The family sailed for the United States in 1856, intending to go to Utah Territory.
However, due to financial difficulties, they stayed in New York working to earn money for rail passage for two years and then worked an additional year in Iowa to earn enough money to head to Utah.
They were married in the Endowment House on April 9, 1867, with the marriage performed by Wilford Woodruff.
From 1881 to 1883, McKay served a mission for the LDS Church in the British Isles.
McKay served three terms in the Utah State Senate as a Republican.