Mintier Lines - S06 - McCune ========== McCUNE (Quoting liberally from Seven Hundred Years of McCune History by Joseph Condit McCune - 1914) Our family first appears in recorded history about the year 1200 as the "Clan Eoghain na-k-Oitir," or the "Clan Ewan of Otter," Otter is a rocky headland on Lock Fyne, Cowall, Argylshire, Scotland, about fifty miles from Glasgow. In Gaelic, the ancient language of the Scottish Highlands, Ewen was Eogham which mean wellborn. Chalmers in his "Caledonia" states that the first Marshall of Scotland, who, after the Constable, ranked next to the King, was Ewen who was Marshall during the reign of David I, who ascended the throne in 1124. It is known that among the earliest inhabitants of Cowal were the MacEwens (Mac means "son of")/ It is known, too, that the costs of Cowal were plundered time and again by the Vikings or Danes from Ireland. Otter, in Gaelic, means a rocky headland but as the Scottish coasts abound in rocky headlands, this does not seem a very definite designation. Chalmers says that in the year 912 the Danes, under their King Reginald, plundered Dublin. One of Reginald's principle chiefs was Otter. In 918 Reginald led his Vikings to Lock Fyne in Cowal but was defeated there. (It seems possible that his subordinate, Otter, remained there and gave name to the town of Otter. In that case, the MacEwens are of Scandinavian descent - a theory made more probably by the names of some of their chieftains.) Whoever the first Ewen may have been, there is positive evidence that the Clan Ewen possessed land in Cowall about the year 1200 and that MacEwen was their Chief. These lands were in extent about twenty-five miles square or contained roughly 400,000 acres. The MacEwens could turn out about 200 fighting men, very necessary in those rude days. The castle of the MacEwens was located about a mile below the church at Killfinnan, the ruins being still visible in 1750. It was even still called "MacEwen's Castle". The Church was established by Duncan of Lamont in 1238 by grants of land to the monks of Paisley, Roman Catholic, or course. MacEwen I was succeeded by Severan II. In 1315 Gillespie V was Chief. After this there were the four chiefs - Ewen II, John VII, Walter VIII, and Swene IX. The names, Severan and Swene, would indicate the Norse origin already mentioned. All of these chiefs were Barons of Otter, this being the MacEwen title. It was very unfortunate for the MacEwens that at about this time, the Campbells began to secure their ascendancy in Argylshire. Whether it was their prowess as fighters or skill as diplomats, the Campbells were able to crush practically all the clans in Argylshire and thus secure thier lands for themselves. With Swene's death the Clan Ewen as a clan became extinct. The Clan, however, possessed its own tartan or plaid, which was a combination of blue and a bluish black with a large check of fine yellow and red lines. 2. The coat-of-arms of the Chief of Clan Ewen was registered with the Lyon King of Arms, the chief heraldic officer of Scotland. It consists of an argent shield with four roses gulles and a shower of arrows, the crest being a bare arm carrying a scimitar. The motto of the Chief was "Pervicax Recte" or "Stubborn in the Right." (Another source from Scotland says the motto was "I grow green.") When the Clan Ewen was disrupted the clansmen scattered. It is with those who settle in Galloway that we are concerned. Galloway comprised the modern counties of Wigton and Kirkcudbright in the extreme Southern part of Scotland on the English border. Dumfries is the principal city of the district. The ancient Galwegians were essentially fighters and were known as the "Wild Scots of Galloway." When the Stuart King tried to bring the Church of Scotland, Protestant since John Knox's time, back under Rome the Scottish people signed "The Solemn League and Covenant," which was a remonstrance. The inhabitants of Galloway, since known as the "Covenanters" bitterly opposed the King's effort to force his religion on them. They were compelled to hold their services in the hills in secret. Matters grew worse until in 1679 the Covenanters made a united resistance to the King's troops and were victorious at Drumelog. The effect of this victory was destroyed by a disastrous defeat at Bothwell Brig a few months later. It was on Aug. 15, 1685 that Samuel M'Ewen of Glencairn was put to death at