Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1907-05-31

distinction in the Shenandoah valley,
was the favored one.
BY James SaXton, her father, these
words were spoken to Mckinley when
the hand of the daughter was gained
''You are the only man l have ever
known to. whom l would intrust my
daughter"
On January %, 1871, William Nc
Kinley and Ida Saxton were united in
marriage The wedding was the first
performed in the then new Presbyterian
church, Rev. DR.. Buckingham of that
congregation and Rev. DR.. Endsley of
the First Methodist church officiating.
After an eastern trip, including Wash
ington, and short time of boarding the
McKinleys purchased the home in North
Market street, which in later years be-
came famous as the Mckinley cottage.
1t was during their short sojourn in this
home-hallowed to them by so many sOr-
rows-that Mrs. Mcklnley's health broke
down under the burden of grief that was
theirs There were born to them two
daughters, Katie on Christmas of 1871,
and Ida on April 1, 1873. The heart
strings of the mothers tenderest love
were broken when Ida passed away in
August, 1873. Mrs. McI<inley's mother
having died the month before the little
one saw the light of day. Katie, the
first born, lived for three and one-half
years, to become enshrined in the affec-
lions of her devoted parents, and she
then passed from earth. Then it was
that the almost broken-hearted wife be-
came an invalid.
Life Devoted to Husband.
Her life as the wife of William Nc
Kinley was a devoted one. They never
kept house" while he was in Congress
because of her invalid state. She, how
ever, desired to be with him as much as
sill in "a CHI
ington. On his campaign tours while he
was congressman, governor and Presi-
dent she journeyed with him as far as
pra cticable.
After McAinley's term as governor
ended they came to Canton in January,
wedding anniversary in the first home of
their early married life. This wedding
anniversary was the beginning of a year
and two months residence in Canton,
during which time Mr. Mckinley was
nominated and elected president of the
United States.
At Washington as the first lady of the
land she was unable to act as hostess
at brilliant social functions. After the
crushing blow which came to her when
the assassin's bullet struck down her
husband friends despaired of her life for
month or more. However, she rallied
and for several years enjoyed better
| health than usual. She would not con-
sent to leave her Canton home.
Shows Affectionate Nature.
! Mrs Mckinley was fond Of the drama.
| She and her husband numbered as one
| of their most intimate friends the late
Joseph Jefferson, who was frequently a
house guest of the McKinleys. Among
her diversions was the crocheting of slip
pers, which she bestowed as keepsakes
to friends or gave to bazaars. More
than $500 pairs of slippers were knitted
| by her and given away. Mrs. Mckinley
was fond of flowers, the rose being her
favorite. In recent years the Presl-
dents carnation shared place in her adj
miration.
Bereft of children at an early stage
of married life, she showed her intense
affection for children until the end OF
her life. 1t was a common thing for her
| to stop her carriage when driving along
the street and call to her some prattling
child and kiss it or ask to embrace an
attractive baby.
The Mckinley estate which was left
| by the President was appraised at S2l5,-
600 when the inventory was made. 1t
has increased in value since that time.
BY the terms of the will of Mr.: Mc1Hin-
| ley the estate at the death of Mrs. Me
! Kinley was to be divided equally among
his brother. Abner Mckinley, now de-
ceased, and sisters, Mrs. Duncan and
| Miss Helen Mckinley of Cleveland.
Mrs. Hermanus Baer MABEL Mckinley
| is the daughter and heir of Abner Nc
| Kinley.