Happy Valley in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
John McKinly
President (Governor) of Delaware, 1777
Erected by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-81.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Patriots & Patriotism • Science & Medicine • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1742.
Location. 39° 45.183′ N, 75° 33.017′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Happy Valley. Marker can be reached from South Park Drive close to North Adams Street. Found within the Wilmington & Brandywine Cemetery. Access to the cemetery can be found on Delaware Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilmington DE 19806, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Mill Stone (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richard Bassett
this page online
Photographed By Nate Davidson, March 17, 2008
2. John McKinly Marker
This is how the marker previously looked.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 28, 2022
3. John McKinly Marker and Burial Site
Tombstone reads: This monument is erected in memory of John McKinly, born in the Kingdom of Ireland, February 24, A.D. 1721, died in this town August 31 A.D. 1796. He settled early in life in this country and pursuing the practice of physic soon became eminent in his profession. He served in several important public employments and particularly was the first person who filled the office of President of the State after the Declaration of Independence. He died, full of years having passed a long life usefully to the public and honorably to himself. He was one of the founders of the Delaware Medical Society.
Photographed By Nate Davidson, March 17, 2008
4. Grave Restoration
An interesting note about John McKinly that is not mentioned on the marker is that his term of service of President of Delaware ended when British troops entered his home, roused him from bed, and kidnapped him. He was detained for some months while the British hoped that he could be used as a pawn in a prisoner exchange. Delaware leaders did nothing to help McKinly, for by this time hard-line revolutionaries had taken power in the government and they resented McKinly's conservative tendancies. This embittered McKinly and after the war would never again become involved in politics of the state.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 980 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 29, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on January 9, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. 3. submitted on January 29, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on January 9, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
