From History of Vernon County, Missouri. 1887, p. 780.

It is but the plain statement of a well known truth to say the career of James McKill during his residence in this community was one of more than ordinary value to the people of Vernon county, and now though he has gone his memory and the influence which he always exerted — both are warmly cherished by those still living with whom he was acquainted during life. Were it necessary to refer at length to his character as a man, many instances might he related in proof of his standing and true worth, but these would only he idle words. Surely his deeds live after him. Mr. McKill was born in New York State in 1830, and when still young accompanied the family to Ohio, and thence, in 1846, to Morgan County, Mo. His father, James McKill, finally settled where his son afterwards died, and where he himself departed this life (in Vernon County) in January 1859; his wife, formerly Miss Rhoda Barker survived, until June, 1876. Robert McKill, the only child besides James, died about thirteen years before his father, in the same month. Young James was only about sixteen years old at the time of his location in this county, having come here shortly after moving to Morgan County. A pioneer citizen of the locality, he naturally became a man of prominence in influence, and aided in many ways to the upbuilding of his adopted home. His occupation was that of a farmer, but his ability and intellectual worth often caused him to he called into official prominence, and among other positions in which he served was that of Representative in the State Legislature. April 13, 1854, Mr. McKill was married to Miss Belle Linn, an estimable lady, originally from Kentucky, who located here in 1849. Five children blessed this union, three of whom survive: Monroe, Ella and Arthur. Mrs. McKill was the daughter of John and Nancy (Depoyster) Linn, both natives of North Carolina, who subsequently moved to Kentucky and later to this county, where the father died February 6, 1873, and the mother during the year 1879. They reared to maturity six children: Monroe, Elizabeth, now Mrs. James Mayfield; William, H. W., John and Belle, Mrs. McKill. Mr. McKill had a military experience during the war worthy of mention; entering the 8th Missouri as captain in 16], he followed the fortunes of the Confederacy for a long time, finally being taken prisoner at Helena in 1863, after which he was confined in prison most of the time for 21 months, at Johnson’s Island. Since Mr. McKill’s death, which occurred June 26, 1885, his widow has resided upon the home place in section 34; she shares liberally in the esteem accorded her late husband. In closing this brief sketch it is but proper to refer to the McKill Chapel, erected in 1860, and supported and kept up mainly through the efforts of Mr. McKill. He was an earnest Christian, aiding in many ways to advance the cause of religion; this chapel, named for him, was erected at a cost of $800, and now has a membership of 35.

The name of McKill is a sufficient guarantee in this section of country that one who bears it is a person of sterling integrity and worth, and the present instance forms no exception to that rule. As has been mentioned above in the sketch which immediately precedes this, the family is and has always been among the most honored citizens of the county. The present subject is one of the native-born residents of Vernon County, his birth having occurred here February 8, 1855. This has been his home, and here he has grown up, naturally acquiring an extensive acquaintance, among whom he stands high. Farming is his occupation, together with stock feeding, and in each of these branches he is successful. His farm contains 167 acres of land. December 19, 1883, Mr. McKill was married to Miss Mattie Towner, daughter of N. H. Towner, of Illinois. They have one child, Lula B. Mr. and Mrs. McKill are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Below are grave markers from McKill cemetery for James McKill, his wife Rhoda McKill and Robert M. McKill: