Data I have Collected on George McCown (For those who might be interested)
James W McCown
George McCown (1710 Ireland- 1788 Pennsylvania)
The following facts were collected about George McCown of Colerain Township,
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. George's father has been identified as Alexander
McCown of County Tyrone, Ireland. The only indication (found to date) as to George's
age was in the Lancaster County Tax Records, which added as a new entry in a 1778
list of taxables, was that he was over 50 years of age and it included both George (and
his brother Malcolm McCown). George had his name spelled as both McCown &
McKown on documents that were created during his time. George son John took the
spelling of McCune for his name and family. Records indicate the others cconsistentely
used the spelling McCown. George could not write his name because his will has his
mark and not a signiture.
His Father was Alexander McCown (as identified by Burr McCown his grandson)
Mother was: No Record has been found to date.
Born: No Record has been found to date.
George reportedly (as stated by Burr McCown his grandson) came to America with
five brothers in 1728 to escape persecution. His brothers are identified as John (who
settled in Virginia), Malcolm (who settled in Pennsylvania) & James, Alexander, and
Moses (who settled in South Carolina). They appeared to have all entered the British
colonies through Philadelphia, initially settling in or near Lancaster or West Chester
County in Pennsylvania. From this point we know that Moses, James, and Alexander
went to Camden District, Craven County, South Carolina; and John went to Calf Pasture,
Augusta County, Virginia; and that George and Malcolm stayed in Pennsylvania,
Lancaster County, Colerain Township on the boundary with Chester County.
Part of the Land that George lived on was initially given to James Harlan under a
Thomas Penn Grant. Part of the land they settled on in Pennsylvania was obtained from
James Wilson in 1746. As recorded in Philadelphia in Patent Book A, Volume 6, Page
291, Land was conveyed to James Harlan. James Harlan sold the Land to James
Wilson and his wife Elizabeth. On 17 & 18 April 1746 a percent this land was conveyed
to Alexander and Moses McCown. There may have been the other brothers also in this
land transaction, because on 4 December 1778, while in South Carolina, Alexander and
Moses transferred their interest in said property to George and his heirs. This transfer is
listed in the Deed book R, Volume 1 page 667 to 670, in Lancaster County
Pennsylvania. Those transferring their interest (for five shillings) in the land were
Alexander McCown, Alexanderʼs wife Elizabeth, Moses McCown, and his wife Frank
McCown in South Carolina, Camden District, in Craven County, signed the transfer. A
Joseph Miller, George Stringer, and Joseph McCown and John McCown signed as
witness's.
The place where George lived was in Colerain Township of South Eastern
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania along the division line with Chester County. The farm
must have been on the border between Chester and Lancaster County.
George was married by the Rev John Culbertson on 14 October 1751 to Janet
Kilpatrick in Octorara in Pennsylvania. There appears to have been a number of
Kilpatrick families in south West Chester County. Thier first child was a daughter named
Agnes, Baptized on 13 August 1752 as 12 years and 5 hours old by Rev. John
Culbertson ( I believe, his record of 12 years and 5 hours must be incorrect and should
have been 12 days and 5 hours). This information was found in "Register of Marriages
and Baptisms performed by Revernd John Cuthbertson, Convenanter Minister" (1751 to
1791, with Index to Locations and Persons Visited", By S. Helen Fields, Published by
Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1983, Baltimore, My, (L87-103). Rev. John
Culbertson would always stay with George when in the area.
George prepared his Last Will and Testament on 28 July 1778. He revised the will
on 4 August 1778 to add Alexander's 15 acres. The will was registered on 12 January
1779 by Malcolm (believed to be George's brother) and Sarah McCown (Malcolm's wife)
and indicated George as Deceased.
Other information found on George McCown:
Under the Thomas Penn Land Grant In Philadelphia in Patent Book A, Volume 6th, Page
291 James Harlan was deeded a piece of land. He Sold this to a James Wilson and his
wife Elizabeth, date unknown. They in turn sold it to the McCown's on 17 or 18 April
1746.
These facts were identified in the transfer of Alexander and Moses (from South Carolina)
interest to George and his heirs on 4 October 1778 as registered in Deed's in Lancaster
in 4 December 1778.
This April 1746 Date is the earliest date placing the McCown's in the Lancaster area.
