Biography - Joseph McKinney
JOSEPH McKINNEY. We take pleasure in presenting to the readers of this volume a history in outline of the gentleman whose name appears above, and who was for years a prominent and much-esteemed resident of Harvel Township, Montgomery County. Mr. McKinney was a native of that good old Southern State which has produced so many noted men among statesmen and orators. He was born in Virginia, October 10, 1815.
Mr. McKinney came to Illinois among the earliest settlers that were here. It is doubtful, however, whether he did, at that early day, much pioneer work, for he was but a little chap of four years of age when he came here with his parents, they having made the journey hither with horses and wagon. He was soon, however, inducted into, the mysteries and methods of pioneer agricultural life. They settled first in Jersey County, and there our subject grew to manhood. He was true to his calling, and devoted himself to that throughout a long and useful life.
While still a resident of Jersey County, the original of this sketch married Nancy Thornton. This union was productive of four children, three of whom still survive. They are: James, John and Charlotte. In the fall of 1871, the f amity moved to Montgomery County, and settled upon the farm that they still occupy. Bereft of his first wife, he contracted a second marriage, which was solemnized in March. 1861. His bride was Miss Elizabeth A. Pettit, a native of Burlington County, N. J., where she was born January 2, 1835. She was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Pettit, also natives of New Jersey. From this marriage seven children were born. Their names are: Joseph F., George D., Rosetta, Lizzie 8., Mary M., William H. and Zeddie R.
Mr. McKinney departed this life February 5, 1881, having almost completed the three-score years and ten generally allotted to man. He was greatly respected by all who knew him, having led an upright, honorable and useful life. His estate comprised eighty acres of land, upon which the family now resides. He was a kind husband and loving, indulgent father, and enjoyed the confidence of his neighbors and townsmen. For years the principles of the Democratic party had been held dear by him. Mrs. McKinney, when twenty-five years of age, came to Sangamon County, making that her residence for a short time, then came to Montgomery County with her husband, and has since lived a contented and useful life. She is a devoted member of the Christian Church, and one of the women whom the community delights to honor.
Extracted 10 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 326-327.
