Alexander McKee (Loughros Point, 1802-1879) had one sister, Susan, who married John Devitt and lived on Loughros Point. One of their children, also John Devitt (1834- 1913), migrated to Australia in 1858. He married Elizabeth Boyd, who had arrived from Loughros Point with her family. Arthur Radford suggests that John Devitt was responsible for the subsequent arrival of McKee’s, and he has provided pictures of John Devitt and Elizabeth (Boyd) Devitt.
Arthur also suggests that their shared Methodist religion brought the Devitt, Boyd, McKee, and Lockhart families closer together.
Judging by his grave marker, Andrew McKee, (died 1790, Loughros Point) was an early convert to Wesley’s teaching. In a History of the Ardara Methodist Church copied on this website, there is a story that John Wesley had met Matthew Stewart in Athlone, Ireland, and in 1786 had written to Matthew (enclosing a five guinea note) asking him to begin preaching in the Ardara area. This was initially successful, but in the next 20 years progress in this area was slow due to Society members emigrating. Did this correspond to McKee family (Charles and brothers) migration to the USA? In any case, the Devitt, Boyd, McKee, and Lockhart families who migrated to the USA and Australia carried their Methodist faith with them.
Arthur Radford has sent copies of obituaries from The Methodist magazine of NSW. These give great insight into early days of our McKee families in Australia. They are copied below, and have also been added to the notes for the corresponding persons in our Genealogy Section.
A grandson of this Alexander McKee (b 1802), John McKee, trained as a physician, and moved to Bega, NSW. In 1966 he was honoured by being awarded the Freedom of Bega and also awarded a Member of the British Empire (M.B.E) by Queen Elizabeth II. This Newspaper Clipping is copied below these obituaries and as a note in Dr. John McKee’s genealogy entry.
Obituary in The Methodist (NSW) – 10 Oct 1914
ALEXANDER McKEE
The late Alexander McKee was born at Ardara, County Donegal, Ireland, in 1856. His father was a farmer, and the family consisted of eleven children, of whom four brothers and a sister eventually settled in Australia. Mr. McKee left home at the age of 16 years, and with a brother, came to this country. The parting was not an easy matter. The deceased often referred to the pain of leaving a dear mother and other loved ones. The journey to Australia was made in a sailing ship, and on arrival Mr. McKee joined a brother and sister who had already settled at Berry.
The next nine years were spent in farming pursuits, and it was during that time he became acquainted with Miss Devitt, of Woodhill, who afterwards became his wife. When 25 years of age, the deceased joined the police force. After twelve years of service he held the rank of senior constable. For several years he was attached to the Darlinghurst division, and was frequently sent to the country where strikes occurred. His work brought him into contact with the stern facts of life, such as poverty and degradation, and created in him a deep love for the poor and desolate; but also an intense hatred of disorder and crime. When Paddington was constituted a separate police division, he was appointed to take charge of the Randwick station. He then held the rank of sergeant, and was stationed at Randwick for ten years. In 1904 he was promoted to the rank of senior sergeant, and was transferred to Darlinghurst, where he spent the last seven years of his service. In his latter years he was offered the position of sub inspector in country centres, but had to decline on account of ill-health. He retired from the force in 1911, after 30 years of active service. A few weeks since, our brother jarred his hand, and after five weeks of intense pain, he passed away in spite of the best medical skill and nursing. As a husband he was kind and true, and as a father, loving and tender. He had much pride and joy in his home, which he endeavoured to make a centre of happiness to its inmates.
For many years Mr. McKee was a member of the Loyal Orange Lodge of N.S.W., and lately was elected chaplain of the Randwick division; and also of the Eastern Suburban District Lodge. His parents were members of the Irish Wesleyan Church, and the son was loyal to the Church of his birth, and was for many years a consistent member of the Methodist Church; and for the last ten years was a Trustee of the Randwick Church. He had a firm trust in God and never wavered in his final illness, but said in a spirit of resignation: I am near the border, I would like to stay a little while longer with you, but I must, do His will. The deceased passed away on September 20, at the age of 58 years, and, was laid to rest in the Randwick General Cemetery the following day in the presence of’ a large gathering of friends and sympathisers. After the usual service the chaplain of the L.O.L. read the service of that order. A memorial service was held in the Randwick Church on Sunday night, October 4th, when sympathy was expressed for the widow and four children in the sad loss they have sustained.
The Methodist (NSW) – 8 Oct 1927
In Memoriam – JAMES McKEE
Born in Donegal (Ireland) in 1838, the late Mr. McKee inherited that rich, and delightful wit for which his ancestors were noted, and which is to-day one of the cherished gifts of Irish character.
