Name: John MACHLAN

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Birth: abt 1763 Pennsylvania

Death: 17 Nov 1839 Rush Co., Indiana

Father: John MACHLAN ( - Aug 1780)

Mother: Rebecca HEWS

John MACHLAN (? 1735 - Aug 1780) & Rebecca HEWS (? 1735 - aft 1780)

John MACHLAN (1763 - 17 Nov 1839) & Hester UPDEGRAFT (1770 - 1814)

William MACHLAN (1800 - 28 Jul 1833) & Elizabeth STITES (1803 - aft 1880)

George Washington MACHLAN (13 Nov 1832 - 25 May 1912) & Elizabeth Ellen MANN (1836 - 1906)

Joshua Newton MACHLAN (17 Oct 1859 - 8 May 1936) & Mary Ellen ARNEY (1861 - 1935)

Linnie Ellen MACHLAN (30 Sep 1884 - 7 May 1974) & Everett Elmer WALKER (1882 - 1948)

Elsie Maureen WALKER (20 Nov 1903 - 12 Mar 1983) & Leo Newton COFFEY (1901 - 1998)

Fred Coffey

Misc. Notes

QUAKER ORIGINS:

I have indicated above that this John Machlan (1763) was almost certainly the son of a John Machlan who married Rebecca Hews. They were Quakers, found in York County, PA. Evidence is as follows:

The Will of John Machlan: An abstract of a York County will for the decedent John Machlan of Warrington Township. The will was written 9 Sep 1779, and proved 8 Aug 1780 (suggesting probable death July/Aug 1780), Executor Jacob Vore, Wife Rebecca Machlan, Children Mary, George, Lydia, John, William, Elizabeth, Margaret, James and Sarah.

I believe OUR John Machlan (1763) is the son “John” in the above will. Of particular circumstantial evidence is the recurrence of names between the will and the names of John’s descendants: John (1763) had a daughter Rebecca, who in turn had children names Mary, James, George, and Sarah. And he had a son John, who had children William, Sarah, and Mary. And he had a son William, with a daughter Sarah and a son George. And he had a son George.

Also, I will later cite a report indicating our John (1763) was a Quaker. And we can find records indicating that the John Machlan who married Rebecca Hews was also indeed Quaker:

Quaker Meeting Records, Chester, PA: I have just begun to explore the Quaker Meeting Records on Ancestry.com, but the following two are particularly relevant: (Ultimately I may want to examine Mormon microfilms, which may have even more details.)

2 Jan 1755: Minutes, Bradford Monthly Meeting, Chester, PA: Rebeckah Hews and John Machlan took their wedding vows on 2 Jan 1755, with 29 witnesses named. (Actual image of minutes available.)

16 Jul 1764: Minutes, Bradford Monthly Meeting, Chester, PA: Part of these minutes read “The friends appointed produced to this meeting a Certificate from John Machlin his wife and their five Children to wit Mary George Lydia William and John which Read approved and Signed”

This Certificate is for the family use in transferring their membership to Warrington Monthly Meeting. However the thing is that it names the children in mostly the same order as the above will (i.e., from oldest to youngest), and the youngest child here is “John”. Our records say the child John was born in 1763, so this is absolutely consistent! John is the fifth of their nine children.

1781 FIRST KNOWN ADULT PRESENCE IN PENNSYLVANIA?

SOURCE: Following extracted by ancestry.com from the book “GRUBB, FARLEY. Runaway Servants, Convicts, and Apprentices Advertised in the Pennsylvania Gazette, 1728-1796. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1992. 187p.”

John Machlin, Isaac Pinn Chester PA sadler 3/7/1781, A

16 days, Monday, 1 spanish dollar, 5’ 4-5”

This is a summary of an advertisement placed in the “Pennsylvania Gazette”, a weekly newspaper, on 3/7/1781. It says that “John Machlin” has run away from his master “Isaac Pinn Chester PA”, who is a “sadler”. The “A” says John had an apprentice contract. He ran away “16 days” prior to the advertisement date, on a “Monday”. There is a reward of “1 spanish dollar” for information leading to his return. And John is 5 feet, 4-5 inches tall.

