from History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky, by Perrin, 1882

Harrison County

J. A. McKee, farmer and fruit raiser; P. O. Cynthiana; was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, in May, 1829; son of John and Eliza (Wilson) McKee.  he, a native of Bourbon County, born February 6, 1804; she, born in Fayette County, Kentucky, March 8, 1807.  Mr. McKee, after receiving a primary education at the schools of his native county, took a three years’ course at College Hill, near Cincinnati, graduating in 1852, when he commenced farming, making that occupation, in connection with fruit raising, the business of his life.  In fact, fruit raising is his specialty, he having upon his choice farm of 200 acres, known as “Cynthiana Nursery,” 5,000 peach and 1,000 apple trees, besides sixteen acres in grapes, and ten acres in strawberries.  His fruit is of the best varieties, having been selected with extreme care, both in regard to quality and adaptation to soil and climate.  Mr. McKee has also paid some attention to fine stock raising, but is now devoting himself, as stated above, almost entirely to his nursery business.  In 1854, he married Lydia J. Beatty, of Butler County, Ohio, who died in 1870, aged thirty-six years, leaving three children:  John B., Anna E., and Elwood D.  Mrs. McKee was the daughter of David E. Beatty, an advanced agriculturist of Butler County.  Mr. McKee, in 1874, married Mary R. Butler, daughter of Robert and Paulina (Findley) Butler, of Fleming County, Kentucky.  Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, of Cynthiana, having been Secretary of the Grange at the point named.  Is a Democrat.