News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1899-10-18
TWO MCKINLEY COUSINS.
"BIm and John" and What Has Come
to Both of Them.

to Both of Them.
(Municie, Ind, Corr Chicago Inter Ocean
Two men, who as boys together and
schoolmates new each other intimate
mately, occupy vastly different posi-
tions In life. One is William McKin-
ley, President of the United States,
at salary of $4,000 per annum;
the other is plain but respected re-
sident of Muncie, John W. Mckinley,
who has just been turned down as a
candidate for the janitorship of the
court house here, tie monthly CON-
pensation of which is $6666. The
two are cousins. They had the same
start in life, under equal circum-
stances, which shows the opportun-
tiles before the American youth.
They still address each other in cor
respondence as "Dear Bill and "Dear
john" which demonstrates the dem
ocracy of the government.
John Mckinley lives quiet life in
Avondale, suburb of this city. 1t
is a remarkable coincidence that of
several brothers he is the only Repub-
lican, and was the only one of the
family in the county to vote for their
famous cousin when be was candi-
date for the Presidency. In fact, it
is very remarkable that one-L. B.
of Stockport-wrote Free Trade liter
AZURE in behalf of Bryan and signed
himself yours enthusiastically
cousin of the gold standard cham
pion." There is none, now that
''Mother" Mckinley is dead, who can
give more accurate accounts of the
early days of the President than his
Muncie cousin.
There were two Mckinley brothers,
John and James, who lived in Niles,
Ohio, early in the '40's. In January,
1914, James became the father of
bouncing youngster, who was named
William. A few months elapsed and
William had a cousin in the person of
a babe with a husky voice, whose
name became John. The little ones
got old rapidly and went to school
together, often slept in the same bed,
and went through experiences COM
mon to juvenile fenowadays. When
thirteen years of age Johns parents
and family moved to Delaware
county. However, the friendship
started in boyhood days still clings
to the two as old men, and letters
are frequently exchanged.
In speaking of his ilustrious
cousin John said:-"It does seem
strange that Bill is President, for we
boys never dreamed that one of our
number would be President. He was
like US for mischief making and all
that except in one way. He would
study and we didn't care much about
that. He was bright and studious
boy and always led his classes. 1t
seemed SO easy for him to do it, too.
1t must be said that the President
was not a model pupil all the time
for he would play hockey and cut a
few shines and capers once in awhile. V
The Muncie cousin tells a story
which he vouches for as the truth, in
which he states how Mckinley and
Hanna met. The latter was prosecu-
ting some strikers for the destruction
of property, and Mckinley was de-
tending them. Only a forlorn hope
ptCoChICO llDOlt lOL luO uCNulOUdl vi
the defendants, but Mckinley won
his case, routed Hanna and cleared
his clients. Hanna became compressed
with the opposing counsefs ability,
and they became fast friends. John
Mckinley also narrates an interesting
account of the Presidents bravery
on the battlefield during the civil
war. John was in the Thirteenth In
diana Volunteers, which was sent to
Black Ridge, where the federals were
being pressed by the confederates
The men had heard that an Ohio regi.
ment was also on its way to the res
cue. Nearing the place, the Indiana
soldiers suddenly heard a tremen-
dous shout and the Buckeye troops
passed with great enthusiasm. At
their head, leading in the dangerous
charge, was the President, who was
then Major of the regiment. He was
yelling and urging his men to their
utmost speed, and altogether it was
an inspiring sight. This was the
only time during the war that John
saw his cousin.
An occasional letter is exchanged
between the two, and the Muncie man
says those from the President are
begun "Dear john" while those to
the White House start out "DeaI
Bill" When the Major was elected
President John wrote congratuls
tions about as follows:-"Dear Bill
knew you would do it. The STUFF
was in you when you we're boy, and
am proud of you" To this Major
Mckinley replied in his accustomed
familier manner with Dear John
as the salutation, stating that early
association should be remembered il
considering success in after life.
Mr.. Mckinley has never asked his
cousin, the President, for an appoint
ment, but says 81 expect Bill
would take care of me if should ask
him. He always was pretty good tC
me, and he is fellow that doesn't
forget friend"
Robbed the Grave.
A CD ;nosJont 10 nauuotaI h,