Thomas F. McKinney
Thomas F. McKinney | |
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| Born | Thomas Freeman McKinney November 1, 1801 Lincoln County, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | October 2, 1873 (aged 71) Travis County, Texas, U.S. |
| Citizenship | American, Mexican, Texan |
| Occupation(s) | Trader, merchant, rancher |
| Spouse(s) | Nancy Watts (divorced in 1843), Anna Gibbs (from 1843) |
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Thomas Freeman McKinney (November 1, 1801 – October 2, 1873) was an American trader, merchant, and a co-founder of Galveston, Texas. Living with his family in the western states of Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri, he started trading in Mexico in 1823. The next year he settled in Stephen F. Austin's Colony, claiming a headright to Texas land while continuing his trading activities. He established a partnership with Samuel May Williams in 1834, and they operated a warehouse at the mouth of the Brazos River. The McKinney & Williams partnership loaned money and vessels to the cause of Texas independence. After Texas gained independence from Mexico, McKinney co-founded Galveston, Texas, and the McKinney & Williams company set up a warehouse and dock in the new town. McKinney later sold his share of the McKinney & Williams partnership and retired to Travis County, Texas.