My Genealogy Hound

JOHN McCLELLAND (deceased) was a lifelong resident of Franklin county, Pa., and for many years before his death one of the industrious and well-to-do farmers of Letterkenny township. He was of that sturdy race which is so numerously represented among the substantial citizens of Pennsylvania, the McClelland family having come from the north of Ireland.

Thomas McClelland, father of John, was probably born in Chester county, Pa., removed thence to Franklin county, and married Miss Jeanette Smith. He carried on farming in Lurgan township, and there he and his wife both died. Mr. McClelland was a Presbyterian in religious faith. He and his wife had the following named children: Jane, Mrs. Hugh Culbertson, who lived in Adams county, Pa., and died in Shippensburg; Margaret, Mrs. Irvine, who also died in Shippensburg; Anna, Mrs. Cunningham, who died in Lawrence county, Pa.; Susan, who married James Bigham, and died near Fayetteville, Franklin county; John, mentioned below; and Joseph, who married Mary McClay, and died in Lawrence county.

John McClelland was born in 1805, in Lurgan township, Franklin county, and was there reared. In his boyhood he received such advantages as the local schools afforded, and a practical training to agriculture on the home farm. He married Martha Ann Cummins, who was born in Franklin county, near Strasburg, and was of Scotch-Irish descent, being a daughter of William Cummins and a granddaughter of Charles Cummins. William Cummins was also a native of Franklin county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McClelland took the old Cummins farm in Letterkenny township. Franklin county, and there passed the remainder of their days. He was a prosperous farmer, and made a good living for himself and family. He died on the farm in 1859, and his widow, who long survived him, passed away in 1883, at an advanced age. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Susan S. is the widow of James R. Means, of Carlisle. Catherine E., who was the wife of McCord Means, died in Shippensburg. Jennie A. is a resident of Chambersburg. William C. is principal of the Shippensburg schools; he married Miss Liberty Quigley. M. Belle resides in Carlisle. Thomas A. makes his home in Chambersburg. Samuel B. married Adella Eldredge, and resides in Boulder, Mont. Joseph U., now of Chicago, married Jennie Blinkhorn, of Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland were both earnest members of the Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church, and he was an elder in same. His political support was given to the Democratic party.