McCune Surname of Bourbon County, Kentucky

(1) Name: William McCUNE
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Birth: 1750 Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Death: December 6, 1830 Pike County, Missouri Age: 80
Burial: Probably Old Grassy Creek Cemetery, Pike County, Missouri
Military: June 24, 1780 Revolutionary War Age: 30
Father: John McCUNE (ca1705-1766)
Mother: Agnes (~1710->1766)

Misc. Notes
Come unto court William McCune a minor son of John McCune, late of Cumberland County, deceased, of the age of eighteen years and chose John Hinkson Guardian over his person and estate during his minority. The court thereupon consider and appoint the said John Hinkson, Guardian over the person and estate of the said William McCune during his minority.

Clerk & Court pd. By the Court copy to & Alexander Laughlin [1]

Note: Could Agnes McCune have been a Laughlin? Note that Alexander Laughlin is concerned in many of the McCune court cases - or did maybe Agnes marry Alexander Laughlin after John McCune's death.??? Also note that John McCune, grandson of John and Agnes named a son Alexander McCune.
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William McCune was a Revolutionary War soldier, defender of Ruddles Station. He was taken prisoner by the British to Detroit (refer to Bourbon County, Ky. Complete Record Book, D/475 abstract by Ardery). He and his wife Elizabeth had six children, the first being Nancy, wife of George Reading, Jr. (1761-1846) (See Reading Sketch, the Kentucky Citizen, January 4, 1944), and the fourth child being Margaret, called Peggy. {Madsen, p. 14}

McCUNE WILLIAM - will dated 9 Nov 1819, Pike Co. "Being advanced in years". . . Wife, Elizabeth. Daughter Nancy Reading. Eldest son John McCune. Children of deed. daughter, Susanna Pattin, wife of John Pattin. Daughters Margrit Shawhan & Betsy Gray. Four younger children. William P., Polly Lucy, Joseph P. and Susanna McCune. In case there should be another heir. . . to share with the above four. Exrs., wife Elizabeth and son John. Wit: Jacob Mathews, James Stark, Henry Mathews, & Jon Patterson. Supplement dated 8 Aug 1827, leaves home place to sons William P. & Joseph P. McCune. Wit: R. Lafore, Jane P. Patterson, John McCune. Filed 15 Nov 1830. Exr., John McCune. Sec., Tyre Martin & Phineas Block. (pl23-128) John McCune appointed to be guardian of Wm. P. McCune, a minor over age 14. Sec., Tyre Martin, John McCune, Jr., & John Montgomery. 16 Aug 1831. (p. 156) John McCune also appointed guardian of Joseph McCune, minor over age 14. Same security. 16 Aug 1831. John McCune also appointed guardian of Polly L. McCune, minor over 14, and of Susanna McCune, minor under 14. 14 Aug 1831. [2]

#18 Horse taken up by Charles Williams, Ramsey's Creek. . . appraised by William McCune James Patterson, 8 Mar 1823. [3]

Pages 26, 27, 28, May, 1806--Deposition of Samuel VanHook to established land of Thos. Moore and Benj. Johnson on Mill Creek, entered 1780, conflicting with McFall’s claim, deposeth: Came back from being a prisoner in Spring of ‘79, settled at Ruddle’s Station, and in year ‘80 after Christmas moved to Martin’s station and taken prisoner in June following, and returned in four or five years. Wm. McCune deposeth: Saw land in question in company with John Hinkson while living at Ruddle’s Station in year 1780. Wm. Anderson became familiar with place in year 1785. Thos. Ravenscroft saw same in year 1785. [4]

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Excerpts from The Diary of Rev. David McClure, 1772:
[October] 29th. Rode in company with Mr. William McCune [a taxpayer in Armstrong township, Westmoreland county, in 1772, and probably a resident of what is now Indiana county] thirteen miles, to Squirrel Hill. [It stands on the south bank of the Conemaugh, back of the village of New Florence.]
30th. Wednesday preached to the small new settlement there. It lies on the river Connemoh, which is formed by the junction of Stoney creek and Quamahone, and empties into the Alleghany river. There are about twelve families here...Preached the first sermon ever heard in this place. [5]

[June 7th] Monday, Mr. McCune, of Squirrel Hill sent a horse for me to ride to that settlement, thirteen miles, to preach there in the afternoon. Preached to them my last sermon. This settlement is the most easterly of those to whom I have preached, and is not far distant from the western foot of the Appalachian mountains.

