MCKENNIE.
Clement P. McKennie deserves commemoration among the
people of Albemarle for being the publisher of the first newspaper
ever issued in the county. On the twenty-ninth of
January 1820, appeared the first number of the Central
Gazette. He and his brother, J. H. McKennie, were associated
in the enterprise. It is said the office of publication
stood on the northwest corner of Jefferson and Third Streets.
By the withdrawal of J. H. McKennie at the close of the
first year, his brother became the sole publisher. The paper
was issued weekly until about 1828, when on account of the
appearance of the Virginia Advocate, it was discontinued.
About 1834 Mr. McKennie purchased from the heirs of W.
G. Garner the property adjoining the University, where he
established the book store so long conducted by himself and
his son, Marcellus. In 1822 he married Henrietta, daughter
of Matthew Rodes, and departed this life in 1856. In 1821
J. H. McKennie married Mary, daughter of Jesse Garth, and
soon after removed to Nelson County.
