My Genealogy Hound

HON. JAMES L. McKIE. Throughout Berrien County, and especially in Three Oaks, where he resides, this gentleman is well known and highly regarded as a successful business man and sagacious, enterprising citizen. His general mercantile establishment at Three Oaks is equipped with a carefully selected and large stock, embracing the finest imported and American goods. In all the departments of the business, the tact and judgment of the owner and proprietor are displayed, and he carefully supervises the establishment so as to secure the most satisfactory results.

A native of Mississippi, our subject was born in Neshoba County, February 10, 1837. He is of direct Scotch and English descent. His father, Thomas, was born in Scotland in 1810, and was reared to maturity in his native land, where he followed the occupation of a farmer. Upon emigrating to America in 1833, he landed in Quebec, and thence proceeded direct to New York State. There he was united in marriage with Miss Anna, the daughter of Edward Lewis, and a native of England, having emigrated to the United States about 1833. Removing to the sunny South, Mr. McKie engaged in farming near Philadelphia, Neshoba County, Miss., but after residing there for a few years, he removed to Bond County, Ill., in 1844, and ten years later came to Michigan, locating in Three Oaks. Here he continued to reside until his career was terminated by his death in 1874. A Democrat politically, he was active in his support of that party and was a man of influence in every place where he resided.

The five children constituting the parental family still survive, and are as follows: Mrs. Mary E. Bommerscheim, a resident of Three Oaks; Edward H., who lives on the old homestead; Mrs. Anna S. Vincent, of Three Oaks; Thomas J. and James L. The last-named was about seven years old when he accompanied his parents to Bond County, Ill., and ten years later he came to Michigan, of which State he has since been a resident. His education was acquired in the public schools and Smith’s Academy, in Bond County, Ill., and has since been broadened by systematic general reading and self-culture. At the age of eighteen he entered the mercantile establishment owned by Henry Chamberlain, of Three Oaks, with whom he remained about ten years. Subsequently, under the firm title of McKie & Warren, he formed a business connection with E. K. Warren, continuing in this partnership from 1868 until 1877. From that year until 1885 he was in business alone, after which he formed a partnership with E. H. Vincent, the title of the firm becoming McKie & Vincent; the establishment is still conducted under this name, although the junior member of the firm died in January, 1893.

The marriage of Mr. McKie occurred on the 30th of September, 1862, and united him with Miss Maria H., a daughter of Horace Block, of Buchanan, Mich., a prominent manufacturer of, and dealer in, furniture at that place. Three children have blessed the union: Jennie B., Addie and Helen, all of whom are at home. In his political belief, Mr. McKie is a Democrat and has filled many positions of trust, including those of Township Clerk, Township Treasurer, Supervisor of the township, and President of the village. He is also a member of the Common Council and the Board of Education.

In 1884, Mr. McKie was elected to represent the Second District of Berrien County in the State Legislature, and his services in behalf of his constituents were so satisfactory that he was re-elected two years later. In 1888 he received the nomination on the Democrat ticket for State Senator and made a strong run, receiving two hundred votes ahead of his ticket on the county. He has frequently served as delegate to county and State conventions, and in every position has represented his fellow-citizens with energy, fidelity and discretion. At the present time he is serving as a member of the Fourth Congressional Democratic Committee.

Not only does Mr. McKie possess an intensely patriotic nature, but his religious impulses are also fervent and unwavering. He is an active worker in the Congregational Church, and is at present one of the Trustees. The various measures originated on behalf of the city and the citizens have his hearty and sympathetic co-operation, and he has contributed effectively to the advancement of the community. He is one of the most successful business men of Three Oaks, and his store, which was erected in 1887, contains a complete assortment of goods. In the conduct of his business he exercises excellent judgment and sound common-sense, and has built up an extensive and profitable trade with the people of this vicinity.