Edinburg, a martyr to the cause of the Covenanters. He with two others, Thomas Harkness and Andrew Clark were seized by Claverhouse in the parish of Closeburn, were brought into Edinburg "about one of the clock, and that same day they were sentenced and executed about five of the clock." This happened on August 15, 1684 according to Traditions of the Covenanters by Rev. Robert Simpson. (Note difference in date from preceding statement.) Now to Ireland - If on can judge without facts, it would seem the McCunes were in Ireland only about 30 or 40 years. The census of 1890 showed less than 400 McCunes in Ireland and they were in the Counties of Antrim and Down. The theory which seems soundest is that after the hanging of Samuel M'Ewen, his relatives fled to Ulster, as did many other Scotsmen. Antrim is only 22 miles from Galloway and can always be more or less distinctly seen. The MacEwens at this time changed their name to McCune. About 1729 four brothers left Ireland and came to America. The names of these brothers come down to us as Samuel, John, William and Thomas. 1. Samuel McCune was a mill owner who took up lands in Chester County, Penna. in 1732. Perhaps he is the father of Captain Samuel McCune of Cumberland County, Penna. who headed a list of 130 subscribers to the building of the "stone" church in 1781 at Middle Spring. He commanded a company at Ticonderoga and Crown Point in the Revolution. 2. John McCune settled in Lancaster County, Penna., was a captain in the Indian wars. He died in 1766, leaving a widow Agnes _______ and four sons: John, James, Robert and William. The son, Robert, inherited his father's property in Cumberland County, Penna. and was presumably the ancestor of the Shippensburg (Middle Spring) McCunes, or at least a number of this group. 3. William McCune settled in Peters Twp., Cumberland County, Penna. From him it is presumed the McKeesport McCunes are descended. 3. 4. Thomas McCune is understood to be the direct ancestor of the Ohio Valley McCunes, that is, the supposed father of James McCune who married Elizabeth Rotheram. Thomas McCune is supposed to have settled first in New Castle County, Delaware, and to have died there not long after his arrival in America. His place of burial has not been found. The son of Thomas McCune, James McCune, weaver and farmer, (my great, great, great grandfather) was born in 1730 (some accounts say between 1730 and 1735). He bought a 100 acre farm in Mill Creek Hundred near Wilmington, Delaware, March 16, 1767. At that time this area was a part of the Penna. colony, Delaware not becoming a state until 1776. On May 20, 1968, I drove through the area drained by White Clay Creek, running from Penna. into Delaware, near Newark, Del. It is unusually beautiful farming country with a network of good roads running through it. One wonder why the McCunes were not satisfied with such good land. Probably since it did not look like their rocky, hilly Scotland and Ireland, they pushed on west to find that type of landscape in central Pennsylvania and later in eastern Ohio. We went to the White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church on Kirkwood Highway (Rt. 2) between Wilmington and Newark. The church property lies directly on the highway on the right as one approaches Newark, the church standing on a hill away from the road. It was founded in 1721, according to a large sign near the highway. The church was built in 1752 and rebuilt in 1855. The latter is the present church, though an education unit has been added more recently. We could find no McCune stones in the cemetery surrounding the church, though a more thorough search might reveal some. It is believed that the McCunes attended this church which was so near their home. In the spring of 1776 James McCune and wife (Elizabeth Rotherham) went from Delaware to Cumberland County, Penna. where they bought a farm in 1780 on Condoquinet Creek above Carlisle for 750 English pounds. They resided there from some years, but in the 1780's took up land in Morris Twp., Huntingdon County, Penna. In the history of Huntingdon and Blair counties James McCune is listed as owner of 400 acres in 1796; as Overseer of the Poor in 1795-96; as a Road Supervisor in 1797; and it is noted that he "removed early." He died in 1808. Presumably he is buried in Huntingdon County, perhaps at Old Hars Log Presbyterian Church, tow miles north of Alexandra