McKay, Albert M. 1841 - 1911

MCKAY, MERRIAM, MERRIAN, HOLCOMB, TUBBS, WEST

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 7/23/2023 at 11:18:07

Source: Decorah Republican Mar. 9, 1911 P2 C2

PIONEER DECORIAN DEAD.
Albert M. McKay Passes Away at His Home at Olympia, Wash.

Word came to Mrs. Lewis Holcomb last Saturday morning that her only brother, Albert M. McKay had died the day previous at his home in Olympia, Washington. Mrs. Holcomb was not even aware that her brother was ill and no word has since come from the family.
Mr. McKay was born on January 7, 1841, at Waterford, Erie Co., Pa., and with his parents came to Iowa and located at Freeport in 1855. The family resided at Freeport only a short time and then came to Decorah to make their home. Here on May 7th, 1851{?}, “Al” as he was familiarly known to his friends, entered the office of the Decorah Republic, then owned by B. F. Jones, and began learning the printer’s trade. He worked in Decorah for some time and then went to Waukon where he was employed until 1862. At that time he returned to Decorah to take a place in the Republican office under Wesley Bailey & Son, but in the fall of that year he decided to enlist and joined Co. D, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, serving under the late Capt. T. W. Burdick in the campaign against the Indians in North Dakota until the time of his enlistment had expired, when he returned to Decorah and resumed his position in the Republican office and remained until 1879, when he resigned and went to St. Paul where he held cases on the Pioneer Press for many years. He finally returned to Decorah and worked in various offices until about ten years ago when he went to Olympia, Wash., where he has since resided.
to Amanda J. Memmiam. To them six{sic}
to Amanda J. Merriam. To them six daughters were born, and they with their mother survive him. He is also survived by three sisters—Mrs. Della Holcomb of Decorah, Mrs. Maggie Tubbs who resides in Florida, and Mrs. Lizzie West of Superior, Wis.
In the many years that Mr. McKay was an employe of the Republican office he was faithful to every trust imposed, loyal and painstaking, and even after he had ceased to be associated with us he continued to show his interest in the paper and those with whom he had served by letters and inquiries after their welfare. When the Republican celebrated its fiftieth anniversary last April one of the best contributions came from the pen of Mr. McKay. His memory of early day happenings was clear and his story was told in a manner that was interesting to all who read it.
The Republican extends its sympathy to the family and sisters in their bereavement.

Transcriber’s Note: There are several errors or questions about the above. Not sure of the date of his marriage and not sure what the date of May 1851 pertains to. Find a Grave shows he died March 2, 1911 and is buried in Masonic Memorial Park in Tumwater, WA. It also shows his wife’s maiden name spelled Merrian.