Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Page 566

William R. McKenzie, a farmer residing on section 35, Prophetstown Township, is a son of William and Louisa (Richmond) McKenzie, and was born in Essex Co., N.Y., Oct. 30, 1815. His father was a native of the same State, in which his son was born, and his mother a native of Connecticut. Their children were five in number, four of whom are yet living. William R., the subject of this notice, is the oldest; Milton, Marlow C., and Laura A. are the remaining three who are living; and Catherine is deceased.

Mr. McKenzie was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools of the time and locality in which he resided. In 1837 he came West and located in Prophetstown Township, this county; he came by steamer from New York to Chicago, then in company with several others walked to this county, where he engaged in the occupation of a farmer for different parties. He entered a piece of land on section 27, which he afterwards sold and bought (1849) where he at present resides 40 acres. He kept adding to his original purchase at different times, until he now has 360 acres of land, which constitutes a nice and well-improved farm, with substantial out-buildings, residence, etc. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years, and also that of School Trustee.

Mr. McKenzie was united in marriage in Lyndon Township, this county, March 17, 1842, to Miss Harriet Martin, a daughter of Silas and Sarah Martin. She was born in Canada, May 16, 1822, and has borne to her husband seven children, two of whom are deceased. The living are, Luther B., born Feb. 23, 1843, and is a farmer residing in Prophetstown Township; Louisa, born Aug. 7, 1848, is the wife of F.D. Ramsay, an attorney at law, residing in Morrison; Ella, wife of A.H. Reynolds, a farmer of Green Co., Iowa, was born Dec. 20, 1850; Mabel, wife of George H. Hyde, a merchant at Little Rock, Ark., was born May 10, 1853; Arthur, born March 29, 1855, resides at home. The deceased are, William, born May 4, 1844, died Aug. 8, 1883; and Dallas, born Dec. 29, 1845, died Aug. 29, 1847.