on Rt. 22, now abandoned pasture land. (I have seen a reference to McCune's Mills, Blair County, Penna.) His obituary from the Huntingdon Gazette is as follows: "Died in Canoe Valley, Huntingdon Co., on Thursday, the 21st day of April, 1808, James McCune, Esq., at an advanced age. Mr. McCune was a pious and devout Christian; a faithful and affectionate husband, a tender father, and a sincere friend. His virtues and amiable disposition will long be remembered by those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. In his last hours, his faith in the merits of Christ and his resignation to the Devine Will gave strong evidence that, as he lived, so he died, a Christian." In a later issue of the pater the notice of sale was given: Will Be Sold At the late dwelling house of James McCune, Esq., sen., in Morris Township, 4. Huntingdon County, deceased, on the 9th day of June next; Grain in the ground, Horses, Cows, Sheep, Hogs, Household Furniture and Farming Utensils, ..... (omitted some) Attendance and a reasonable credit will be given by Christian Harnian John Dean Executors May 27, 1808 James McCune served in the Revolution. - Private in Cumberland County, Penna. Militia - 7th Company, First Battalion under Capt. Joseph Brady and Col. James Dunlap. Reference to service in Penna. Archives, 5th Series, Vol. 6, pgs. 132 and 431. DAR number of Mrs. Frank Kimball, (Mother's cousin) - 116,821; of her sister, Laura McCune - 164,930. Will of James McCune IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN: I, James McCune, of Morris Township in the County of Huntingdon and State of Pennsylvania, being grown old and frail of body but of sound disposing mind and memory, blessed be God, and knowing that it is appointed for all men to die. Do on this twenty-first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seven, make and ordain this instrument of writing to contain my last Will and Testament in manner and form following: and first I allow my executors, hereafter to be named, as soon as possible after my decease, out of my estate to pay all my debts and funeral expenses and what worldly good the Lord hath been pleased to bestow on me. I bequeathe in manner and form following: And first I bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth her bed and furniture and her choice of my Horses Creatures and her saddle and Bridle and what of the Kitchen furniture she chooses and my large Bible and none of these is to be appraised or sold and a cow and likewise I leave her eight hundred dollars to be given her when my plantation is sold and to be at her disposal at the time of her death. I bequeathe to my daughter Elizabeth McConel four hundred dollars besides what I gave her when she was married. I bequeathe to my daughter Mary Culbertson four hundred dollars besides what I gave her when she was married but the money I *lent* to her husband Joseph Culbertson is to be allowed in this sum. I bequeath to my daughter Sarah Robertson four hundred dollars besides what I gave her when she was married. I bequeathe to my daughter Abigail Dean four hundred dollars besides what she got when she was married but what her husband Robert Dean is indebted to me is to be allowed in this sum. I bequeathe to my daughter Margaret McConoughy four hundred dollars besides what she got when she was married. I bequeath to my son Thomas McCune of the State of Ohio one hundred dollars besides the plantation he bought that I paid for him in that State. I bequeathe to my son Samuel McCune one dollar besides paying for the plantation he now lives on in the State of Ohio. I bequeathe to my son Joseph McCune's heirs of the State of Ohio two hundred dollars to be equally divided amoungst them or the survivors of them who may attain to full age and as soon as it can be done after my decease. I wish this sum put to interest fo their use during their minority. I bequeathe to my son James McCune's three children, viz., Elizabeth, Margery, and Sarah, four hundred dollars each to be paid to them at the time they attain their full age and in case of any of they dying under age their share to be equally divided amoungst the survivors and after my decease I direct that this shall be put out at 5. interest on good security and the interest thereout arising to be paid to their mother my daughter-in-law Margaret McCune for their use in order to enable her to support and educate them