However, the way things read they could have been there a number of years previous to
that date.
The following is a typed copy of the Photostat of the Last Will of George McKown:
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. The twenty-eight of July, One thousand seven hundred
and seventy eight. I, George McKown, of Colerian Township, Lancaster County and the
State of Pennsylvania, Yoeman, being very much sick and weak in body, but of perfect
Mind and Memory, thanks be given unto God, therefore calling unto mind the mortality of
my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordane
this my Last Will and Testament.
And first of all I give and recommend my soul unto God that gave it, and for my body
I recommend it to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the
direction of my executors, and as touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God bless me in this life, I give devise and despose of the same in the following
Manner.
First I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Cathreen one hundred pounds to be
paid in the following Manner. Viz. Six pounds a year and so on Yearly until the hole be
paid. But in case she dies before the payment of the whole sum the remainder I allow to
be paid to her daughter Margaret. & In case said Margaret dies before she becomes of
age it is to be divided amongst all the rest of my children, likewise the house and three
acres of land adjoining that I purchased from Robert Longhead as long as she remains
my widow, but if she Marries I also allow that the payment of six pounds a year be
stopped on the day of said marriage. I give to her child when of a age, Also a milk Cow
and one pair of good blankets, and one sheep, also a young colt that goes by the name
of Markens.
Then I give and bequeath my son John one Hundred Pounds above the rest. I ordain
that all my lands and Chattels be sold in eighteen months after my decease except the
house and three acres above mentioned and it be equally divided amongst John,
Joseph, and George when they have paid the following legacies. Viz: To Moses one
hundred pounds to be kept in John's hands or Alexander's which he has cause to live
with them. Jean two hundred pounds, a bed and bedding and a young Bay Mear. I
bequeath to Mary two hundred pounds, a bed and bedding and a black mare called
English, this money to be paid when they come of age.
I give and bequeath to Margaret one hundred pounds, a bed and bedding to be paid
in two years after my decease and put to intrest for her use. I give and bequeath to
James, John's son fifty pounds. Then I give and bequeath to Alexander's daughter Jean
one heafer with calf. And to Alexander one dolar. The last two sums to be paid out of
the last moneys that comes in of my effects. And in case any of the above mentioned
legatees dies without I fade. I take their legacies equally to be divided amongst the
survivors. I also will that my children give sufficient security unto my wife Cathreen for
her six pounds a year. I likewise constitute make and ordain my two sons John and
Alexander my only sole executors of this my last will and testament, and I do hereby
utterly disalow revoke and disannull all and ever other former testaments by me in any
wise ordained willed and bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my
last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the
day and year above written. Before signing, I will firewood with the house and land unto
my wife.
Signed Sealed and Declared by the said George McKown as his last will and
testament on the absence of the subscribers Viz John Caldwell, Malcom McKown,
Sarah (Her Mark) McKown, Andrew (his mark) McGinnis.
George (his mark) McKown Seal
Carthran (her mark) McKown Seal
August the fourth, 1778. I also on after thought give and bequeath to my son
Alexander fifteen acres of land that I bought of James Longhead beginning at Wm.
Andersons line going along the great road unto James Longhead's line in breath and to
be run of on the south west side in length.
John Hubby at Lancaster County Pa. on the twelfth day of January Auno Domini
1779, before me the subscriber appeared Malcolm McKown and Sarah McCown two of
the subscribing witnesses to the forgoing writing and being duly Affirmed according to
same did declare and say that they were present and saw George McKown sign seal
publish pronounce and declare the foregoing writing and for his Last Will and Testament.
And at the same time published and declared the several signs wrote under the signing
Attesting as a part of his Will and that at the signing thereof he was of sound and
disposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of our belief,
(Signed) John Hubby
The following information was found about the McCowns from a book on the
"HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY PA."
1.On Page 169 in the West Caln Township Taxables for 1753 they list a William
McCown. This is along the border of Lancaster County or Sadsburry.
2.A Patrick McGowan was also listed on the Taxables in East Caln in 1753 on page 169.
3. In the West Fallowfield Township adjacent to the Lancaster County line on page 177
they list as residents Joseph Stringer, John Kilpatrick, Andrew Kilpatrick, and Joseph
Kilpatrick. This could be some of Janet's family that George Married into in 1751.
