It’s Not the Goat - It’s Not the Cart - Just a Little Boy - that Captured Hearts

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White_House--Major_Russell_Harrison_and_Harrison_children--Baby_McKee_and_sister_on_goat_cart.jpg

President Benjamin Harrison's Grandchildren enjoying
their goat cart on the White House Lawn

(Public Domain)

America’s First Families have crept into America’s heart since they arrived in Washington, D.C., and the youngest among them; are the best. Such was the case of Benjamin Harrison McKee, son of Mary Scott Harrison McKee, the only daughter of President Benjamin Harrison a Colonel in the 70th Indiana, 23rd President of the United States and the grandson of the 9th President of the United States.

Mrs. Benjamin Harrison (Caroline) gave birth to 2 children, a son Russell (1854) and a daughter, Mary (1858). Mary as the president’s only daughter (at the time of his presidency) married James Robert McKee in 1884 and they became the parents of 2 children; Benjamin Harrison McKee born March 15, 1887 and a daughter Mary (1888). When Harrison assumed the office of president on March 4, 1889, his daughter and family went with him - and now the president’s adorable grandchildren were living in the White House and one child was destined to become a “celebrity.”

Americans loved reading stories about these two children, but especially young Benjamin, who unfortunately would be given the moniker “Baby McKee”. Where ever “Baby McKee” went - the press was there to report on his antics. In 1890 reporters followed him when he attended Barnum’s circus and people could not read enough of the little tyke’s reaction to the event. He was quickly recognized as the “most famous baby in the world”.

“Baby McKee” stories were published in every newspaper. The President noted his grandson was getting more press than he was when he joked to reporters: “they should stop giving so much attention to his grandson, lest people think the boy’s influence was greater than his own. A member of the Senate complained of the pointless coverage the papers gave the lad, and offered to give a new hat to any reporter who could say he had never written such a piece. No hats were awarded.” {1}

In the Butler Brother’s catalog they advertised in the “Special Catalogue of Baby Carriages”, a special carriage that was described as being made; “beautiful brightly colored upholstery carriage with a parasol - covered with satine with neat lace edge - One that is good enough for any president’s grandchild” {2} It was called - “The Baby McKee Baby Carriage.”

There were poems, pictures, stories all to the enjoyment of the public. During the summer in 1889, “Baby McKee” went on a family vacation to Cape May, New Jersey. A reporter wrote the following in his paper: “During his absence, Washington will be involved in a ‘gob of gloom,’ and the newspaper correspondents will have comparatively nothing to do.” {1}

A rather endearing story was reported when “Baby McKee” was riding his cart being pulled by his pet goat. Apparently the goat was contented to ride about the White House lawn, until he thought the grass was greener somewhere else and decided to have a quick run down Pennsylvania Avenue. Grandpa Harrison led the chase down the avenue to capture the happy goat and boy and bring them home.

* * *
Tragedy struck the White House in 1892, when President Harrison’s beloved wife Caroline lost her battle from tuberculosis. It left the White House without a First Lady, so Harrison’s one and only daughter stepped up to fill the position. Harrison would lose his re-election and served until March 4, 1893 (at that time the date of Presidential Inaugurations).

* * *​

After they left the White House, his parents desperately tried to push the “Baby McKee” moniker off their growing son and on one occasion his mother shouted to a reporter that he WAS NOT THE “Baby McKee”. But Americans of yesterday-year were just as fickle as they are today. Celebrities come and celebrities go. “Baby McKee” was pushed off the front pages for another White House baby was climbing the celebrity ladder - the daughter of the Clevelands - Meet the Next Baby Celebrity - “Baby Ruth”.

Baby_Ruth_Cleveland-restored.jpg

Ruth Cleveland
aka “Baby Ruth”

(Public Domain)

* * *​


Sources
1. https://newyorkhistoryblog.org/2016/03/baby-mckee-early-american-child-celebrity
2.
https://blog.library.si.edu/blog/2013/05/24/a-carriage-for-a-presidents-grandchild/#.Xk0Cby2ZNJU
3. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6535363/mary-scott-mckee
4. Wikipedia - Ruth Cleveland
 
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