A. B. McKay (biography)

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

A. B. McKAY, blacksmith, was born in Scotland, in 1849. Emigrated to America, in 1855, locating in Washington County, Ill. In 1857, located in LaSalle County, and learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1879, migrated to Kansas and took a claim in Howard County, on salt Creek, before the county was surveyed, and it was ninety miles from a railroad point. After remaining on the claim one year, came to Longton and opened a blacksmith shop, put up one of the first houses in the place, and remained here until 1875, when he bought a farm on Salt Creek in Chautauqua County, on Section 4, Township 32, Range 12, and at once began to improve it. Broke thirty acres, planted 300 apple trees, 300 peach and other varieties; fenced sixty acres, and remained there until 1882, when he again opened a blacksmith shop in Longton. Has a salt well on his place, and during the winter on 1882-83, while drilling, struck a four-foot veing of coal, and a stock company was at once organized to work it. Mr. McKay to receive a percent on the amount taken out, and to pay one-fourth the expense of sinking the shaft. Mr. McKay is an energetic business man, and the prospect looks bright for him to realize a handsome sum for his investment. Mr. McKay served nineteen months in the Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in 1863, a few months before he was fifteen years of age. Was married in 1872, to Miss Catherine Dumeny, of Elk County. They have been blessed with four children--Margaret, Annie, William, and Guy. Is a member of Mulligan Post, No 91, G.A.R.