Samuel Joseph McKee

Joplin Camp # 36

Title: Encyclopedia of the history of Missouri Vol IV Edited: Howard Louis Conard Pub: The Southern History Company 1901 Page: 269 Transcribed by contributor 47360587, Webb City MO

Samuel Joseph McKee, city engineer of Joplin, was born April 7, 1853, in Anderson County, Kentucky. His parents were Robert C. and Zerelda (McCoy) McKee, natives of the State in which their son was born, and descendants from old Virginia families. The father, who was a lawyer by profession, practiced for twenty-five years at the Frankfort bar, and died in 1880. The son attended the common schools and an academy during the years of his early boyhood. In 1869 he entered the Kentucky Military Institute, near Frankfort, where in addition to the usual academical instruction he took a special course in engineering, covering all branches of that science then taught, and received his diploma in 1873. In 1874 he removed to Missouri, locating at Miami, in Saline County, where he carried on a mercantile business for three years, going thence to Joplin, where he was similarly engaged for a like period. In 1881 he entered upon the professional work for which he so carefully prepared himself. His skill and accuracy received prompt recognition from the highest authority. Almost from the outset he found employment requiring all his time, and in the most important classes of work. Among his employers were all the large mining corporations in the Joplin region, as well as in regions beyond its borders, their commissions covering both civil and mining engineering. The local conditions were such as to bring him much experience in the latter field, and as a recognized expert his services are in constant demand, and his accomplishments are regarded with implicit confidence. His professional services in the city have been of the highest utility, and, while perhaps no more laborious than his work in and about the lead and zinc mines, have attracted more attention and brought him greater reputation on account of the magnitude of the undertakings. He was appointed to his present position as city engineer in 1889, and has served as such for seven years between that time and the present. Under his direction the existing elaborate sewerage system was constructed, involving an expenditure of not less than $100,000. He now has in hand additions which will involve an expenditure by the city of $30,000 more, and necessitate an equal amount for private lateral sewers, to be paid for by individuals. The mechanical work on the sewer system is of the best character, and the engineering is perfect. His earlier work included laying out the various additions to the city, comprehending in the aggregate about one-half of the present area of the entire city. That one official should be privileged to direct such important enterprises during so many years is the highest possible assurance of capability. Politically he is a Democrat. He holds membership in the orders of Modern Woodmen, the Woodmen of the World, the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. McKee was married April 7, 1886, at Joplin, to Miss Bertha Brader, a native of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. Of this marriage have been born three children, Jacque, Brader and Katherine. Mr. McKee is an enthusiast in his profession, and he has the satisfaction of knowing that his services to the city and to the industrial interests which have made it world-famous are abundantly recognized.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Apr 22 2017, 4:41:38 UTC