Truly, the people here in this new country are as sheep scattered upon the mountains, without a shepherd. At this time, not a single church has been formed, or minister of the Gospel settled west of the Appalachian mountains, from Pennsylvania to Georgia) through an extent of many hundred miles of new and sparse settlements. A great proportion of the people manifest a desire for the Gospel, and would gladly make provision for the support of ministers, according to their ability. We had the satisfaction, if I may so express it, of planting the seeds of some future churches, by forming several settlements into something like ecclesiastical order, during seven or eight months of our preaching among them. [6]
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From Joseph Holliday Memoirs: [7]
MARRIAGES AND FAMILY. I married Nancy McCune, the daughter of John McCune, March 26th 1816. She died January 9th 1834. Our eldest son, William, was born in Kentucky. Shortly after his birth we moved to Missouri. The Company who came to Missouri together were:

My wife’s grandfather, William McCune and family. Benjamin Gray and family. He married a daughter of William McCune, my wife’s grandfather. William Holliday, my elder brother and his family. His wife was Rebecca Redding. William Biggs, and his family. He married Betsey, my wife’s eldest sister. John McCune, my wife’s father and his family. His wife was named Polly Shannon, a daughter, I think, of John Shannon. Myself and my family.

I only had half of a four-horse team to move in my father-in-law having the other half, beside his one other wagon. There were six families of us, and I am the only man now living of the whole company. There are but two of the women now living, Betsey Biggs, widow of William Biggs, and Rebecca, the widow of my brother William. She married a second husband named Grant, and is again a widow. She still lives in Grass Creek.

In coming to Missouri, we came by Louisville, then crossed the Ohio river, thence to Smelser’s Ferry, about two miles above Alton, Illinois, where we crossed the Mississippi River, thence to St. Charles, thence up to Ramsey’s Creek. My wife died in 1834.
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Old Settlers of Cuivre Tsp Pike Co Mo
Joseph Holliday N.W. of Bowling Green Mo - 8 mi N.W. of Bowling Green Mo were Gilbert Thompson and Davis and Wm Biggs and about 1 mi farther was John McCune. John McCune M Polly Shannon sister of Jennie who M Gilbert Thompson, daughters of John Shannon and Susan Alexander of Pa, and about 1 mile farther was Gilbert Thompson.

p 198 - Settlement on Ramsey Creek
These families who took up their abode on this historic creek came from Scott Co., Ky in the summer and fall of 1817. 1st among these we mention Wm McCune and his son John McCune, whose descendants are legion, also Wm Biggs and his sons still living near Curryville, Mo. Also and Wm and Joseph Holliday.

The Kerr family is said to have been here in time to take part in War of 1812. [8]
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Will of William McCune [9]
I, Wm McCune, being advanced in life and knowing that I must shortly die think it proper as I am now in helth and injoy the right use of my reason to set my house in order and dispose of that earthly substance which God in his graft kindness hath bestowed upon me in the following manner:

1st - after my boddy is decently buried and all my debts paid it is my will and I do hereby bequeath to Nancy Reading, my eldest daughter four dollars.

2nd - It is my will and I do hereby bequeath to my eldest son John McCune four dollars.

3rd - It is my will and I do hereby bequeath unto the children of my decesed daughter Susanna Patten,, wife of John Patten four dollars to be equally divided among them.

4th - It is my will and I do hereby bequeath to my daughter Margarit Shawhen four dollars.

5th - It is my will and I do hereby bequeath to Betsy Gray four dollars.

6th - It is also my will and I do hereby bequeath to my beloved wife - Elizabeth McCune the third part of all my estate, real and moveable.

7th - I will and bequeath all the ballence of my estate to be equally, divided between my four youngest children; Wm P McCune, Polly Lacy McCune, Joseph P. McCune, and Susanna McCune, on conditon there should be no more heirs, but in case there should, they are to have an equal divide with, Wm, Joseph, Polly Lacy and Susan.

It is my will that my wife Elizabeth McCune and my son John McCune be and they are hereby appointed Executrix and Executor of this my last will and testament signed and sealed present of this 9th of November, 1819.

Wm McCune (Seal)

Pike Co. Mesura Territory
Jacob Matthews
James Stark
Henry Matthews
John Patterson

(supplement or codicil )

As a suplement to the within will, I Wm McCune have thought proper to leave the home place where I now live on containing 300 ackers to my son Wm P. McCune and my son Joseph P. McCune, providing they should think proper to keep it at its apraes value of their Guardens for them it is clearly to be understood that this suplement is to have no other change or careing on the within will except giving William and Joseph the right to keep the homeplace at its apraised value given under my hand this 8th day of August 1827.

