William McKinley was the 7^th of nine children, the child of William and Nancy Allison McKinley. Both of Scots-Irish descent. He was born in Niles, in 1843. When he was nine he moved with his mother to Poland, Ohio. His educational opportunities were greater. William McKinley enrolled at Poland Seminary, a private school. He studied for 8 years. William was a serious, quiet boy who excelled in speaking. McKinley was very attached to his mother.

William McKinley enlisted in the 23^rd Ohio volunteer infinity. His superior officer was Major Rutorford B. Hayes, a successful lawyer and future Republican president of the United States. McKinley’s bravery under fire impressed Hayes, and he was promoted to commissary sergeant. In 186, during battle, McKinley drove a mule team loaded with meat and coffee through heavy enemy fire to supply troops at the front. For being so heroic he was promoted to second lieutenant and made a aide. In 1865 he left the army with the rank of major.

William McKinley became a lawyer. In less then a year he was admitted to the practice of law in Canton0, Ohio. He had only moderate success as a lawyer. He was active in civic affairs and soon became one of Canton’s most popular citizens. In 1869, McKinley was elected prosecuting attorney of stark country. He also became active in the repubilcan party. In 1867, McKinley was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

In 1896, William McKinley was nominated for the Presidency. William McKinley entered Washington DC for his inauguration. He was handsome, And a vigorous man of 54 years. His wife, who despite poor health, took part in many of the Social activities at the White House.

William McKinley’s wife had a very harsh life. Ida Saxton (McKinley’s wife) and William McKinley got married in 1871 and two years later had two daughters. The first daughter died 5 months after she was born. The second daughter died of typhoid fever 3 years after. The shock of the second daughters death was more then she could bear. For the rest of her life she suffered epileptic seizures and bouts of mental depression.

William McKinley was very strong. He never gave up. He just did what he had to do in his life. He also got where he wanted to go with his life. He was a very courageous man. He struggled, but he got all that he wanted in life.

On September 6, 1901, while greeting visitors at the fair, he was shot twice by Leon Czulgosz, an anarchist. One bullet hit his ribs and the other bullet penetrated his abdomen. McKinley underwent surgery in Buffalo.