McGee, Cormack 1815 - 1914

MCGEE, MAGEE

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 11/26/2024 at 13:50:26

Source: Decorah Republican Dec. 24, 1914 P3 C2-3

CORMACK McGEE DEAD.

On Saturday last, at the home of his son William in Bluffton township, Cormack McGee, Winneshiek county’s oldest citizen in point of years, died from the infirmities of old age. The most accurate information obtainable made Mr. McGee ninety-nine years of age. Two years ago last July he spent two weeks in Decorah visiting friends, and at that time the REPUBLICCAN secured a splendid picture of him and made an effort to learn some of the important particulars of his life. From Mr. Peter McCaffery for many years his neighbor and friend, we learned that Mr. McGee once stated that he was born during the year of the Battle of Waterloo, or in 1815. The place of his birth was Ulster Co., north Ireland. The year that he came to American is not known, but he came to Winneshiek county in 1854, hence he was one of the very early pioneers.
The one thing that characterized Mr. McGee more than all others was his preference for pedestrianism even when a journey of several miles had to be undertaken. It was said of him that he would hitch up a horse and wagon or buggy for his wife and son to come to town but he would make the journey on foot. This trait he held to until compelled to give it up through physical infirmity. At the time the picture was made which is here shown he had trudged from Bluffton to Decorah, and during his stay here he was seen frequently making visits to all parts of town.
As far as we have been able to ascertain Mr. McGee is survived by one son—Wm. J. McGee of Bluffton—with whom he has made his home. The funeral was held Monday morning at the Bluffton Catholic church, with interment in the church cemetery. Father Whalen conducted the service and Father Hawe preached the funeral sermon.

Transcriber’s Note: I couldn’t find any evidence of him being buried in St. Bridget Cemetery nor does Find a Grave show any information. A William Magee is buried in St. Bridget Cemetery who was probably the son.

St. Bridget Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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