Philip W. McKinney

Born in New Store, in Buckingham County, Virginia, Philip McKinney was the son of Charles and Martha McKinney.[1] His undergraduate education was at Hampden–Sydney College, where he graduated with honors in 1851.[2] McKinney then studied law at Washington College under John White Brockenbrough.[1] After graduating, he started the practice of law and was married twice, first to Ann Fleming Christian and then to Annie Clay, with each marriage producing one child.[2][3]

In 1858, McKinney was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing Buckingham County.[2] However, at the outbreak of the Civil War, he joined the Confederate army as an officer in Company K of the 4th Virginia Cavalry. He sustained a serious injury in 1863 at the Battle of Brandy Station, thus ending his fighting career.[1]

After the war, McKinney started a law practice in Farmville, but soon returned to politics. He served multiple terms as the Commonwealth Attorney for Prince Edward County throughout the next twenty years.[1] However, he also lost a number of electoral campaigns during that time, including for U.S. Congress, Virginia Attorney General and Governor.[3]

McKinney ran for Governor for the second time in 1889, this time soundly beating Republican William Mahone, with McKinney winning 57.19% of the vote. The central theme of McKinney's gubernatorial campaign was white supremacy and the danger of African-American advancement.[4] Once elected, his primary focus as Governor was on developing the state economy and increasing the power of the Virginia Democratic party.[3]

After leaving office, McKinney retired to private life, settling with his wife in Farmville, Virginia. He died there in 1899 and was interred at Farmville Cemetery.[1] His Queen-Anne-style house still stands in Farmville.

• A Guide to the Executive papers of Governor Phillip W. McKinney, 1889-1893 (bulk 1890-1893) at The Library of Virginia
• National Governors Association biography