Witness present

Signed:
Raue La Force
John P Patterson
John McCune

Wm McCune (Seal)

NOTE: Daniel Boone, Matthew Givens and Uriel Griffith appraised the Estate of Wm McCune deceased Dec 3, 1830.

Bk 1 - p. 156 John McCune was appointed Guardian for Wm P. McCune and Joseph P. McCune sons and heirs of Wm McCune dec'd. p 156 - John McCune, guardian Bond for Wm P McCune; Joseph McCune; Polly Lacy McCune; Susanna McCune (chn of Wm McCune)

Will Bk D - p 61 - Record of Recorder

Land Transactions…Pike Co, Mo

Deed Bk B..p 550 William McCune to John McCune Apr 19 1821, Bk B p 332 William McCune from John McCune et al (means "all or others") Apr 19 1821 [10]
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Elizabeth McCune
County Court Office, Pike Co-9 Bowing Green Missouri, (Copied by (Mrs Leon) Kathryn H. Campbell, Oct 24, 1960), Vol. 2 page 71.

Last will and testament of Elizabeth McCune.

In the name of God Amen, I, Elizabeth McCune of the County of Pike State of Missouri being weak in body but sound in mine and disposing memory and perfectly aware that ere long my body must return to its Mother earth, do ordain and publish this my last will and testament.

First, my desire is that my body may be decently buried in a plain coffin to be provided for that purpose.

Second, it is my desire that my just debts be paid if at this time of my death, I shall owe any and,

Thirdly, it is my will and desire that the balance of my property which I derived title to, by virtue of the last will and testament of my late huaband, William McCune should be equally divided among my four children to wit; William P. McCune, Polly L. McCune, Susannah McCune and Joseph P. McCune except that my executor herein appointed is directed to pay out of my property to my other two children vizt: Jane Paterson and Sally Reading the sum of one dollar each and no more they having been sufficiently provided for and lastly I do nominated and appoint John McCune executor of this my last will and testament to acct according to law, In witneas whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 16th day Nov, in the year of our Lord 1830.

Her
Elizabeth X McCune
mark

Wltness:
L Rogers
Jeremiah Stark
Daniel F Stark
Susannah Stark

State of Missouri, County of Pike.
Attest M.J. Noyes, Clerk.

Recorded 9th Nov., A.D. 1835

Bondsmen:
Wm P. McCune Administrator.
Wm L. McCune
Fountain D. Edwards.

Vol. 2, page 72

William P. McCune being duly sworn upon his oath saith that he the said William P. McCune, Polly L Edwards, late Polly L. McCune, Susannah McCune and Joseph P. McCune are the only heirs and legal representatives of Elizabeth McCune late of said County deceased, all of whom reside in the said County of Pike. William P. McCune sworn to before me and oath of office taken this 10th day of Nov., A.D. 1835.

