Thomas McKee

Thomas McKee, believed to be the oldest soldier of the 
Civil War in Jefferson County died Sunday morning at 10' o' Clock 
at the family home in Dodds Township.  

Mr. McKee was born August 12, 1830. and his age was 95 years, 5 
months and 12 days.  He was born in Mississippi. But the greater 
part of his life was spent in Illinois.  

Mr. McKee was blind having lost his eyesight, it is said as a result 
of service in the Union Army in the Civil War.

For many years he was a familiar figure on the streets of Mt. Vernon
as he was led about by a son or some other family member of the family.
He lived in Mt. Vernon at one time.  But most his life in Jefferson
County was spent in Dodds Township, where he lived forty-five years or
more.

Until the last few years Mr. McKee was very active for one of his his
years and without the use of his eyes.

Many Mt. Vernon people knew Mr. Mckee and he was well known in the
South part of the country.

He is survived by his widow, three sons and two daughters.  One son
and one daughter are dead.

The surviving children are Albert, Stephen and Fred.  Mrs. Grace Hughey
and Mrs. Media Lynch.



Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: 01-24-1926
Submitted by Angela Wright
Relationship: Great-Great Grandfather