Daniel McKercher, age eighty five years, died at
Sioux City, Iowa, February 14 Mr. McKercher was
born in New York State, of Scotch parentage, and
one of the old pioneers of Genesee county, coming
to Michigan in the fall of 1836 with three
companions, each taking up quite a large amount of
land all in the township of Flint. This trip was made
on foot from Niagara Falls through Canada. He then
returned to his native state, when in 1838 he was
united in marriage to Miss Florence E. McClandish,
of New York. He remained there until the fall of
1843 when he removed his family here and settled
in what is now known as the John Wilson farm,
three and one-half miles southwest of this city-,
disposing of this he purchased a farm one mile
nearer the city, where he resided about twenty
years. During this period his wife died and he
married Mrs. Maggie McKenzie, of New York,
who lived but a few years, Later he married a third
time and removed to this city where he remained
until 1870, when he went to Sioux City, where he
has since made his home. Eight children survive him
- Mrs. Guy Gilbert, Mrs. S. McK. Brookins, and
William M. of Siuox City; Finlay, of Portland,
Oregon; Alex., of Leland, Michigan, and John, Dan
and Mrs. D.D. Freeman, of this city.
The Evening Journal, 16 February 1898.
JOHN M. MCKERCHER - Retired from active business, our subject is at
present County Superintendent of the Poor. He is also secretary of the
school Board, having occupied that position for three years. Mr.
McKercher was born in Livingston, County, New York, January 14, 1840,
and is the son of Daniel and Florence (McCandlish) McKercher, the
father being a farmer.
When but four years old our subject was brought to Flint (Michigan) by
his parents, the senior Mr. McKercher having located one hundred and
sixty acres of land south-west of the city of Flint. The land was in
its primitive state, there not even being roads cut through and our
subject well remembers the trying times of that period. The father
remained on this place for thirty years; the mother died when our
subejct was but twelve years old. Daniel McKercher was Clerk of Flint
Township and was respected wherever known.
Our subject was given the advantages of a very good education which
with the training he received on the farm, enabled him to make a good
start for himself. He apprenticed himself to learn the trade of a
carpenter and joiner and was very successful in his work in this
county. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. McKercher enlisted in
Company B. First Michigan Engineers, and was assigned to the Army of
the Cumberland, but afterward was changed to the Army of the Tennesee.
He saw much active fighting, having participated in the battles of
LaVergne, Tenn., Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and many others and
after a brave and loyal service of three years was discharged.
After his return form the army Mr. McKercher again located in Flint and
followed his trade a few years when he entered the carpentry department
of the deaf institution, remaining there for a term. In 1883 he opened
a general merchandise store in New Lothrop, Shiawassee County,
conduction the same for two years, when he again returned to Flint and
engaged in the same business for two years more. Our subject was then
elected City Treasurer and having a good opportunity to dispose of his
business he did so and served his city two terms in the above-named
office, giving satisfaction to all. Previous to this time he acted as
Supervisor of his Ward for two years. Socially he is identified with
the Genesee Commandery, K.T., No. 15, is the present Master of Flint
Lodge No. 23, High Priest of Washington Chapter, No. 15, and thrice
Illustrious Master of Flint Council, No. 56.
John M. McKercher was married January 11, 1867, to Miss Matilda E.
Atkin, daughter of the Hon. R.P. Atkin. Mrs. McKercher was born in
Flint Township, December 21, 1847. They have become parents of one
child, a daughter, Grace I. Both our subject and his wife are
prominent members of the Episcopal Church and are most highly respected
residents of Flint.
Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscala Counties
(Michigan) by Chapman Brothers.(Page 706)
The following is from the Family Bible of John F. McKercher
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Complete Analysis of the HOLY BIBLE,
by Rev. Nathaniel West, D.D. 1868
Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McKercher, Leicester,Livingston Co, N.Y.
FAMILY RECORD
John McKercher born 2Apr1790 Braodalbin,Montgomery Co,NY
Margaret McKercher born 10Jul1791 Blen Lyon, Bethshire,Scotland
Hugh Rippy born 1787 Penn
Priscilla Rippy born 1793 Penn
Births
John F. McKercher was born in York, Livingston Co,NY December 10, 1828
Celina McKercher was born in Perry,Wyoming Co,NY November 3, 1832
James Ried McKercher was born Leicester,Livingston Co,NY January 6, 1863
William Bell McKercher was born Leicester,Livingston Co,NY June 16, 1865
Mary Matilda McKercher was born Leicester,Livingston Co,NY September 3, 1867
Margaret McKercher was born Leicester,Livingston Co,NY August 19, 1870
M. Ethelind Starr August 2, 1867
Marriages
John F. McKercher and Celina M. Rippy were married in York,Livingston Co.NY
by Rev. F.M. Proctor, March 13, 1862
William Bell McKercher and M.Ethelind Starr were married in Leicester,Livingston Co,NY
by Rev. F. Qutelius Dec 13, 1894
Deaths
John McKercher
Margaret McKercher died Leicester, Oct 1861
Hugh Rippy died York, April 19, 1864
Priscilla Rippy died York, Dec 23, 1867
M.Ethelind McKercher, Perry, Oct 15, 1929
---End-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bible was obtained from an auction at the Mehlenbacher Estate in Hunt,Livingston Co.,NY, July 1997, by Andrew and his father James Burdett, of Geneseo,NY. In December of the same year the bible was passed along to Maria Bartley Coppola(great-great-granddaughter of John F.'s brother Daniel), of Bloomfield, New Jersey.