during their minority. I bequeathe to my daughter-in-law Margaret McCune the widow of my son James deceased three hundred dollars to her sole and separate use for her tender and affectionate conduct to her husband and for her dutiful and affectionate attention to her Mother-in-law and me. I bequeathe to each of my grandchildren a Pocket Bible. I bequeathe if it ever should be demanded one hundred dollars to the heirs of Alexander Bryans to be equally divided amoungst them as I had their money in the time Congress money circulated and perhaps it might have lost that much to them of what was their right and I allow my Executors to pay it to them if I have no opportunity to pay it before my decease. And further I order and direct that in case my real and personal estate should be found unequal to pay off and discharge the legacies and bequests hereinbefore mentioned, that then and in such case each Legatee shall loose a proportional share of their Legacy in proportion to their part and the deficiency of the estate to pay off the same & the expense of executing this Will. But provided the estate shall be equal to fulfil the intentions of my Will and there should be a surplus over and above and sufficient then I direct my executors to pay my son Thomas aforesaid two hundred dollars and to pay my son Samuel one hundred dollars in addition to their present Legacies or in proportion if insufficient and should there remain a residue then that part is to be equally divided amongst the rest of my heirs aforesaid. And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my friends Christian Harnish and John Dean, Esq., to be my sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament. Hereby revoking and disannuling all former Wills and Testaments by me made and I declare this to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year aforesaid. Jas. McCune (SEAL) Sealed signed and published as the last Will and Testament of James McCune in presence of David Stewart John Fergus SCHEDULE In order to enable Christian Harnish and John Dean my Executors to fulfil the intentions of my Will I do hereby empower them or the survivors of them to sell and convey my lands in Morris Township in the County of Huntingdon and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and I do hereby authorize them or the survivor of them to execute a Deed or Deeds for the same as Sufficiently as I could do if I were living and I direct my heirs to receive the bonds for the purchase money of my lands in discharge of their legacies and that they who may be in the most need of their share receive the bonds that become due first. And further I do order and direct this to be received in addition to and become part of my last Will and Testament. In witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of February one thousand eight hundred and eight. Jas. McCune (SEAL) Witnesses present: at sealing: Anthony Ranker David Stewart 6. After the death of James McCune it is said that his widow, Elizabeth Rotherham McCune, visited her children in Ohio. (These would be Col. Thomas McCune who married Mary Brady, and his younger brother, Joseph McCune, my great, great grandfather who married Mary Shannon). Then she "returned to Philadelphia" where she died and is presumably is buried. The third child of James and Elizabeth McCune, Joseph (mentioned above), was born in 1762. He and friend, Henry West, removed from Huntingdon County, Penna. in 1797 or 1798 to Warren Twp., Section 28, Jefferson County, Ohio, one mile west of Yorkville. He operated a farm and tannery there. In 1842 he died there and was buried in a small family cemetery nearby. He married Mary Shannon about 1792 before he moved from Penna. to Ohio. He was called *Captain* Joseph McCune but I do not know in what circumstance he got that title. The third child of Joseph McCune and Mary Shannon was Thomas (my great grandfather) who was born in 1799. I believe he always lived in the area of his early home. He married Martha Dunlap, a neighbor, (See Dunlap line.) They had eight children among whom was William, my grandfather, born in 1836. Thomas died in 1847 and Martha in 1841. They are buried in the Seceder Cemetery at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio. William, my grandfather, married Elvira Alexander who lived in the next county. I have the daguerreotype of them at the time of their marriage in 