Learn about Stewart McKee, who was a leader at McKee Glass
b. Feb 5, 1845 d. Nov 11, 1885
Virginia A. Dalzell who married Stewart in 1883 b. May 2, 1848 d. Mar 6, 1929
and their sonJames Dalzell McKee, an aviation record setter and the aviator who bequeathed the Trans-Canadian McKee aviation award
b. Jul 27, 1884 d. Jun 9, 1927
#mckeeglass #pittsburghhistory #aviationhistory #dalzellfamilyhistory #victorianglass #victorianfamilies #mckeetrophy #transcanadatrophy
Transcript
[Intro music] 00:00:00:00 - 00:00:33:07
Hi, this is Melanie from Artifact and Landmark. Today's episode is about Stewart Mckee, the youngest son and the fifth brother to join Mckee Glass. He dies at the young age of 40, leaving behind a wife, Virginia, and a son, James, James Dalzell McKee, who often went by Dalzell and who would set an aviation record.
Stewart was also involved with a number of businesses, including banks, insurance companies and railroads.
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He marries Virginia Dalzell in about 1883. Stewart was born on February 5th, 1845, in Birmingham, South Side, Pennsylvania, to Thomas McKee. Thomas McKee was a co-founder of S McKee & Co, a window glass manufacturing company located also on the South Side or Birmingham. He stood at five foot six inches with dark hair and grey eyes. He would be the final sibling to become part of the glass business of McKee brothers, which included five brothers.
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His brothers were Frederick, James, William, and Sellers. n 1853, his brothers, Frederick and James, established F. & J. McKee. Tragically, the business faced an early setback when James passed away in 1855 at the young age of 26. Despite this loss, his other siblings quickly stepped in to support the company. n 1856, William joins the business. By 1859, the company was operating under the name F. McKee & Brother. Henry Sellers joins and
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the company becomes McKee & Brothers. The partnership expanded with the addition of Stewart in 1863. In the years that followed, Stewart faces both success and sorrow. In 1864, he loses his father Thomas, and the next year his brother Frederick also passes. In 1865 he graduates from Weston University of Pennsylvania, now known as University of Pittsburgh, where he is part of Beta ETA Prime.
00:01:57:00 - 00:02:27:09
At this time, he resides at the family home located at 1005 Bingham Street. Like his other family members, Stewart quickly engages in many business opportunities. In 1870, the same year of the commemoration of Merchants and Manufacturers National Bank's new building, Stewart takes on the role of director at that bank and will continue until his untimely death. Some additional companies attached to Stewart are the South Side Gas Company, the Birmingham Bridge Company and the Fuel Gas Company.
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In 1881 he is a founder of the People's Electric Light Company. In 1883, Stewart, his mother and sisters, relocated to 139 Sheffield Street on the North Side, then known as Alleghany City. That same year, on June 9th, 1883, Stewart weds Virginia A. Dalzell. They settle a few doors down at 111 Sheffield Street. In the coming years, the family undergoes significant changes.
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On June 24th, 1884, Hettie, Stewart's mother passes away. A month later, on July 27th, 1884, Stewart and his wife celebrate the birth of their only son, James Dalzell McKee. Unfortunately, the following year, on November 11th, Stewart unexpectedly dies, leaving his wife Virginia and their 16 month old son Dalzell behind with no will. In 1887, Virginia's brother J. Willis Dalzell submits a petition to appoint a commissioner to manage the division of the properties owned by Stewart and his brother, H.
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Sellers McKee. This request reveals details about their shared assets, which includes the factory, 20 lots in the 13th Ward and 16 acres in the 20th Ward. In 1888, Virginia moved to 214 Ridge Ave on the North Side, close to her brothers John H. and J. Willis. Nearby at 230 Ridge is another relative, H. Sellers McKee. Although her dress eventually changes to 939 Ridge, Virginia will spend the majority of her life at this residence.
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In her later years, she will occupy an apartment at the Shenley Hotel. Virginia devotes the rest of her life to nurturing her son. The social column highlights some of her vacation destinations, including a popular spot, Bedford Springs. She unfortunately experiences more loss. In 1894, she loses her brother, John H. Dalzell. In 1898, she loses her brother, J. Willis.