Our John Machlan would be about age 18 at this time. His father (see above) died in 1780, and it would have been quite logical for young John, upon the death of his father, to have been assigned to Mr. Pinn as an apprentice.

HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY, INDIANA, PUBLISHED 1888:

This history is available in full online. It includes two full pages about Orange Township Machlans, with current citizens Benjamin Machlan (1822-1890) and William Machlan (1825-1888) defined as the subjects. Note that each of these men probably contributed information for the article, and note that they died shortly after the time of writing.

Following is the full text. It’s a good summary of the family, written by people who would have remembered most of the people. My biggest problem is with the first sentence below, claiming immigration. I think the John Machlan born in 1763 was born in Pennsylvania, per the above discussion. His father, also named John Machlan, would have likely been the original immigrant:

“Over a century ago, in 1763, and in Scotland, there was born John Machlan, the paternal grandparent of William and Benjamin. This grandparent came across the Atlantic to America, when a youth, and afterward settled and married in Lycoming Country, Pa. He was married to Hester Updegraft, who was American born, and of French lineage. This marriage was blessed by the following children: Rebecca, John, William, George and two others who died in early life. The mother of these children died in Pennsylvania, and adversity after adversity beset the father, and the family was reduced to poverty. The father determined on a removal to Ohio, and in the fall of 1816, removed to Butler County, of that State, where he settled and lived for seven years. The stay in Ohio was accompanied by a financial success, for the father was a farmer, and by his industry, together with the co-operation of his children, he was successful in that pursuit in Ohio, and he determined to remove to Indiana. Accordingly in the spring of 1823, the removal was made, and a settlement was made in Rush County, where lands were purchased. The father continued his agricultural pursuits, and his following life was identified with the pioneer settlement of Rush County. In his calling his success was evident, and at last he became a prosperous man. Though his early life was beset by many difficulties, his last days were more of sunshine. He was a descendant of a Quaker family, and was faithful to the Quaker faith. He lived a long and useful life, and in the fall of 1S39, was called away.

“We have observed the death of his wife, who died in Pennsylvania. She was a devoted mother and wife, an ardent Friend in truth and in sect. She was of the Quaker faith, in which she was reared, and lived and died in that faith. After her death, and after the removal to Ohio, Mr. Machlan married for a second wife, Sarah Woods, who lived nine years after Mr. Machlan's death, and then was called away.

“John Machlan, Jr., the father of our subject, was born in Lycoming County, Pa., in May of 1795. He was reared on a farm, and never attended school a day in his life, but in later days, he learned to read, and being a man of strong intellectual power, he became conversant on general subjects. He was an industrious and frugal man, reserved in character, and a very considerate citizen, possessing conservativeness, honesty, sobriety and sincerity. Born a poor boy, he died a prosperous man; his success in life was due to his untiring energy, firmness and perseverance. His life pursuit was that of farming, in which he was practical and successful. He came to Indiana in 1S23, the date of his father's settlement in the State, and purchased a small tract of land in Rush County, and when he died he owned a broad tract of more than 400 acres. His early life was beset by many difficulties. In the spring of 18 18, he chose a companion for life, and was united in marriage with Sally Day, in Butler County, Ohio. Sally was born in York State, in the year 1800 and was of English and Dutch lineage. She was a strong and sturdy woman, and proved a faithful companion to her husband, whose struggle in early life was difficult. At his marriage he began a hard battle, for he was very poor, and hard toil was his lot. He often said in after life, that hard toil seasoned his bread, and that he thanked God that he was blessed with Sally, to whom he attributed much of his success in life. Sally was not only a faithful wife, but a kind and faithful friend and mother, and a devout Christian. She lived a useful life of forty-seven years, and in the spring of 1846, was called away, leaving a family of seven children to mourn her loss. The number of children that were born unto her marriage was eleven, but four died in early life. The names of the others are: Benjamin, William, Sarah, Joseph, Mary, Martha and Phibia. The father of those children married for a second wife, Alvira Garner nee Alvira Shaw. He was reared in the Quaker faith, but at the age of twenty-eight, he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a zealous member throughout the remainder of his life. His death occurred in the fall of 1857.

