McKean County Archives - Page 4 of 10 - Pennsylvania Genealogy

The Houghton Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This genealogy traces the Houghton family from its ancient English roots through several generations in New England and Maine, emphasizing its descent from early colonial settler Ralph Houghton and the family’s longstanding prominence. It follows the line through James, Ephraim, Elisha, Moses, and later descendants, including the minister Rev. Moses Henry Houghton, who served congregations in several states and in Bradford, Pennsylvania. The article also connects the Houghton line with the Martin, Tuttle, and Estes families through marriage, providing dates, children, residences, occupations, and other family details that place the Bradford branch within a broader historical and genealogical network.

The Gorton Family of Smethport, Pennsylvania

Old town hall, Allegheny City, torn down in 1863

This genealogy traces the Gorton family from Samuel Gorton, an English immigrant and outspoken defender of religious liberty in early New England, through successive generations in Rhode Island, New York, and Pennsylvania. It follows the family line from colonial leadership and military service to later occupations in farming, trades, and public office, ending with Sheridan (2) Gorton of Smethport, a lawyer, civic leader, and fraternal organization member. The article also includes the Eaton family line through Lucy C. Eaton, Sheridan Gorton’s wife, linking another prominent New England family to the Gorton descendants.

The Sanborn Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This detailed family history traces the Sanborn line from its early New England roots through successive generations in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania. It follows the descent from John Sanborn and Anne Bachiler to later descendants who became farmers, church members, soldiers, and community leaders, including the family’s connection to the founding of Sanbornton, New Hampshire. The narrative also moves into the Pennsylvania branch, highlighting Bijer and Marks B. Sanborn of Bradford and East Bradford, along with their children and grandchildren, and includes brief biographical notes on occupations, marriages, migrations, and public service.

The Gillett Family of Smethport, Pennsylvania

This article traces the Gillett family line from French origins through several generations in New England, Vermont, New York, and beyond, with particular attention to the descendants who settled in western Pennsylvania. It follows Jonathan and Martin Luther Gillett, then provides a detailed account of Dr. James Selah Gillett’s education, Civil War service, medical career, and family connections. The piece concludes with the life of Mellville Gillett, whose work in engineering, natural gas, electricity, and Ohio politics led him to Smethport, where he established his home and continued his business and civic interests.

The Johnson Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This genealogy traces the Johnson family from Captain Edward Johnson, an early New England settler, through successive generations to the Bradford, Pennsylvania branch. It follows the family’s migration from Massachusetts and Vermont into Pennsylvania, highlighting descendants who served as farmers, civic leaders, ministers, and military officers, including Lieutenant Ezekiel Thomas Johnson, a Civil War veteran and later Bradford oil businessman. The article also connects the Johnsons with the Sawyer, Rogers, and Bayley families, showing the interwoven New England roots that shaped the family’s history. Along the way, it records marriages, children, and notable public service across multiple generations.

The Holmes Family of Smethport, Pennsylvania

The surname Holmes is of ancient English origin and most of the American families of the name are descended from three brothers, emigrants, who came to New England before 1650. (I) Francis Holmes Francis Holmes, immigrant ancestor of the line following, was an inhabitant of Stamford, Connecticut, as early as 1648. His will dated September 6, 1671, is recorded in Fairfield, Connecticut. In it he mentions wife Ann and four children. Children of Francis and Ann Holmes (II) John Holmes John, second child of Francis Holmes, was born in England. He married, 1659, Rachel Waterbury, of Stamford; ten children. Children … Read more

The Green Family of Smethport, Pennsylvania

This genealogy traces the Green family from its English origins to settlement in Pennsylvania, focusing on William A. Green and his descendants in Smethport and nearby communities. It outlines William’s arrival in the United States in 1872, his work and family life, and the later career of his son Samuel Green as a carpenter, contractor, and community member in McKean County. The account also connects the Greens to the Taylor and Provin families through marriage, recording children, residences, occupations, and other family relationships across several generations, with many descendants moving to Pennsylvania, Washington, Illinois, and other states.

The Corwin Family of Smethport, Pennsylvania

This genealogy traces the Corwin line from Matthias Corwin, who came from England to New England in the 1630s and settled on Long Island, through successive generations that remained prominent in Southold and later in Pennsylvania. It follows the family’s movement from colonial Long Island to McKean County, highlighting farmers, carpenters, merchants, and Revolutionary War service. The account gives details on marriages, children, property ownership, military experiences, and local civic life, with special attention to Benjamin Corwin of Smethport and his descendants, including Franklin Corwin and Ghordis Burdette Corwin.

The VanDyke Family of Smethport, Pennsylvania

This genealogical sketch traces the VanDyke family from its Dutch origins and early American tradition to several generations in northwestern Pennsylvania. It follows Augustus VanDyke and his descendants, including machinist Abram VanDyke and his children, many of whom lived in Bradford, Oil City, Kane, and nearby towns. The article also profiles Rev. William Elmer VanDyke, whose career led from store clerk and supply company manager to Episcopal ministry, including service in Smethport, Kane, Pittsburgh, and Osceola Mills. Alongside family marriages, occupations, and children, the piece preserves a detailed record of the family’s ties to local history and church life.

The Gleason Family of Smethport, Pennsylvania

This genealogical sketch traces the Gleason line associated with Smethport, Pennsylvania, beginning with early New England ancestry and moving through Amos Gleason and his son Ira Sylvenus Gleason, who established the family’s presence in McKean County. It describes Ira’s harness business, civic service, and church involvement, then follows his son Ralph Corwin Gleason, a photographer and local official. The article also details Ralph’s marriage into the Ryan family, including the military service and New England roots of Harriet Marsh Ryan. In addition, it presents a substantial Stanton lineage, linking the family to colonial Connecticut, frontier settlement, and later migration into Pennsylvania.