Janet "Jessie" McKenzie

Jessie McKenzie—“Jessie McKenzie, joined this church (Burke Center Presbyterian) in 1874. She was an interested and faithful worker. She had come from Scotland as a tot and been brought up in a strict Scotch Presbyterian home. It was only fitting that as she grew to womanhood, she should do something special for her God. She trained in Moody Bible Institute and went as missionary to Ft. Berthold Reservation in North Dakota. Her health failed there and she sought the milder climate of California where for a time she carried on her work among Indians in that state. She was finally forced to leave the mission field and lived several years in San Diego. In 1923, she came east to visit the two sisters who were living to renew old friendship. However she was unable to stand the colder climate and died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Fraser in Fort Covington. She never reached Burke or Constable, her old home towns but several of her friends visited her in Fort Cov­ington. She was buried from this church, November 1, 1923." — From the history of the Burke Center Presbyterian Church.

"Last week Tuesday, at the home of her sister, Mrs. E.M. Fraser, of Fort Covington, occurred the death of Miss Jessie McKenzie, age 73 years. Miss McKenzie was a resident of Burke for many years. She was a woman of pleasing personality and genial disposition. For many years, she was a missionary among the Indians of North Dakota. When her health became impaired, she was forced to give up her work and went to California where she lived until a few weeks ago. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Fraser, Fort Covington, and Mrs. Wilbur Allen of Toronto, Ont. and several nieces and nephews. The funeral services were held from the Burke Presbyterian Church on Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. Gardiner of Fort Covington, officiating." — Obituary in Malone Farmer under the "Burke Notes".