Hello, I am reasearching the surname Mckinney in Mason County.My great-great-great grandparents(NATHAN MCKINNEY AND NANCY (HICKS) MCKINNEY)Years 1863 to 1913 Also I am looking for information on Thomas Ridge and Somerville section in Mason Co. Thank You Laurie The odyssey of Grandma Mckinney had it`s beginning when Nancy Hicks Mckinney and Nathan migrated to Old Virginia fom Kentucky in 1863. Nathan Mckinney joined the US calvary and Grandma and their 5 children began thier long trek on foot over the mountain and down the Kanawha River. Her long weary trip ended in that part of Mason Co. Known as Somerville section. Later the family moved toThomas Ridge where the work of Grandma was to become history.Family members recall how in her earlier years,this hard working,deeply reverant woman gathered Ginseng and other herbs and sold them to make a living. Her Knowledge of medicinal herbs undoubtedly served her well into her later years as she ministered to the sick.Grandma, friends and neighbors remembered, never found the distance to far or the weather too bad to answer a call for help. Nor would she permit such to interfere with the worship of her Lord. Those who knew her well state that it was not an unusual experience to hear her ! praying aloud as she knelt by the roadside. When she wanted to pray,she did not permit time or place to interupt.Her faithful service often found her out at night. She would carry a flaming torch to light her way.Her Tireless ministrations to the sick as well as the hungry won for her the deep affections of hundreds of country folk. The establishment of the memorial was a natural outgrowth of the great esteem and love in which she was held.The Memorial began when gradma died in 1913 at the age of 82. Nancy Hicks Mckinney was listed as head of household and lived alone at age 78, in 1910 West Virginia Census Mason Co. Cooper township.Taken April 15, 1910.