Was born in Washington County, Virginia, July 24, 1819. His parents, John and Elizabeth McCauley Minnick, were also natives of Virginia. He was reared to manhood upon his father’s farm in his native County, and there received his education.
On the 28th of October, 1841, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Houston, daughter of John Houston, both natives of Virginia. Two children were the fruits of this union; namely, John, and Elizabeth C., now Mrs. W. L. Dryden. Mrs. Minnick died in Washington County, Virginia, October 5, 1845. On the 23d of December, 1846, Mr. Minnick married Miss Mary Lowry, daughter of John Lowry, also natives of Washington County. By this marriage they have three children; namely, Martha J., Isaac M. and William 0.
In the fall of 1849 Mr. Minnick and his family migrated to Missouri and settled in Daviess County. In 1876 he joined the Confederate service, enlisting in Company A, Missouri State Guards, under General William Y. Slack, served six months, and then returned home to this County, where he has since lived, engaged in the peaceful pursuits of the farm. He owns a fine farm of 325 acres, 170 under fence, and 140 under cultivation, all well watered and improved. Mr. and Mrs. Minnick are members of the Camberland Presbyterian Church. He is a staunch Democrat.