Thomas McKee facts for kids

This picture likely shows Thomas McKee. He is wearing the uniform of an officer from the 60th Regiment of Foot, which was active in the 1790s.

Thomas McKee (born around 1770 – died October 20, 1814) was a Canadian soldier and a person involved in politics. He played a role in the early history of what is now Canada.

Early Life and Family

Thomas McKee was born in a place called the Ohio Country around the year 1770. His father was Alexander McKee, who was an important officer in the British Indian Department. This department worked with Indigenous peoples for the British government. Thomas's grandfather, also named Thomas McKee, was a soldier who fought in wars like King George's War and the French and Indian War.

Thomas McKee's great-grandfather, Alexander McKee, came to Pennsylvania from County Antrim, Ireland, around 1707. He had also been a soldier. Thomas McKee's mother was a Shawnee woman named Nonhelema. She became a Shawnee chief by the 1750s, which was a very important position.

Military Service

In 1791, Thomas McKee joined the 60th Regiment of Foot, which was a part of the British Army. He was stationed at Fort Detroit. A few years later, in 1794, he took part in the Siege of Fort Recovery. He worked his way up through the ranks and became a Captain in 1796.

Around 1806, Thomas McKee finished his time with the 60th Regiment. He then joined the local militia, which was a group of citizens who could be called upon to serve as soldiers. He became a Major in the militia and fought during the War of 1812.

Political Role

Besides his military career, Thomas McKee was also involved in government. In 1796, he became the superintendent of Indian affairs for the Northwestern District. This meant he was in charge of managing relations between the British and Indigenous peoples in that area.

In 1797, he also became responsible for the Amherstburg region. That same year, he was elected to represent Kent in the 2nd Parliament of Upper Canada. The Parliament of Upper Canada was like the government's law-making body for that part of Canada at the time. McKee was reelected in 1800 to represent Essex.

Later Life

Thomas McKee died near Île des Cascades in Lower Canada in 1814. He was traveling to Montreal at the time.