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James Dexter McKee
Elizabeth Hayes
James Dexter McKee, son of
Marcus and Naomia Chard McKee, was born August 08, 1829 in Crooks Rapids,
Peterboro Co., Ontario, Canada, and died December 27, 1903 in East Jordan,
Michigan. James was reportedly born when his parents were on a trip
to Canada and there was no record of his birth. He married Elizabeth
Hayes June 01, 1851 in Rawdon, Hastings, Peterboro County, Ontario,
Canada, daughter of Ira Hayes and Roxany Hawkins. She was born March 23,
1830 in New York, and died November 01, 1914 in Michigan.
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Seated:
Elizabeth McKee,, Unidentifed woman, Ethel Gregory, James McKee,
and Ivy Gregory
Standing:
Martha McKee Gregory, Arnold, Albert Trudgeon, unidentified woman, and
David Gregory |
On September 17, 1864 James
volunteered for Civil War service in order to earn naturalization. He
enlisted at Belfast, Allegany County, New York. On May 3, 1865 he was
released from military service (the war was over).
He reportedly applied for
U.S. citizenship in Lapeer, Michigan, on October 12, 1872. We don't
know if citizenship was granted (supposedly he didn't realize he had to
follow through).
James was a member of the
Masons. Family history notes that he was a quiet man, and that his
wife wasn't aware that he was a Mason until the post-humus erection of his
Masonic tombstone. Word is she was pretty angry (she didn't approve
of lodges).
James and Elizabeth had four
children: Homer, Ira, Thelbert, and
Martha.
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