The first settlement made in United States by the founder of this branch of the family was made in Pennsylvania by Patrick McGinnis, born in Ireland. He was very young when he came to the United States, and his early life was spent and education received in Pennsylvania. He settled in Cohoes, New York, and became an employee of the Harmony Mills Corporation. He was a very industrious man and popular among his neighbors and acquaintances. He is a member of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, and both liberal and charitable to the full extent of his means. He is a supporter of the Democratic party, and takes a lively interest in politics. He married Bridget Gilligan, born in Ireland in 1843, died at Cohoes, September, 1892. They are the parents of thirteen children.
(II) Malachi, son of Patrick and Bridget (Gilligan) McGinnis, was born in Cohoes, New York, October 12, 1869, died there October 6, 1906. He was educated in the public schools, and on arriving at suitable age was apprenticed to learn the trade of machinist in the Johnson Machine Shop. He became an expert mechanic and was a trusted employee. His firm was manufacturers and builders of different kinds of machines and machinery, which was often sold fully erected and ready for operation. Mr. McGinnis was kept employed the greater part of the time, after becoming an expert machinist, erecting engines, installing elevators and kindred work. In 1896 he retired from the shops and opened a restaurant in Cohoes, and continued its operation until death. He was a Democrat, both active and popular in his party. He represented the first ward of Cohoes in the city council, also served on the board of supervisors. The first ward is a close ward politically, and in his frequent campaigns for alderman, supervisor, sometimes met defeat. He was a faithful, useful official and looked well to the interests of his section and the city at large. He was fond of athletic and out-door sports of all kinds, especially base ball, and in his younger days belonged to the famous "Bunker Base Ball Club," of which he was "catcher." He was a member of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church and died in the faith. He belonged to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He married, April 15, 1895, at Cohoes, Mary M., born at Cohoes, daughter of Peter and Mary (Kelly) George. Peter George was born in Germany, April 1, 1849, came to the United States with his parents when a young child, and is now engaged in the meat business in Cohoes. Mary (Kelly) George was born in Ireland. Children of Malachi and Mary M. (George) McGinnis:
- Malachi Jr., born May 12, 1896;
- George, September 1, 1897;
- Mary, August 23, 1902;
- Helen, July 2, 1904.