JUDGE HUGH McGEE, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, was born July 26, 1817, in Christian County, Ky., the eldest child of Benjamin and Nancy (Armstrong) McGee. The father was a native of Sumner County, Tenn., and was a farmer by occupation. He was a man who was held high in popular favor, and he was elected one of the first County Commissioners of the county. He had served several years as Justice of the Peace in Kentucky, and altogether he was an uncommon man, one who took active interest in local affairs and enterprises calculated for the public good. He was born June 24, 1794, and died about 1849. His wife was born December 6, 1800, and died in 1852. Thirteen children blessed their wedded life, only three of whom survive — Hugh, F. M. and A. W. Our subject's early schooling was attained in the schools of his native county, and his parents, removing to Graves County, same State, when he was about ten years old, he attended school a little there. He gave his attention to farming from the first, and has always been thus engaged. He came to what is now Pulaski County in December, 1837, and made preparation for the reception of his parents, who followed him a couple of months later. In 1842, Mr. McGee purchased forty acres where he now resides, and he has now 160 acres, which are given to general farming. He has bought and sold several pieces of land during his residence in this county. His house burned to the ground on the morning of September 18, 1881, and the inmates barely escaped with their lives. The savings of many years were devoured by the fire fiend in a few moments. He finished a new residence in the fall of 1882. In 1862, he was elected to the position of Associate Judge of Pulaski County, and served three years with Judge Hoffner as other associate. He was re-elected to the same position in 1873, and served four years. Away back in 1844, he was elected to fill the office of Justice of the Peace, and with the exception of a period of four years, he served continuously up to the election in November, 1881. He has also filled many minor offices. He was first married to Sarah Ward, who died in 1846, the mother of three children, two of whom are living — James H. and Nancy A. His second wife was Harriet E. Metcalf. She died in 1864, and was the mother of seven children, three of whom are living — Ann E., Hester M. and Sarah E., all of whom are married. He wedded his present wife Amanda, May 7, 1865. She is the daughter of Robert and Isabel (McQuaid) Elliott. Two children have blessed this union, Hugh L. and Nellie. Mr. McGee is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660. Politically, he is a Republican.
Extracted 02 Nov 2014 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V - Biographical Sketches, page 306-307.
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Massac McCracken KY |
| Ballard KY |
