John McKinley


John McKinley was a U.S. Senator from the state of Alabama and an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Early life

Born in Culpeper County, Virginia, his family moved to Kentucky when he was an infant. In that state he read law and was admitted to the bar in 1800, practicing in Frankfort and Louisville from 1800 to 1819 before moving to Huntsville, Alabama.

Political career

McKinley served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1820 to 1822. In 1826, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, completing the term of Henry H. Chambers, who died in office. McKinley served from November 27, 1826 to March 3, 1831. He was again elected to the Senate in 1837, but served only from March 4, 1837 until his resignation on April 22. McKinley left the Senate to accept a recess appointment from President Martin Van Buren to a newly created seat on the Supreme Court. Formally nominated on September 18, 1837, McKinley was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 25, 1837, and received his commission the same day. McKinley served on the Supreme Court for fourteen years. He died in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 19, 1852, at the age of 72.

Legacy and honors

The community of McKinley, Alabama is named in his honor.
During World War II the Liberty ship was built in Brunswick, Georgia, and named in his honor.