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Below is a family biography included in The History of Switzerland County, Indiana published by Weakley, Harraman & Co. in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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ISAAC McKAY, farmer of Craig Township, is one of the well known and highly respected citizens of this county. He is the eldest son and second child of Robert McKay, and was born in Shenandoah County, Va., March 28, 1810. He was not yet two years old when his parents, in midwinter, penetrated into the unexplored wilds of the Indiana Territory. Amid forest scenes his childhood was passed, and without the privilege of a school or the aid of a teacher to instruct him in the rudiments of learning, unaided he learned to read and write after attaining his majority, and made himself competent to intelligently transact ordinary business. He was married to Ann. daughter of John Shaw, in 1834. For eight years succeeding this event, he lived upon the old home stead, after which located on his present farm where he has since resided. He very creditably filled the office of justice of the peace for five years, and served as trustee two terms, discharging the duties of each to the satisfaction of all. He and his estimable wife have been members of the Christian Church many years and are, and always have been, much interested in all Christian and charitable works. Nine children have been born to them, five of whom are living, viz.: John, George, Isaac, William and Anna; Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary J. and Archibald are deceased. Mrs. McKay was born in Paisley, Scotland, in 1810.

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This family biography is one of 215 biographies included in The History of Switzerland County, Indiana published in 1885 by Weakley, Harraman & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Switzerland County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Switzerland County, Indiana family biographies here: Switzerland County, Indiana Biographies

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