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Hugh McKee died March 22, 1821, and is said to have been the first adult burial in the Findley Street Cemetery in Punxsutawney, Jefferson Co., PA. He was
born in the Shawneetown on the Scioto River, and was a grandson of Mioquagwonakaw, "Red Pole", the famous Indian Chief. Captain McKee was the son of a Revolutionary
War solder, and was himself a veteran of the War of 1812. In 1779, he was appointed to the Intelligence Department of the Staff of General Washington. His assignment included
working among the Western Indian Tribes. On the way to his duties in the west, he participated in Sullivan's Expedition as an interpreter, was in the battle of Newton, and witnessed the
destruction of the Iroquois Federation. In 1783, he returned to Westmorland County, PA, and married Elizabeth Thompson, daughter of Captain Alexander Thompson. Following other
notable military service, he was discharged in 1815. He moved to the Hamilton, Jefferson County area. His death was due to an accident while repairing his cabin. Known children
were a son William McKee of Oliver Township, a daughter Mrs. Susannah Hall, and a daughter Mrs. Nancy Sadler.
(From the files of the late Twila Steele of Grange, PA)
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