“Benjamin is the older of our subjects, and was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 12, 1S22, but was reared in Rush County, Ind., receiving a fair education in the country schools. He has followed farming for an occupation. In July, 1840, he married Louisa Hume, who was born in Boone County, Ky., in 1820; her death occurred in July of 1875. Seven children were born unto her as follows : Sarah, Mary, Wilbert, Margaret, George and two others who died early in life. In 1876, Benjamin married for a second wife, Susan Bows, nee Susan Hume.

“William, the younger of our subjects, was born in Rush County, Ind., February 2, 1825, and was reared on a farm in his native county, receiving a common school education in the country schools. He has followed farming as an occupation, and is one of the most extensive farmers of Orange Township. In the spring of 1845, he was united in marriage with Sarah Carpenter, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, May 3, 1825. Unto them have been born John, Catherine and Merrit.”

1800 CENSUS, NIPPENNOSE, LYCOMING COUNTY, PA:

There is a John Maclain (writing could be read as “Maclan”) and wife of the right ages. They have two sons under age 10, 1 daughter under 10, and 1 daughter under 16. Probable fit.

1810 CENSUS, NIPPENNOSE, LYCOMING COUNTY, PA:

There is a John Macklin of the right age (45+), but no wife of corresponding age. He has 2 sons under 10, 2 sons 10-15, and there is one female 16-25. But where is wife Hester? Information from various genealogies that his wife Hester Updegraft died in about 1814, but maybe she actually died before 1810?

John lives next door to Samuel Carpenter, who reportedly married John’s daughter Rebecca in 1810. Sam & Rebecca are both in the 16-25 age group.

Now, if Rebecca is already married to Sam Carpenter, and there are 5 children (4 males and 1 female) still in John’s house, then we have 6 total children, but only know names for four! That offers the thought that we have two missing children, a female born 1785-94, and a male born 1800-10? The above Rush County history refers to two children who died young, so the two here may be a good fit.

1820 CENSUS, ROSS, BUTLER COUNTY, OH:

There is a “John Macklin” and a “John Macklin Jr.” listed, and that is quite consistent with his eldest son John being old enough to have his own household. They are living next to each other. The same census also includes Samuel Carpenter, John’s son-in-law who married his daughter Rebecca.

John Jr. is of the right age, and his wife’s age is right to be the Sarah Day he married. They were married in 1818, and have one female child under age 10. (The child does not appear in the genealogies I have seen, so may have died young?)

John Sr. has no females in his household, consistent with the death of his wife Hester in 1814. There are two young males age 16-26, which would be consistent with sons William and George. But there is also a male age 16-18, so maybe George is in the overlapping age range?

1823 LAND PATENT:

On 26 Jul 1823 “John Machlin of Butler County Ohio” obtained two patents for Public Lands in Rush County, IN. This was for “Sec 7, Twp 12-N, Range 9-E, County Rush”, one for 160 acres and one for 86 acres. (The second has a scrawl by the name that might be a “Jr”.) A Third patent was obtained 20 Apr 1824 for another 85 acres. (This one definitely says “Junior”.)

PUBLICATION: Centennial history of Rush County, Indiana: Orange Township, Published 1921:

“Among the pioneers of Orange Township whose names have been preserved… John Machlan… “

“This township in the southwestern corner of the county… is perhaps the most rugged section of the county topographically, the surface being much broken by numerous streams and hills. Moscow, a village of about one hundred population… dates back to 1822 when John Woods and David Querry built a mill on Big Flat Rock at that point. John Woods… operated a distillery, as did Joseph Owens, and it is said these were quite liberally patronized, this fact probably accounting for the ‘unenviable reputation’ borne by the place in the pioneer days. The first tavern was conducted by one Hays and Samuel Harney presently put up another tavern which became quite noted in its way in its day. An organized band of horse thieves operated in the Moscow neighborhood many years ago, making their rendezvous there a distributing point for their plunder.”

