Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-08
Policeman Mckee.

him from syndicate of business men, who
hoped to develop certain mines in the vicin-
ity of Assumption, H.
Mckee accepted the offer and lost no time
in reaching Illinois. The mining property
proved valueless. but during the short time
the young engineer was in the town he
made the acquaintance of the young lady
who soon thereafter became his wife.
When the present Washington policeman
was just six months old the father crept
to the cradle one night when the household
was asleep and, kissing the infant good
bye he disappeared and from that time
until two weeks ago his family never heard
from him. and, consequently, believed him
dead
After hoping in vain Mrs Mckee moved
to Springfield, H., and there married
George Campbell AS she had no relatives
in the town, she left, and, not being much
given to letter-writng. her friends in AS
sumption lost track of her. The changing
of her name TO Campbell further compli-
Gated matters. In Springfield, III. Police
man Mckee was reared, and always be-
lieved that his father had died at Assump-
ton when he was a baby of six months
Upon attaining the age of nineteen years
the boy experienced desire to see the
world, and enlisted in the artillery branch
OF the United States army.
For nine years the present policeman
served Uncle Sam. He was discharged from
the 47th Company, Coast Artillery, station
ed at Fort Hunt. near alexandra va, sew
eral months ago. and was appointed pri-
yate of the Metropolitan police force last
April.
Arrival of Letter.
Policeman Mckee has always kept In
communication with his mother. who still
resides at Springfield. Ill.,, and 1t was
through that means that his father was
able to locate him. When the policeman,
who was recently married and resides at
PAS 1 street, returned to his home one
evening about two weeks ago. he found
fA..< 1afyA fr0yr
Mckee of Gladstone. Col. who in the let
ter claimed to be the father OF the recipient
Young Mckee at once sent letter to his
mother, inclosing the one he had received
from his father. and begging lor lhIorma-
ton on the subject.
His mothers answer explained the sltua-
ton and gave the information that she had
received communication from her nus
band and had even met an old mining
partner of Mckee's. who had resided In the
town of Assumption.
When young Mckee received his mothers
letter confirming what his father had claim
ed he wrote to the latter asking for a de-
tailed account of his life The elder Nc
Kee replied that when he left home he was
less than twenty-three years OF age ana
had no settled plaps for the future He
headed for the Mississippi river, where he
secured work on steamboat, and becom-
ing fascinated with the work he followed
the river. Later he went to Colorado. where
he found employment as mining expert
he was prevailed upon TO join a company
of prospectors and to go TO the territory
of northwest Canada, where gold was said
to be abundant. The rumor proved to be
unfounded.
Mckee secured a position pilot on
Canadian river steamer During the Indian
insurrection in 1888 the boat Mckee was on
was pressed into service. with all her crew,
by order of the governor general of Can
ada. Mckee claiming his American rights,
was allowed s25 a day for his services. For
heroism on one occasion he was presented
with the Iron Cross. accompanied by an
From Canada he went to South America
and worked as mining engineer.
Longing to See Family.
A longing to see his wife and boy caused
him to return to Illinois. but he was unable
to discover their Whereabouts. So he again
went to Colorado. Next he Journeyed to
South Africa There he met Cecil Rhodes
Mckee made himself so valuable to Rhodes
that the latter appointed him superintendent
of the De Beers Mining Company Mckee
was in the Jameson raid and was sent to
England. He soon started for the newly
discovered gold fields In Australia Next
he visited New Zealand, and thence moved
on to America. and to Colorado Obtaining
paying mines and developing them, he made
second trip to Illinois. in the hope OF
locating his wife and boy. but without sue
cess. He went back to Colorado and then
joined In the rush to Alaska.
Returns to Colorado.
From the gold fields he again returned to
Colorado. He Is said to be the wealthiest
owner of mines at Gladstone, where he re-
sides. and u also the superintendent Of pub
lie works The mine owner has informed
conditions in his district he will not be able
to proceed to this city for several weeks
The manner in which Mr.. Mckee located