South Carolina. Born free. Mulatto.
Father's occupation: bookkeeper, grocer, music teacher.
Occupation: grocer, school teacher.
Christopher Charles McKinney Jr. was born in South Carolina to Eslander L. and Christopher Charles McKinney Sr., but by 1860, the family had moved to Cleveland, Ohio. The father worked as a music teacher. The mother worked as a dressmaker and was also known as a talented vocalist. The family shared a home with Eslander's sister and mother, both named Lydia Cardozo.
Eslander was the aunt of I. N. Cardozo, another student at the University of South Carolina who was also living in Cleveland at this time. Her brother was Francis L. Cardozo, an important political figure in South Carolina during Reconstruction.
The McKinney family returned to South Carolina during Reconstruction. By 1868, Christopher Sr. was living in Columbia, South Carolina. There he worked as chief clerk for the State Treasurer, who was his brother-in-law Francis Cardozo.
During this time, Christopher Jr. attended Oberlin University in Ohio. He followed the Classical Course in the university's (College) Preparatory Department. He was a student alongside I. N. Cardozo from 1871-73. It is unclear how long Christopher Jr. was at Oberlin. University records indicate that he attended the university from 1871-75, but the University of South Carolina lists him as enrolling at that university on October 5, 1874.
At the University of South Carolina, Christopher Jr. was a college student following the classical studies track. While a student, he and I. N. Cardozo lived with Christopher's father at 56 Plain St (now Hampton Street). The University was closed before he completed his degree.
After Reconstruction, the family moved to Washington D.C. By 1880, Christopher Jr. ran a grocery store with his father. Later he worked for the federal government. For example he worked in the Census Office, in the Post Office Department, and in the Office of the Quartermaster General.
In January 1903, while working for the Post Office, Christopher Jr. was the victim of an assault. He was attacked outside his home by another postal employee who was wielding a knife. The reasons for the attack were not reported, although the two men may have known each other (both were, for example, African Americans from South Carolina). The assailant was indicted for assault with a dangerous weapon, but the charges were dismissed roughly 1 year after the attack (in September 1904).
Christopher Jr. died in Washington DC on December 11, 1909.
Sources:
1). 1880; Census Place: Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, District of Columbia; Roll: 121; Page: 98A; Enumeration District: 017
2). 1860 U.S. census, population schedule. NARA microfilm publication M653, 1,438 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.
3). 1870; Census Place: Columbia, Richland, South Carolina; Roll: M593_1507; Page: 134B.
4). Department of Commerce and Labor, Bureau of the Census. Official Register of the United States, Containing a List of the Officers and Employees in the Civil, Military, and Naval Service. 1891.
5). "Plans a Ratification." Evening star, August 19, 1908, p. 16.
6). "Many Promotions." Evening star, April 10, 1905, p. 8.
7). "Held for Assault." The Washington times, January 25, 1903, p. 20.
6). "Deaths Reported." Evening star, December 11, 1909, p. 4.
7). "Dismissal of Indictments." Evening star, September 13, 1904, p. 16.
8). "Indictments Returned by the Grand Jury." The Washington times, February 19, 1903, p. 2.
9). Seventy-Fifth Anniversary General Catalogue of Oberlin College, 1833-1908. Oberlin, Ohio. 1909.
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