1830 CENSUS, RUSH COUNTY, IN:

There are 3 men named “McLin”, and they seem to match John Sr. and his sons John Jr. and William. In this table I have tried to link known names to head count:

1830 CENSUS, RUSH CO, INDIANA
Head of Machlan (McLin) Family =	John McLin (Sr)		John McLin (Jr)		William McLin
	Head Count	Known Names	Head Count	Known Names	Head Count	Known Names
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5:			1	?
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5:			3	?/?/?	1	Sarah (1)
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9:	1	?	4	Ben/Wm/?/?	1	?
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9:					1	?
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14:	1	?	1	?
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29:	1	?	1	?
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29:			1	?	1	Eliz (27)
Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39:			1	John (35)	1	Wm (30)
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39:			1	Sarah (30)
Free White Persons - Males - 60 thru 69:	1	John (67)
Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59:	1	Hester (59)
Total Free White Persons:	5		13		5

John Sr. is age 60 to 69 (born about 1760-70). And he appears to have a wife age 50-59 (1770-80), consistent with John and new wife Sarah. Puzzle is that household also has a male 20-29, a female 10-14, and a male 5-9. Maybe hired help, or children of other family members?

John Jr. and his wife appear to be in the 30-39 age group, which is what I would expect. However there seems to be another young couple in the 20-30 age group, plus 7 unidentified children. Sounds like two generations together, or hired help, or some other sort of extended family.

“William” also shows two unidentified children in the 5-9 age group.

FIND-A-GRAVE: REVEREND MERRITT MACHLAN FARM CEMETERY

John Machlan is reported buried in this cemetery. And it is quite possible others are buried there as well, because the description reads “Location: Indiana State Road 244. No stones remain. 4 known graves.” Given there are no stones, it may be questionable that the “reporter” got it all right?

The known (reported) graves are for:

John Machlan, born 1763 in Ireland or Scotland, Marriage 1 Hester Updegraff, Marriage 2 Sarah Woods.

Sarah Wood Machlan (b b: 1764, d: 16 Jan 1849, second wife of John Machlan.

Rebecca Machlan Carpenter (died 16 Feb 1847, daughter of John Senior, she married Samuel Carpenter),

William E Machlan (b: abt 1799, d 28 Jul 1833)

Report says: “Burial records in the Indiana Room of the Rush County library reflect that William died 28 Jul 1833 and is buried in the cemetery located on the former farm of Rev. Merritt Machlan (Rev. Merritt Machlan Farm Cemetery).”

Spouse: Hester UPDEGRAFT

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Birth: 1770

Death: 1814 Lycoming Co., PA

Children

John MACHLAN (1763 - 17 Nov 1839) & Hester UPDEGRAFT (1770 - 1814)

Rebecca MACHLAN (1785 - 6 Feb 1847) & Samuel CARPENTER (1785 - 23 Apr 1872)

Mary CARPENTER (8 Sep 1812 - 18 Apr 1904)

James CARPENTER (5 Nov 1819 - 6 Aug 1904)

George CARPENTER (Nov 1821 - 28 Feb 1910)

Sarah CARPENTER (3 May 1825 - ) & William MACHLAN (2 Feb 1825 - 1888)

Samuel P CARPENTER (1832 - 1881)

John MACHLAN Jr. (May 1795 - 1857) & Sarah (Sally) DAY (1800 - 1846)

Benjamin MACHLAN (12 May 1822 - 1890) & Louisa J Hume (1820 – 1875)

William MACHLAN (2 Feb 1825 - 1888) & Sarah CARPENTER (3 May 1825 - )

Rev Merritt MACHLAN (25 Feb 1867 – 1 Aug 1943)

Sarah MACHLAN (1832 - ) Careful, this may be the one that married Isom Payne Brown????

Joseph MACHLAN (11 Nov 1833 - 11 Feb 1896) & Amanda GARNER (28 Jun 1828 - 18 Apr 1895)

Mary MACHLAN (1836 - )

Martha MACHLAN (abt 1839 - )

Phebe MACHLAN (1842 - )

William MACHLAN (1800 - 28 Jul 1833) & Elizabeth STITES (1803 - aft 1880)

Sarah T. MACHLAN (1 Jul 1829 - 7 Jan 1906) & Isom Payne BROWN

Homer Thomas MACHLAN (24 Mar 1831 - 7 Jan 1906)

George Washington MACHLAN (13 Nov 1832 - 25 May 1912) & Elizabeth Ellen MANN (1836 - 1906)

George MACHLAN (abt 1800 - )

Spouse: Sarah WOODS

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Birth: Abt 1764

Death: 16 Jan 1849 Rush Co., IN

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FredCoffey@AOL.COM