| Posted By: | David Taft |
| Email: | |
| Subject: | Re: McGhan and McGahen |
| Post Date: | August 13, 1999 at 11:06:48 |
| Message URL: | http://genforum.genealogy.com/mcgann/messages/32.html |
| Forum: | Mcgann Family Genealogy Forum |
| Forum URL: | http://genforum.genealogy.com/mcgann/ |
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The spelling of the name is a bit of a mystery. This line descends from John and Rachel McGahen. Their origins are unclear, but it is possible they were originally from New York. The family settled in Whitby Twp., Ontario, Upper Canada sometime prior to 1800. The most consistent spelling of the name in early records is McGahen. It is also found spelled Magahan, McGahan, Megan, and others. John and Rachel are believed to have had 11 children. Those for which records have been found settled in Erie Co., PA, Grant Co., WI, and Hancock Co., IL. A group of inter-related descendents settled in the area near Muskegon and Oceana Co., Michigan as early as 1860. The Pennsylvania and Illinois families spelled the name McGahen. Those who ended up in Wisconsin and Michigan spelled the name McGhan. Rachel’s maiden name has been researched for over 30 years without success. Recent leads that are being investigated suggest her name was Rachel Smith. Your line appears to be missing a generation. My research shows the following: John McGahen, b. Abt. 1767 m. Rachel ? (possibly Smith) My records at this point are incomplete. I show the following children for Clinton and Hannah: Harlow McGhan born 11-Mar-1872, Oceana Co., MI Is it possible Harlow and Juddson are the same person, or where there other children. I would be interested in exchanging information with others research this McGahen/McGhan line. |
