Arizona silver belt., 1901-09-19
Of Humble Origin, He Rose to Highest Place in Gift of
 the People.
TWENTY.FlFTH PRESIDENT.
A Brief Sketch of lis life, and Career as sol. dier, Statesman and President. A Record That Affords Shining Example of amer- can Character.

William Mckinley was born at Niles, Ohio, January 29, lS43 His ancestry is generally classed as Scotch Irish, but there were in it strains of German and English blood. The great-great, grand father, James Mckinley, came to America as boy of twelve and set tied in Pennsylvania. His son David served in the Revolutionary war, and in 1874 moved to Ohio. From him de- scended James Mckinley, whose son William became the father of the pres ident. William Mckinley, ST, at the age of twenty two married Nancy All lisOn, who lived to see her distinguish ed son occupying the White House.
 PROMISE IN BoYHooD.
 Niles in lS43 was one of the smallest towns Tn Ohio, little more than trad. ing place for neighboring farmers, Wishing to give their large family of children better educational facilities, the father and mother decided to move to Poland, which boasted an academy The father was the manager Of an iron furnace at Niles and continued his work there, returning home every Sat urday to visit wife and children over Sunday. It was this association with the iron business in its pioneer dave that shaped the future statesman's s thoughts and made him the apostle of protection for infant industries.
 During this period at Poland young Mckinley studied at the academy, led the village debating society, often re- lieved the postmas ter, tried his ability as a teacher, and was marked as the most promising boy of the community. It was there in 1858 that he became a member of the Methodist church, d connection that he has maintained throughout life. When seventeen years old he left Poland to pursue a course of study at Allegheny college, buta sudden illness compelled him to return home, and soon afterward, like many young Americans before and since, he began his active career in life by teaching school. He was thus em- ployed through the winter of lS60-l.
 SERVICE AS A SOLDIER.
 He went from his schoolmasters desk into the army. He was but boy of eighteen, but he had learned aboli- tionism at the hearthstone. When Lincoln called for volunteers young Mckinley was one of the first to enlist. He entered Company E, of the Twen- ty-third Ohio infantry as a private, and he soon saw active service. For fourteen months he trudged in the ranks, aud he was singled out for com missary sergeant. He displayed such conspicuous gallantry at Antietam as to attract the notice of his superiors and win a commission as second lieu tenant.
 McKinley's regiment saw much fight ing in the eastern campaigns. He was promoted to first lieutenant and cap. tain, and in 1864 was brsvetted major by President Lincoln ''for gallant and meritorious services at the battles of Opeauan, Cedar Creek and Fishers Hil." During a part of the time he served on the staff of Generals R. B. Hayes, Crook, Sheridan and Hancock.
 He was tempted to remain in the army, but at the request of his father he decided to return to civil life, and was mustered out in September, 1865. He was then in his twenty-third year. Returning to Poland, he took up the study of law and soon afterward went to a law college at Albany, N. Y., for A two-year course. He was admitted to the bar in 1S6I
 He was then poor young man of twenty-four, with no resources but his native pluck and ability Seeking a . larger field of action than Poland of fered, he settled in Canton, Stark county, Ohio.
 FIRST CASE AT LAW.
 His first case was suit for repevin, which he tried for Judge Belden. The young lawyer scored victory and earned a fee of s25. He proved to be man of so much force that he soon impressed himself on the community, and after his arrival at Canton he be- came the republican candidate for prosecuting attorney. The county had always been so hopelessly democratic that republican nominations were empty honors, but he made vigorous canvass and surprised old politicians by winning. He was a candidate for reelection, and was defeated by only forty-five votes.
 Returning to legal practice, Major Mckinley continued in private life un- til 1876. when ne became candidate for the republican nomination for con