M. J. Noyes, Clerk.

Recorded Nov 10th 1835.
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History N.E. Mo by Walter Williams - pp 508-514-515-517-399
In 1818 St Chas Co Mo was divided into three counties, namely - Pike, Montgomery and Lincoln and a little prior to thia date came some of these early pioneer settlers, Wm and Joseph Holliday, Wm Biggs, Wm and John McCune and Benj Gray. On an old Store Bank Accounts were these names. Isaac Hostetter and John McCune and others. Thos Kerr of Plke Co Mo was a Commissioner. Those who fought in War of 1812 were known as "Rangers". [11]
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Fincastle Co named for Geo Lord Fencastle, son of Lord Dunmore, Gov of Va, formed from Botetourt Co Va. [12]
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In 1777 Western portion of Fincastle Co Va, including all of land west of Tug Fork and Big Sandy River as Kentucky Co Va, this lasted from 1777 to 1780 as a County of Va as in 1780, Kentucky Co. Va was divided into 3 counties namely: (1) Jefferson; (2) Lincoln; (3) Fayette. [13]
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William McCune: 400 acres, Bk & p 1-26, date surveyed 12/1782, Milcreek; 400 acres, Bk & p 1-26, 12/18/1782, Milcreek (withdrawn); 400 acres, Bk & p 1-26, 12/18/1782, Surveyed Licking and Elkhorn; 400 acres, Bk & p 1-26, 12/3/1782, Surveyed; 400 acres, Bk & p 1-26, 12/3/1782, Surveyed; 900 acres, Bk & p 1-57, 12/5/1785, None [14]
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Wm McCune, 900 acres, Bk & p 2-259, 1/21/1783, Hinkstone Cr., Bourbon County, Ky. [15]
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Wm McCune, 400 acres, Bk & p 11-550, 4/25/1789, Greap Run Cr. [16]
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Wm McCune lived in Carlisle, Cumberland, Pa, before moving to Kentucky Co, Va before 1772. As his oldest son John (my ancestor) who married Polly Shannon, was b in Ky in 1772 what is now Paris Bourbon Co. Ky. This territory was Ky Co, Va until 1780, then divided into 3 counties: Fayette, Jefferson and Lincoln. Fayette Co formed from Ky Co in 1780. Bourbon Co formed from Fayette Co, Ky in 1785.
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Wm McCune was Rev Sol, (DAR Patriot Index p 452) he served in Ky Co, Va and was one of the "Defenders of Ruddles Station Bourbon Co, Ky.
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The Shannons also lived there and we find intermarriages of Shannons and McCunes. [17]
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Wm McCune, Bourbon Co, Ky - 6/1791
Joseph McCune, Bourbon Co, Ky - 3/1791 [18]
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In 1817 Wm McCune and son John and their families moved to Pike Co, Mo then St Charles Co, (Pike Co formed from St Chas Co 1818). They settled on Ramsey Creek, Pike Co, Mo near where Wm Biggs and wf Elizabeth McCune (dau of above John McCune) lived, they came from Ky also.
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Wm McCune b in Pa 1750/1 - D 1823
M (1) Ca 1769 Elizabeth d Ca 1795
Ref: Bourbon Co, Ky, Complete Record Bk, p 475-398
Ky Hist Register Vol 32 - p 157-
Vol 21 - p 211

1782 Wm McCune in Fayette Co, Ky
1789 " " " Bourbon Co, Ky
*1817 " " " St Chas Co, Mo
Now Pike Co, formed from St Chas Co, Mo. in 1818.

While in Paris, Ky in Oct 1966, I found this record--which is not correct see *below..mistatement. he died in Mo & not Ky

Ref: Ky Rev Soldiers in Ky, Edlted by Ky DAR in Duncan Tavern Library or John Fox Jr. Memorial Library. DAR #11436 - #299818.

"Wm McCune b 1750; d 1830 in Bourbon Co, Ky. *His will probated Pike Co, Mo, served Ky, Married 1760 to Elizabeth d Ca 1795, 2nd M to Mrs Elizabeth (Patton) Maxwell". (dau of Wm Patton) DAR #96813 Nelle Norton, New London, Mo.

*William McCune's will probated in Pike Co, Mo in 1850.

*William McCune in Census of St Charles Co, Mo in 1817 and Pike Co Mo was taken from St Charles Co in 1818. [19]

His Service in Rev was as a defender of Ruddle's Station, Bourbon Co, Ky. Taken prisoner by Indians, taken to Detroit, captive 6 months.

Ref: Ky Register Vol. 32, P 157
Bk D, p 475 Complete Record Bk, Bourbon Co, Ky.
Probate Red Bk 1, p 123-5

Ref: Pike Co History (1883) P 198
"Summer and Fall of 1817 from Kentucky to Ramsey Creek came John and Wm McCune, John Watts, David Todd und Joseph Holliday."

Ref: Index of Military Certificate 1787 by Jovett Taylor Cannon, Ky Historical Library, Frankfort, Ky, p 41 War Record

Wm McCune Dec 9- 1800 from Baker Ewings to Wm McCune (Wabash Indians) Aug 10 - 1787.
Certificate #160 am't 1 lb, 5 shillings. Commanding Officer: Geo R. Clarke. $4.16

B5 Wm McCune b 1750 Pa; d Dec 6 - 1830 Pike Co, Mo, lvd in Carlisle Cumberland Co, Pa, where he M (1) 1768 in Pa to Elizabeth (prob McClintock) b Pa ca 1738 - of Welch descent d ca 1795 in Ky - 6 chn

Ref: Holliday Memo (1861) "Elizabeth was 12 yrs older than her husband"

NOTE: Prior to yr 1885, no M license were needed in Pa -
Ref: Dec 5, 1931, letter from Chester A. Brenneham
Recorder of Deeds in Carlisle, Cumberland Co, Pa.

