When my first Colonial ancestor came to the New World from Ulster Ireland, he settled in South Central Pennsylvania. I have researched my family tree for over 20 years and now, finally, I have walked on the same land as my 8th Great Grandfather, John Winton. These pictures are from the locaton of the Winton and McClelland farms just east of Mercersburg, PA.
John lived on 300 acres that were adjacent and north of, what is believed to be, his wife’s (Mary) family, the McClellands. Here are some houses currently on the former McClelland farm.
The only known structure that is likely left from the McClellands is this Spring House. As you can see, a few modern amenities have been added such as electricity.
John died about 1767, based on tax records but the exact date, cause of death, and burial place are unknown. Mary’s 1770 death is recorded in the records of the Upper West Conococheague Creek Presbyterian Church (UWCCPC). Her burial place is not recorded but is likely in the McClelland Family Cemetery. The family cemetery is on the McClelland farm and, unfortunately, went into disrepair and disappeared somewhere under a field of corn. I did visit the old UWCCPC cemetery located a few miles from the farms. I have included pictures of a few tombstones of the McCoys. The McCoy family is theorized by some family history researchers to be Mary’s family. Their farm was close to both the Winton and McClelland farms.
The only known offspring of John and Mary is William Winton. After his parents passed, William moved to the Shade Gap area which about 30 miles northwest from where he grew up. Williams tract of land is not very accessible as the current owners seem to be hesitant to receive guests. However, William sold the tract and left for Virginia about 1780. Later, the new owners donated a small portion of the land for St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
On the way back from Shade Gap, we went through the community of Burnt Cabins. Yes, there is a story behind the name. I learned of the story years ago when researching the general history of the area. I have been interested in visiting ever since. So, here is the story.
As you know, the colonial government made many treaties with the regional Indian tribes. While lines were drawn and promises made to respect boundaries between Indian land and Colonial land, the reality is that there was no stopping the Scots-Irish from settling further and further west.
As tensions grew and attacks became more numerous, the Colonial government tried to appease the Indians by a demonstration of goodwill. They offered to burn Scots-Irish cabins located in Indian land. The occupants were given notice to vacate and the cabins were burned.
Early in my research, a geographical reference to where John and Mary settled was the West Branch Conococheague Creek. I still can’t pronounce it correctly. Here are a few pictures of the creek.
This was an informative and rewarding trip. We met many friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful people. I hope to work with them in the future as I continue to search for clues and answers.