1858, grandmother at the age of 19, grandfather at 21, and grandfather's sister, Great Aunt Sarah West seven years older than her brother and evidently their attendant. Grandfather wore a short beard even then. I never knew him when he did not have a long white beard. I remember one time in Salineville, Ohio when my playmates came running to call me out to the street to see Santa Claus coming up the street. It was Grandpa McCune coming for a surprise visit. Grandfather was a wonderfully warm-hearted, lovable man with a great sense of fun. The young people of the community delighted in having him join their parties even when he was getting quite old. I can't remember seeing him angry and I know that many people came to him for advice. (For further information about grandfather and grandmother McCune see the Alexander, Mitchell and McCune lines.) McCUNE [Genealogy was slightly reformatted to ease reading] I. Samuel McCune Antrim County, Ireland II. Thomas McCune Came to America from Antrim County, Ireland about 1729 1. Samuel Jr. 2. James III. James McCune 1730/5-1808 m. Elizabeth Rotheram 1. Thomas 1757-1842 m. Mary Brady 2. Elizabeth 1760- m. _____________ McConell 3. Joseph 1762-1804/5 m. Mary Shannon 4. William 1764- Single 5. Mary 1766- m. Joseph Culbertson 6. Sarah 1768-1840 m. David Robertson 7. James 1770- m. Margaret Robinson 8. Abigail 1773-1866 m. Robert Dean 9. Samuel 1776- m. Sarah Robinson 10. Margaret 1779-1842 m. Hugh McConahey IV. Jospeh McCune 1762-1804 m. Mary Shannon Buried in Huntingdon Co., Pa. (later married Samuel Bigger) 1. John 1795-1827 2. James 1797- m. Nancy Norton 3. Thomas 1799-1847 m. Martha Dunlap 1804-1841 4. Joseph 1801-1826 m. Nancy McCormack V. Thomas McCune 1799-1847 m. Martha Dunlap 1804-1841 Buried in Seceder Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, Ohio 1. Joseph 1826-1877 m. Mary Jane Mcdill 2. Adam 1827-1866 m. Margaret A. Mcdill 3. Sarah J. 1829-1902 m. Robert DeLafayette West 4. Samuel 1831-1863 Single 5. James 1833-1868 m. Mary J. Keller 6. William 1836-1913 m. Elvira Alexander 7. Thomas died in childhood 8. Martha Ann died in childhood VI. William McCune 1836-Nov. 21, 1913 m. Elvira Alexander 1839-May 23, 1920 Buried in Scotch Ridge Cemetery 1. Mary Kate 1859-1885 m. Alexander McMannis 1856-1886 Buried in Scotch Ridge Cemetery 2. Elwood Clyde 1862-1885 Single Buried in Scotch Ridge Cemetery 3. Pearl Amsden 1870-1960 m. William Alexander Mintier 1869-1936 Buried in New Concord, Ohio VII. Pearl Amsden McCune 1870-1960 m. William A. Mintier 1869-1936 1. Wilma McCune 1898-[1983] Single 2. Wendell Reid 1900-[1985] m. Sara Byrnes [1982-1994] 3. Harold Nichol 1905-[1986] m. Virginia Esterquest [1909-2002] VIII. Wilma McCune Mintier 1898-[1983] Single VIII. Wendell Reid Mintier 1900-[1985] m. Sara Byrnes [1982-1994] 1. Donna Jean [xxxx]- m. David McKay [xxxx]- IX. Donna Jean Mintier [xxxx]- m. David McKay [xxxx]- 1. Barry Reid [xxxx]- 2. Steven Alan [xxxx]- VIII. Harold Nichol Mintier 1905-[1986] m. Virginia Esterquest [1909-2002] 1. Martha Jane [xxxx]- m. Wiley Sanders 2. Patricia Ann 1935-1948 Buried in New Concord, Ohio 3. Robert Nichol 1940-[2002] m. Eve Shawn [(div)] 4. Barbara Elaine 1943- IX. Martha Jane Mintier [xxxx]- m. Wiley Sanders 1. William Daryl [xxxx]- 2. Mark Earl [xxxx]- 3. Wilene Carol [xxxx]- IX. Robert Nichol Mintier 1940-[2002] m. Eve Shawn [(div)] 1. Charles Willard Ivan [xxxx]- 2. Patricia Ann [xxxx]- 3. Nicholas Shawn [xxxx]- IX. Barbara Elaine Mintier [xxxx]- ========== Source: 1970, "A Brief History of Some of the Family Lines of Wilma McCune Mintier", written and self-published for family members by Wilma McCune Mintier, 1970; Full typewritten, copied text in possession of William Daryl Sanders, Wilma's GrandNephew. Transcribed by William Daryl Sanders in Sections, predominantly separated by main family group. ---------- Mintier Lines - Sections S01 - Intro - Thank you and poem S02 - Mintier S03 - Hammond S04 - Henderson S05 - Nichol S06 - McCune S07 - Rotheram S08 - Dunlap S09 - Alexander S10 - Mitchell S11 - Appendix - Poem and several photocopies of family pictures [HTML, Text and PDF versions online Copyright 2007 by William Daryl "Bill" Sanders. Any reproduction, printing, or selling of this content is prohibited without express written consent from William D. Sanders. More can be found at http://www.orangefrogproductions.com/ofp2o_family_999_wmm_s00.shtml.] ==========