In 1864, when he was only twenty six years of age, he departed from the shores of his native land in his early manhood, to seek fame and fortune in a new outpost of the British Empire. Like many other sturdy pioneers from Great Britain, he plunged into the bush. In Broughton Vale he worked out his own salvation, and gathered around him his own circle of friends — though most of the old hands with whom he was associated in those early days have gone on before. Out of sixty-three years in Australia, the late Mr. McKee has only spent nine months out of the Vale. This was on the Richmond River. He was always most consistent in his church attendances, and he had been associated with every Methodist minister who ever had charge of the Methodist circuit in Berry, where, for a number of years, he was a steward and trustee. With keen relish, Mr. McKee spoke about the days of his early Christian training. His mother took care to leave a Bible at the bottom of James’ chest, with a request that he should read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest its contents. And James read the Good Book, and its influence regained with him through life, keeping him in line with the faith of his fathers. Twelve months ago ill health took hold of the strong physical frame that had borne the stress of eighty eight years of an active life, and, after some time in David Berry Hospital, he passed his 89th mile post, but was compelled to return to that institution; And from there he passed on to the Higher Life; leaving behind him memories that will long be cherished by those with whom he had been associated through life. On Sunday night Rev. Willey conducted a Memorial Service in the Methodist Church, there being a large attendance. He took his text from Revelation 7, verse 13-15. — W.H.W.
The Methodist (NSW) – 30 Sept 1933
In Memoriam – AARON M. McKEE
The radiant glory that faith sees gleaming from the realm beyond the light of setting suns lightens the sadness that would otherwise be felt at the passing-on, on September 21st last, of such a Christian stalwart as was Mr. Aaron. M. McKee. Throughout a long life, which covered 79 years, Mr. McKee held with unswerving loyalty to the divine truths of the Christian faith. He was widely known and universally honoured for the strength and uprightness of his character. A constant attendant at church, a man of prayer, a lover of God’s Word, a loving husband, a good father, diligent in business, he won in all walks of life the respect of all who knew him. He was born and brought up in Ireland, went to America for a time, but while still a young man moved on to Australia, where he met and married Miss Emilie Hood; Most of his active life was spent in Bathurst, where, with his devoted wife and family, a large place was filled in the spiritual life and work of the William Street Methodist Church. After his retirement from active work, Mr. McKee resided in Bronte, in the Waverley circuit, attending first the Waverley and latterly the Lugar Brae Church. He is survived- by his widow, now in frail health; by four daughters, Mrs. A. L. Cannon (Dee Why parsonage), Mrs. H. Green (Chatswood South parsonage) , Mrs. C. W. Mann (Lindfield), and Miss Violet McKee (Bronte); by four sons, Messrs. A. J. McKee (Port Macquarie), S. M. McKee (Bronte), R. I. McKee (Bathurst), and O. C. McKee (Coolamon); and by two brothers, Mr. Ralph McKee (Randwick) and Mr. Andrew McKee (Canada). Throughout his last illness the grace and sufficiency of the God of all comfort were abundantly manifest. His end was wonderfully easy and peaceful. A beautiful service was held in Lugar Brae Church before the interment in Randwick cemetery. Rev. E. Coplin Thomas conducted the services, giving an appropriate and helpful address at the graveside; and Rev. Wallace Deane, M.A., B.D., a former minister of Bathurst, delivered a tender and beautiful message of comfort at the church. The floral decoration of the church was very beautifully, done by Mrs. E. C. Thomas. Sincere thanks are due to a large number of friends for the wealth of kindness, help, and sympathy shown in many ways. As one looks back over a long life noted for purity, goodness, sincerity and Christian virtue, with its peaceful and unclouded close, one cannot but join heartily in the desire of the prophet of old, Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like His Servant of God, well done! Rest from thy loved employ; The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy Master’s joy.
The Methodist (NSW) – 14 Oct 1939
In Memoriam – EMILIE McKEE
Mrs. Emilie McKee, widow of the late Mr. Aaron. M. McKee, of Bronte, passed very peacefully and painlessly into eternal felicity on September 28th last. At the service conducted by the Rev. E. C. Thomas, at Chatswood Central Church, the Rev. Wallace Deane, M.A., B.D., paid a most beautiful and tender tribute to her memory. Her winsome and beautiful character has left fragrant memories as of some rare perfume in a vase of clay. Her life of unselfish love made an abiding impression on those who knew her, and particularly on the members of her family circle, whose lives she so help fully moulded through her ministry of sacrificial devotion.
