Person:Thomas McKay (4)

The historical marker in Scappose (near the intersection of Highway 30 and Old Portland Road) says:

One of the Oregon Country's most picturesque fur-traders, Thomas McKay, is buried near Scappoose. He was a daring leader, famous storyteller and could drive a nail with a rifle ball. A Canadian, he arrived with Astorians as a teenage boy; served with North West Company, became a clerk with the Hudson's Bay Company, established a grist mill at Champoeg. Alexander McKay, a victim of the Tonquin Massacre was his father and Dr. John McLaughlin was his stepfather. He ranged widely, built Fort Boise, Idaho, guided goldseekers to California. He died on his farm near this point in the winter of 1859-1850.

The sources seem conflicted on where he died, the above historical marker indicates he died in Scappoose, and he is buried there, but several miles distant (not what I would call "near this point"). But Find A Grave says he died in French Prairie. He had farms in both locations so either is plausible.

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Thomas McKay Sr., in Find A Grave.

   This says he died in French Prairie, Marion County

2.   Olsen, Sarah, and Linda Kracke. Descendants of Alexander McKay.