R. M. McCue, retired, substantial citizen of Daviess County is the owner of 400 acres of well improved land in Grand River Township, Daviess County. He was born in Nicholas County, Va., Feb. 19, 1844, the son of David and Martha (McNeil) McCue.

David McCue was born in Pocahontas County, Va., in February, 1802, and came to Missouri in 1844, where he became engaged in farming in Jackson Township, Daviess County. During the Civil War, Mr. McCue served in the army. He later sold out his farm and moved to Chariton County, Mo. For a short time he lived in Oklahoma. Mr. McCue died Sept. 12, 1892, on his son's farm in Daviess County. To David and Martha (McNeil) McCue 18 children were born, as follows: Paul, deceased; Isaac, deceased; Elizabeth, died in infancy; Franklin, deceased; Rachael, the widow of A. L. Martin, Oklahoma; David, deceased; James, deceased; John, deceased; William, deceased; Charles, deceased; Hannah, the widow of A. L. Holland, Gallatin; George, Oklahoma; R. M., Mathew, Shelby County; Abraham, deceased; Virginia, twin sister of Abraham; Mary, deceased, was the wife of Alfred Clark; Martha, deceased, was the wife of Wm. McCartney. Fifteen of the children grew to maturity, and eight of the sons served during the Civil War in the Confederate army.

Martha (McNeil) McCue, the mother of R. M. McCue, was born in Greenbrier County, Virginia, in 1810, and died on May 13, 1854. The following is quoted from remarks concerning the life of Mrs. McCue by Mrs. N. G. Cruzen, written in the Northwest History of Missouri: "Martha (McNeil) McCue, the mother of this very large family of 18 children underwent many trials and much privation in the rearing of her family. Can you imagine such a great mother love as she possessed? She brought up her family in a log cabin, shut in by the great wilderness of the prairie land. Beside the enormous task of mothering her children, Mrs. McCue even wove the material for their clothing. She carded the wool by hand, spun it on a big wheel, reeled it on a count wheel, dyed, wove, cut and made the garments for her entire family. She did this work by the light of a tallow candle. She communed in silent prayer with her God and touched each touseled head, fastened each little shoe, and bent to kiss each childish hurt. She was indeed a wonderful mother."

R. M. McCue was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the Oxford District school. He began farming on rented land, but in 1875 he purchased a farm in Bates County. Five years later, Mr. McCue returned to Daviess County, where he purchased a farm in Grandriver Township. He made extensive improvements and kept adding to his land holdings until he now owns 400 acres of land. He was one of the successful farmers of Daviess County, and is widely known.

In September, 1862, Mr. McCue enlisted in Arkansas under the command of General Joe Shelby, and served throughout the Civil War. He then returned to Daviess County. In 1890 he retired from farming and since that time has lived in Gallatin, where he owns a fine residence.

On Dec. 2, 1877, Mr. McCue was married to Elizabeth Rodgers, a daughter of T. F. and Tabitha (McClung) Rodgers, now deceased, natives of Virginia. Mrs. McCue was born Feb. 2, 1858, in Warren County, Ill. To R. M. and Elizabeth (Rodgers) McCue four children were born, as follows: Virgil R., dentist, St. Joseph; Jessie, the wife of Dr. M. A. Smith, Gallatin ; Irma Roena, the wife of J. L. Campbell, professor. Liberty; Vada June, the wife of Dr. L. F. Graham, dentist, Cameron; Virgil R. McCue was educated in the Gallatin schools and Western Dental College at Kansas City. He began his practice in 1901 at Pattonsburg, where he remained until 1912, when he was appointed by Governor Major on the parole board for two years. He then resigned and was appointed on the State Dental Board, on which he served for four years. He still holds this office. In 1914 Dr. McCue went to Cameron, where he practiced until 1920, when he removed to St. Joseph. He now has his business in St. Joseph, and has been unusually successful in his work. He is well known in Daviess County and has many friends. Jessie McCue Smith was educated in the Lexington Central College for Women, from which she is a graduate. She taught school until her marriage. Her sisters, Irma and Vada, are also graduates of the same school. Mr. McCue has four grand children: Virginia McCue; Bettie J. Smith; Mary M. Smith ; and Mary C. Campbell.
Mr. McCue is a Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist Church, as also was his father. David McCue was a great student of the Bible. Mr. McCue attributes his great success in life to hard work, perseverance, and good management. He is an interesting and intelligent man and a substantial and reliable citizen. He merits the high esteem in which he is held in the community.

From: History of Daviess & Gentry Counties