JOHN McKINNEY
1740 - 1804
The following description of John McKinney is an excerpt from an article written by Shirley Thompson of Spartanburg, SC. She states her sources as: Colonial records of NC, census records, family records, court wills and deeds, tombstones, pension applications.
"John McKinney was a Scotch-Irishman born ca. 1740. We are not sure whether he immigrated from Ireland or whether his father was the immigrant. Tradition in the family indicated he came from New Jersey, but records located so far have shown grants of land in Franklin Co., PA. (formerly Cumberland Co) on the "Canigogig" Creek. John and his wife Jean came down the famous wagon road by 1760 settling in Camden Dist. (now York Co., S.C.) on Bullocks Creek where he had received a grant. About 1770 they moved to Rutherford County. John and Jean had 10 known children.
John McKinney’s death resulted from a horse rearing up and falling back on him. It is safe to assume he is buried in the McKinney family burying ground on Broad River. He was a large landowner, a leader who assumed responsibilities in the welfare and safety of his neighborhood, and a astute business man . John was a Whig, and assisted in the establishment of American independence in old Tryon Co. as a member of the Safety Committee, and a signer of the Articles of Association in 1775. He and several members of his militia accompanied Col. Andrew Hampton to Charleston for gun powder. Courage was the mark of a man in those days, and John was surely a man of his times."
It is believed that John's grave is located in Rutherford County, NC. Click to see pictures and more information.
Court records of 1794 indicate that John, Sr. owned or inherited land in Pennsylvania.
Page 31 18 July 1794. Proved, July term 1794. I, JOHN MCKINNEY have constitutd, made and appointed my trusty and loving son JOHN MCKINNEY, Junr., my lawfull attorney, for me in my name, to my use, all my lands in the State of Pennsylvania, which fell to me or which may fall to me hereafter by heirship or otherwise. Wit: JONAS BEDFORD, Junr., DAVIE LILES.
Signed JOHN MCKINNEYJohn owned a large spread of land on the Board River, on McKinney Creek and Kathy's Creek. Some of the land is still in the McKinney name and is being farmed.
John was the Justice of Peace appointed in January, 1778.
He was a land surveryor.
(click on any highlighted name for more information)
CHILDREN OF JOHN AND JEAN MCKINNEYJames (Jim) MCKINNEY
Birth: 1757
Death: 1841 Rutherford Co
Spouse: Jim's wife is unknown. He had a son, Alfred, who married Elizabeth Moreland. They moved to Mississippi and raised a family. Jim's will was probated in 1841 in Rutherford Co. NC. At his death his wife had pre-deceased him.
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John MCKINNEY, Jr.
Birth: 2 Sep 1760
Death: 1843 Macoupin Co., Ill
Spouse: Catharine EAVES John, Jr. and Catharine had seven children
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Henry, Sr. MCKINNEY
Birth: 1761 NC, Rutherford Co
Death: 24 Aug 1834
First Spouse MARY ROBBINS (married 18-Mar 1788) Henry, Sr. and Mary had six children.
Second Spouse: Nancy WATKINS Henry Sr. and Nancy had eight children
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William I MCKINNEY
Birth: May 1770
First Spouse: Elizabeth HAMPTON , 1783 - 1805. William and Elizabeth had five children.
Second Spouse: Nancy MILLER William and Nancy had eight children
William died intestate and estate was settled in Spartanburg County Court in December of 1857.
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George MCKINNEY
Birth: 27 Nov 1774 Rutherford Co.
First Spouse: Martha MILLER (married 27 Nov 1797) George and Martha had six children.
Martha died 7 Dec. 1847
Second Spouse: Mira ?
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Didamie MCKINNEY
Birth: 1780
Death: bet 1850-56
Married to: Charles Simmons 1 Feb 1807. It is assumed they had no children since Charles' will settled 1857 named nieces and nephews as heirs.
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Sarah MCKINNEY
Birth: abt 1770
Spouse: Daniel CAMP (died 1 Apr. 1798) Daniel and Sarah had eight children..
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Jane MCKINNEY
Death: prior to 1855
Spouse: Homa Thomas GORE Children unknown
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Mary Ann MCKINNEY
Spouse: Jonas, Jr. BEDFORD They lived in Rutherford County until early 1800s when county
deed records show Jonas Bedford, Jr., of County of Jackson, state of Tennessee
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(Margaret) MCKINNEY
Spouse: John (2) ROBERTS
We are unsure of this child's name. John, Sr.'s will mentioned son-in-law John Roberts.
(This website about the McKinneys is a collection of information I have gathered about this branch of the John McKinney family. Much of it is family tradition and stories. Where I have been able to document a fact, date, etc., I have given the source. I welcome any new insights or facts that you may have. Email: (mckteaster@earthlink.net .)