Contributed by Robin Worth Petersen
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1. Samuel McKee
    Born: 5 May 1823 in Washington Co., Pennsylvania
    Died: 10 September 1907 in Lexington, Dawson Co., Nebraska
    Buried: Rushville City Cemetery, Rushville, Schuyler Co., Illinois

    Married 1: 4 May 1848
    Spouse: Margaret Mathews

    Married 2: 18 June 1851 in Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania
    Spouse: Joanah Mathews
        Born: 8 September 1830 in Florence, Washington Co., Pennsylvania
        Father: James Mathews
        Mother: Sarah
        Died: 3 November 1897 in Rushville, Schuyler Co., Illinois
        Buried: 5 November 1897 in Rushville City Cemetery, Rushville, Schuyler Co., Illinois

    2. Margaret Ann McKee
        Born: 22 March 1852 in Nobelstown, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania
        Died: 19 April 1938 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Co., Oklahoma
        Buried: 22 April 1938 in Rushville City Cemetery, Rushville, Schuyler Co., Illinois
        Married: 16 November 1870 in Schuyler Co., Illinois
        Spouse: George W. Kruse

    2. James McKee
        Born: abt. 1854 in Pennsylvania

    2. David McKee
        Born: abt. 1856 in Pennsylvania

    2. William McKee
        Born: abt. 1857 in Pennsylvania

    2. Martha McKee
        Born: abt. 1859 in Pennsylvania

    2. Unknown Male

    2. Unknown Female

    2. George Mitchell McKee
        Born: abt. 1870
        Died: 9 Jan 1873 in Rushville Twp., Schuyler Co., Illinois
        Buried: Rushville City Cemetery, Rushville, Schuyler Co., Illinois

NOTES AND SOURCES

1. Samuel McKee

OBITUARY: The Rushville Times, September 19, 1909; NOTE: DEATH OF SAMUEL MCKEE - Remains Brought to Rushville from Nebraska for Interment - The remains of Samuel McKee, who died at Lexington, Neb., were brought back to the old home for interment last Friday and brief funeral services were held at 3 o'clock at the cemetery. Mrs. George Kruse, who has been at the bedside of her father, accompanied the remains, together with her brother, Wm. McKee. The following obituary has been furnished the TIMES: - Samuel McKee was born in Washington county, Pa., May 5, 1823; died in Dawson county, Neb., Sept. 10, 1907. He was twice married; first to Margaret, daughter of Wm. Mathews, May 4, 1818. She died within a year. He was married to Joannah, daughter of James Mathews, June 16, 1851. To this union was born four sons and three daughters. One son died in childhood and two daughters after reaching mature womanhood. One son, the youngest, lives at Lexington, Neb., the other sons live at Wood river in the same state; the daughter, now living, resides at present near Rushville, Ill. - The subject of this sketch removed from Pennsylvania to Schuyler county, Ill., in April 1868, residing in the county until the spring of 1879, when he went with his sons to Hall county, Neb., where he resided until early in 1895, when he and his wife returned to Rushville, and remained with his daughter for some years, his wife dying at Rushville in November 1897. He continued to reside with his daughter and removed to Hammond, Ind., April 6, 1900, to which place the daughter and family had gone. He returned to Nebraska in June 1902, living with his youngest son until the reaper claimed him. - He early in life united with the Presbyterian church and continued faithful thru life. In disposition he was quiet and retiring; in character, upright; as a neighbor, obliging and a firm friend; as a christian he lived up to all the light he had and died in that strong hope of immortality and life beyond the grave.

BURIAL: BURIALS IN THE RUSHVILLE CEMETERY, Volume I, 1900-1925; Schuyler County Historical Musuem, Rushville IL, 1988; p 20; NOTE: MCKEE, Samuel - May 5, 1823 - September 10, 1907.

BURIAL: Rushville City Cemetery, Schuyler County DAR; Schuyler County Historical Museum, Rushville IL; NOTE: Buried south of tool shed, Row 3, North end.

SPOUSE-CHILDREN: The Rushville Times, 1938; NOTE: Obituary of Margaret Ann Kruse mentions parents Samuel and Joanna (Mathews) McKee.

1860 U. S. Census, Somerset Twp., Washington Co., PA; 7 August 1860; p 899, 947/947; FHL Microfilm 0805192; NOTE:
*Samuel McKee, 37, farmer, 190 in property, born Pennsylvania.
Joana McKee, 30, born Pennsylvania.
Anne, 8, born Pennsylvania.
James, 6, born Pennsylvania.
David, 4, born Pennsylvania.
William, 3, born Pennsylvania.
Martha, 1, born Pennsylvania.
James Matthews, 72, born Newfounland.

