The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-11-03

ly transfer his allegiance from Ohio to
Pennsylvania, the early home of his
pirents. But, be that as it may. Mr.. Nc
Kinley is a resident of Somerset to all in
tents and purposes, and takes an active
interest in local affairs,
Abner Mckinley was born in Niles.
Ohio, modest little country village.
where he received his early education.
He is the youngest member OF the family.
He was IA years Of age when President
Lincoln called for volunteers to suppress
was only restrained from going to the
front by reason Of his tender wears. How
ever, he enlisted a. a soidscr ia time to
take part in the last days fight Ia the
battle Of the Wilderness aud TO partici
pate in the campaign before Petersburg.
Mr.. Mckinley is such a modest gentle
man withal that few persons have ever
heard him refer 10 his army record or
other matters Of a personal nature.
Peace dawned shortly afterwards and
private Mckinley returned to Niles,
where he resumed his studies aud shortly
afterwards was entered as a student at
law. Afler his admission to the bar he
formed partnership with his brother
William. and the firm Of Mckinley Il
Mckinley soon took leading rank at the
Canton bar. Abuer took an active part
in building up bis brothers political
fences, and during Williams absence Ia
Washington as membr of Congress be
had entire charge OF the practice.
But Canton was too contracted a field
for a young man Of Mr.. McKinley's tire
less energy and ambition and in 1850 be
went to New York, where he has since
been actively engaged in developing en-
terprises requiring great legal skill and
wide business capacity. He did notseek
admission TO the New York bar until two
years ago when demands for his services
as barrister became so urgent that be
could not longer disregard them, and
since his law offices have beer at No. 30
Broad street, where he spends most Of
his time, except when called TO other
cities and States by business, or is en-
joying needed rest at his comfortable
home in Somerset.
But it is not the purpose of this article
to speak of Mr.. Mckinley as either
professional or business man, although
his wife declares that he has become so
absorbed in business and professional
work, that he is almost stranger TO her
self and only daughter; while on the
other band it is sought 70 convey a slight
impression Of the Presidents only broth
er as he appears tothose who have known
him since long before William Mckinley
was regarded as a Presidential possi-
bility.
Mr.. McKinley's wife is a native Of
Somerset and it was quite natural when
he came to look for summer residence
that he came here where Mrs. Mckinley
was a social favorite, and where her
parents and girlhood friends reside.
Their home has for number of years
been the scene of many social gatherings,
not only on occasions when the President
and members of his cabinet have been
guests, but when none except home
friends We been invited. There is moth
ing Ostentatinus about Abner Mckinley,
no matter what yellow journals and yell
low kids may say. He has been person
ally known TO a majority of the people of
Somerset for period Of eighteen years,
and Ae is the same genial, courteous gem
fleman now as when he first came here.
No man ever heard an unclean or bias
phemOus word fall from his lips. His
only vice, If il can be called such, is his
immoderate fondness for high priced ci
gars. Mr.. Mckinley is a devoted admirer
Of horse flesh and always keeps two
span of well bred horses in his stable.
When here he spends As much Of his time
as possible in the open air No matter
what the condition of the atmosphere and
of the roads he can be seen almost any
h ar Of the day driving behind one of his
{ ans. His horses love him aud when
they hear his familiar voice they whinny
an aTs ctionate recognition.
When the future faithful chronieler OF
local events comes to write up the charit-
able men of Somerset, Mr.. Mckinley
Will be given prominent position, un-
less he succeeds as well in the future as
be has in the past in keeping from the
eyes OF the public the kiBdly acts and
deeds be has performed.