While the date McKinney Tanks sprang into being is unknown, as is its namesake, it's possible that it had something to do with a D. C. McKinney, who had a tract of land in the Hot Creek Range, although we've been unable to verify any real connection other than the name. It's generally accepted that it began as a stage stop between Tonopah and points east, and was also used in the raising of cattle and sheep.
Milo Caine was one of the first residents of this place, and most likely built the stone house at some point, the ruins of which still stand. Mr. Caine was a local businessman.
Milo Caine and W. M. Miller have purchased a lot in Clifford and will open a barber shop and a bar-room in the new camp.
-Tonopah Bonanza, January 13, 1906
A mention of some other residents
CUPID STILL BUSY
Seraphine Lani and Miss Fannie Marmolijo were united in marriage Monday evening at the Catholic church by Rev. Father Butler. The bride is a native of Belmont and the groom is interested in McKinney Tanks, where they will reside.
-Tonopah Daily Bonanza, October 7, 1908
In 1908 it was a known watering stop.
An abundance of water and a good way station is found at McKinney Tanks, eighteen miles out of Tonopah; at Nay's well in the Salsberry [sic] was, twenty-six miles out, and at Five Mile. This disposes of the road question and the improvements ordered have a hearty approval of every freighter and resident of the district and route covered. Arrangements were made to improve and conserve the water supply at McKinney Tanks and Five Mile Springs.
-Tonopah Daily Bonanza, November 12, 1908
By 1912 at least, Mr. Caine had taken up residence here.
NOTICE OF ESTRAY
There came to my place, at McKinney's Tanks, May 16, 1912, one (1) bay horse, weight 1100 pounds, branded on left hip with a bar X; one (1) black horse, weight 1050 pounds, scar on left hop. Party owning above animals will please claim same and pay costs, advertising, etc., or the animals will be sold according to law.(signed) Milo A. Caine.
-Tonopah Daily Bonanza, June 1, 1912
If four carloads of people showed up at my house unannounced, I'd be kind of miffed, but hey, that's just me. I can't imagine 16 people in that house whooping it up at once, though.
A SURPRISE PARTY
Four auto loads motored out to surprise Mr. and Mrs. Milo Caine out at McKinney tanks, for a pleasant surprise. The evening was enjoyed with cards and dancing. Later in the evening all enjoyed a big supper. Those present were Mrs. P. V. Meyer, Miss Ada Leonard, Mrs. H. Peterson. Mrs. Frances Meyer, Mrs. Eva Wilder, Miss L. Peofour, Tom Pierce, Mr. Dannie Miller, Frank Helm, Mr. M. Kelly, Charles Meyer, Mr. and Mrs. Cain, Mr. Douglass.
Tonopah Daily Bonanza, September 8, 1917
By this time the Tanks were an important station on the Midland Trail, which would become part of U.S. 6. The road was not in as good a shape as it could have been, though.
SHOULD INSPECT THE ROAD
When Governor Boyle and Col. J. C. Scrugham are here they should be invited by the citizens of Tonopah to take a trip to the infamous highway beginning at the eastern end of town and extending to McKinney's Tanks where $40,000 of the people's money has been squandered. - Tonopah Bonanza
-Daily Appeal, January 24, 1920
A mention of other residents here.
A baby girl has arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Morris at McKinney's Tanks where the father is engaged in the cattle business.
-Reno Evening Gazette, July 19, 1920
Mr. & Mrs. Caine decided to move on to greener pastures.
POTTS BROTHERS BUY CAINE RANCH
William J. and George A Potts, cattle and sheep men of Monitor Valley, have bought the ranch, range, and several hundred head of cattle owned by Milo Caine at McKinney Tanks, about 30 miles east of Tonopah. The consideration is said to have run into six figures. The Potts brothers plan to run their sheep during the winter months upon the newly acquired pasture.
-Nevada State Journal, March 17, 1927
HOME IN DESERT TO BE GIVEN UP
Mr. and Mrs. Milo Caine, after living on the desert twenty-two years, occupying a ranch at McKinney's Tanks, twenty-five miles east of Tonopah, have been compelled by ill health to dispose of their property and move to sea level. The couple left by auto for a trek through norther California.
-Reno Evening Gazette, September 3, 1927
More road troubles.
BOAK WANTS ROAD CURVE ELIMINATED
C. C. Boak dispatched a letter today to S. C. Durkee, ,state highway engineer, calling attention to the danger of the curve on the Midland Trail east of here, where Sally Budas, Tonopah High School girl, recently was killed in an automobile accident, this being the second serious accident on this curve and the fifth car to overturn there within the year. The death curve, as Boak terms it, is the first sharp one on the Midland Trail east from Tonopah. There is a downgrade all the way from McKinney Tanks and cars traveling west run into the curve before the drivers realize it is there. Boak suggests the curve should be banked and fenced or the degree of curvature reduced. He points out that the soft sand on the outside of the curve makes it dangerous for cars exceeding 20 miles per hour.
-Nevada State Journal, September 9, 1929
By this time, Mr. Clark called McKinney Tanks home. After his trip, don't know if he returned
Tonopah, Nev (UP) Jack Clark, hermit of McKinney Tanks, and well-known southern Nevadan prospector, was en route today on a 9,000 mile journey to Manila, Philippine Islands, to claim a share of a $3,000,000 estate.
-Mason Valley News, September 22, 1933
Another Clark-- perhaps a relative-- passed away here.
SAMUEL CLARK FUNERAL HELD
Tonopah Resident Was Early Veteran
Funeral services were held Thursday morning from St. Patrick's Catholic church for Stephen Samuel Clark, resident of Tonopah since 1909, who was recently found dead, apparently from a heart attack, at his home at McKinney Tanks, 26 miles east of Tonopah on the Ely Highway.
-Reno Evening Gazette, March 16, 1948
Mrs. Caine passed away in California in 1949. Mr. Caine died in Los Angeles in 1934.
FORMER TONOPAH RESIDENT PASSES
Word has been received here of the death of Mrs. Milo Caine, resident of Tonopah and Nye county for many years, in Southern California on October 13. Mr. and Mrs. Cain engaged in the cattle business while here and built the house at McKinney Tanks on the Tonopah-Ely highway. They left here for southern California in 1927.
-Reno Evening Gazette, November 8, 1949
A shadow of its former self, the large rock house is now in ruins. Some signs of former ranching activity, including a very long water trough and an above ground tank.