[RECONSTRUCTION]. A group of documents related to the McKinlay family of South Carolina, incl. Whitefield J. McKinlay, one of the wealthiest Black businessmen in the United States in the early twentieth century.

McKINLAY, William J. (1808-1873). Autograph letter signed ("William J. McKinlay") as Register of Mesne Conveyance, Charleston County. 5 February 1871. 1p, 8 x 9 1/2 in. (creasing, toning). McKinlay was the first African American in the nation to hold the office of Register of Mesne Conveyance and was involved in Reconstruction-era South Carolina politics.

McKINLAY, Whitefield J. (1852-1941). Two documents, a typed letter signed ("W. McKinlay"), 15 July 1915, related to three properties to be used in bond and mortgage, and an autograph letter signed ("W. McKinlay"), 6 May 1916, regarding a bill. Both documents on "Whitefield McKinlay / Real Estate Loans and Insurance / Notary Public" letterhead. McKinlay was the nephew of William J. McKinlay, and became a prosperous D.C. businessman and realtor. He was also a close friend of Booker T. Washington and associate of presidents including Theodore Roosevelt.

[With:] Confederate dated probate document related to the estate of Eliza McKinlay, deceased, which is to be administered by Peter McKinlay. Charleston County, South Carolina. 27 September 1861. The relationship, if any, between Eliza and Peter McKinlay and William and Whitefield McKinlay is undetermined.

Property from the Augustana Collection