M (2) Ca 1812 in Ky Mrs Elizabeth (Patton) Maxwell d bef Nov 9 - 1835. The widow of Samuel (Sandy) Maxwell with 2 chn by her (1) M and 4 chn by (2)

Chn by her (1) M

(1) Jane Maxwell M John Patterson
(2) Sally Maxwell M John Reading

Mrs Elizabeth (Patton) Maxwell (dau of Wm Patton b ca 1730 Ireland, was in Pa in 1773 he d in Bourbon Co, Ky in 1795). Her will, written Nov 16, 1830, proven Nov 9, 1835. Bowling Green, Plke Co, Mo, Will Bk 2, p 71

Elizabeth Patton's sister Martha Patton M Wm Holliday and their bro John Patton M Susan McCune, dau of B5 Wm McCune thus Elizabeth Patton's bro M her 2nd husband Wm McCune's dau Susan by his (1) wf Ellzabeth. [20]

Chn of Wm McCune and (1) wf Elizabeth--Ref: Old Wm McCune Family Bible

Owned by Miss May Shannon, Vandalia and Fulton, Mo. (Copies in her home Aug 30, 1931 by KHC.)

C1 - Nancy McCune b Nov 25- 1770 M Geo Reading p I7
C2 - John McCune b June 15 - 1772 M (1) Polly Shannon p 58 (2) Mrs Rebecca (Euvalt) Ravenscraft
C3 - Susannah McCune b June 20 - 1774 M John Patton p 259
C4 - Margaret "Peggy" McCune b May 20 - 1775 M John Shawhan p 244
C5 - Elizabeth "Betsy" " b Oct 17 - 1776 M Benj Gray p 272
C6 - Hugh McCune b June 12 - 1778 p 278

Chn by (2) wf Mrs Elizabeth (Patton) Maxwell

C7 - Wm Patton McCune b 1813 in Ky M Jane G Edwards p 274
C8 - Joseph P. " b 1815 in Ky M Martha C. Edwards p 276
C9 - "Polly" Lacy McCune M Booker T. Edwards; (2) m to Wm Smith p 279
C10- Susan McCune M John J. Miles p 28I [21]

McCune Station, Pike County, Missouri (taken from Pike County, Missouri Genealogy web site) In the northwestern part of Cuivre township, about seven miles from Bowling Green, lies McCune Station. The spelling of the town's name has varied slightly over the years with the 1899 Pike County atlas listing it as "McCunes Station", the map of 1893 calling it "McCune's Station" and an 1886 map calling it simply "McCunes." The town was named for John and William McCune from Kentucky, who settled on Ramsey Creek in 1817. There was for a time a small settlement there with a railroad station and a post office, which operated from 1886 until 1918. In the 1930's, McCunes Station had a population of approximately 50 people. The population is less than that in 1980.
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Virginia Supreme Court, District of Kentucky: Order book D pg 343 2 March 1790, William McCune, v. John Townsend, William Miller, William Hoy and John Hingston, in Chancery. Bk D pg 78 4 March 1789, William McCune, v. John Townsend, William Miller and William Hoy, in chancery. It appearing that Townsend is not an inhabitant of this country, it is ordered that he appear here on the fourth day of the next Sept Court to answer the Bill of the complainant, and that a copy of this order be inserted in the VIRGINIA GAZETTE for two months succesively, and published at the Meeting House near the town of Hopewell in Bourbon County on some Sunday immediately after the divine service, and at the front door of the Courthouse in Danville.

Bk D pg 191 3 June 1789, William McCune v. John Townsend, William Miller and William Hoy, in Chancery. Defendants withdrew former plea, and a new plea is made. Continued.

Bk F 5 Oct 1791, pg 9 William McCune v John Townsend and others, in Chancery, continued.

Bk F 8 March 1792 pg 192, William McCune v. John Townsend and James Coburn, in Chancery. Continued.
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p.265, Deposition of William McCune, aged 60 years (taken at dwelling house of James Ruddell in Bourbon County on May 1, 1811, before George Mountjoy and Joseph L. Stevens, Justices of the Peace):

He came to this country in the spring of the year 1780 and settled at Ruddell's Station which stood on the bank of the South Fork of Licking, and he continued to reside at said station until it was taken by the Indians during the same year. Said Ruddell's Station was well known throughout the western country at the time he came to it. Thinks it consisted of thirty or Forty men, ladies, women and children, and it was much resorted to by adventurers to this country. John Haggin was his kinsman and informed him at Lexington when on his way to Ruddell's Station, that he had settled a place near said station but was compelled for danger of Indians to leave it. He had been informed of Haggin's cabin before he came to this country, and when he got to said station, he often heard the cabin where John Haggin lived in the year of 1776 spoken of, and believes there was scarcely a man at the station who was ignorant of said cabin. The stream passing Millersburg was known in the year of 1780 as Hingston above the junction with Stoner and below the junction was called South Licking.

