Richard McNally

Richard Powell McAnally or McAnnally or McNally (born November 11, 1871 in Birmingham - died September 7, 1928 ) was the first boy born in the new city of Birmingham and, as such, claimed a lot on 1st Avenue North near 22nd Street as a prize from the Elyton Land Company.

McAnally was the son of Patrick and Catherine McAnally and was born in a workshop on the corner of 1st Avenue and 23rd Street North while his father completed construction of a proper house. He was baptised at St Paul's Catholic Church under the sponsorship of Jane Ketchum and Miss Fogarty

In addition to the lot given him by the Elyton Land Company, McAnally's father also bought a half block for him on 6th Avenue North between 30th and 31st Streets, hoping to secure his wealth.

Nicknamed "Birmy" by his friends, McAnally was a local celebrity. He became an attorney and remained in Birmingham where he served as a judge and was elected to one term on the Birmingham Board of Aldermen.

McAnally is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery under a headstone donated by the Birmingham Bar Association, which renders his name as "McNally"

References

• "First Boy Born in Birmingham" (September 12, 1886) Birmingham Sunday Chronicle. transcribed by R. B. Henckell, 1960.