Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
WILLIAM K. McKENZIE dwells about
sixteen miles up the Entiat river from the Columbia on a homestead which
he secured in 1894. He has just completed a large barn and is now
building a new house. Other improvements of a substantial character
and value are in evidence about the place and Mr. McKenzie is a thrifty
and industrious farmer.
William K. McKenzie was born in Forfar, Scotland,
in 1843, the son of James and Martha Ann (Esplin) McKenzie, both natives
of Scotland. Our subject has the following brothers and sisters,
David, Mary, Margaret, Sarah, Hannah, Christina, Anna, and Jemima, all
married and dwelling in the native land. Our subject received his
education in Scotland and early developed a very fine talent as a marksman
and many are the trophies that he has won in some of the most trying contests
of the world. He was the crack shot of the Forfarshire Volunteers
and was three times a member of the Queen's company. This sixty is
selected from over two thousand of the best shots of the country and they
are allowed to compete for the prize of two hundred and fifty pounds sterling.
Mr. McKenzie joined the army when be arrived at manhood's estate and for
twenty-five years followed military life. The famous Chinese cup
which was presented to his regiment was gained by him at the Winebleton
contest. This was no small honor and Mr. McKenzie has shown in various
other contests his great skill as a marksman. His home at the present
time contains a fine collection of firearms as one will find in the state.
He has guns of all descriptions and some of the finest that are made in
the world. After leaving the army, our subject came to the United
States, some sixteen years since, and made settlement in Seattle.
His wife followed with the family about six years later. In his early
days, Mr. McKenzie had learned the stone mason's trade and he immediately
began working at the same, which he followed until 1894, the year in which
he selected his present homestead in the Entiat valley.
In 1872, Mr. McKenzie married Miss Elizabeth,
daughter of David and Helen (Cockburn) Shear, both natives of Scotland,
as also is Mrs. McKenzie.
To Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie, the following children
were born: David; James; Willie; Nicholas; Annie, wife of John Dunlap,
in Rossland, British Columbia; Elizabeth, wife of John W. Boner, at Entiat;
and Helen, attending school. In church affiliations, Mr. and Mrs.
McKenzie belong to the old Scotch Presbyterian denomination and uphold
their faith by a devout and practical life.