Alameda County Biographies

Hon. Samuel Bell McKee

Transcribed by Peggy Allen, April 20, 2006

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


 
          The distinguished gentleman whose name heads this sketch needs no 
laudation,  and it is not the purpose of the writer to pen one.  No man is 
better known to the people of Alameda County.  He came here in the early and 
doubtful days of our history, and brought with him his manly energy, ripe 
experience and scholarly attainments.  He is thoroughly identified with the 
rise, progress and prosperity of our people. 
          Judge McKee is a native of the land of poets, orators and statesmen�of 
 Moore, Sheridan and Burke� the ever-green Isle of the Ocean�and is now about 
fifty-five years of age.  While yet a child, his family removed to the State of 
Georgia, where he received his education.  From Georgia he went to Alabama, 
where he read law with Judge Collier, of Tuscaloosa; thence he went to 
Mississippi, showing that in his youthful days he was of a roving disposition.  
There, however, he married, and practiced law with much success.  Matrimony, 
however, did not attach him to his Mississippi home.  The California fever 
brought him to this State in 1853, and he settled in Oakland, which attached him 
at once, and here he has since remained, the pride of the bar and the ornament 
of the bench.  Oakland was but a poor, unpromising place when he set foot in it 
and hung out his shingle.  The prospect of a lucrative practice was not great, 
nor the expectation of realizing a rapid and easily-made fortune his inducement 
to remain.  But he evidently was determined to continue here, for he has done 
so.  His professional card, copied from the advertising columns of the first 
local paper of Alameda County, Published in  1854, made the following 
announcement: 
�Sam. Bell McKee, Attorney-at-Law and General Collecting Agent, Oakland, Cal., 
will give prompt attention to all business entrusted to his care in the Courts 
of Alameda County and the Counties adjoining.  Office on the east side of 
Broadway, near the Plaza.� It was soon ascertained that the people of Alameda 
County had better use for the services of such a superior professional 
gentleman, as he readily proved himself to be, than as a collector of accounts; 
and two years after he was elected to the position of County Judge,  by a 
majority of 850 votes, which certainly was an overwhelming indication of the 
popular confidence in his ability, Judgment and integrity.  Two years subsequent 
to this promotion he was nominated by the Democratic party for the high position 
of District Judge.  The Third District then consisted of the counties of 
Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and Alameda.  His competitors in the party 
convention were men of sterling worth and distinguished ability.  They were 
Lawrence Archer and William T. Wallace, of San Jos�.  McKee received the 
nomination on the second ballot.  The election took place on the first day of 
September, 1858.  His opponent at the ballot-box was Judge Hester, then the 
incumbent of the office, and who was beaten badly. 
          In 1863 Judge McKee was again placed in nomination, and was again 
successful, notwithstanding the change that had taken place in the political 
sentiments of the people, on account of the war, and the overwhelming defeat of 
his party.  He was, however, very explicit in the expression of his principles, 
which breathed unchangeable devotion to the Union cause.  His opponent, on this 
occasion, was Thos. A. Brown, of contra Costa, over whom he gained a majority of 
333 votes.  In 1869 he was still the favorite of the people of the district, and 
was again chosen.  In 1875 his majority was overwhelming.  In 1874 he was the 
candidate of the Democratic party, to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Bench of the 
State.  There were three parties in the field�the Republican, Democratic and 
Independent.  That year the Independents swept everything before them; and 
although McKee received nearly a unanimous vote in this banner Republican 
county, he was for the first time unsuccessful.  But few men possess the rare 
qualities that win admiration and respect alike from rich and poor, Democrats 
and Republicans, advocates and clients, as does Judge McKee.  His decisions are 
nearly always conclusive, and seldom or never set aside.  His profound knowledge 
of the law, his kindly manner, amiable qualities and happy manner of treating 
both clients and attorneys, prevent any unfounded objections or unreasonable 
criticisms of his conduct.  He is, indeed, a model judge, and the Third District 
is justly proud that its laws are administered by such a man. 
          In private life no one is more respected.  He is always courteous and 
pleasant, is a scholar of large attainments, high-minded, tenderhearted and 
simple in his habits.  As a speaker he is eloquent and fluent, but rarely 
exercises his great oratorical powers.  Judge McKee looks young for one of his 
years.  He is of medium stature, has auburn hair and a pleasant expression of 
countenance.  He is of temperate habits; has a family of grown-up children, and 
an amiable lady for a wife; and, with an embowered and beautiful home in 
Oakland, life seems to be happy with him.  He had, however, not long since, a 
serious fit of sickness, which endangered his life, but from the effects of 
which he has completely recovered.  Dr. Durant was to the educational profession 
what Judge McKee is to the legal�a man in every way respected and admired. 
 
The Centennial Yearbook of Alameda County, California - Oakland, Calif., 1876 
pages 535-537