From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
publ. 1912, Page 1463-1465

FRANK McKENZIE, of Geneva township, is one of Walworth county's enterprising 
farmers, and a worthy representative of an excellent old family.  He has been 
pleased to spend his life here, having been born in Lafayette township, this 
county, on October 14, 1869.  He is the son of Murdock and Dena (WALBRANT) 
McKENZIE.  The father was born in Glasgow, Scotland, where he spent his 
boyhood, emigrating to America about 1842, at the age of about fifteen, his 
birth having occurred on July 5, 1827.  His mother was a McGREGOR and she died 
when he was a child.  He was the youngest of the family and he came to America 
with his half brothers and sisters.  They located first in New York, then 
lived in Canada, coming from there to Walworth county in 1842, and here 
Murdock McKENZIE began working on OSBORNE's farm in Lafayette township, 
adjoining Troy, and there he continued working for a number of years.  The 
place reminded him of his homeland and he in time bought it.  He also bought 
two adjoining farms, making three hundred and seventy-five acres.  He married 
Dena WALBRANT, daughter of John and Mary WALBRANT.  She was born in Germany 
and when a small child came with her parents to Troy township, this county, 
and here she grew to maturity, attending school and lived until her marriage.  
Her parents spent the rest of their lives in Troy township.
 
The McKENSIE family consisted of eight children, namely: George died when 
thirteen years of age; the rest are living: Alexander, of Troy; John, who has 
a farm in Spring Prairie township, is retired and lives in Elkhorn; Mary is 
the wife of Fred C. WISWELL, who conducts a livery barn at Elkhorn; Frank, of 
this sketch; Dena is the wife of L. E. ELLSWORTH, of Geneva township; Sibylla 
is the widow of Jedadiah PECK, deceased, and she lives in Elkhorn; Fred 
married and lives at Spring Prairie.
 
Murdock McKENZIE was a home man and was not interested in public affairs.  His 
death occurred on April 10, 1892, his wife having preceded him to the grave on 
February 14, 1881.
 
Frank McKENZIE lived on the home farm in Lafayette township until he was 
twenty-one years old, then started out in life for himself.  He went to 
California and spent two years in the fruit orchards there.  When a young man 
he traveled over the country a great deal, east and west, and, being a close 
observer, was greatly benefited thereby, returning to Walworth county in two 
or three years.  He remained here about eight years, spending most of the time 
on the farm with his brother.
 
The subject was married in 1904 to Martha ZABEL, daughter of Carl and Alvina 
ZABEL.  She was born in Germany and when a year old was brought to this 
country by her parents, who located in Milwaukee, later moving to East Troy, 
Walworth county, where their daughter Martha was reared and lived until her 
marriage with Mr. McKENZIE.  These parents now live at Mukwonago, Wisconsin.  
They are the parents of the following children: Wanda is the wife of James 
LANGLEY and lives in Beloit, this state; Martha, wife of Mr. McKENZIE, of this 
sketch; Lena married Paul SCHINKE and they live in Lafayette township near 
Elkhorn; Elma is the wife of George AMMON and lives at Springfield; Elizabeth 
is at home with her parents; Arthur lives at Mukwonago; Herman lives at 
Springfield; Paul is at home with his parents.
 
Mr. ZABEL is a carpenter by profession and he also owns a farm at Mukwonago.
 
After his marriage Mr. McKENZIE began farming for himself in Lafayette 
township and there he continued general farming and stock raising for seven 
years.  He bought a farm in sections 8 and 17, where he owns one hundred and 
twenty acres.  He moved there in March 1911, and he has kept the place well 
improved, and has a good home.  He keeps an excellent grade of live stock.  He 
has a fine orchard and everything about his place denoted care and good 
management.  Mr. and Mrs. McKENZIE have two children, namely: Laverne, born 
October 25, 1905, and Lawrence, born December 20, 1908.
 
Submitted by Carol