McKean County Archives - Page 4 of 7 - Pennsylvania Genealogy

The Coffin Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

Old town hall, Allegheny City, torn down in 1863

This genealogical sketch traces the Coffin family from its ancient Devon, England, origins through successive generations in colonial Massachusetts and New Hampshire to Smith Gale Coffin of Bradford, Pennsylvania. It follows the line from Tristram Coffin, the immigrant ancestor who settled in New England in the 1640s, through Newbury and Alton descendants whose lives included farming, local civic service, and church activity. The article concludes with a detailed account of Smith Gale Coffin’s move to western Pennsylvania, his work in livery, grain, and oil interests, and his family connections in Bradford and surrounding communities.

The Dempsey Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

The American ancestor of the Dempsey family of Bradford, Pennsylvania, herein recorded, was Lawrence Dempsey, born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestors. He first became a resident of Center county, Pennsylvania, soon after the close of the revolution. In 1797 he penetrated the wilds of the Upper Allegheny Valley to the lands open to settlement on the general terms presented by the state. He was the first settler in the region and made his first improvement on the “Cauvel” farm, not far from the old graveyard near Dempseytown, a hamlet named in his honor. Here he planted an orchard, one of … Read more

The Hatfield Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This genealogical sketch traces the Hatfield family from early New England and New York roots to later generations in Pennsylvania. It follows the line from Matthias and Thomas Hatfield through Gilbert Hatfield of White Plains to Daniel Hatfield, a ship carpenter who settled in Bradford, and his son Griffin, who became a businessman, oil producer, and civic leader there. The account details marriages, children, occupations, religious affiliations, and migrations across New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, showing how the family expanded into several regions and established itself in trade, farming, and the oil industry.

The Jaynes Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This genealogy traces the Jaynes family from English academic and religious roots to settlement in colonial New York and later migration into Pennsylvania. It follows several generations, including Revolutionary War service by Captain Timothy Jayne and the family’s eventual move westward into Indiana and Westmoreland counties. The article then focuses on Joseph Wallace Jaynes, a blacksmith and Bradford resident, and his son James Milton Jaynes, whose career ranged from oil-field work to mercantile and insurance business. Along the way, it records family marriages, children, occupations, military service, and community affiliations, offering a detailed portrait of a family’s long American lineage.

The Wagner Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This article traces the Wagner family line from German immigrant John Wagoner through several generations in New York and Pennsylvania, showing how the surname shifted between Wagoner, Waggoner, and Wagner. It follows John Henry Waggoner and his descendants into western New York and then focuses on Martin Ward Wagner, who settled in Bradford, Pennsylvania, built and managed the Wagner Opera House, expanded theatrical operations with Moses Reis, and later pursued farming, real estate, and civic service. The account also connects the Wagners to the Frank family, outlining intermarriage and the broader family network that shaped their history in the region.

The Sloan Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This genealogy traces the Sloan line from James Sloan, an Irish immigrant who settled in Washington County, Pennsylvania, through several generations of farmers, craftsmen, and community leaders. It follows his son John Sloan and the Murphy connection, then details the many children and descendants who lived in Washington, Allegheny, Butler, and other Pennsylvania counties, with some branches moving west. The account closes with James Mitchell Sloan of Bradford, who shifted from farming and carpentry to oil production and later established a successful undertaking business, while remaining active in local government and the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The McIntyre Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This genealogical sketch traces the McIntyre line from Scotch roots to its establishment in western Pennsylvania, following the family from Grandfather McIntyre’s migration through New York to Sugargrove and later Bradford. It outlines the ministry and community work of Nathaniel McIntyre, including his service in the United Brethren church and his marriages and children, then gives a fuller account of Richard E. McIntyre’s life. Richard’s story highlights his early work in oil-region hauling, lumbering, farming, and butchering, as well as his successful meat business in Bradford and his church and fraternal affiliations.

The McVay Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This genealogical sketch traces the McVay line from Patrick McVay of Londonderry, Ireland, through his son John, who emigrated to New York and later settled in Bradford, Pennsylvania. It follows the family’s movement from farming in Ireland into American occupations tied to the oil industry, including drilling, contracting, producing, and related work in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and Colorado. The account also notes the family’s Catholic faith, Democratic and Independent political ties, civic involvement in Bradford, and connections by marriage to the Cummings family. Several children and descendants are identified across multiple generations and locations.

The Backus Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This genealogy traces the Backus line from early New England settlers to later branches established in Pennsylvania and New York, emphasizing the family’s long public, religious, and professional service. It follows successive generations from William Backus of colonial Connecticut through Lebbeus Backus, Thomas L. Backus, Rev. William Backus, and the Smethport descendants Frank Ward Backus and Harry Llewellyn Backus. The account also includes the related Windsor and Couch families, especially Major John Couch Backus, a lawyer, legislator, and Civil War officer, and Mary Almira Backus. Together, the sketches show how the family became prominent in Smethport and surrounding communities.

The Chatley Family of Bradford, Pennsylvania

This genealogy traces the Chatley family from Francis Chatley, an Irish immigrant who settled in Beaver County and raised a large family in Pennsylvania, through several generations in Mercer County and beyond. It follows the lives of his children and descendants, including farmers, teachers, ministers, oil workers, and church members, with details on marriages, residences, and children. The account gives special attention to John Chatley and his son Homer, whose career moved from teaching to oil production in Bradford, Pennsylvania, while also connecting the family to allied lines such as the Bowmans, Alexanders, Browns, and Stewarts.