Draper MSS 11CC35 - Draper's interview with William McBride:
“I was at Corn's, when Riddle, (that was taken at Riddle's,) got back. One McCune, who was at Bowman's Station when Riddle got there, went out & got a hoop-pole, of which he had a parcel, & wore it out on Riddle. McCune had been a prisoner with (fellow) Riddle and had been planning to run away, where Riddle went and told the British on him, who put McCune in irons. ‘Now,’ says McCune, ‘tell on me again.’”

James Sellers correspondence, February 3, 1998:
My name is James Sellers and I have been researching the lives of Hinkson and McCune for some time. I'm not related in any way, but I do have an indirect connection to these men. My gr gr..... grand uncle, John Sellers, was living in Westmoreland County near Hinkson and McCune in 1775. I know about Hinkson coming to KY in 1775 and I am certain he returned to PA that same year. I Have a copy of a deed from Westmoreland Co. for John Woods that has John Hinkson and John Sellers as witnesses. (dated Dec 1775)

John Sellers was with Hinkson in 1776 when they were in KY. Sellers settled about 4 miles north of Hinkson's (aka Ruddle's) Station on Sellers Run. Sellers returned with Hinkson to PA in Aug of 1776 and lived with Hinkson and others at Palmers' fort in Fairfield Township, Westmoreland Co., PA. Sellers served as a Lieutenant under Capt. Hinkson from 1777 to 1780. He returned to KY in 1780 w/ Hinkson and McCune and was taken at Ruddles with them.

Draper MSS 2S334-338: From John Hinkson - now (1845) about 72 - born on the Monongahela, son of Col. John Hinkson. (John Hinkson) Went and settled at Mann's Lick and stayed there till '81; then moved to Haggin's Station, near Danville and about '83, re-occupied his old settlement on Hinkson's Fork. William McCune, a half brother of Hinkson's, moved with Hinkson to Kentucky in '80, and was captured with him; and was kept nearly two years.

From James Sellers e-mail correspondence, February 4, 1998: Bourbon County Court Order Book (this is the same ref. as the deposition by John Sellers in my last e-mail, this deposition came after Sellers') The deposition of William McCune being of full age and duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was at the place where the letters aforesaid were marked in the [year] 1782 and that there then stood a cabbin which was called Townsends Cabbin. Question by Palmer: When was the covered cabbin which was built by John Townsend where you now live Burnt & Answer I believe in the fall 82. And further saith not. Signed William McCune. Teste David Clarkson. John Smith. Thomas Mahan.

That's all the records I have that I can e-mail. I do have many others I can snail mail to you (i.e. Deeds of McCune and Hinkson from PA, deposition of Wm. Steele and others mentions Hinkson's party in KY in 1775. Abstract of deed from "Humphrey Lyon, and wife, Margaret, late Margaret Hinkson, widow of John Hinkson deed." to Samuel Hinkson (her son) and some Lairs.

I have two other records that I will mail to you that you will certainly like. One is a photo copy of a promissary note from Mr. Mills to John Hinkson. (3 cows) On the back is Hinkson's handwriting and signature. He signed the note over to John Haggin. It was dated Jan. 1789, just prior to Hinkson going to MO where he died. The other is the signature of William McCune I noticed on a petition he signed. Some Sellers names were nearby.

James Sellers e-mail, February 7, 1998:
I just received a book in the mail called "The Scotch Irish" and it has part of a diary by Reverend David McClure. He was a Presbyterian minister who traveled through western PA in 1772 and 73 preaching to the people there. There is mention of him preaching the first sermon at Squirrel Hill, where Hinkson and McCune were living. It even mentioned Wm. McCune twice in the diary. I'll send it to you. You'll enjoy reading it because it will give you the general character of the people living in that area at the time.

Here is what I have regarding land deeds in PA on Hinkson, McCune, and others. I thought I kept the records but I didn't. I just have this from my notes. Westmoreland Co. PA Deed Book Volume A Part 1 1773-1784 :

p.64 - John Hinkson to T. Galbraith 400 pounds, 270 acres on Conemaugh bounded by William McCune, John Woods, being the Squirrel Hill Old Town. Aug 29, 1774.

p.146 - William McCune to Barnard Dougherty, 750 pounds on north side of Conemaugh. Jan 10, 1780.

p.146 - William McCune to B. Dougherty, 2000 pounds, on north side of Conemaugh bounded by David Wilson on the east. 336 acres. Jan 10, 1780.

