James McKee Yuma Co, CO

Jacob McKee, Wray

James cash-claimed a quarter in 17, 2N 46W in 1891.

He might be the James McKee born June 1857 in Canada, a stock broker, married 18 years to Margaret July 1862 Canada. They have Duncan 17, Hope 15, Chas 13, Russell 7, Genevieve 4, and sister Ida April 1870 all born in Missouri.

In 1880 Atchison County, Missouri, Margaret M. Sillers is 17, born in Canada, with Duncan Sillers born in Scotland and Jane in Nova Scotia, both 56, farming. Jeannette E. is 20, teaching, Jane C. H. 14, and Peter J. D. 12.
July 12, 1905

Also in 1905, J. A. McKee was on the nine-person committee to plan for a livestock exposition in Denver at the stock yeards.
"A movement was set on foot yesterday which is expected to result in an annual gathering of stockmen in Denver from all parts of the West, for the purpose of holding a live stock exposition in which will be shown in competition fat cattle, hogs and sheep and feeder cattle and breeding stock of all kinds. A meeting of prominent and representative stockmen was held at the stock yards yesterday morning in response to a call issued by the Colorado Cattle and Horse Growers Association. It was unanimously decided to hold a big stock show here next winter, probably in January at the time of the national and state conventions of stockmen meeting."

In 1910 Denver, James and Margaret have Charles 22, Russell L. 17 and Genevieve 14.

James D. is also in Denver in 1910, 26, with Jessie R. 22 and Thelma 2.
Jessie's estate was probated in Denver in May 1918 - she died March 22, 1918.

James Duncan McKee, age 37, son of James McKee and Margaret Sellers, married Myra Margaret Thomas on June 14, 1919 in Jasper County, Iowa.

In 1920 James and Margaret have only Genevieve, 23, a bookkeeper for the livestock commission company.

In 1920 Denver, Jas. D. is 36, Myra M. 19, Thelma 12 and Byron D. 9.

In 1930 Denver, Hope, married to William L. Cline, 49, is with them, Ther sons John R. Cline 19 and James M. 14 wee born in COlorado.

In 1940 Long Beach, California, Genevieve is a public school teacher, 44, and mother Margaret M. 77 is with her.

November 13, 1931

In Crown Hill, # 47915133 has James 1857-1931, with Margaret M. 1862-1947 # 47915134.

J. Duncan McKee 1883-1973 is buried in Longmont # 61220953, with Myra T. 1900-1977 # 122773676.

Thelma McKee Painter 1907-1993, father McKee, mother McAlister, is buried in Santa Barbara # 89058631.

Myra M. Ritchey married Doyle W. Bloder in Reno, Nevada June 28, 1974.

Myra Margaret (McKee) Bloder - 1928-2002 is buried in Lawson, Missouri, # 18085947.

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Peter James Sillers born Oct 9, 1867 in Canada, died October 19, 1957 in Atchison County, buried there # 88231623.

Jeanette E. Sillers of Atchison County married Jacob McKee in Nodaway County on March 20, 1884.

September 1899 Wray "The family of Mr. J. McKee arrived this week and are settled in the home recently purchased from A. D. Hoy."

They're in Yuma County in 1900, ranching. Jacob was born March 1861 in MIssouri, Janett May 1860 in Canada, Vesta Dec 1885, Janet Sept 1887, Jane Sept 1890, Grace January 1893, Bessy April 1894, Evert Dec 1895, all born in MIssouri. George born May 1855 in Scotland, brother, immigrating in 1880, is with them. So is nephew Talmon L. McKee born ASpril 1878 in MIssouri, day laborers.
November 3, 1900

December 1900 "Miss Ida McKee, formerly cashier of the Herbat grocery, Denver, was here for a couple of days this week visiting the family of her brother, Jacob McKee. She was on her way to Fairfax, Mo., to spend the holidays at home."

March 1901 "Miss Nita Rohison and Miss Jeanette McKee accompanied Miss Belle Slick home to spend Saturday and Sunday."

November 1901 "Haigler items in Benkelman Chronicle
Jacob McKee came in from Wray, Colo , Thursday evening, for a brief visit with relatives and friends in this locality. Jake is engaged in the livery business at Wray."

December 1901 Wray "Talmon McKee is down from Denver taking in the sights. He was accompanied by Miss Hope McKee, his cousin, who is visiting the family of Jacob McKee."

December 1902 Wray "Tom McKee came up from Nebraska on a business and pleasure trip. Torn has rented an alfalfa farm near Napanee, Nebraska, about fifteen miles east of Alma where his uncle Jacob McKee lives. Tom thinks he has a good thing and his many friends here hope he has."

