Toensing, Biographical Sketches of the Officers of the State Government of Minnesota and the 19th Minnesota State Legislature by C.L. Hall, 1877, and the Minnesota Legislative Manual, 1877 list his last name as McKenzie. Progressive Men of Minnesota, 1897 lists MacKenzie. His son and grandson are listed as MacKenzie.
He moved to Prince Edward Island, Canada around 1844, with his parents. He moved to Illinois around 1852. He went to Missouri around 1866. He came to Minnesota in 1868.
He was in "politics, Democratic." (Biographical Sketches of the Officers of the State Government of Minnesota and the 19th Minnesota State Legislature by C.L. Hall, 1877, p. 45)
He became Master of Concord Lodge, Number 47 in the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in June 1876. He became Worthy Chief Templar of Cleveland Lodge, 155 in January 1876.