Alexander McKinnon, Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario

>From the "Biographical sketches" Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, 
Ontario, compiled, drawn and published from personal examinations and surveys.
Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co, 1906, reprint 1972.

McKINNON, ALEXANDER (d.), b. Argyleshire, Scot., 1792; d. 1867, age 75.  He came to Erin Tp. in 
1834, walking from Toronto with his son Neil, and stayed all night in the McNaughton house, the 
only one then in Erin, with the probable exception of the Grahams.  He set. on lot 20, con. 5, and 
owned 500 acres.  He brought considerable money to Canada with him, and used it to good purposes, 
assisting those who needed help, being the only one having money to spare, for which circumstances 
he received the title Banker McKinnon.  He was very successful, and one of the leading men in the 
county, highly respected and a good citizen.  In religion he was a Presbyterian and a Liberal in 
politics.  He m. Mary McPhail, who d. in 1875.  Issue: Neil, Alexander, William (d.), Margaret (d.), 
Mrs. Robert Wansbrough and Mrs. James Kennedy, Orangeville; Mrs. Ewings (d.), Bruce Co.; Mrs. Arch 
Thompson (d.), Mrs. Hugh McDougal (d.), and Mrs. Thomas Dick (d.).

The late Neil McKinnon was b. Argyleshire, Scot., in 1818, d. 1890, age 72.  He came to Canada and 
Erin with his father in 1834.  He was a Presbyterian and a Liberal, and was a town Councillor for 
some years.  He was a man of strong personality, and one of the most respected in the county; very 
successful, and when he retired from farming, owned 700 acres of land.  He m. Margaret McMillan, who 
is still living, age 81.  Issue: Mrs. C.J. McMillan, Hillsburg; Donald, William, Alexander, Mrs. J.W. 
Burt, Jr., Erin; Mrs. McLuighlin, Caledon; Mrs. Robt. Reid, Erin; Mrs. Barker (d.), and Mrs. Samuel 
Young, of Guelph

Donald m. Janet Young, and set. on the old homestead in Erin.  He is a well-known horseman, and has 
been successful at the various fairs exhibing horses.

William m. Annie O'Neil and set. Orangeville.  Alexander was b. on the old homestead in Erin Tp. in 
in 1855.  He succeeded his father on 100 acres, and has since added 400 acres, making a magnificent 
farm of 500 acres, upon which is a beautiful brick house, and fine barns.  He carries on mixed 
farming, and is an extensive breeder of Polled Angus cattle, having a herd of fifty head, which he 
exhibits at various fairs with great success.  He also has some pure bred Clydesdale horses, among 
them, two were imported from the Old Country.  Mr. McKinnon is a member of the Disciples church, 
and in politics is a Liberal.  He has held the office of Councillor for one year, Reeve for one year 
and County Commissioner for four years.  In 1906 Mr. McKinnon was elected Warden of the county of 
Wellington by acclamation.  He is one of the most highly respected men in Wellington County.  He m. 
Catherine Thompson, in Erin Tp.  Issue: Margaret L., Toronto; Edna, Stella, Arnold and Ross, at home.