New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-10
.MKINLEY'S USEFUL LIFE.
THE STORY OF 1T AS TOLD BY ROBERT P.
PORTER
SOLDIER. ORATOR AND sTATEsMAN--A SOLDIER
AT EIGHTEEN AND NATIONAL FIGURE Be
FORE MIDDLE LIFE-EXTRACTs FROM
HIS SPEECHES-v1EWs ON THE
MONEY QUESTION.

MONEY QUESTION
Robert p Porters Life Of William Mckinney
which has Just been published. is by far the most
complete biography Of the Ohio statesman that mas
appeared 1t Is interesting story Of busy usefui
lie told in a simple manner; just such narrative
ss might be expected from an experienced observer
Of men and things the superintendent of the elev-
snh census. OF course, II is written with ehthusi-
asm; the authors admiration for his subject is well
known. Every page reflects II. but this does not
,erousy with the general plan OF the work.
which is TO give the public In a well-ordered way d
comprehensive and detailed account OF Major Nc
Kineys public and private career IT Is. perhaps.
proper 10 say that the work was undertaken without
his knowledge and carried forward against his judy
ment 1t is further stated that he was only recon-
ced the publication OF the book by the assurance
on the part Of the publisher that II Mr. Porter was
not permitted perform the task. somebody posi-
bly, less qualified. would be employed for the purpose
1t was generally known that Major Mckinley's
hghting qualities. strong convictions and intense
patriotism inheritance. but his ancestral lines
have never before been traced clearly as by Mr..
Porter. He is a mixture OF the Covenaner and the
Puritan. The McKinleys came originally from the
western part Of Scotland During the religious
cuion they with hundreds OF other Covenanters. fled
to Ireland. From Ireland two OF them-brothers.
James and William-came 20 this country about a
quarter Of century before the battle Of Bunker Hill
James was only boy at the time. He settled in
York. Penn There he married His son. David. fought
under Washington in the Revolution. David McKin-
ley was the great-grandfather Of the Ohio states
After the Colonies had secured their indie
pendence, David returned TO Pennsylvania and lived
there until after ne Of 1872 when he moved to
Columbian County. Ohio. He founded the Buckeye
branch Of the family
Among those VINO came here with William Penn
was Andrew Rose. English Puritan. who had
sought refuge in Holland He also settled in Penn
sylvania. at Doylestown. He prospered. drfted into
pohtics. and was representative OF the Colony be-
fore the Re. olut!or. His son. Andrew Rose jr also
fought for American independence under Washing
ton He was Major McKnleys eat-grandfather
on the mothers side
MkINLEY'S BOYHOOD
Poland. where the Major born. January %.
1S43 IL the coutheasternmost township in origi-
nal Western Reserve. Incidents of h,s boyhood are
dwelt by Mr.. Porter, and the powerful in
fuence OF his mother in moulding his character e.
ceives invrited consideration This remarkable old
lady. although in her eightyseventh year. still
Joys vigorous existence She Allison of
English blood: Of clear brain and robust
moral nature. A. Poland's excellent academy. and
later at Allegheny College Mckinley laid the foun-
dalton of his education.
No town surpassed Poland in the intensity Of its
patriotic spirit. The atmosphere there
charged with it. one fine day in June 1861. fiery
orator. presumably of the who had been
calling the attent- of the Nation TO the undesr-
abb. features Of slavery. appeared before the vii
lage tavern. He told the people in forcible man.
that he stars and Stripes had been fired on.
and calle- for volunteer, punish the traitors. A
crowd of young men and boys stepped forward.
One OF them was young Mckinley He was then
only eighteen. but ne had already been teaching
school for couple of years since he had
Joined the church.
Company L. Of the 23d Ohio. was Poland's
trbution the Union forces. William S Rose
was the colonel Of the regiment: Stanley
Matthe"s. afterward Justice OF the Supreme Court,
the second officer. Mckinley enlisted pri-
vate. but when General Rutherford b. Hayes took
command OF the regiment Mckinley became a staff
officer For good work at Antietam Governor Todd.
Of Ohio. directed the young mans advancement to
the grade OF lieutenant ;fterward he brevetted
major bv President lincoln He his military
honors; they were not thrust upon him.
The active service OF the sd Regiment began at
Carnifex Ferry. about weeks after IL had broken
lamp at Columbus. Pursuing the guerilla hordes.
marching and counter ma rching across the rugged
spurs Of the Rich Mountain range drenched by
incessant rains. almost famshed at times for lack
of food anc exposed all OF unpleasant
experiences the youngsters from Poland quickly
had their fighting qualities and powers Of endur-
ance put 10 a severe test They stood the strain
admirably
YOUNG SOLDIERS FIRST HONORS
The regiment ordered to Washington. and