Esq., was born in Harrison county, Ohio, October 7th, 1833. He is the eldest son of Fryer and Emeline McKinney.
His father was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 14th, 1808, and his mother was born in Harrison
county, Ohio, in the year 1809. His father's vocation was that of a farmer, in which business he was reasonably
successful. His ancestorial descent was of Scotch-Irish. He died at his residence in 1861. His wife still survives
him, and is enjoying reasonable health.
George B. received his early training and education in the common schools of his native state. He also attended
two terms at the high school in New Market, Ohio. After leaving school he made a trip to Iowa, to look at the country,
preparatory to settling; but, after remaining there one winter, and not liking as well as he anticipated, he returned
to his home. He then made a similar trip to Illinois in the spring of 1856, and made a permanent location at New
Salem, Pike county, where, for a period of six years, his vocation was that of a teacher. In February, 1857, he
married Miss Edith, daughter of William and Lydia Hedger, who were formerly from Ohio. As the fruits of their union,
they have a family of six children, two of whom are deceased -- two boys and two girls yet living. After he gave
up teaching, he turned his attention to hotel-keeping, which business he followed in New Salem for six years. In
June, 1870, Mr. McKinney was elected police magistrate for the corporation of New Salem, besides being town collector.
Politically, he has always been a staunch supporter of the principles of the Jeffersonian and Jacksonian democracy.
As a local politician, he wields considerable influence, and is regarded as being a man of much political sagacity.
He is at present residing in New Salem, where he is highly respected by his fellow citizens.