John A. McKinley, a former Florence resident who became the first Alabamian to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, will be inducted this week into the Alabama Lawyer's Hall of Fame.

McKinley lived in Florence from 1821 to 1842 and was a member of the Cypress Land Co. He was among seven founders of Florence in 1818.

The Culpepper County, Va., native was a Supreme Court justice from 1838 until his death in 1852. He was a state legislator and member of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Many consider McKinley to be the "Spiritual Father of TVA" because of his work in Congress on the first Florence Canal.

The John McKinley Federal Building on Seminary Street in Florence was named in his honor 11 years ago today. McKinley was born on this date 232 years ago.

The annual hall of fame induction posthumously honors Alabama lawyers who have made significant contributions to the legal profession, according to a release from the Alabama State Bar.

This year's ceremony will be Friday in Montgomery. Others to be inducted Friday, and information on them provided by the state bar:

• Roderick Beddow Sr. (1889–1978). Beddow was considered one of the best criminal defense attorneys of his time and went on to become president of Lions Club International.

• Nina Miglionico (1913–2009). Miglionico practiced law for 73 years and was a crusader for legal reforms, particularly concerning women's issues, and was president of the National Association of Women Lawyers from 1958-59.

• Charles Morgan Jr. (1930-2009). Morgan developed a reputation during the Civil Rights Era as a courageous social reformer. He persuaded federal courts to dismantle segregation, changing the social and political landscape of the South.

• William D. Scruggs Jr. (1943–2001). Described as a "quintessential small-town lawyer," he is the namesake of the state bar's "William D. Scruggs, Jr. Service to the Bar Award."

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 256-740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com.