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DR. ALEXANDER McKEAN, Scotch Grove; born in Carroll Co., Ohio, in 1838; his father, the Rev James McKean, a Presbyterian minister, came to Scotch Grove Township in June, 1855, and settled in Sec. 19, where he had purchased of the Government about 700 acres of land about two years previous to that time; he engaged in the ministry for some time after he came to the county, though not regularly, on account of declining health; he died in the fall of 1876, in his 81st year; he was a soldier of the war of 1812; he had seven sons when he came to Jones Co.—Fergus S., Hugh C., James W., John, Alexander, Francis C. and Charles B. Three of the sons were in the army during the rebellion; James W. was Captain of Co. C., 44th I.V.I.; he was a Presbyterian minister, and, when he entered the army, was President of Lenox Collegiate Institute, at Hopkinton, Delaware Co.; he died at Memphis, Tenn., on the 9th of July, 1864; Francis C., was Captain of Co. D, 9th I.V.I.; he died from disease contracted in the army, May 5, 1874; Charles was a private in Co. C, 44th I.V.I. Dr. Alexander McKean received his literary education at the Lenox Collegiate Institute; he studied medicine with Dr. A. G. McGrew, of Wyoming; attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago; has practiced medicine about ten years; he makes a specialty of treating diseases of the eye. He was married to Delia Strohl, whose Father was an early settler of Dubuque Co.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 656.
Dr. Alexander McKean, deceased, who for eighteen years was prominently and successfully connected with the medical profession of Center Junction, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, on the 22d of June, 1838, a son of James and Nancy J. (Smith) McKean. The parents, who were both natives of Ohio, came to Jones county in 1856 and located on a farm in Scotch Grove township, where both passed away. In their family were eight children but only one now survives.
 Dr. Alexander McKean remained a resident of his native state until eighteen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Jones county. Later deciding upon a medical career as a life work, he took a course of study at Rush Medical College, of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in 1884. Returning to Jones county he immediately began practicing in Center Junction, and for twenty-four years, or up to the time of his death. he followed his profession in that city, Onslow, Anamosa and Scotch Grove. During that period he worked up a large and successful practice which, as the years passed and his ability became recognized in the community, continually increased in volume and importance until he was the loved family physician in many households. He ever remained a student and kept in touch with the general trend of progress and improvement made by the medical fraternity through his reading and investigation, and everything that served to bring to man the secret of that complex mystery which we call life was of intense interest to him. He fully recognized the obligations which rested upon him in his chosen field of labor and he ever performed his duties in a conscientious and careful manner that won for him the high commendation and confidence of his fellowman.
It was on the 24th of May, 1871, that Dr. McKean was united in marriage to Miss Delia A. Strohl, who was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, on the 10th of March, 1838. She was a daughter of John and Katherine (Beghler) Strohl, and was one of eight children born unto them, two of whom still survive. Her parents removed to Iowa in 1846 and here their remaining days were passed. Dr. and Mrs. McKean were both members of the Presbyterian church, in which he served as elder for eighteen years, and both were actively and helpfully interested in church work. He assisted in raising the money to purchase the organ and bell for the church in Scotch Grove.
Fraternally he was a member of the Masonic order, the Legion of Honor, and the Odd Fellows, and in these organizations was well known and active. On the 23d of February, 1891, he was called to his final rest and when he passed away Center Junction lost one of its respected, honored and valued citizens, who, during the period of his residence here had proved a factor for good in the life of the community. At the time of his death he was the owner of three sections of land in Texas and also of several acres of timber land in Jones county, and this property is now proving a source of revenue to his widow, who still survives and makes her home in Center Junction. She is a most estimable lady, who through her many good traits of mind and heart has gained an extensive circle of warm friends who hold her in high regard and esteem.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 253.
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