Page 1445
MCKEE, CHARLES C. A number of the responsible residents of Springfield have found an outlet for their energies in working for the various railroads which center there. They have proven worthy of the trust reposed in them, and have borne their part in the growth of these systems. One of the men now holding a very responsible position with the Illinois Central Railroad Company is Charles C. McKee, foreman of the roundhouse, now residing at No. 700 North Fourteenth Street. He was born on a farm at Salisbury, Sangamon County, December 29, 1869, a son of John and Mary McKee. The latter was born in Kentucky, in 1820, and was brought to Sangamon County when very young by his parents. They located on forty acres of land, on which the house is still standing in which they made their first home. There John McKee grew to manhood, becoming a sturdy farmer's son. Later the family moved to the vicinity of Salisbury, where John McKee became the driver of a stage-coach, running between Springfield and St. Louis, and carried many passengers who later became celebrated in the country's history. After several years in this work, he acted as engineer in a saw-mill, still later resuming his farming and locating in DeWitt county. In 1891 he went to Waverly, Morgan County, dying there in 1893. While not a member of any religious denomination, he inclined towards the teachings of the Methodist church. In politics he was a firm Democrat. His widow is still living, aged seventy-four years. She and her husband had children as follows: Samuel, at home; George, of Waverly; Albert, of Clinton, Ill.; Charles C.; James, of Waverly; John, at home.
Charles C. McKee attended school in Sangamon and DeWitt Counties, until he was fifteen years old, at the same time learning to be a farmer. When he was twenty-one years old he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company as wiper, working his way up through various positions in their employ for fifteen years, when he left to engage with the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Company, returning to the Illinois Central Railroad later. The best proof of his efficiently is the fact that he rose from the position of wiper, at $1.10 per day to the important one he now holds.
The marriage of Mr. McKee took place at Clinton, Ill., July 20, 1897, to Miss Florence Gillard of Clinton, daughter of Charles and Rose Gillard. Mr. and Mrs. McKee became the parents of two children: Verna, born August 2, 1900, and Merna, born August 26, 1905.
Fraternally Mr. McKee is a member of the Masonic Order, of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Court of Honor. In politics he is a Republican, but his time has been so occupied with his business cares that he has never come before the public for office. Faithful and conscientious, thoroughly versed in all the details of his work and recognizing the responsibilities of his position, Mr. McKee is one of the most efficient men in the employ of the Illinois Central Company. His services are appreciated at their true value, and not only is he trusted by those in authority, but he is liked by his men, who know he is their friend, trying to help them in every way that will not conflict with his duty to the road.
The home life of the McKee family is very pleasant, both Mr. and Mrs. McKee having many friends in Springfield. Their hospitable home is presided over by Mrs. McKee with true housewifely skill, and she makes welcome all who come within its doors.