A lawyer in Illinois, he served with the Union army during the Civil War and afterwards settled in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

After the war, he resumed the practice of law in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and engaged in planting in Hinds County.

Mckee was elected as a Republican to the Fortieth Congress, but his credentials were never presented to the House.

Mckee was elected as a Republican to the Forty-first, Forty-second, and Forty-third Congresses (February 23, 1870 – March 3, 1875).

He served as receiver of public moneys from 1889 until his death in Jackson, Mississippi, on November 17, 1890.