William McKinley (abt. 1835 - 1864)

Born about 1835 in Scotland, United Kingdom

Husband of Elizabeth (Stallard) Colfix — married 15 Feb 1855 in Penfield, Monroe, New York, United States

Descendants

Died 27 Oct 1864 at about age 29 in Newton, Missouri, United States

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Biography

William was born about 1835 in Scotland.^[1]

He married Elizabeth Stallard on 15 February 1855 in Penfield, New York.^[2]

William enlisted in the 16th Kansas Cavalry Volunteers (union), Company F, and was mustered in as a Private on 22 February 1864.^[3][2] His residence at that time was Neosho Rapids, Kansas. He was promoted to Corporal sometime later in 1864. He was killed in action by guerrillas on 27 October 1864. William's commanding officer wrote the following letter to William's wife Elizabeth to notify her of his death.^[2]

Wyandott Kansas, Dec 14th 1864

Mrs McKinley,

Dear Madam,

It is with commingled emotions of sorrow and pain that I undertake to discharge the sad duty of writing you this unwelcome and painful communication. It is always a painful task to be the messenger of said tidings, affecting those near and dear that we love and respect. But as your husbands commanding officer, and best friend, it becomes my duty to transmit to you the sorrowful tidings of his death. He fell in the defence of his country, near the Dry Wood Creek in Barton County, Mo Oct 27n 1864. We had been in the field about twenty days, during which time we had fought six, hard fought battles, in all of which your gallant husband fought by my side or under my notice, and I am proud to say that in battling in his country's defence, against a foe outnumbering us ten to one he proved himself to be a brave man and a gallant fearless soldier and Patriot. And I trust that it may afford you some consolation to know that his conduct was ever such as to command the, love and esteem of his comrades, the confidence of his officers and the respect of his entire regiment. Believe me my Dear Madam that when the scroll of fame shall have been made up, of all the gallant martyrs who have offered their lives upon the altar of their country, there will be emblazoned upon it the name no truer, braver man, no more gallant a solider and Patriot than that of Corporal William McKinley.

Hoping that I may hear from you soon in refference to his business affairs.

I am with much commisseration and respect your Friend

A J Miller, Capt Co F K 16.

Sources

1. ↑ 1880 US Census, Mentor, Clark, Wisconsin, Dwelling Number 115, Family Number 123. https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/7977686?mark=7b22746f6b656e223a22456c6b53746d78353770654d427053417133574543494f4556524a65556c7867526c5031794b6e315764303d222c22746f6b656e5f76657273696f6e223a225632227d.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} Case Files of Approved Pension Applications of Widows and Other Dependents of Civil War Veterans, ca. 1861 - ca. 1910, Application Number WC107357, McKinley, William, Roll WC107346-WC107382. http://wwwfold3.com/image/300149192.
3. ↑ U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profile, 1861-1865, database online, ancestry.com. Willliam McKinley, enlisted 22 Feb 1864.