James W. McKinney 1873-1950

James W. McKinney, minister, educator, and County Superintendent of Schools, was born March 13, 1871. He was the eldest son of James H. and Minerva McKinney, and was born and raised on their family farm near Hudgens in Southern Township a few miles south of Marion. His father, James H. McKinney, enlisted at Marion in Company B, 81st Illinois infantry. His desire to defend the Union cost him months of imprisonment at Andersonville Prison. Continue reading →