[citation needed] As a young man, Alexander McKee began working with traders who did business with the Indians of the Ohio Country.

[1] After he was the subject of mistreatment by American Patriots, McKee left Pennsylvania and defected to the British at Fort Detroit.

It was during this transition that he established his well-known association with Matthew Elliott and the Girty brothers: Simon, James, and George.

[2] "Alexander McKee, the British Indian Agent, who resided at the Machachac towns, on Mad River, during the incursion of General Logan from Kentucky in 1786, was obliged to flee with his effects.

"[3] McKee negotiated several treaties on behalf of the British authorities with the Indigenous First Nations of Upper Canada in the Detroit area.