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 hisyears and without the use of his eyes.

Many Mt. Vernon people knew Mr. Mckee and he was well known in theSouth 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: January 24, 1926
Submitted by Angela Wright
Relationship: Great-Great Grandfather