dingfelder

John S. McLean was born in Ireland, June 11, 1748. He was the son of a rich gentleman ; was well educated ; reared in luxury and wealth ; had black hair and brown eyes ; was a man about 5 feet 8-1/2 inches tall, and good looking. Possessing a great desire to visit America he came to this country. When the Revolutionary War broke out he enlisted in service. In Captain Denton's company, New York Line, he became lieutenant, militia Dutchess county, Seventh Regiment of New York, serving seven years for his adopted country. He was heard to relate that for three days he went without any food, having only tobacco, and after a day's hard fighting, laid down on the battlefield, in the morning finding his hair frozen to the ground in the blood of his slain comrades. He intended to again return to his native land and had a great desire to do so, but on hearing of the death of his father and that he would have nothing to return to, as the oldest son would inherit all, the desire ceased and he remained, learning the cooper's trade in order to make a living. On August 31, 1779, he married Sarah Armstrong. They had lived some years in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and during the latter part of the eighteenth century moved to West Benton, Yates county, New York. He was one of the first members of the Presbyterian church there, which he helped to build. He lived to the good old age of ninety-three years, always enjoying the blessings of good health. Their children were: 1. William, born October 23, 1780, married Elizabeth Unknown, born July 25, 1791. 2. Alexander, born August 31, 1782. 3, Elizabeth, born October 10, 1784. 4. Alexander, born January 18, 1785. 5. Mary, born November 15, 1787. 6. John A., born June 22, 1790. 7. George, of whom further. 8. Sarah, born May 17, 1795. 9. Deborah, born August 15, 1797.