Brayton Freeman McKinney was born at Burwell, Nebraska Sept. 1, 1884, the second child of Arthur E. and Mary Katherine McKinney. He departed this life Dec. 18, 1952 at 11:00 p.m., having attained the age of 68 years, three months and 18 days.

His untimely death was due to a heart attack. His death came as a shock to the community in which he has lived and served and where he knew everyone.

He grew to manhood in the community of Burwell, Nebr. 

In the year of 1910 he was united in marriage to Alice Godfrey.

To this union were born six children. He was preceded in death by a son, Chester Brayton, who passed away as an infant.

He with his wife made their first home in Tripp County, South Dakota, pioneering there when the country was new.

He became a member of the Congregational Church at Kent, Nebr., near Taylor, Nebr., in the year of 1908 under the ministry of A. W. Johnson. While making his home in Spalding these years he attended the First Presbyterian Church.

In the year of 1938 Mr. Kinney engaged in business for himself and for the past 14 years with very little time from his business has continued to make his store one of the leading businesses in the community. He was a diligent, energetic character, enduring all the hardships of pioneer life. He was well known as a neighbor and friend in the community.

May the memory of his many kind acts comfort those who mourn him today.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, Alice; five daughters, Mrs. Ruth Musilek, Colome, S. D., Mrs. Merna Treptow, Cedar Rapids, Nebr.,Mrs. Alberta Weber, Burwell, Nebr., Mrs. Violet Mann, Fontana, Calif., and Mrs. June Illian, Spalding, Nebr.; one brother, Jess McKinney of Kent, Wash.; two sisters, Mrs. Frances Garrison of Sargent, Nebr., and Mrs. Nellie Bales of Burwell, Nebr.; fourteen grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, Dec. 22 with a brief service at the Berberich Funeral Home at 12:45 and services at the First Presbyterian Church of Spalding at 1:00 p. m., Rev. Clarence W. Newquist of Primrose officiating.

Music was furnished by the choir, composed of Mrs. Harry Hatfield, Mrs. Don Thompson, Mrs. George Townsend, Esther Kinnier, John Kinnier and George Hatfield. Mrs. Don Hookstra accompanied at the piano.

Pallbearers were Emmett Lee, Dewey Illian, Rex Andersen, Art Probert, Don Hookstra and Leon Neilson.

Interment was made in Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell, Nebr.

Out of town relatives attending the services were: his children, Mr.and Mrs. Ed Musilek and Dean of Colome, South Dakota, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Treptow and family of Cedar Rapids, Mr. and Mrs. William Weber of Burwell, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Mann and Danny of Fontanna, Calif.; his sister, Mrs. Nellie Bales of Burwell; his niece and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Young of Burwell; and his nephew and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Bales of Grand Island.

The Spalding Enterprise

Spalding, Nebraska •

Thu, Dec 25, 1952

Page 1

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In the spring of 1910, Brayton McKinney and Jessie McKinney and their families moved to South Dakota in a covered wagon from Burwell, NE.

There Brayton and Alice started their Homestead in Wewela, SD. (*See pictures posted)

Also they opened a general store.

Later years they moved back to Burwell NE. and opened up another general store.

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How they met: Alice McKinney was a grade school teacher.

When she came to teach in the district where Brayton's family lived, he sent a note to school with his youngest sister asking her for a date in 1908.

She taught school for 7 years before getting married.