Born near Mount Sterling, Kentucky, McKee attended the common schools.

He was graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, in 1857, and the Cincinnati Law School in 1858.

He served in the Union Army during the Civil War as a captain in the 14th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry.

He successfully contested as a Republican the election of John D. Young to the Fortieth Congress and served from June 22, 1868, to March 3, 1869.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress