My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM KINNEY. A noble class of men has built up the agricultural interests of Oronoko Township, Berrien County, Mich., and has made it a garden spot of the great commonwealth of the State. Among those who have been active and efficient in the work is he who stands at the head of this sketch. He has been identified with the farming interests of the county for many years, and in every walk of life has conducted himself in an honorable, upright manner. His fine farm of eighty acres on section 27 is one of the most attractive agricultural spots of the district, being conspicuous for the manage- ment that, while making it neat and attractive, still shows prudence and economy.

Mr. Kinney was born in Lancashire, England, to the marriage of James and Ann (Corlett) Kinney, the latter a native of the Isle of Man. The parents were married in England and, in addition to the butcher’s trade, which the father carried on successfully’ in his native country (England), he was also engaged in agricultural pursuits. In that country both passed the closing scenes of their lives. Of the five children born to them, three are now living, and all in America. Our subject, the eldest, first saw the light of day October 10, 1837, and in 1848, when eleven years of age, he came across the ocean with an uncle and settled with the latter in Lucas County, Ohio, where he remained for some time. He then went to another uncle in Toledo, Ohio, and remained with him for five years, in the meantime learning his trade of a mason in all its branches, finishing with John P. Boice, of that city, at the end of four years.

In 1856 Mr. Kinney came to Michigan, but previous to this he worked at his trade in South Bend and New Carlisle, Ind. After reaching Michigan he made his way to Buchanan, Berrien County, and worked on the first brick house ever erected there. He made a permanent settlement in that town in 1858, making his home there until 1873, when he moved onto his present farm. He first settled on forty acres of partially improved timber-land, and to this he has since added another forty, making eighty acres of excellent land, all under cultivation. This is the result of hard work and perseverance on his part. In 1892 he built his fine residence at a cost of $2,000, and now has a charming rural home. In connection with farming he also carries on his trade, and makes a success or both, notwithstanding the old saying that a person cannot do two things at once and do thein well.

On the 10th of March, 1864, Mr. Kinney married Miss Kittie Haulk, a native of Monroe County, Pa., and the daughter of Reuben Haulk, who was also a native of the Keystone State. From that State Mr. Haulk removed to Summit County, Ohio, and there his career ended. Mrs. Kinney was born October 26, 1844, and died October 29, 1878. To that union five children were born: Charles H., deceased; Frank, John, William and Alice. On the 4th of July, 1879, Mr. Kinney was married to Miss Princess St. John, daughter of Hiram St. John, an old settler of this township. Mrs. Kinney died April 28, 1880, leaving one child, Fannie.

Our subject’s second marriage occurred May 2, 1881, to Miss Esther Stinebeck, a native of Bertrand Township, this county, and the daughter of Burney and Hannah (Davis) Stinebeck, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mr. Stinebeck came to Michigan in 1851, residing in Bertrand Township, this county, until the death of his wife, in 1862. He entered the Union army, was wounded and subsequently discharged. He was married again, but his wife died shortly afterward, and he was the third time married. Four children were born to the last union, three of whom are now living. After the death of his third wife, Mr. Stinebeck married his present wife. They have no children. Three children were born to the first union, only one now living, Mrs. Kinney. The father is still living and makes his home on section 24, this township.

Mr. and Mrs. Kinney are the parents of two children, Anna Bell, born April 28, 1882, and George W., November 10, 1886. Socially, Mr. Kinney is a member of Buchanan Lodge No. 75, I. O. O, F., and has held all the chairs except Noble Grand. He is also a member of the Berrien Springs Post, G. A. R., and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Berrien Springs. Me has given his children good educational advantages. Alice is a music teacher in Benton Harbor; John is a graduate of a commercial college and is now engaged in merchandising in Benton Harbor; and George and Anna are at home, attending the district school, and both are bright and quick at their books. In politics, Mr. Kinney is a stanch Republican and takes a deep interest in the welfare of that party. Me has been a member of the School Board, and has also been Pathmaster at different times.

During the Civil War, on the 10th of October, 1861, Mr. Kinney enlisted as a private in Company C, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, and was sent to Pittsburg Landing under Gen. Grant. He was in that battle both days, was also in the battles of Corinth, Iuka, Little Rock, and all through the siege of Vicksburg. He was on detached duty at Middleburg, Tenn., and was in many skirmishes with Van Dorn. He then returned to Little Rock and was on guard duty there for some time, when he went to Washington, Ark., and later to Camden, Ark., where he was on detached duty. In the battle of Hatchie’s Run he was struck by two pieces of shell, one in the head and one in the arm. At Shiloh a spent ball struck him in the knee. He was discharged on the 15th of February, 1866, after serving four years, four months and five days. He was never taken prisoner and served his country faithfully from first to last.