our subject, enlisted in the service in Mifflin, Pa., and became a recruiting officer. He continued in the service until peace was declared and participated in the battle of Plattsburg. He was a carpenter by trade, and a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred at Columbus, Ohio, in 1854.

Greer McKEE has for a quarter of a century made his home in Jefferson County. He was born in Washington County, Pa., November 8, 1827, as above stated, and at the age of seventeen years removed from the Keystone State to Ohio, where he continued to make his home until his arrival in Iowa. In early life Mr. McKEE learned the carpenter's trade with his father, at which he worked for many years. After his father's death he continued to carry on the business of contracting and building, in which he was extensively engaged up to the time of his enlistment. After coming to Iowa he carried on the same business for about five years, since which time he has devoted his time and energies exclusively to farming. On March 1, 1860, he wedded Miss Mary TEDROW, daughter of Goliah and Christina (MILLER) TEDROW. In May, 1864, on the day on which their third child was born, he left home to enter the service of his country, feeling his duty to the government to be greater than all domestic ties, although it can be imagined that the sacrifice which he made in leaving was no small one. He became a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-Seventh Ohio Infantry, and during the one hundred days of his enlistment was detached as superintendent of carpenter work at Ft. Delaware. His services to his country were so valuable and so faithfully did he perform every task devolving upon him that his General doubled his wages, saying that he was worth $500.

Twelve children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. McKEE and with the exception of one who died in childhood, all are yet living -- Flora Belle became the wife of James F. LAWSON, of Jefferson County; Goliah T. is married and lives in Van Buren County; Mary Elizabeth, who was born on May 15, 1864, the day on which her father entered the service, is now the wife of Reuben JOHNSON, of Cedar Rapids; William G., Ann Eliza, John and Rosetta are at home; Ira is now deceased; Willis Craig, Ulysses Grant, Jennie May and Nora are yet with their parents. Good educational advantages have been placed before the children that they may be fitted for the practical duties of this life and three of the number have been students in the Birmingham Academy.

The present farm of Greer McKEE, as before stated, comprises some four hundred acres of valuable land. His first purchase consisted of a one hundred and fifty-acre tract but by industry, perseverance and good management he was enabled to extend its boundaries to its present size. Collett, a postoffice situated at the terminus of the Ft. Madison Narrow Gauge Railroad, is located on this farm. Mr. McKEE has been identified with all measures for the progress and advancement of the community and has held many of the township offices of trust. For years he has been a teacher of the Bible classes of the Presbyterian Churches in Birmingham and Bethel and with his family has been one of the most prominent members and workers in that denomination. He was made a Mason in 1861, and was an active member for some years, but some years ago took his demit, and is not affiliated with any lodge at present. As every true American citizen should do, he has given considerable attention to the political questions of the day. He is a Republican in politics and his first Presidential vote was cast for Gen. Scott, the Whig candidate in 1852. On the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks and has since supported its principles.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.