James McKinley

Grew up in Ohio learning Iron Moulding. He married his first wife in Ohio and then moved to Mayville, Wisconsin then to Whitewater, Wisconsin. His wife soon died and he married a Widow Marian McGill (whose maiden name was Wooden). From Whitewater they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa but only remained there a short time, when he moved to Davenport, in the same state. In 1862 they moved to Moline, Illinois where he acceptably filled for fifteen years the position of foreman for Deere and Company Foundry after which he retired and became a horticulturist. He lived retired until his death May 22, 1882, at the age of seventy years.

James was a man of fine ability and while he followed a trade very confining to its nature he did not neglect his social and religious duties. For years he was a prominent member of the Odd Fellows Society, and filled all the chairs in his local lodge. A licensed local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he labored in word and doctrine as the opportunity was given him. His heart was in the cause and he dearly loved to work for the Master. His death was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and was a loss to the community.