4. In the Kennet Township on page 179 and 180 they list out a William Dickenson's land,
a Michael Hardin and a James Hardin in the 1715 Taxables. Note: James Hardin Sold
Land to a James Wilson (from the Thomas Penn track) who in turn sold it to Alexander,
Moses, and George McCown in 1746, and later in 1779 Alexander and Moses deeded
their part of it over to George's Estate.
Under the Thomas Penn Land Grant In Philadelphia in Patent Book A, Volume 6th,
Page 291 James Harlan was deeded a piece of land. He Sold this to a James Wilson
and his wife Elizabeth, date unknown. They in turn sold it to the McCown's on 17 or 18
April 1746.
These facts were identified in the transfer of Alexander and Moses (from South Carolina)
interest to George and his heirs on 4 October 1778 as registered in Deed's in Lancaster
in 4 December 1778.
This April 1746 Date is the earliest date placing the McCown's in the Lancaster area.
However, the way things read they could have been there a number of years previous to
that date.
Shown Below is a copy of a Deed for transfer of Alexander & Moses McCownʼs
interest in the Plantation that they owned in partnership with George McCown in
Colerain Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania found on page 667 thru 670.
ALEXANDER & MOSES MCKOWN THIS INDENTURE, made the
TO twenty third day of December In GEORGE
MCKOWN the year of our Lord one thousand seven & seventy eight,
BETWEEN Alexander and Moses McCown of Camden District in the County of Cravon
in South Carolina, yoeman of the one part and George McKown of Colerain Township,
Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, yeoman on the other part.
WITNESSETH, That they the said Alexander & Moses McKown for & In consideration
of the sum of five shillings in current silver money to them In hand paid by him the
said George McKown the receipt whereof in hereby acknowledge here granted by
these presents do grant, bargain & sell unto him the said George McKown one
moiety part of that tract of land which as originally taken up by & did belong to a certain
James Harlan situate on Octoraro Creek (now in the Township of Oxford & Colrain)
part in Chester County & part in Lancaster County with the plantation thereon being the
same bounded and described as follows, viz. BEGINNING at a corner post standing
on the North side of Octoraro Creek aforesaid & near a small field (thus described In
the former deeds) being a corner of James Williamsonʼs lands & thence extending
South West two hundred & twenty nine parches to a post, thence by vacant land South
twenty seven degrees Easterly one hundred & twenty four parehas to a corner White
Oak; thence by the land of David Templeton & vacant lands North sixty three degrees
Easterly two hundred & seventeen parches to post, a corner James Wilsonʼs Land
aforesaid, thence by the same North twenty seven degrees Westerly one hundred &
ninety seven parches to the Place of BEGINNING. CONTAINING by estimation two
hundred & two acres & the usual allowances of six acres percent for roads &c, be it more
or less.
WITH ALL AND SINGULAR the buildings and improvements thereon & all woods,
underwoods, ways, waters, watercourses, easements, profits, commodities &
advantages whatsoever thereunto belonging and the reversions remainders, rents,
issues & profits thereof.
TO HAVE & TO HOLD the same plantation, tract of land & premises above mentioned
with the appurtenances unto him the said George McKown his heirs, exors, adms, &
assigns, from the day of the day of the date hereof for & during & unto the full end and
term of one hole year from thence next ensuing & fully to be complete & yielding &
paying thereof one peppercorn if demanded, to the intent that by virtue of these presents
& by force of the statute for transferring of uses into possession, he the said George
McKown may be in the actual possession of all singular the premises above mentioned
with the appurtenances, & may thereby be enabled to accept a grant & release of the
reversion & inheritance thereof to him & his heirs, to the only proper use & behoofs of
him the said George McKown, his heirs and assigns forever.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said parties to these presents have interchangeably set
their hands & seals hereunto the day & year first above written.
Alexander McKown (SEAL)
Sealed & Delivered In the presence of us
her
Joseph Miller Josesph McKown Elizabeth X McCown (SEAL)
Mark
George Stringer Moses McCown (SEAL)
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, CAMDON DISTRICT: Personally came George
Stranger before me John Gaston one of the Justices of the Peace for the aforesaid
District, & made Oath that he saw Alexander McKown and Elizabeth McKown and
Moses sign, seal and deliver the within deed or Instrument of Writing for the
purpose. therein mentioned and that he saw Joseph Miller in Pennsylvania and Joseph
Miller in South Carolina set their names thereto as subscribing witness with himself.
