Sherman Daily Register
November 16, 1885 GATHERED IN Uncle Billie McKinney as he is known throughout the Grayson and adjoining counties, passed away from the cares of the earth, late Saturday afternoon at his home in Van Alstyne. At the time of his death and for many years prior, he had been connected with the Christian church as a minister. He had lived to the rip old age of 82 and retained clear mental faculties until the last. He leaves a host of mourning friends and relatives. TRIBUTES OF RESPECT TO WILLIAM C. AND MARGARET McKINNEY As appeared in the Van Alstyne Enterprise, Dec. 4th, 1885 and Feb. 5th 1886. Respectively. Margaret McKinney, nee Dooley, better known by her many loved ones as Aunt Peggy, passed from physical trammels on the 18th of January 1886. She entered the world on the 17 day of May 1811 and on Dec. 13th 1827 Married W. C. McKinney at the age of 16. Was baptized into the church, Feb. 22d, 1842, at McKinney Landing, on Red river. "He giveth his beloved sheep," but not of oblivion except as to the cares and vexations of this life. It is the awaking under a new sun whose glory and brightness the redeemed who have laid aside their earthly vestments, may alone know. Love and tenderness, her characteristics could not long brook the death of her husband with whom she had spent 59 years of happiness. For her death had no sting, and when the silent messenger called he had thrown aside his mask of terror and gently kissed the fleeting breath from the tired lips of one who gladly waited the Master's call; in her heart the shrine was kept pure for the Masters stay reflecting from him a general love that won the hearts of all who came within her influence so that on her tomb can be inscribed, "Beloved by all." Let those who mourn her loss keep their lamps as well filled and trimmed as hers, that when the Bridegroom opens, as the door will certainly open to all, they may be welcomed, and join her in the endless feast of love. TRIBUTES OF RESPECT TO WILLIAM C. AND MARGARET McKINNEY As appeared in the Van Alstyne Enterprise, Dec. 4th, 1885 and Feb. 5th 1886. Respectively. DIED; Eld. W. C. McKinney (Uncle Billy as he is familiarly known) the eldest son of Collin and Elizabeth McKinney, was born in Lincoln County, Ky., January the 9th 1806. Consequently was in the 80th year of his age. In youth, he was converted and became a member of the Christian Church at Elk Fork, Christian County, Ky., in 1823, moving with his family in 1824 to Texas. (then Arkansaw) 6 miles east of the present site of Texarkana. No neighbors in a southern direction within 200 miles and no church organization near. Being a fine singer, a good exhorter and a devoted christian he often worshiped with other denominations. He was married to Miss Margaret Dooley, December 13th, 1827, and settled at Elam's Prairie, where he lived until 1831. when he moved twenty miles west of his former home, to a point on Red River, where he lived till 1834 when he took and had charge of his father's farm, while his father was serving the convention that made the Republic of Texas. He was ordained Elder of a Christian Church, which was organized a while before by Elder-Yates, by Elder-Moore, in 1840. He with his father and families moved to Collin county in 1847, settled where he fell asleep in Jesus November 15th, 1885, having served the church at Mantua as Elder until his death. He left a widow, five sons, two daughters, many grand children and some great grand children, "who mourn not as those who have no hope." Uncle Billy was a willing worker who never shirked his duty; when he gave himself to the Lord, he did so without reservation. He was pure in life and abundant in labors. His every day life, his private purity, official fidelity, and his deep, earnest, religious talks were witnesses of the true spirit of the Lord abounding in his heart. As a husband, no one was kinder, as a father, devoted to the welfare of his children, as a friend, he was true and generous to a fault. He could not do too much for those he loved. No needy ones were ever sent away that he could assist, without giving to their needs. "To Know him was but to love him." He was not perfect, but all with whom he but that he is now enjoying "the fruits of victory," in the invisible world across the river of death. No one that ever lived was more beloved, than him. His thousands of friends mourn his loss but are glad to know that it is his eternal gain. He was buried at Van Alstyne Cemetery near the grave of his father. We say with the motto on his casket, "Rest in peace."   Van Alstyne Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any links inoperable, please send me a message. |