Philip W. McKinney

Philip Watkins McKinney (March 17, 1832 – March 1, 1899) was an American lawyer, soldier and politician. McKinney served in the Virginia House of Delegates, was the Commonwealth attorney for Prince Edward County, and was elected as the 41st Governor of Virginia, serving from 1890 to 1894.

Early life Born in New Store, in Buckingham County, Virginia, Philip McKinney was the son of Charles and Martha McKinney. His undergraduate education was at Hampden–Sydney College, where he graduated with honors in 1851. McKinney then studied law at Washington College under John White Brockenbrough.

War and politics In 1858, McKinney was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing Buckingham County. Once elected, his primary focus as Governor was on developing the state economy and increasing the power of the Virginia Democratic party.

After leaving office, McKinney retired to private life, settling with his wife in Farmville, Virginia. He died there in 1899 and was interred at Farmville Cemetery. His Queen-Anne-style house still stands in Farmville.