Sworn before me on this twenty & fourth day of December, Anno Domin 1778
John Gaston J. P. George Stringer
PENNSYLVANIA, TO WIT: Before me William A, Esquire, one of the Justices Of
the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylvania, personally appeared George Stringer
one of the subscribing witnesses to the execution of the within written Indenture & on
his Corporal Oath did despose & say that he was present & did see the within
named Alexander McKown & Elizabeth his wife & Moses McKown sign, seal and as
their act and deed deliver the within Indenture to & for the uses, Intents and purposes
therein mentioned that the name Gorge Stringer or there to subscribed as a witness to
the same is the name and hand writing of him the said deponent & that he also saw
Joseph Miller & Joseph McKown the other subscribing witnesses to the same Indenture
sign & subscriber their names as such. WITNESS my hand & seal the thirtieth
day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy nine.
William. Atlee (SEAL)
Recorded the 10th December 1779. John Hutley, Recorder
ALEXR. & MOSES MCKOWN THIS INDENTURE, Made the
TO twenty fourth day of December in the GEORGE
MCKOWN year of our Lord one. thousand seven hundred & seventy eight
BETWEEN Alexander & Moses MCKOWN of Camdon District in Craven County &
Province of South Carolina of the one part, and George McKown of Colerain Township,
Lancaster County & Province of Pennsylvania, yeomen, of the other part.
WITNESSETH, That they, the said, Alexander & Moses McKown for & in consideration
of the sum of one hundred & fifty pounds to them in hand paid by the said George
McKown the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge & themselves therewith fully
satisfied & thereof do acquit and forever discharge him the said George McKown, his
heirs and anssigns, by these presents have granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released
& conferred and by these present, they do fully & absolutely grant, bargain, sell, alien,
release & confirmed to him the said George McKown..
( IN HIS ACTUAL POSSESSION now being & in his occupation for divers years past as
well as by virtue of a bargain & sale to him thereof made for one whole year by
Indenture bearing date the day next before the day of the date of these presents & by
force of the statute for transferring of uses into possession) & to his heirs & assigns, one
moiety or half part of that tract of land which is situate on Octoraro Creek and now
in the Township of Oxford & Colerain part In Chester County & part in the County of
Lancaster with the plantation, hereon being, the same being bounded & described in
the former deeds as follows, viz; BEGINNING at a corner post, standing on the north
side of Ootoraro Creek aforesaid and near a small field being also a corner of land late
of James Wilson being the other half of part of said tract & from thence extending
South west two hundred & twenty nine perches to a post thence by vacant land South
twenty seven degrees Easterly, one hundred & twenty four perches to a corner White
Oak. thence by land late David Tampletons & vacant land North sixty three degrees
Easterly two hundred & seventeen perches to a Post a corner of land late the aforesaid
James Wilsonʼs, thence by the same North twenty seven degrees Westerly one hundred
& ninety seven perches to the Place of BEGINNING. CONTAINING by estimation two
hundred and two acres and the usual allowances of six acres percent for roads to be it
more or less.
(BEING THE HALFPART of a tract of land which by Patent under the great seal of
Pennsylvania & under the hand Thomas Penn, one of the Preprimaries, bearing date at
Philadelphia day of the month called May, Anno Domini 1734, recorded in the
enrollment Office at Philadelphia in Patent Book A, Vol. 6th, Page 291, da., for the
consideration therein mentioned was granted and confirmed unto a certain James
Harlan for whom it had been before that time surveyed & subject to the yearly quitrent
of one English silver shilling for each hundred acres, and so in proportion for less
quantity as by reference paid to the said record thereof may appear.
AND THE AFORESAID James Halan did grant & confirm the same to the aforesaid
James Wilson & Elizabeth, his wife, and he the aforesaid James Wilson with Elizabeth,
his wife, by their indenture of lease & release bearing the date the seventieth &
eighteenth days Of the month called April, in the year of our Lord 1746, for the
consolidation therein mentioned did grant, release, convey, the moiety or half part of the
said original tract (the same which to hereby granted) to them the said Alexander &
Moses McKown to hold to them and their heirs & assigns forever, as by the said
Indentures doth fully appear.
