WILLIAM ROBERTSON MCKENNEY.
The subject of this sketch has always lived in Petersburg, where he
was born on December 2, 1851. His father was Robert Armstrong
McKenney, born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, served in late
war as member of the Home Guards, battalion commanded by Colonel
F. H. Archer, participated in the famous fight at Rives farm (near
Petersburg), June 9, 1864, died May 5, 1885, aged sixty-seven years.
His mother was Virginia Bland, daughter of William Robertson, who
married Anne Spotswood, a great granddaughter of Gov. Alexander
Spotswood (see Volume I, Virginia and Virginians). December 2, 1878,
at Georgetown, D. C., William R. McKenney married Clara J. Pickrell,
who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Their children are three:
Anne Pickrell, William Robertson and Virginia Spotswood. Mrs.
McKenney is the daughter of Addison Pickrell, who was born in
Georgetown, D. C., and died in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her mother
was Justine Lockett, born in New Orleans.
Mr. McKenney prepared for the University of Virginia at the University
school of W. Gorden McCabe, Petersburg, and entered the University
in October, 1871. He was graduated from several of the academic
schools, and entered the law school under teaching of Professors
John B. Minor and Stephen O. Southall, in October, 1875. From this
school he was graduated in June, 1876, with degree of Bachelor of Law.
In August, 1876, he began practice in Petersburg in which he has continued
ever since. He is now president of the city council of Petersburg;
was the presidential elector on the Democratic ticket, for the 4th Congressional
District, election of 1888.
