My Genealogy Hound

James W. McKinney, of the drug firm of McKinney & Kerr, was born in Sangamon County, Ill., in 1862, and is a son of Joseph and Jane (Erwin) McKinney. Joseph was a grain and lumber dealer born in Jersey County, Ill., in 1833. In 1863 he moved to Girard, Ill., and engaged in the lumber business. He died July 13, 1871, while in the prime of life. The mother was born in Jersey County, Ill., in 1836, and is now living in Girard, Ill. She has three children: Edward, of Greeley, Colo.; James W., and Nona, wife of F. J. Lincoln, of Chicago, Ill., ticket agent of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. Our subject was reared in Girard, and at the age of eighteen began to clerk in a clothing store. In 1884 he came to Van Buren, where he and F. W. Langley engaged in the drug business. At the expiration of six months he purchased his partner’s share, and in July, 1886, entered the firm, which has since been known as McKinney & Kerr. They have a fine trade, are careful and industrious men, and rank among out best citizens. May 27, 1885, Mr. McKinney married Miss Fannie A. Post, daughter of U. S. Post, of Girard, Ill. Mrs. McKinney was born in Macoupin County, Ill., in 1866. Mr. McKinney is a Democrat, a Mason and K. of P.