August 1923 "Jake McKee, in company with his son and his son's wife, passed through Wray one day recently on their way to the mountains from their home at Alma, Neb. The McKee party stopped off in Wray for a short time to visit. The McKee family lived in Wray some 25 or 30 years ago. They occupied the residence now owned by Wm. Pyle, and Mr. McKee conducted a livery stable business on the corner where the Pickett block is now located. This early day livery barn was known as the Emigrant barn."

In 1910 Jacob and Janette are in Harlan County, Nebraska, with Vesta 25 a bank bookkeeper, Jean 19 a telephone company bookkeeper, Grace 17, Elizabeth 16, and Edard E. 14.
Geo McKee 48, brother is a farm laborer, and cousin Geo Davidson 48 a laborer.

Janette 1860-1912 is buried in Harlan County # 61567144, with Jacob 1861-1940.
February 24, 1912

July 22, 1904 Wray "Mr. and Mrs. John Remington went down to Alma Nebraska Sunday morning to visit Mr. and Mrs. T. L. McKee. Mrs. McKee and John Remington are sister and brother.

November 17, 1905 "Mrs. E. B. Remington went to Alma, Nebraska, last Friday, called there by the death of her little grandchild, the babe of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McKee."

February 1908 "Mattie McKee, formerly Mattie Remington, who lives at Long Island, Kansas, was reported quite ill and her mother, Mrs. E. B. Remington, left for that place last night. However, a telegram today announces some improvement in her condition."

September 1919 Wray "Mrs. Talmon McKee, of Garden City, Kansas, came to Wray last week to visit her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Remington."

In 1920 Harlan County, Jacob is 58, Mattine 44 a school teacher, Harold Bragg 20, Mary Bragg 16, and brother George McKee 64.

Obituary from the Harlan County Journal April 11, 1940 reads as follows: The passing of Jacob McKee, whose death occurred at the home of his daughters, Miss Vesta McKee and Mrs. E. M. Cox, in this city at an early hour on the morning of Tuesday, April 2, 1940, after an illness of several weeks, marked the end of the earthly career of one of our most highly respected citizens.
Born near Rochester, Missouri, March 21, 1861, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert McKee, the deceases at the date of his death, being 79 years and 12 days of age was one of a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters, all of whom, including his parents, preceeded him in death, except a brother Thomas F. McKee, of St. Joseph, Mo, Mrs. Ida Baker, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Mrs. Florence Fisher of Cleveland, Ohio.
On March 20, 1884, Mr. McKee was united in marriage to Janette Elizabeth Sillers, at Maryville, Mo., near which city they continued to reside, where Mr. McKee was engaged in the raising of livestock and farming.
To this union were born five daughters and one son, Miss Vesta McKee, Mrs. E.M. Cox, and Mrs. T. C Rogers, of Alma; Mrs. George R. Johnson of Franklin, Nebraska; Mrs. Charles H. Graham, of Stratton, Colorado; and Everett E. McKee of Alma.
In order to satisfy an ambition to extend his activity in the the production of livestock, and to more fully enjoy the freedom of the open plains country, in 1899, the family moved to Wray, Colorado, where stock raising occupied his attention until February 1902, when Mr. McKee purchased what was then known as the Albert Gould farm, three miles east of Alma, which he improved and developed into one of our most attractive countryside farm homes. While living on this farm, Mrs. McKee passed away February 24, 1912, and some years later the family moved to Alma, where they have continued to reside.
For many years, Jacob McKee was one of our most progressive farmers, and one among the largest cattle and livestock feeders in the Republican valley. It was in this vocation he derived his greatest pleasure, so far as the activities on the farm were concerned, and in his declining years his interest in livestock was an ever welcome topic and subject of conversation with his many friends.
Mr. McKee grew up on the farm, and throughout his early years learned at first hand, the problems, not only of farming, but of simple agriculture and home life. In the years that followed this proved to be a preceless asset, in that he had learned in a practical way the methods and ways to provide not only for the comforts of his family, but for their happiness and future welfare as well. An abundance of enthusiasm, energy and ambition always attended his every undertaking. His unfailing courtesy, and above all, his helpfulness to his neighbors wherever his lot was cast, was ever a well exemplication of his "Good Neighbor" spirit.
Jake McKee, as he was familiarly called by his friends, always brought forth a response and greeting, exemplifying the highest degree of genuine and sincere interest of friendship of this gentle hearted man. His unswerving interest in the welfare of his family, his fiedelity to right, and the courage to stand by his convictions, were among his worthwhile attributes.
At the age of 15 years he united with the Christian church, and remained a faithful member until his death. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge.
The deceased leaves to mourn his death six children, one brother, two sisters, and eight grandchildren, besides a large number of more distant relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services, which were largely attended, were conducted at the Christian church in Alma, Thursday morning, April 4th, at 10:30 a.m., Rev. H.A. Bourne officiating. Interment was in the family burial lot in the Alma cemetery.
The memory of a man of unquestioned integrity and of unusual strength of character, lingers today on the threshold of the new life upon which he has entered.

