George E. McIninch ( March 3, 1867 – June 16, 1935 ) was a community and political leader of St. Joseph for many years and a former mayor. His contributions were significant in establishing highways 36 and 71, and for improvements of many roads.
McIninch was born in St. Joseph and obtained his education through the public schools and then joined his father, Amos A. McINinch in his business, devoting several years to mercantile business. He later became vice president of the George Cook Crockery Company and later became manager of the Howard Stove Company and managed the plant in Savannah, Mo. He was also associated with the Combe Printing Company for a quarter of a century.
In politics, McIninch was an ardent Republican, although he was progressive in his politics of public matters. McIninch was elected mayor in 1922 and served until 1924. He was known as a sincere and conscientious person. Described as moral and pleasant with a very high sense of integrity. He made political history by working to, and accomplishing road and highway improvements in the interest of safety of travel. He was one of the pioneers of the West in road building, and a moving spirit in the formation of the old Pikes Peak Highway Association and the Jefferson Highway Association, which were among the first east and west then north and south highway organizations in the country. Along with others, McIninch helped to lay the foundation for a network of good roads which later extended over the entire country. He was a member of the Missouri Highway Commission of 1920 and helped to perfect the organization which has been regarded as one of the model state highway organizations in the country. He was active in the Automobile Club for 30 years and served as President.
He served on several boards and was involved with many civic organizations in St. Joseph for well over 30 years.
Unfortunately he lost his life along with his wife and brother traveling north to Minnesota, in a car accident on one of the highways he spent years helping to develop. He is buried at Mt. Mora cemetery.