MARRIAGE-SPOUSE: Mathews Family File, Schuyler County Jail Museum, Rushville IL; NOTE: Samuel McKee, married 18 Jun 1851 in Noblestown, Allegheny Co, PA, to Joanah Mathews.

1. Joanah Mathews McKee

OBITUARY: The Rushville Times, November 11, 1897; NOTE: JOANAH MATHEWS MCKEE - Joanah Mathews was born in Florence, Washington county, Pa. Sept. 8, 1830. She was united in marriage with Samuel McKee of Noblestown, Allegheny county, Pa. June 18, 1851. She was the mother of five sons and three daughters. The husband, four sons and one daughter survive her. The earlier years of her married life were passed in her native state. Early in 1868 the family removed to Rushville, Ill., and resided in the vicinity until 1873 when a removal was made to Huntsville, Ill. In the spring of 1880 another removal was made to Hall county, Neb. For nearly three years past she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. G. W. Kruse in Rushville. In each locality she was highly esteemed for her excellent character as a neighbor and friend, and for her acts of kindness to the poor and afflicted. In early life she united with the M.E. church of which she lived a consistent member until about two years ago, when she became convinced that she had not fully yielded to the commands of her Savior and united with the Christian church in Rushville. Her seat in church was seldom vacant, for she always took a deep interest, and for one of her advanced age, an active part in the work of the church. In fact, it was the principal topic of conversation with her in the family circle and elsewhere. - During the last ten years she had been a great sufferer from rheumatism and in her crippled condition few young people would have had the fortitude to attend worship as regularly as she did. Her last illness began with a chill about 3 o'clock Sunday morning, Oct. 24th. She was not considered dangerously ill until Sunday afternoon, Oct. 31st and even then strong hopes were entertained of her recovery. A short time before she died she said to her daughter, "If the summons comes I am prepared to meet it." She was not a great sufferer in her final moments and passed away as gently as if falling asleep in the early hours of Wed., Nov. 3 in the 68th year of her age. - Friday morning, Nov. 5, funeral services, attended by a large and sorrowing congregation of relatives and friends, were held at the Christian church in Rushville. Interment was in the Rushville cemetery.

SPOUSE: The Rushville Times, September 19, 1909;  NOTE: Obituary of Samuel McKee mentions predeceased second wife Joannah, daughter of James Mathews.

SPOUSE-CHILDREN: The Rushville Times, 1938; NOTE: Obituary of Margaret Ann Kruse mentions parents Samuel and Joanna (Mathews) McKee.

1850 U. S. Census, Florence, Hanover Twp., Washington Co., PA; 13 December 1850; p 77, 12/12; FHL Microfilm 0444801; NOTE:
James Mathews, 63, Wagonmaker, 800 in property, born on the ocean.
Sarah, 58, born Delaware.
James H., 23, born Pennsylvania.
*Joannah, 20, born Pennsylvania.
Samantha, 17, born Pennsylvania.
Mary Jane, 15, born Pennsylvania.
Trevanin, 2, born Pennsylvania. [Believe this to be son of Joannah]

1860 U. S. Census, Somerset Twp., Washington Co., PA; 7 August 1860; p 899, 947/947; FHL Microfilm 0805192; NOTE:
Samuel McKee, 37, farmer, 190 in property, born Pennsylvania.
*Joana McKee, 30, born Pennsylvania.
Anne, 8, born Pennsylvania.
James, 6, born Pennsylvania.
David, 4, born Pennsylvania.
William, 3, born Pennsylvania.
Martha, 1, born Pennsylvania.
James Matthews, 72, born Newfounland.

BIRTH-DEATH-BURIAL-MARRIAGE-SPOUSE: Mathews Family File, Schuyler County Jail Museum, Rushville IL; NOTE: Joanah Mathews, born 8 Sep 1830, died 3 Nov 1897, married 18 Jun 1851 in Noblestown, Allegheny Co, PA, to Samuel McKee, burial in Rushville City Cemetery.

2. Margaret Ann McKee

MARRIAGE: Marriage Register; Schuyler County Courthouse, Rushville, Illinois; Book C, 1864-1890, p 57, #4719; NOTE: date of license: Nov. 15, 1870, George W. Kruse and Miss Margaret A. McKee, married Nov. 16, 1870, married by: W. B. Johnsey, M. G., returned: Nov. 17, 1870.