Mattiene (McPherson) McKee 1876-1955 is buried in Orange County, California # 164167966.
"survived by sons, Everett E Bragg of Alameda & Samuel H Bragg of Long Beach; daughter, Miss Mary E Bragg of Artesia Long Beach Independent, CA - Jan 26, 1955

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1st married William Edwin Bragg
2nd married Jacob McKee

Vesta McKee, daughter of Jacob and Janette Sillers McKee was born in Fairfax, Missouri on December 14, 1884 and passed from this life on January 4, 1971 at the age of 86 years and 21 days. Vesta, the oldest of six children moved with her family in 1899 to Wray, Colorado, where they lived for three years. In February of 1902 the family moved to a farm three and one-half miles east of Alma.
Having graduated from High school, Vesta taught in the rural schools of Harlan County for five years.
In 1908, Vesta became associated with the Harlan County Bank and continued this association for 53 years. A special open house was held in her honor after 50 years of service. It was one of the greatest thrills of her life.
Vesta was a 68 year member of the Christian church and worked for many years with youth and as chairman for the Christian Endeavor committee. She was also a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood for 50 years. Vesta was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Janette McKee Cox.
She leaves to mourn her passing a sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Tom Rogers, sister, Mrs. Grace Johnson, brother and sister-in-law, Everett and Opal McKee and sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Graham, a niece, Janette Elizabeth Cox, who lived with Vesta for many years, the Haskell family, her "second family" with whom she lived for a number of years and many other nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
The Town of Alma and Harlan County owes a great deal to the dedication and unselfishness of this noble woman.
Services were Friday, January 9, 1971 at 2:00 o'clock p.m. in Alma, Nebraska. Interment was in the Alma Cemetery, Alma, Nebraska.

Jean McKee Rogers was born near Fairfax, Missouri, September 10, 1890 to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob McKee. She departed this life Saturday, July 4, 1981 at the Methodist Memorial Homes in Holdrege, NE at the age of 90 years 9 months and 24 days.
Her early childhood was spent in Missouri and Colorado, then with her parents she moved to Alma, Nebraska in February of 1902.
She was a graduate of Alma High School, class of 1906. She taught one year at a rural school east of Ragan. Then she was active in business circles being secretary-treasurer of the Farmers and Merchants Telephone Company. Jean was active in civic affairs. She was the first woman to be elected to a city office in the State of Nebraska, being city treasurer for Alma for a number of years. Jean was also field director of the American Red Cross for twenty years. She was decorated by the United States and British Government for outstanding service during WWII in selling government bonds and service rendered to U.S. soldiers at home and in foreign service. She was an active member of the First Christian Church, serving as treasurer for over forty years; Sunday School teacher; member of the choir and other offices of the church. She was a past president of P.E.O. Sisterhood, Alma Woman's Club, chaplain of Eastern Star, and Alma Book Club member. She was member of Sugar Rationing Board and Government Loan committee during WWII. At the request of the Alma Library Board, she wrote a history of Harlan County now on file at the Alma library and Nebraska State Historical Society.
Jean was married to Thomas C.Rogers on June 23, 1915 at her parent's home near Alma. Their married life was spend in Ragan, NE until 1932 when they moved to Alma where they resided until October 1975 when they became residents of Methodist Memorial Home in Holdrege, NE.
Her husband Tom died December 26, 1978.
To this union were born two sons, Daniel R. and Everett M and one daughter, Barbara, Mrs. Gaylord Johnson.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob McKee, four sisters, Vesta McKee; Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles H.) Graham; Janet (Mrs. Esker) Cox; Grace (Mrs. George) Johnson; and one brother Everett McKee; her husband Thomas C. Rogers; and their son Daniel R. Rogers.
She leaves to mourn her passing their son Dr. Everette M Rogers and his wife Donna of LaJolla, CA; their daughter Barbara Johnson and her husband Gaylord of Alma; one daughter-in-law, Barbara (Mrs. Daniel R.)Rogers of Morgantown, WV. Numerous grandchildren and many friends and other relatives.
Jean will be remembered for her devotion to her family and her church. She was unselfish, generous and always thinking of others, one who never complained.

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Yuma County, Colorado
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