James McKinley was born in Ireland on March 25, 1834. He emigrated to America in May, 1852, and located in Connecticut. In 1857 he went to California, returning to Connecticut in 1862. His marriage with Mary NcNamara occurred on Sept. 15, 1862. She was born in Ireland in 1836. Their union has been blessed with six children-- James, born June 21, 1864; John A., May 26, 1868; Michael A., Aug. 3, 1870; Mary H., March 31, 1872; Archibald, Aug. 18, 1874, and May C., May 17, 1881. Mr McKinley settled in Grand Meadow Township, this county, in 1862. He owns 187 acres of finely cultivated land on section 28, and is one of the well-to-do-farmers of the township. He made a second trip to California in 1863, remaining there four years. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 830 |