J.E.F. McGee, formerly of this city died at Bartlesville, Oklahoma at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon. H.G. McGee, brother of the deceased was notified of the death by wire Sunday night. He departed at once for Bartlesville and Independence, Kansas, the latter place being Judge McGee's home. No particulars are known beyond the statement that death followed an illness of about one hour.

Mr. McGee's death was sudden and the announcement was entirely unexpected here, although it was known that he had for some time past been in poor health. He visited relatives in this city about two months ago. Although he had not been in robust health for many years, when he came back he declared that he was better than for a long time. During his visit, however, his health broke down noticeably and he was far from well when he returned to his home.

The first news of Mr. McGee's illness was received here in a telegram from Mrs. McGee, early Sunday evening, stating she had been informed that he was seriously ill in Bartlesville. The latter telegram announcing his death came from a neighbor.

Mr. McGee had his home in Independence, Kansas, but his office and business were at Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the center of one of the oil fields of that state. He had been engaged in the oil business since his removal from Council Bluffs a number of years ago. Bartlesville and Independence are about forty miles apart, and are connected by interurban line.

Mr. McGee leaves a widow, daughter of the late W.H.M. Pusey, and a son. Mrs. McGee's mother, Mrs. W.H.M. Pusey is with her daughter. Mr. McGee's mother resides in this city.

J.E.F. McGee was a native of Fedeman, West Virginia and was born December 13, 1861. His parents removed to Council Bluffs and his father became interested in real estate here, but subsequently returned to West Virginia. His father died in 1864, and his mother came to Council Bluffs in 1874, bringing her three children. H.G. McGee, J.E.F. McGee and a daughter, Anna, now Mrs. W.S. Cooper.

Mr. McGee was educated in the public schools of Emworth, Pennsylvania, and Council Bluffs, and at Cornell University. He studied law, first with Leonard Everett of this city, and later with Col. D.B. Dailey, a leading practitioner at the Council Bluffs bar. He was admitted to the bar in 1886 and began practice in this city.

The real estate boom of 1887 attracted the young lawyer, and he made considerable money in real estate investments. He continued his law practice, however, being associated with Walter I. Smith, now congressman from the Ninth Iowa district, until 1890 when, after a hotly contested election, Mr. McGee was elected judge of the superior court in Council Bluffs. He held this position eight years, being re-elected at the close of his first term.

When the discovery of oil in southern Kansas and northern Indian Territory caused a rush of emigrations to those sections, a number of Council Bluffs men went there, among them being Mr. McGee. His investments were successful, and it is understood that he had acquired a considerable estate.

The body will be taken to the home of W.S. Cooper, 125 Fairview Avenue, where the funeral services will be held. Burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery and is private. The family requested that no flowers be sent.