McBee - Walter H.
Source: 1913 AW Bowen History, Montgomery County, Indiana p 1056
Nature in her green mantle, is nowhere more lovely than in
that part of Montgomery County set aside by survey as Madison
Twp. Cozy farm houses nestle in gentle quietude amid green
orchards which dot the landscape in every direction, presenting a
scene of plenty and prosperity, though in some parts it has the
appearance of newness. This division of the county has been
settled for many years and scenes once familiar to the older
residents are rapidly fading from view. Only too frequently is it
the case that those who have been reared in such a picturesque
locality fail to appreciate its natural beauties and advantages.
But this has not been the case with Walter H. McBee, a well known
farmer of this vicinity. Mr. McBee was born in the above township
and county on May 18, 1856. He is a son of William Z. and Mary E.
SHOBE McBee. The father was born in Grant County, West Virginia,
from which country he came to Indiana in 1852 and settled in
Madison Twp, Montgomery County, having made the journey here on
horseback. The mother of our subject was born in Ross County,
Ohio and came to Montgomery County with her parents who settled
in Madison Twp. as early as 1838. William Z. McBee devoted most
of his life to farming, but in his old age he left the farm and
moved to the town of Linden where he was interested in a bank and
there his death occurred in 1910 at the advanced age of 79 years.
His widow is still living in Linden.
Walter H. McBee grew to manhood on the home farm in Madison
Twp and there he assisted with the general work, and he received
his education in the common schools, then took up farming and is
still active, owning a well improved and productive farm of 100
acres and he makes a specialty of raising live stock, especially
hogs.
Mr. McBee was married on Dec 23, 1884 to Mary E. SHOTTS,
daughter of Andrew and Nancy SEVERS Shotts. Her father was a
native of Virginia and her mother of Ohio. Andrew Shotts came to
Montgomery County, Indiana as early as 1830 and settled in
madison Twp when the country was sparsely settled and little
improved. Further mention of the Shotts family is found in this
volume under the caption of Arthur R. Shotts. Grandfather Severs
settled in Walnut Twp. this county in a very early day. 11
children were born to Andrew and Nancy Shotts, 7 of whom are
still living. 7 chldren were born to William Z. McBee and wife,
six of whom are still living namely: Walter H, of this review;
Martin Z; Mary Olive; Minnie; Sarah Melinda; Robert F; is
deceased and William T. the youngest of the children. Walter H.
McBee is a Democrat, and he was a member of the advisory board
for one term, and was also at one time appointed superintendent
of gravel roads. Fraternally, he belongs to the Free and Accepted
Masons. He attends the New Light Christian Church. 5 children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McBee, as follows: Maud, who
married Walter Hoss, lives in Madison Twp, this county; Nancy E,
Elsie; Isaac C and Minnie are all at home.