An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, 1902
published by Western Historical Publishing Company

William McKinnell

Mr. McKinnell was born in Dumfries-shire, Scotland in September, 1845, the son of David and Violet (Wilson) McKinnell, likewise natives of Scotland. His mother died in 1854, and three years later his father came to Markham, Canada. Our subject lived in the home of a paternal uncle from the time of his mother's demise until sixteen years of age, then started for America, the date of his departure from Europe being likewise the date of the firing on Fort Sumter. Naturally he went to Markham, where his father was, but about eighteen months later he moved to Chicago, and from that time until November, 1864, he traveled around considerably. During this interval he assisted Edwards, a directory man, to compile a directory of Chicago, and a gazetteer of Wisconsin, the latter being done in 1863. In November, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and for the ensuing year he did service as a soldier, being also quartermaster's clerk a short time. At the close of hostilities he returned to Canada, but three months later was in Chicago again, where he entered the employ of R.M. & O.S. Hough, packers, for whom he worked during the next eight years as shipping clerk.

The panic of 1873 determined him to try his fortune in Oregon, and in 1874 he reached the Willamette valley. After a short residence in that famous basin he came to Sparta, where he mined, but though he was in Pine valley at about that time, he did not permanently settle there until 1882, when he took up land and started farming. Prior to that date he was engaged in mining almost wholly, and in that industry he has never lost his interest. He owned claims in the Copper creek country. He owns a mine on the hill above Carson, and also has a quarter section of land at Halfway. At present Mr. McKinnell has charge of the estate of Stephen S. Pindell, deceased, which includes the store at Carson, in which he is now carrying on business, having been administrator since 1900. For four years Mr. McKinnell has served as notary public. In fraternal affiliations he is identified with Phil Kearney Post, No. 66, G.A.R., of which he served as adjutant for several years. It is of note that the great-grandmother of Mr. McKinnell, Mary Paul, was a sister of the noted admiral, John Paul Jones, of world-wide fame.

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