A native of Michigan, he was born in Grand Rapids, on the 20th of October, 1860, and is a son of James McKenna, who was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1830.  During his boyhood he crossed the Atlantic to America, and, when a youth of sixteen, in 1846, became a resident of Michigan.  Ere coming to this country, however, he had been taken to Scotland, where he worked in the coal mines.  He also engaged in coal-mining in Pennsylvania, and after locating in Grand Rapids secured a position as foreman for the Grand Rapids Plaster Company, with whom he continued his connection for thirty years, a most trusted and faithful employee, thoroughly understanding the business and devoting himself untiringly to his work, thereby promoting his employers’ interest and his own.  He was married in Grand Rapids to Ann Caffery, who was born in county Armagh, Ireland, and by their union were born the following children, -James and Thomas, now deceased; Michael J., who is now assistant Treasurer of Sault de Ste. Marie; Alexander, John and Mary, who reside on a farm near Grand Rapids; and William and Andrew, who are students in Grand Rapids.  The father’s death occurred in 1883.

James McKenna was reared to manhood under the parental roof, and acquired his education in the high school of his native city.  He entered upon his business career as a clerk in the employ of the Star Clothing Company, with which he continued for three months, when he went to Roscommon, Michigan, and became a bookkeeper in the general mercantile establishment of Atherton & Company, where he was employed from 1880 to 1883, thus acquiring a good knowledge of Business methods and business principles.  He then began dealing in timber lands, in partnership with Stanley W. Turner, the present Auditor General of Michigan.  After two years spent in that way he came to Sault de Ste. Marie, where he still makes his home.

Mr. McKenna was marred in West Branch, Ogemaw County, Michigan, on the 11th of September, 1889, the lady of choice being Miss Mary Theressa Mackin, daughter of Thomas Mackin.  Her father was a native of Flint, Michigan, and married Alecia Cunningham, by whom he had the following children: Mrs. McKenna, Elizabeth Ann, Thomas P. and John H.  Mrs. And Mrs. McKenna have an interesting family of three children: Mary Alecia, who is now five years of age; Lucile Ann, age three; and James Christopher Columbus, a little son of two summers.

On coming to Sault de Ste. Marie Mr. McKenna embarked in business under the firm name of Hynes & McKenna, and the connection still continues.  They have one of the most popular clothing houses in the community, and in addition carry a large stock of ready-made clothing and gents’ furnishing goods; they also do a merchant-tailoring business and this adds not a little to their income.  They have a high reputation for fair dealing, and both gentlemen are regarded as wide-awake, enterprising and progressive merchants, -important factors in the business world of Sault de Ste. Marie.

Mr. McKenna has been for some time quite prominent in local politics.  While in Roscommon he was Deputy Treasurer of the county, serving under A.A. Atherton, who was Treasurer, and was also Village Treasurer one term.  He was defeated for the office of Supervisor of Higgins Township, Roscommon County, by an opponent who had held the office for sixteen years.  In the spring of 1891 he was elected Treasurer of Sault de Ste. Marie, by a majority of 300, and in 1893 was re-elected by a majority of 129, succeeding Clement C. Yerkes in office.  He is a member of the Ancient Order to Hibernians, and is County President of the Chippewa County Association of the societies.  His well spent life, straightforward, honorable career and his many excellencies of character have made him a valued citizen and one well worthy of representation in the history of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.