OBITUARY: The Rushville Times, April 20, 1938; NOTE: Mrs. G. W. Kruse - Mrs. Margaret McKee Kruse, widow of the late George W. Kruse, who died on Tuesday at her home in Oklahoma City, Okla. - Funeral services were held at Lawler funeral home Friday at 2 o'clock. Rev. Mac A. Warren conducted the services. - Besides her daughter, Mrs. Lowe, another daughter, Mrs. Ora Kruse Gamble of Oklahoma City, Okla. and a son, Elza of Lady Smith, Wis., and a grandson Lee R. Whitson of Cuba, Mo., survive. - Mrs. Kruse had passed her 86 milestone on March 22, 1938. Following the death of her husband, she moved to Indiana some 30 years ago to reside with her daughter, Mrs. Gamble and in later years made her home with her other daughter, Mrs. Lowe.

OBITUARY: The Rushville Times, April 27, 1938; NOTE: Margaret Ann Kruse - Margaret Ann, oldest child of Samuel and Joanna (Mathews) McKee, was born in Nobelstown, Pa., March 22, 1852, and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Orpha Lowe, in Oklahoma City, Okla., April 19, 1938, having attained the age of 86 years and 27 days. -- On Nov. 16, 1870, she was joined in marriage with George W. Kruse, who died Sept. 2, 1914. To them were born four children, Mrs. Ora Gamble of Muncie, Indiana; Mrs. Maggie Higby of Hammond, Indiana; Elza Kruse of Ladysmith, Wisconsin, and Mrs. Orpha Lowe of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who with twelve grandchildren survive. -- There also are living one half-brother, T. L. Mathews, three brothers, namely: James, David and William, living in Nebraksa. For the past nine years she has spent most of her time with her daughter, Mrs. Lowe, who gave her every possible care in her declining years. -- She united with the Church of Christ at the age of eighteen years in Rushville, Ill. At Oklahoma City she was affectionately called Mother Kruse by a large circle of relatives and friends. -- The remains were brought to Rushville Thursday of last week, where she had been married and reared her family. Funeral services were conducted at the Lawler funeral home by the Rev. Fred Wilson of Vermont, Friday afternoon, April 22, at 2 o'clock. -- Interment was beside her husband, father and mother in the family plot in Rushville cemetery. [clipping from June Hindman Roudebush scrapbook]

BURIAL: Donna Smith, Rushville City Cemetery; Section F, Row 3; NOTE: KRUSE - George W. 1849-1914 - Margarette A. 1852-1938 (MCKEE).

BURIAL: BURIALS IN THE RUSHVILLE CITY CEMETERY, SCHUYLER COUNTY, ILLINOIS; 1926-1950; Schuyler County Historical Museum, Rushville IL, 1988; Volume II, p 43; NOTE: KRUSE, Margaret A.: March 22, 1852 - April 19, 1938 w/George; maiden name MCKEE.

PARENTS-SIBLINGS: The Rushville Times, September 19, 1909; NOTE: Obituary of Samuel McKee mentions daughter Mrs. George Kruse.

SPOUSE-CHILDREN: The Rushville Times, September 10, 1914; NOTE: Obituary for Geo. W. Kruse mentions surviving wife Maggie McKee.

SPOUSE-CHILDREN: The Rushville Times, May 15, 1958; NOTE: Obituary for Mrs. Orania M. Gambill mentions parents George W. and Margaret Ann Kruse.

SPOUSE-CHILDREN: The Rushville Times, December 15, 1960; NOTE: Obituary for Mrs. Maggie Kruse Higby mentions parents George W. and Margaret Kruse.

1860 U. S. Census, Somerset Twp., Washington Co., PA; 7 August 1860; p 899, 947/947; FHL Microfilm 0805192; NOTE:
Samuel McKee, 37, farmer, 190 in property, born Pennsylvania.
Joana McKee, 30, born Pennsylvania.
*Anne, 8, born Pennsylvania.
James, 6, born Pennsylvania.
David, 4, born Pennsylvania.
William, 3, born Pennsylvania.
Martha, 1, born Pennsylvania.
James Matthews, 72, born Newfounland.

BIRTH-DEATH-BURIAL-MARRIAGE-SPOUSE-CHILDREN: McKee Family File; Schuyler County Historical Museum, Rushville IL; NOTE: Margaret Ann McKee, b: 22 March 1852 - d: 19 April 1938 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Co., Oklahoma - bur: Rushville Cemetery - married 16 November 1870 Schuyler Co., IL to George W. Kruse.