In her youth she had a beautiful face, charming in its sweetness and sincerity of expression. In disposition she was gentle, sensitive, retiring, graced with humility, exceedingly kind and generous, never known to say an unkind word of or to anyone, and self-sacrificing to the last degree, always thinking of others before herself. As a mother, she was as near perfection personified as a mother could be, a rare combination of excellent qualities, love, tenderness and sympathetic understanding, and yet including wise and sensible discipline, with justice and fairness to all. As a friend, she was one of the best and truest anyone could have. She could be trusted with the most absolute confidence. Sometimes she showed a sparkling wit, and at all times a bright and happy spirit. Courteous by nature, she was indeed a little lady in her dignified demeanour, generous, too, in her willing hospitality. She met all troubles, big or little, with the same steadfast -courage and fortitude, and with never a word of complaint. Her spiritual life was deep and genuine, and was constantly refreshed by the eternal springs. She knew her Lord well, and walked with Him. To the very end of her long life, though in her later years, through illness and age, retaining but a shadow of her former vigour of body and mind, she never lost her keen appreciation of spiritual converse, prayer, and the reading of the Divine word. To have known her intimately was a privilege and a blessing. Her children rise up and call her blessed. In the membership and fellowship of the church, an honoured place was hers in the Bathurst and Waverley circuits, where for long years she resided. ‘Old friends are the best,’ said the Rev. Wallace Deane, in his address at the funeral. ‘Today thoughts that are precious crowd in on one’s mind of days long ago in Bathurst, when Mr. and Mrs. McKee lived there, with their family about them. In their home life these two splendid people made a great contribution to our social and national good, for their children have followed in the training they received. One daughter, Mrs. A. L. Cannon, was a missionary, and married a missionary; another, Mrs. Herbert Green, married one of our Conference ministers; a third, the late Mrs. Cecil Mann, was a high-toned lady, whose loss we still deplore; a fourth, Miss K. McKee, followed helpful and elevating pursuits. All the sons have interested themselves in honourable avocations, and have won a fine reputation, and the unstinted respect of all who know them. As a mother, Mrs. McKee will always be remembered gratefully by her large family. Indeed, her maternal love grew with the years, and even when the family had come to full manhood and womanhood, bearing the responsibilities of adult life, they were still to her the children of her love. Her care for them lives on in sacred memory for her hands ever toiled for their good. And so Mrs. McKee has gone to her reward. Toward the close of her life weakness interfered with her mental alertness, but to the end her faith in Christ was the same bright trust it always was.
The Methodist (NSW) – 20 June 1942
ARTHUR L. CANNON (by W. DEANE, M.A., B.D.)
The Rev. Arthur L. Cannon was born in New Zealand. After a deep experience of the Grace of God he determined to enter Moody’s Bible Institute to train for the ministry of our Church in the United States. Undoubtedly it was there that his spiritual life took shape, for it was there that he heard the call to China. He was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, and in 1908 he joined the China Inland Mission as a high school teacher in the Kiangsi Province. In following years he was greatly used as an evangelist amongst the Chinese people. With simple trust and in the most consecrated spirit he carried on his work to the outstanding benefit of the Mission. With his whole heart he served the Lord, and his personal goodness was’ equal to his earnestness.
About this time (1915) Miss Edith J. McKee, one of our missionary sisters, retired from our mission field of New Britain, and trained for the China work. It was the hand of Providence, for in China Miss McKee met her future husband. Miss McKee and Arthur Cannon were married in Shanghai in 1917, and a very happy companionship began. The couple returned to Australia in the same year on furlough, where they volunteered for the New Britain mission field at the call of the home church. Their appointment was to Ulu, Fiji, and there Arthur Cannon became Principal of the George Brown Training College for a term of three years. Being compelled to return to the homeland, he was appointed to Waratah, Junee, Alstonville, Dee Why, and Stockton (second minister to the Newcastle C.M.M.). In all these circuits he earned high commendation for his thoroughness and devotion, and for the wisdom with which he guided the affairs of the church, sometimes in most difficult circumstances.
As a Christian man, his character was stainless. Arthur Cannon had the secret of goodness deep in his heart, for he knew the grace of God at first hand, and needed none to tell him. His conversation, inspired by a sound know ledge of good books, especially the Book of books, was always on a high plane, and was seasoned with the salt of truth and sincerity. His gentlemanly manners and simple dignity left nothing to be desired. He was a brother beloved. Those who knew him best realise that death has crowned his life with spiritual glory. He has indeed heard the great Well done! Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Cannon had no children of their own, and naturally they were all in all to one another. The Christian sympathy of their large circle of friends goes out to the widow in her bereavement, and the prayers of many will ascend on her behalf.
Queen honours Dr. John McKee
The recognition of Dr. John McKee, M.B.E., M.B., Ch.M., by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, has delighted the people of the Bega district.
Dr. McKee’s name appeared in the Queen’s Birthday Honours among those awarded the honour of Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.).
This latest honour follows the community recognition of Dr. McKee who received the Freedom of Bega, on October 23, 1965, the highest honour ever conferred on a Bega citizen by his community.
The official document, with the official seal of Bega Municipal Council, was presented to the Free-Man by the Mayor of Bega (Ald. Dudley Goldberg) in the presence of 4,000 citizens.
Dr. McKee was the guest of honour, with Mrs. McKee, during the ensuing Festival Week.
Dr. McKee has been Bega’s doctor since March 22, 1922.
Typically, without any display, Dr. McKee said;
Yes, I do appreciate this honour very sincerely. But it is the old story: I don’t feel any worthier of this honour than many others.
P.M. Sends Message
The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia (Mr. Harold Holt) has sent his personal congratulations to Dr. John. McKee.
Mr. Holt in a telegram to Dr. John McKee stated: On behalf of my colleagues and myself I offer sincere congratulations on the well-merited honour bestowed upon you.
This message was received by Dr. McKee after he had learned that the Queen had conferred an M.B.E. on him.
Messages of congratulations were also received from the Premier (Mr. R. W. Askin) and the Minister for Conservation and Member for South Coast (Mr. Jack G. Beale).