- EDWARD McKEY and his twin brother Michael, were for many
years prominent citizens and
- business men of Janesville. The following sketch of these
gentlemen is taken from the Wisconsin Volume of the United States
Biographical Dictionary.
- Edward and Michael McKEY were twin brothers, born at Crossmolina,
County Mayo, Ireland,
- on the 18th day of September, 1821. Their parents were Thomas
and Maria (FORRESTER) McKEY. The brothers received their education
mainly at home and at a private school in the neighborhood.
At school they showed great precocity and while excelling in
their studies generally evinced a marked aptitude for history
and literature. They left school at the early age of fifteen
years and were apprenticed to the dry goods business, entering
the establishment of the leading merchant in that line in their
native town. Although mere boys, they displayed unmistakable
business qualifications and after four years of their apprenticeship
had expired, prevailed upon their employer to release them from
the indentures, still however remaining in his employ. In 1840,
Edward visited the United States, remaining for about six months.
At the age of twenty-two, the brothers commenced business on
their own account and soon developed a flourishing and extensive
trade, which they carried on successfully until 1846, when they
were overtaken by the great famine of that year which involved
nearly the whole business career of the Island in ruin, and from
which they, with every one else, suffered every severe losses.
The young brothers, however, were full of energy and well directed
ambition and determined at once to retrieve their fortunes in
another land.
- In the early part of 1847, they carried out their intention,
emigrated to America, and located at
- Little falls, N.Y., buying out the business of N.H. WOOD,
in the fall of the same year. While at that place, rumors of
the resources and capacities of the great West reached their
ears and like many others these marvelous reports attracted their
serious attention. They therefore resolved to make another change
and accordingly in 1849, removed to Wisconsin, opening a mercantile
house first at Racine and shortly afterwards another at Janesville.
They continued to conduct both establishments for about three
years when they closed the one at Racine, giving their whole
attention to the Janesville house and making this city their
home. They subsequently established branch houses at several
other places, were invariably successful in all their undertakings
and for a quarter of a century there was no firm in the State
more widely known to its people than that of the McKEY Bros.
In September, 1868, Michael McKEY died, and the estate, which
had been accumulated by their industry wisely remained undivided
under the direction and control of the surviving brother until
his death, which occurred somewhat suddenly from paralysis of
the vital organs, on the 14th day of August, 1875. About a year
previous, he had retired from active participation in the mercantile
business, giving his attention solely to his real estate affairs.
Both of the brothers were men of unusual capacity and foresight
and for many years the surplus profits of the home business had
been invested with rare sagacity in real estate, when property
was low, in nearly every important town from Chicago to Lake
Superior. Thus was laid the foundation of a fortune which, with
the development of the country, grew to large proportions.
- In religious affairs the brothers were attached to the communion
of the Episcopal Church, and in
- youth took great interest in the Sunday School work of that
denomination. Politically, they were supporters of the Democratic
party, but voted for the re-election of Abraham Lincoln. Both
were often solicited to accept political positions, but neither
would ever consent to become a candidate for public office.
Edward McKEY was commissioned by Gov. Barstow in February 1856,
as aid, with the rank of Colonel. In addition to his other extensive
interests, in connection with his son-in-law, Maj. F. F. STEVENS,
he organized the Wisconsin Savings Bank of Janesville, which
was opened for business June 4, 1873, the Major being appointed
cashier, but the bank was closed at the death of Mr. McKEY by
the administrator, every depositor being paid in full on demand.
- Edward McKEY was twice married, his first wife being Miss
Mary Ann TOLE, of Crossmolina,
- Ireland. Her death occurred Dec. 1, 1851, and he was subsequently
married to Miss Harriet FOLDS, then of Beloit, but formerly of
Dublin. He left a family of eight children. Michael McKEY was
married on the 12th day of July, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth FOLDS,
whose sister was afterwards married to his brother. This lady
died Oct. 30, 1863, leaving a family of four children.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 357-358.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|