POSTCARDS:

1909
To Aunt Julia
from Maggie Kruse
your loving niece
My dear Aunt
how I would
love to be with
you on your
aniversary of
your 75th
Birthday hope
you have a
pleasant and
happy day and
that you may
have many
returns of your
Birthday

1910
[To Mona]
Dear cousin may your years
be many and your troubles
be few is the
wish of your
loving cousin
Maggie Kruse

1913
Dear Aunt - Just
a card to let
you know you
are remembered
& hope to hear
from you soon
we are both [word]
& hope this finds
you the same
from your loving
neice M A Kruse

My Dear cousin [Mona] that you may
enjoy a happy Birthday & live
to enjoy as many more is the
wish of your cousin
Maggie Kruse

2. James McKee

PARENTS-SIBLINGS: The Rushville Times, 1938; NOTE: Obituary of Margaret Ann Kruse mentions surviving brother James of Nebraska.

1860 U. S. Census, Somerset Twp., Washington Co., PA; 7 August 1860; p 899, 947/947; FHL Microfilm 0805192; NOTE:
Samuel McKee, 37, farmer, 190 in property, born Pennsylvania.
Joana McKee, 30, born Pennsylvania.
Anne, 8, born Pennsylvania.
*James, 6, born Pennsylvania.
David, 4, born Pennsylvania.
William, 3, born Pennsylvania.
Martha, 1, born Pennsylvania.
James Matthews, 72, born Newfounland.

2. David McKee

PARENTS-SIBLINGS: The Rushville Times, 1938; NOTE: Obituary of Margaret Ann Kruse mentions surviving brother David of Nebraska.

1860 U. S. Census, Somerset Twp., Washington Co., PA; 7 August 1860; p 899, 947/947; FHL Microfilm 0805192; NOTE:
Samuel McKee, 37, farmer, 190 in property, born Pennsylvania.
Joana McKee, 30, born Pennsylvania.
Anne, 8, born Pennsylvania.
James, 6, born Pennsylvania.
*David, 4, born Pennsylvania.
William, 3, born Pennsylvania.
Martha, 1, born Pennsylvania.
James Matthews, 72, born Newfounland.

2. William McKee

PARENTS-SIBLINGS: The Rushville Times, September 19, 1909; NOTE: Obituary of Samuel McKee mentions son William.

PARENTS-SIBLINGS: The Rushville Times, 1938; NOTE: Obituary of Margaret Ann Kruse mentions surviving brother William of Nebraska.

1860 U. S. Census, Somerset Twp., Washington Co., PA; 7 August 1860; p 899, 947/947; FHL Microfilm 0805192; NOTE:
Samuel McKee, 37, farmer, 190 in property, born Pennsylvania.
Joana McKee, 30, born Pennsylvania.
Anne, 8, born Pennsylvania.
James, 6, born Pennsylvania.
David, 4, born Pennsylvania.
*William, 3, born Pennsylvania.
Martha, 1, born Pennsylvania.
James Matthews, 72, born Newfounland.

2. Martha McKee

1860 U. S. Census, Somerset Twp., Washington Co., PA; 7 August 1860; p 899, 947/947; FHL Microfilm 0805192; NOTE:
Samuel McKee, 37, farmer, 190 in property, born Pennsylvania.
Joana McKee, 30, born Pennsylvania.
Anne, 8, born Pennsylvania.
James, 6, born Pennsylvania.
David, 4, born Pennsylvania.
William, 3, born Pennsylvania.
*Martha, 1, born Pennsylvania.
James Matthews, 72, born Newfounland.

2. George Mitchell McKee

OBITUARY: The Rushville Times, February 1, 1873; NOTE: MCKEE, GEORGE MITCHELL - Died near Rushville, January 9, from the effects of a burn received the day before, George Mitchell, the youngest son of Samuel and Joanna McKee; aged 2 years, 9 months, and 11 days. The sad death of little George brought sorrow and gloom upon the family circle, yet they "sorrow not as these who have no hope." Georgie is freed from the many trials and disappointments to which peer mortals are exposed. His sweet and dove like spirit is in the bosom of Jesus. Me thinks I hear his sweet spirit saying "Pa, Ma and brothers and sisters, meet me there." Yes dear Georgie, in thy home we'll meet thee. Dear Georgie, We ne'er shall see you more
While we on earth remain
But on the resurrection morn
We'll see they face again
Pastor.

BURIAL: Donna Smith, Rushville City Cemetery; NOTE: Section F, Row 3, McKee, George M. d. January -- 1873, aged 2y son of S. & J.

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