OBIT: McKee, 1903 - Richmond, Madison Co Contributed by Julie johnhu@ccms.ntu.edu.tw Obituary, Owen McKee (The Richmond, Kentucky "Climax", Wed., July 8, 1903, p. 3) "An Aged and Respected Citizen Passes Away" Owen McKee, the well known merchant, died last Friday and was laid to rest in the Lexington Cemetery on Saturday, mourned by thousands of the oldest and best citizens of Madison county. His illness was not of long duration, but it was painful, yet we are informed there was rarely if ever exhibited more fortitude and calm, christian resignation to the inevitable than was displayed by this fine old gentleman. Conscious to the last, perfectly aware that his end was drawing near, he bade those about him to mourn not, for "Though I love you all, it is time to go--and I am ready!" For days and nights he lingered after the physician had abandoned hope, his feet slowly dipping into the dark River of Death which he felt was washing the other shore of a blessed immortality for him. And when his tired eyelids closed down in dreamless sleep, the whole community like one great heart pulsed with sorrow for the loss of an honored, upright citizen, devoted husband, tender and affectionate father, one we loved in life and in death we sincerely mourn. Father Ryan paid the lamented deceased an eloquent, worthy tribute that was listened to by a crowded church--full of the best citizens of this county. The pall-bearers were United States Senator James B. McCreary, Hon. J.A. Sullivan, M.F. Enright, John McKenna, I.O. Schmidt and Joe Collins. Deceased was an ex-Confederate soldier, a member of the -- Ky. Calvary, of which Hon. James B. McCreary was Lt. Colonel, and who says Owen McKee was one of the bravest, truest soldiers that ever wore the grey. He was to his death a zealous member of the Confederate Veteran Association, his son, Richard, a member of the Sons of the Confederacy, and his daughters equally active in the Daughters of the Confederacy. Therefore, it was meet and proper that a host of his old comrades should have attended the obsequies of one who had shared with them the camp, the field, the prison, the hospital, and the final surrender. As he truly loved the South and the Stars and Bars and succored the needy in times of war and peace, it was well that his colleagues should testify their affection and respect. Deceased leaves a wife and three children, Mr. Richard McKee and Misses Lydia and Annie McKee. One daughter, the beautiful, intellectual, lovable Agnes, his favorite child--she who was the intercessor for every childish wish of her brother and sisters--preceded him to the grave fourteen years ago. In his last illness this fond father seemed to hear the call of his angel child and to see her outstretched arms beckoning him to his home beyond the stars. To the sorrowing family we extend the sympathy of the community that counted Owen McKee as one of its best citizens whose memory will be revered during the remaining days of this generation. ***************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *****************************************************************