William Shakespeare McKee

MCKEE, MCCURDY, SMITH

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 11/2/2020 at 09:01:36

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa Friday, April 10, 1891 page 4

OBITUARY.

Wm. Shakespeare McKee was born at Columbiana, Ohio, February 18, 1824, and died in Oakland township, Iowa, March 31, 1891, being a little over 67 years of age at the time of his death. He had been ailing for months and his demise was not unexpected. At the age of 21 he enlisted under Capt. Love, afterwards U. S. Judge, and served through the Mexican War. Came to Iowa in 1848, subsequently returned to his native state and joined a train to California. He remained in the "Golden state" less than two years, returning via the Lake Nicaragua route. He settled permanently in Iowa in 1852, returning to Ohio for his wife who survives to mourn his loss. Her maiden name was Rebecca Jane McCurdy. Since their marriage, their home has been in this county except two or three years spent in Iowa city. Mr. McKee was a lifelong democrat, for the past twenty years and earnest man consistent member of the Reform church and always an honorable, honest and strictly upright man. He was a member of the A. F. and A. M. lodge of this place and was buried according to the rites of that order. The funeral services were held in the reform church, Cone and conducted by Rev. J. C. Beade, pastor of that congregation. Four children survive him. They are Mrs. Smith, Lisbon, Iowa, James Cone, and Misses Mary and Ada at home.