From left, Amos McGee, an unidentified group of people from the era, and Ida Sutliff.  Photo courtesy of William McGee

ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) - Amos McGee was 60 years old when he moved his family from Minnesota to Orangevale in 1901. He had lived in a number of locations. He was born in 1841, in New Brunswick, Canada, to John McGee and Mary Ann Gallup.  John later moved his family to Ontario, Canada, in 1855. John relocated his family to Morrison County, Minnesota by 1862. 

Amos enlisted in Company I, 7th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry at the age of 20 years old right after arriving in the states. He had a credible and interesting military record as a Veteran of the Civil War. He was mustered out at Fort Snelling on August 16, 1865. Amos then engaged in farming and homesteaded a tract of land near St. Cloud, Minnesota. On November 5, 1881, Amos married Ida Sutliff, a native of Minnesota. He was postmaster at Rice, Minnesota, resigning shortly before coming to California.

He purchased a home with 15 acres on Filbert Avenue developing orchards and vineyards. When they arrived, there were just a few homes scattered around in the town. Amos took an active part in the community. He had been a trustee in the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years both in Minnesota and Orangevale. He died on April 15, 1926, at the age of 84 and is buried in Citrus Heights. Amos witnessed the remarkable growth and advancement of Orangevale.  

His wife, Ida, was born in 1860 in Houston, Minnesota, to Samuel and Lydia Sutliff. Ida’s first marriage was to Dr. Leonard Roach with whom she had one daughter, Elsie Roach, 1880-1964. She studied medicine with her doctor husband, acquiring knowledge and skills which enabled her to minister to the sick and ailing, and also to be a midwife. Ida served this role in addition to caring for her family.

She had seven children with Amos within 16 years. They are: Samuel Anson McGee, 1882-1890; Harriet A. McGee, 1885-1969; George A. McGee, 1887-1974; Mary I. McGee, 1892-1980; Ulysses S. McGee, 1890-1891; Elbert B. McGee, 1894-1960; and William S. McGee, 1899-1978.

She died July 16, 1931, in Orangevale at 71 years and is buried in Citrus Heights. Her life was one of service.