MC KEY, George W. - b. 1840 - d. July 22, 1916

[genealogynut]

Elk County Citizen
Wednesday, July 26, 1916

George W. McKey died at the home of his son, Frank, of this city, on Thursday morning at 3:30 o'clock.  He was born at Mt. Vernon, Knox county, Ohio in 1840

In 1856 he emigrated to Iowa locating in Lee county.  On June 15th, 1861, he enlisted in the First Iowa Cavalry, serving as sergeant of Company A.  later he became ordinance sergeant of Custer's Cavalry Division from the time it was organized at Alexandria, Louisiana until February 24, 1866, when he received an honorable discharge at Austin, Texas.

His parents settled in Pike county, Illinois, while he was in the army.  When he received his discharge from the army he returned to his parents where he remained until 1871 when he came to Kansas, locating on a claim in Howard county in the Union Center township.  Mr. McKey soon improved his claim and engaged in stock raising, and was considered the model farmer of his vicinity.

In 1875 when the county was divided he was appointed county commissioner of Elk County serving two terms.  In 1878 he formed a partnership with Messrs. A. F. Eby and Momma bankers.  In the spring of 1882 Mr. McKey bought Mr. Momma's interest in the bank and he was elected president  of the Howard National Bank.  Several years ago Mr. McKey's health failed, and he retired from business life.  He was a thorough business man and had many friends in the business world.

He was married to Miss Ruth A. Kay of Mt. Vernon, Ohio in January 1867.  To this union five children were born, three of whom died in childhood.  Mrs. McKey passed to her eternal home some years ago.

Brother McKey heard the call of his Master, and professed faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviiour in 1873 and united with the Western Park Congregational church of this county.  Brother McKey was a member of this church at the time of his death.  The funeral service was conducted at the home of his son on Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock by O.L. Weir, pastor First Baptist church and his body was laid to rest in Grace Lawn cemetery.  In his death he leaves to mourn for him one daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Tinker of Denver, Colorado, and one son George F. of this city, with a number of relatives and friends.

May the Lord comfort the bereaved, is the sincere prayer of the writer, O.L. Weir.