TOGETHER WITH ALL AND SINGULAR the buildings, orchards, gardens, woods,
meadows, ways, waters, watercourse, improvements, rights liberties and
appurtenances, whatever thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining and revisions,
remainder, issue, rents, & profits thereof and all the estate, right, title & interest of the
said Alexander & Moses McKown of, in & to the said bargained premises and all deeds,
writings, & evidences concerning the same or true copies of such to do had & taken at
the cost & charges of him the said George McKown, his heirs and assigns.
AND THE SAID Alexander & Moses McKown and their heirs the said plantation &
tract of land with the premises & appurtenances hereby granted unto him the said
George McKown his heirs & assigns, against them the said Alexander & Moses McKown
& their heirs and against All & every other person whatsoever lawfully claiming or to
claim by, from or under them or any of them shall & will warrant & forever defend by
these presents. AND FURTHER they the said Alexander & Moses McKown for
themselves and their heirs, do covenant, promise & grant to the said Gorge McKown,
his heirs and assigns, by these presents that the said Alexander & Moses McKown &
their heirs & all & every other person & persons claiming under them or either of them
any estate, title or interest, of, in or to the plantation, tract of land & premises hereby
granted or any part thereof shall and will at any time or times hereafter, at the
reasonable request, cost & charges of him the said George McKown, his heirs or
assigns, make, do, execute & acknowledge, or cause so to be done, all and ever such
further & other lawful & reasonable act & acts, deed & deeds, devices and assurances,
in law whatsoever for the further & better assuring & confirming the said plantation &
tract of two hundred & two acres of land, be it more or loss, with the premises &
appurtenances hereby granted unto his the said George McKown, his heirs & assigns,
as by him or them or his or their Council learned in the law, shall be devised, advised or
required reasonably so as assurance or confirmation contains no further or other warrant
for appointing the same is herein expressed or continued.
IN WITTINESS WHEREOF, the said parties to theses presents have interchangeably
set their hands & seals Dated the day & year first above written.. Alexander McKown
(SEAL)
Sealed & Delivered in the presenceʼs of us her
Elizabeth X McCown (SEAL)
mark
Joseph Miller George Stringer Moses McCown (SEAL)
Joseph McCown John McCown her
Frank X McCown (SEAL)
mark
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, CAMDEN DISTRICT: Personally came George
Stringer before me John Gaston, one of the Justices for the aforesaid District, and made
Oath that he saw Alexander McCown and his wife Elizabeth McCown and Moses
McCown sign, seal & deliver the within deed or instrument of Writing for the purpose
therein mentioned and that he saw Joseph Miller, in the State of Pennsylvania, and
Joseph McCown in the State of South Carolina set their names thereto as subscribing
Witnesses with himself. Sworn before on this twenty fourth day of December Anno
Domino 1778. Gorge Stringer
John Gaston, J. P.
PENNSYLVANIA, TO WTT: Before me William A. Atlee, Esquire, one of the
Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylvania, personally appeared
George Stringer, one of the subscribing witnesses to the execution of the within written
indenture who being duly Sworn, on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, doth depose
and say, that he was present and did see the within named Alexander McCown and
Elizabeth, his wife, and Moses McCown sign, seal and as their act and deed deliver the
within Indenture to & for the use, intents & purpose therein mentioned THAT the named
George Stringer thereto subscribed as a witness to the same, is the name and hand
writing of him the said deponent, and that he also saw Joseph Miller and Joseph
McCown, two of the witnesses either subscribing witnesses to the execution of the
same Indenture sign & subscribe their names as such.
WITNESS my hand and seal the thirteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred & seventy nine.
William Atlee (Seal)
Recorded 10th December, 1779 John Hubley, Recorder.
Leonard J. McCown
Thanks James!
_____________________________________________________________________________
Leonard J. McCown, Irving, Texas -- McCown Family History
217 West 14th Street, Irving, Texas 75060-5903
leo...@mccown.org -- http://www.mccown.org
People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to
their ancestors. -- Edmund Burke, 1790
_____________________________________________________________________________
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