My Genealogy Hound

Alexander McKay of Liberty Township, Knox Co., Mo., was born in Jefferson County, Ind., October 20, 1830, and is a son of John and Mary (Francis) McKay, natives of the States of North Carolina and Ohio, and of Scotch and Irish descent, respectively. The father removed from North Carolina to Kentucky, in childhood, and from there to Jefferson County, Ind., in 1814, where he resided forty years. He then immigrated to Knox County Mo., in 1854, and resided there with his son, James, near Knox City, until his death in March, 1879. The mother died in 1865. To them eight children were born, four of whom are living named Alexander; Barbara, wife of Aaron Wells; Mary E., wife of Samuel Wilson, and James B., all of Knox County. Alexander was reared to manhood, educated in his native State and county, and was accustomed to hard work upon the farm. In the spring of 1854 he left home, and went to La Porte County, Ind., where he engaged in farming, sixteen years. There he married his first wife, and in 1870 removed to Knox County, Mo., locating upon his present farm, where he is successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, owning 395 acres of good farming land all in Liberty Township, most of which is improved and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. McKay lost his first wife soon after coming to this county, and in September, 1872, was married to Martha Bain, also a native of Jefferson County, Ind. To this union there are two living children: John Calvin and Homer Bain. Among his fine stock Mr. McKay owns “Chambord,” four years old, a Norman stallion, No. 574, Percheron stud book of France, 3792 National Register French Draft Horses. In politics he is a Republican, and an ardent worker in his party. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are recognized as among Knox County’s most respected citizens.