Historical Sketch of William McCUNE
Since the McCunes figure prominently into the Shawhan family--Margaret "Peggy" McCune (1775-1857) married John Shawhan (1771-1845) and her older sister Nancy (1770-1842) married George Reading, Jr., and Nancy and George’s son William (1792-1868) married Margaret Shawhan (1797-1860), daughter of John and Peggy McCune Shawhan--I felt that it was appropriate to include a brief biography on the patriarch William McCune (1751-1830).
Background. William has proven exceptionally interesting from this researcher’s standpoint. For almost two years, I tried without success to discover William’s roots when, in February 1998, I got a break from a most unusual direction. A Mr. James Sellars wrote to me concerning my research on another ancestor, John Hinkson. James had read internet correspondence that I had with other Hinkson researchers and decided to contact me. The correspondence that followed not only provided a wealth of information on John Hinkson, but also opened the doors to understanding William McCune. As it turns out, McCune and Hinkson were half-brothers! The opening lines of James’ initial correspondence, dated February 3, 1998, reads:
"My name is James Sellars and I have been researching the lives of Hinkson and McCune for some time. I'm not related in any way, but I do have an indirect connection to these men. My 5th great-uncle, John Sellers, was living in Westmoreland County near Hinkson and McCune in 1775. I know about Hinkson coming to KY in 1775 and I am certain he returned to PA that same year. I have a copy of a deed from Westmoreland Co. for John Woods that has John Hinkson and John Sellers as witnesses. (dated Dec 1775)
"John Sellers was with Hinkson in 1776 when they were in KY. Sellers settled about 4 miles north of Hinkson's (aka Ruddle's) Station on Sellers Run. Sellers returned with Hinkson to PA in Aug of 1776 and lived with Hinkson and others at Palmers' fort in Fairfield Township, Westmoreland Co., PA. Sellers served as a Lieutenant under Capt. Hinkson from 1777 to 1780. He returned to KY in 1780 w/Hinkson and McCune and was taken at Ruddles with them."
Over the following months, James and I swapped information, compared notes, and sent original source material to one another. The result of this collaboration has been a much clearer picture of the life of William McCune, both in Pennsylvania and in Kentucky.
A second piece of the puzzle on William came in May, 1998. A fellow McCune researcher wrote and told me about a genealogy that had been published on a Pennsylvanian named William McCune that might have something to do with my ancestor. The genealogy was titled "William McCune, The Pennsylvanian and Kindred Families" by Kathryn Hutcherson Campbell. The work is housed in the Daughters of the American Revolution Library, Washington, DC. I contacted the library and received a portion of the document. To my great joy, the genealogy indeed documented the history of my William; but, my, at what cost! Despite the highwayman’s prices for the copies, the information on William was very helpful. It provided a wealth of data on his life in Kentucky and Missouri.
I will draw upon these two sources extensively in the coming pages. Now to the main task at hand.
The Pennsylvania Years. William McCune, the father of Nancy and Margaret McCune, was born about 1751 in Pennsylvania. He may be the son of John McCune (1712-1766), of Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The earliest mention of William is in John McCune, Sr.’s will:
"In the name of God Amen—the thirty first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-six I John McCune of Hopewell Township in the County of Cumberland in the Province of Pennsylvania Farmer being very sick and weak in body but in perfect mind and memory Thanks be given unto God therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die Do make and ordain this my last will and Testament that is to say Principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it and for my body I recommend it to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the direction of my executors hereafter named nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty Power of God and a touching such worldly estate wherewith it had pleased God to bless me I give and devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form Impremis—I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved son John McCune one dollar Item I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved son Robert McCune one Dollar and the land that he now possesseth and one half of that third of Land I now possess to be by him and his heirs after one year after my decease enjoyed forever—Item I give and bequeath unto my Dearly beloved son James McCune that part of my plantation he is now possessed of and the one half of that third of my plantation which I now Possess to be by him and his heirs after one year after my decease Enjoyed forever and one dollar and one pot one fourth of the Pewter and the fourth part of the hogs—Item I give and bequeath unto my Dearly and well beloved wife Agnes McCune one Brown mare called Boney with a Patch in her face her bed and bed cloaths two cows and one pot all the Vessels about the shelf