Alexander McKinney

Alexander McKinney (14 August 1762–11 October 1837) was the fourth great-grandfather in David’s family branch. He lived in Greenville District, South Carolina, and made his will there in 1836. The will was proved after his death and was ultimately confirmed on appeal in 1838.

Alexander McKinney was born on 14 August 1762. He was of Greenville District, South Carolina, when he made his last will and testament on 21 March 1836. In it, he stated that he was of “sound disposing memory and understanding,” directed that his body be decently buried at the discretion of his friends and executors, and left his estate to be distributed as specified in the will.

Alexander provided $500 in cash for his wife, whose name was not given in the transcription. He made cash bequests to daughters Salley Hood, Nancy Southerlin, Mary Hood, Elizabeth Smith, and Anny Hood, and to his son John McKinney. He gave Neely Hendrix 1,000 acres on the Middle Fork of the Saluda River, described as the William Cooke tract. He also gave his granddaughter Wyzetty McKinney a tract on the mountain near John Phillips, on the waters of Fall Creek.

The remaining estate was to be divided equally among Joseph McKinney, James McKinney, Dosha Spriggs, and Milly Barton. Alexander appointed his sons James McKinney and Joseph McKinney as his sole executors. He signed the will with his mark, witnessed by Jno. W. Hodges, Alfred Hightower, and George Mostellor.

Alexander McKinney died on 11 October 1837. His will was proved before John Watson, Esq., ordinary, on 4 November 1837. An appeal followed; the Court of Common Pleas for Greenville District confirmed the decision in the fall term of 1838, and the Appeal Court finally confirmed the will at its December 1838 session.

Family notes state that Alexander Jr. was not listed in the will and was thought to have been a child of Alexander McKinney. According to those notes, an appendix to the estate records refers to Staton, described as an executor for Alexander Jr., who came to Greenville to claim a son’s share for the widow and daughter of Alexander Jr. This claim and the stated relationship require confirmation from the underlying estate papers.

Historical context

Alexander’s will and the subsequent appeals provide a record of the distribution of his Greenville District estate. The probate proceedings continued after his death, with final confirmation by the Appeal Court in December 1838.

Sources & research

Greenville County Court House, Greenville, South Carolina, Will Book B, pages 164–165, file no. 310, will of Alexander McKinney.

Ancestry message board transcription: http://boards.ancestry.com/thread.aspx?mv=flat&m=2961&p=localities.northam.usa.states.southcarolina.counties.greenville

Northern McKinney papers, cited in family-tree notes as containing information about an appendix to Alexander McKinney’s estate records.