William R. McClelland Genealogy

Born ca 1826. Death probably before 1860 census. Lived in Butler County (and possibly Armstrong County), Pennsylavnia. It is believed that the father's name was James, and the mother's maiden name was Riddle (probably the "R." in Williams name), but this has not been substantianted. Married Mary Ann McGeary [or McGara], daughter of Giffin [or Griffin] McGeary and Sara Duff.

Church records from Upper Bull Creek Presbyterian Church (now Westminster Presbyterian), Clinton Township, Butler County, state: Mary Ann McGara and William McClelland were married by Rev. Abe Boyd on Jan. 13, 1848. [See excerpt from 1895 Butler County History regarding Westminster Presbyterian Church.]

Mary Ann McGeary joined the church June 13, 1845. Beside her name is penciled, "dec. 1852." The penciled comment leads one to believe that Mary Ann McGeary and Mary Ann McClelland are the same person since Mary Ann McClelland is buried right beside Giffin McGeary; and since Giffin was the father of Mary Ann McGeary and she died in July, 1852 we can deduce that they are one in the same person. On her stone are the words "Wife of W. R. McClelland." Beside William R. McClelland's name it also has the word "deceased" in pencil. When he died is not known, nor is it known if he is buried there as the cemetery records are missing and all they have are "read" cemetery stones.

From the Second Session Record Book of Upper Bull Creek Presbyterian Church covering 1848-1905:

Sept. 28, 1850: Session of Upper Bull Creek met and was opened with prayer. Members present as yesterday. William R. McClelland applied for admission to the seal ordinances of the church and on examination was received. The session then adjourned. Closed with prayer. E. Ogden Moderator.

Sept. 30, 1850: James Giffen and John Herron, sons of William R. McClelland and Mary Ann McClelland, his wife were baptised.

Known children were:
John Herron (1850-1916)
James Giffin (1849-1937) who married (1st) Elvira Covert, (2nd) Hannah Harris

Possibly, but not proven:
William (mar. Emma)
Clark (mar. Elsie).

John Herron's death certificate #116150 (dup.#0198247) states: Birthplace, Pa.; Father, Herron McClelland, Birthplace Pa.; Mother's maiden name, "don't know", Birthplace "Pa."

James' death certificate #97620 (dup.#0236450) states: Birthplace, Armstrong Co., Penna.; Father Cyrus McClelland, Birthplace "Scotland"; Mother's maiden name "unknown", birthplace "unknown". See James' Obituary

The undertaker signing both death certificates was W. E. McClelland [my grandfather], who apparently knew very little about his grandparents.

It is due to the efforts of Ken McHattie (g-g-grandson of William and Mary Ann McClelland) and information received from Barbara Speed that the above information on William R. McClelland is provided.

Ken McHattie also provides the following information:
In the census for 1860 was found a John McLelland, age 9, living with Giffen and Sarah McGary & family in South Buffalo Township, Armstrong County. A James McClellan, age 11, was living in Winfield Township, Butler County with Robert and Margaret Ann McGeary in 1860. From comparing the 1850 census for Giffen & Sarah McGeary, I concluded that Robert was Mary Ann's older brother. In 1850, Giffen & Sarah McGeary were living in Buffalo Township, Butler County which was near Winfied Township.

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Last changed: 30 Jun 2006