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In about 1901, aged 16, Dalzell is described as 5’11” with brown hair and eyes. We know that Virginia first enrolls Dalzell’s at Allegheny Preparatory School. Pittsburgh history buffs may be interested to learn that the school's name is still seen on the building at 900 Lincoln on Pittsburgh's North Side. This will continue his studies at the Lawrenceville School, a preparatory school in Lawrence Township, New Jersey.
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He rounds out his education at Princeton University as part of the class of 1907. Around 1907, Dalzell acquires a motorboat named the Esperanza, and later another called the Mercury. He is also a member of several clubs, including the Atlantic Yacht Club. This enthusiasm for competitive motor boating becomes apparent as he competes in the annual race from New York to Bermuda for several years.
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On the Census of 1910, Dalzell, now aged 25, is listed as a broker. We also get a glimpse into their life at 939 Ridge, which has staff that includes a cook, two maids, a butler and a chauffeur. In 1911, Dalzell, along with Virginia and Harriet Morgan, filed a lawsuit concerning Hetty McKee's estate against her H. Sellers, Virginia’s brother-in-law, who they accuse of mismanagement.
By 1914, at the age of 29, Dalzell joins the board of the Exchange National Bank, a position previously held by his uncle J.
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Willis Dalzell. That same year, he filed suit against the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad for their encroachment on the old McKee factory property. He lost his suit based on an 1886 city ordinance. The decision is upheld by the Supreme Court. In 1917, aged 33, he joined the war effort. He first joins the US Navy, but soon qualifies for the Aviation course of the US Army.
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His aviation experience soon takes over his interest. About the time he completes his military service, he joins the Aero Club of Pittsburgh. He also holds the rank of Captain in the Army Air Service Corps. In 1925, the city of Pittsburgh sees the opening of its inaugural airport, Rogers Field. We also see Dalzell acquiring a Curtiss Hawk powered by a 575 hp CD-12 engine which seems to have mechanical issues.
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By September 19th, 1926, By September 1926, he teams up with Canadian co-pilot Air Vice-Marshal Albert Earl Godfrey, MC and achieves the historical milestone of completing the first Trans-Canada seaplane journey in a Douglas MO-2BS, yet another aircraft in Dalzell’s collection. In January 1927, he delivers a speech describing the historic voyage to the Aero Club at the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce.
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The year 1927. It's both exciting and tragic. After his speech, he commits to purchasing two Vickers Vedettes for another historic trip across Canada. The trip would cover 12,000 miles and include three aircraft. Sadly, on the first leg of the trip on June 9th, his plane crashes into the Lac La Page and Dalzell drowns. He is 42 years old. His copilot, Lieutenant Earl S Hogue, survives.
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Naturally, due to the due to this tragedy, the original trip is called off. Virginia holds his funeral on June 13th at Mrs. William B. Trainer’s home. Who is Martha? The daughter of her brother Louis W. Martha’s home is at 946 Ridge Avenue. He is buried in the family plot at the Allegheny Cemetery. Shortly before he passes, he endowed a trophy to Canada, known as the Trans-Canada Trophy, known as the “McKee Trophy,
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to honor individuals who made significant contributions to aviation inCanada.
Not long after Virginia dies on March 6th. Her memorial service is held March 8th at the home of Mrs. William B Trainer, again formerly Martha Dalzell, at 1074 Devon Road in Squirrel Hill. She is interred at the Thomas McKee Family Park at the Allegheny Cemetery. Virginia's legacy is still felt in Pittsburgh.
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She left over $2.5 million in her will, which equates to about $47 million in today's money. How she divided this estate reflects what and who she valued. First, she left and trust about $800,000 to benefit the poor, which is still a trust that exists. She then gave over $800,000 to the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh. She also left $800,000 to the Masons to erect a stone memorial cottage in Elizabethtown, PA.
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The official opening ceremony would occur in 1938 with Frederick C McKee, Virginia’s great nephew, speaking for the family. She made numerous bequests, and one, mentioned in her will, expresses her appreciation for Martha Dalzell Trainer. It appears that Martha shared a strong bond with her aunt, as she is listed as a death informant on the death certificate. In tje will,
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she leaves $5,000 to Martha, noting:
“As a token of affection and gratitude for her generosity in hosting my son’s funeral at her residence.”
That's all for this episode. I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about Stewart McKee and his descendants, including Virginia and Dalzell McKee.
