Robert McKie, one of the early settlers in this community and one of the most highly respected citizens of Blanchard, passed away last Wednesday night, November 28, 1928 at the ripe old age of 90 years, 1 month and 25 days.
He was a native of Scotland, a splendid example of that sturdy, hardy race of pioneers who have done so much to develop this country. Coming to this section more than half a century ago, he settled on the farm two and one-half miles west of Blanchard at a time when the country was bleak and neighbors few and far between. He endured hardships in those days, the very thought of which brings shudders to the luxury loving children of the present age; but he endured, struggled, prospered, and his latter days were spent in ease and comfort. But he never forgot those early days, and in consequences his hand was always stretched out to help the unfortunate. Remembering the educational limitations of his childhood, he was also always greatly interested in the public schools and was very liberal in support of them and always encouraged young folks to make the most of the advantages so freely furnished them and which were denied him in his youth. He wanted the young folks to appreciate the age in which they lived.
Not only has the community lost one of its outstanding and commendable citizens, but individually most of them will feel a sense of personal loss.
Robert McKie was born October 3, 1838 in Barrhill, Scotland. He came to America with his parents at the age of ten and then to Knox County, Illinois. He lived there until March 1, 1873.
In July, 1859, he was married to Janet Sweeney. To this union were born five children; three girls and two boys. Mary Elizabeth Peck, (died May 13, 1891); Stewartie McKie, (died at one year, four months); John Miles Francis McKie, of Eskdale, Colorado; Lillias Alice Berry, (died August 14, 1924); and Salba McKie of Blanchard Iowa.
Mr. McKie moved, with his family, to Page county, Iowa, two and one half miles west of Blanchard, in March, 1873. This farm he broke up and improved by cutting timber and working posts for fences. Along with this work he also auctioned public sales. He continued in this double employment for over forty years in Page County, Iowa and in Atchison County, and Nodaway County, Missouri.
He moved into the town of Blanchard in the year 1898, but continued at his work until old age made it no longer possible.
He united with the Presbyterian Church when he was young and after coming to Iowa, put his letter in the College Springs church, attending there for years with team and wagon. In later years he united with the United Presbyterian Church in Blanchard. After this church became disorganized he attended the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Mr. McKie took a great interest in all church and school work and in everything that would help build up the community. He also took a strong stand against everything that was degrading or harmful to his fellow men or to his community.
His wife, Janet Sweeney McKie, died in Blanchard, December 16, 1908. She also came from Scotland, taking seven weeks to make the voyage in a sailing vessel, and being caught in a storm by the way.
In August 10, 1911, he was again united in marriage to Mrs. Amanda Gibson, who survives him, and who has so tenderly taken care of him in his sickness and death.
He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Sarah Tullgren of Oneida, Ill. And two sons, Francis McKie of Eskdale, Colorado, and Salba McKie, of Blanchard, Iowa; eighteen grandchildren, besides a host of loving friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Reformed Presbyterian Church conducted by the Rev. O. F. Thompson, assisted by the Rev. M. B. Wilson.
From out of the community in attendance at the funeral were: Mrs. Sarah Tullgren, of Oneida, Ill., a sister, and her two daughters, Mrs. Edward Lindbeck and her husband and babe of Oneida IL., and Mrs. Alice Hannam and her son of Kewanee, IL; Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton Peck and family, of Fairfax, MO., Mr. and Mrs. David Peck of Milwaukee, WI.; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Fields of Des Moines, IA; Mrs. Agnes Hawthorne of Diagonal, IA; Mrs. Olin Wickersham and children of College Springs, CO and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Peck of Northboro.
Robert McKie, one of the early settlers in this community and one of the most highly respected citizens of Blanchard, passed away last Wednesday night, November 28, 1928 at the ripe old age of 90 years, 1 month and 25 days.
He was a native of Scotland, a splendid example of that sturdy, hardy race of pioneers who have done so much to develop this country. Coming to this section more than half a century ago, he settled on the farm two and one-half miles west of Blanchard at a time when the country was bleak and neighbors few and far between. He endured hardships in those days, the very thought of which brings shudders to the luxury loving children of the present age; but he endured, struggled, prospered, and his latter days were spent in ease and comfort. But he never forgot those early days, and in consequences his hand was always stretched out to help the unfortunate. Remembering the educational limitations of his childhood, he was also always greatly interested in the public schools and was very liberal in support of them and always encouraged young folks to make the most of the advantages so freely furnished them and which were denied him in his youth. He wanted the young folks to appreciate the age in which they lived.
Not only has the community lost one of its outstanding and commendable citizens, but individually most of them will feel a sense of personal loss.
Robert McKie was born October 3, 1838 in Barrhill, Scotland. He came to America with his parents at the age of ten and then to Knox County, Illinois. He lived there until March 1, 1873.
In July, 1859, he was married to Janet Sweeney. To this union were born five children; three girls and two boys. Mary Elizabeth Peck, (died May 13, 1891); Stewartie McKie, (died at one year, four months); John Miles Francis McKie, of Eskdale, Colorado; Lillias Alice Berry, (died August 14, 1924); and Salba McKie of Blanchard Iowa.
Mr. McKie moved, with his family, to Page county, Iowa, two and one half miles west of Blanchard, in March, 1873. This farm he broke up and improved by cutting timber and working posts for fences. Along with this work he also auctioned public sales. He continued in this double employment for over forty years in Page County, Iowa and in Atchison County, and Nodaway County, Missouri.
He moved into the town of Blanchard in the year 1898, but continued at his work until old age made it no longer possible.
He united with the Presbyterian Church when he was young and after coming to Iowa, put his letter in the College Springs church, attending there for years with team and wagon. In later years he united with the United Presbyterian Church in Blanchard. After this church became disorganized he attended the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Mr. McKie took a great interest in all church and school work and in everything that would help build up the community. He also took a strong stand against everything that was degrading or harmful to his fellow men or to his community.
His wife, Janet Sweeney McKie, died in Blanchard, December 16, 1908. She also came from Scotland, taking seven weeks to make the voyage in a sailing vessel, and being caught in a storm by the way.
In August 10, 1911, he was again united in marriage to Mrs. Amanda Gibson, who survives him, and who has so tenderly taken care of him in his sickness and death.
He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Sarah Tullgren of Oneida, Ill. And two sons, Francis McKie of Eskdale, Colorado, and Salba McKie, of Blanchard, Iowa; eighteen grandchildren, besides a host of loving friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Reformed Presbyterian Church conducted by the Rev. O. F. Thompson, assisted by the Rev. M. B. Wilson.
From out of the community in attendance at the funeral were: Mrs. Sarah Tullgren, of Oneida, Ill., a sister, and her two daughters, Mrs. Edward Lindbeck and her husband and babe of Oneida IL., and Mrs. Alice Hannam and her son of Kewanee, IL; Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton Peck and family, of Fairfax, MO., Mr. and Mrs. David Peck of Milwaukee, WI.; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Fields of Des Moines, IA; Mrs. Agnes Hawthorne of Diagonal, IA; Mrs. Olin Wickersham and children of College Springs, CO and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Peck of Northboro.
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