MCKINNEY, HUGH, a well know citizen of Springfield, Ill., now living in retirement from business life, is highly regarded as a man of upright character and probity. He is a native of Hamilton, Scotland, born January 3, 1845, a son of Bernard and Mary (Casey) McKinney, natives of Ireland, and the father a miner by occupation. The father went to Scotland from Ireland and engaged in mining in the vicinity of Hamilton, where he spent the remainder of his life. The mother also died there. They were parents of two daughters and four sons, of whom all save one are now living: Mrs. Mary Fleming, of Jackson, Mich.; James and Francis, of Scotland; Mrs. Sarah Mundy, of Scotland; John (deceased) and Hugh.

Mr. McKinney received his education in his native place, and entered the mines there at the age of nine years, continuing in this occupation until coming to America. He landed at New York City, March 14, 1881, proceeded thence to Pottsville, Pa., and soon afterward went to Panhandle in the same State. He resided successively at Corunna and Jackson, Mich., and after remaining for some time at the latter place, spent five years at Lucas, Iowa, where he was engaged in mining. He later moved to Mendota, Mo., and soon afterward came to Belleville, Ill., where he lived until 1891. He then came to Springfield, which has since been his home. He has held various positions and was for sometime mine examiner in various mines in the vicinity of Springfield, being connected with the Woodside Mine, Klondike, and others. He owns a comfortable home and several lots in the vicinity of 1926 South Sixth Street, and has many friends in the neighborhood.

On October , 1873, mr. McKinney married Rose A. McGrath, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, born April 15, 1859, whose parents spent their entire lives in Ireland. The union took place in Hamilton, Scotland, and part of their children were born there. Their children were as follows: Albert, of Butte, Mont.; Hugh and John, of Springfield; Joseph (deceased); Francis, at home; and James (deceased). There are three grandchildren in the family. Mr. McKinney is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and belongs to the Church of the Immaculate conception Parish. In politics he is a Democrat and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. Mr. McKinney worked at mining from childhood until recently and was connected with many different mines. He worked under varying conditions and learned the full details of management in various parts of the United States, becoming an expert in various lines. He won a reputation as mine examiner that was well earned and he was considered one of the ablest men in his line in Sangamon County. He has lived retired since 1910. He has always been greatly interested in the kind of work in which his entire active life was spent, and made a careful study of methods and conditions under his observation from early youth.