GEORGE W. McKINLEY

Throughout the years of an active business career and in every relation of life George W. McKinley enjoyed the confidence and friendship of all with whom he came in contact. In the truest sense of the word he was a successful man, for his life measured up to the full standard of honorable manhood in all things and his death was the occasion of deep sorrow and widespread regret. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, August 6, 1852, and was a son of Willoughby and Elizabeth (Carter) McKinley, also natives of Ohio, the father born in Belmont county, April 23, 1821, and the mother in Guernsey county. Both have passed away. The father died in Humeston in 1896 and the mother July 12, 1885. Three children were born to their union: John R., who resides in Rialto, California; Mrs. Rachael Taylor, of Humeston; and George W., of this review.

The last named was eleven years of age when he came with his parents to Richman township and settled upon a farm, where he grew to manhood. He attended the district schools and when not engaged with his books aided his father in the cultivation of the fields. With characteristic energy he devoted himself to the duties so steadfastly and earnestly that his efforts were rewarded by a comfortable fortune, enabling him to retire from active life. His wealth was always wisely and judiciously used and many beneficial and charitable causes profited by his liberal contributions. No project or measure for the benefit of the county sought his aid in vain. He cooperated heartily in every movement for the public good giving generously of his time and means, his labors being of the practical character which made his efforts results in great good.

On the 24^th of December, 1879, Mr. McKinley married Miss Clara V. Porter, who was born in Vinton county, Ohio, January 26, 1862. Her parents, James W. and Nancy (Alvin) Porter, were natives of Ohio, the former born in Vinton county and the latter in Guernsey county, and they came to Iowa among the earlier settlers, establishing their residence in Wayne county in 1865. In the family were three children: Ira, who lives in Clay township; Mrs. McKinley; and Harvey, who lives upon the homestead in Clay township. To Mr. and Mrs. McKinley were born two sons and a daughter. The eldest, James W. was born on the 19^th of September, 1880, and after completing the course in the Humeston high school attended Humeston College and later Ames College, where he remained for one year. Afterward he studied pharmacy, graduating from the College of Pharmacy of Iowa City University. He is at present conducting a drug business at Sanborn, Iowa, and is meeting with gratifying success. Nellie was born on the 15^th of September, 1882, and after graduating from the Humeston high school attended Drake University for two years. She married N. T. Moore, who was for ten years cashier of the Humeston State Bank. The youngest child born to Mr. and Mrs. McKinley is Leo G., whose birth occurred on December 8, 1889. He was graduated from the Humeston high school and from Drake University and was afterward cashier of the Humeston State Bank for six months. He resigned this position in order to accept an office in the legal department of the Keokuk Power Company and through successive stages of progress and advancement he has risen in this field of labor until he is now the assistant attorney of the corporation. Mrs. McKinley is a devout member of the Christian church, to which organization her husband belonged during his life, and she belongs to Radiant Chapter, No. 30, O. E. S. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party. Mr. McKinley’s death occurred in Humeston on the 16^th of December, 1909, and was dealt as a distinct loss throughout the section in which he had lived so many years. Upon the history of Wayne county he left the impress of his powerful and vital personality and to his children the record of an honorable and upright life and an untarnished name.

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