and the one half of all my grain for her maintenance Item I give and bequeath unto my Dearly beloved son William McCune Eighty Pounds and a roam mare and a mare called Jewel two cows and all the sheep and a bed and bed cloaths and one gridle and one pot and one saddle Bridle one trunk two coutters one shear Plow and tackling one Grubbing and Weeding hoe one folling ax and all the table linen and the half of the Pewter Maue wedges my Bible and the one half of the grain one Gun and all my wearing aparel and the three Quarters of the Hogs and I likewise constitute and ordain William Lamond Sr. and Agnes McCune Executor of this my last Will and Testament and hereby disallow revoke and disannel all and every other forms testaments Wills Legacies Executors by me in any wise before this time named Wills and bequeathes Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal in the fourth year a four Soverign Lord George the third and Signed Sealed Published and Pronounced by me as my Last Will and Testament in the Presence of
his
Samuel Whar John X McCune
George Wear mark
Letters and Testimony Issued this 23 day of June 1766 unto William Lamond Sr and Agnes McCune Executors named in the Last Will and Testament of John McCune Dec’d of which the written record is a true copy Inventory to be Exhibited the 23 day of July next and an account of Administration rendered thereunto to Legally required.
John Armstrong
While there is no verifiable proof that the William mentioned in this will is our William, circumstantial evidence clearly points in his direction. In a deposition given by John Hinkson, Jr., son of the Kentucky pioneer, we read:
"From John Hinkson - now (1845) about 72 - born on the Monongahela, son of Col. John Hinkson. (John Hinkson) Went and settled at Mann's Lick and stayed there till '81; then moved to Haggin's Station, near Danville and about '83, re-occupied his old settlement on Hinkson's Fork. William McCune, a half brother of Hinkson's, moved with Hinkson to Kentucky in '80, and was captured with him; and was kept nearly two years."
In a deposition given by William McCune in 1811, we read:
"He came to this country (Bourbon County, Kentucky) in the spring of the year 1780 and settled at Ruddell's Station which stood on the bank of the South Fork of Licking, and he continued to reside at said station until it was taken by the Indians during the same year. Said Ruddell's Station was well known throughout the western country at the time he came to it. Thinks it consisted of thirty or Forty men, ladies, women and children, and it was much resorted to by adventurers to this country. John Haggin was his kinsman and informed him at Lexington when on his way to Ruddell's Station, that he had settled a place near said station but was compelled for danger of Indians to leave it…"
The "kinsman" John Haggin’s relationship to John Hinkson and William McCune was his marriage to their niece, Nancy Gibb. Haggin was a brave and resourceful woodsman who had many harrowing adventures with the Indians. In one such account, mention is given of his relationship to John Hinkson:
"Capt. John Haggin was born in 1753 near Winchester, Va. In early life he removed to western Pennsylvania, where he married and served in Dunmore’s campaign of 1774. He was one of the earliest settlers of Kentucky, coming out in the spring of 1775 with his wife’s uncle, Col. John Hinkston. The next year he brought out his family and built a cabin on Hinkston’s fork of Licking; but because of Indian hostilities he removed that summer to McClelland’s Station, on the site of the modern Georgetown. Haggin was at McClelland’s when George Rogers Clark arrived at Limestone (Maysville) with gunpowder for the Kentucky settlements, and was one of the party who helped to carry it in to Harrodsburg. About that time (Jan. 1777), McClelland’s Station was broken up, and the Haggins removed to Harrodsburg. There he had numerous adventures with Indians, was closely pursued, and at one time he was supposed for over two weeks to have been killed or captured. But later he walked into his cabin quite unconcerned, greeting his wife with, ‘How are you by this time, Nancy?’"
Agnes "Nancy" (Gibb) Haggin was the daughter of Elizabeth Hinkson and Robert Gibb. Nancy’s mother, Elizabeth, was John Hinkson’s full sister and William McCune’s half-sister. While it may be coincidental, I find it interesting that Elizabeth’s daughter’s name was Agnes. Was she named after the "Agnes" mentioned in John McCune, Sr.’s will?
Another piece of circumstantial evidence is the name of Robert Gibb. A Gibb(s) family lived in Hopewell, Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, during the same time period as the McCunes. Secondly, John McCune, Sr.’s son, Robert, married an Elizabeth Gibb.
Other links tie William McCune and John Hinkson together. A John Hinkson is listed as living in Hopewell, Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1764, and land deeds in Pennsylvania leave a paper trail that is easy to follow:
John Hinkson to T. Galbraith 400 pounds, 270 acres on Conemaugh bounded by William McCune, John Woods, being the Squirrel Hill Old Town. Aug 29, 1774.
William McCune to Barnard Dougherty, 750 pounds on north side of Conemaugh. Jan 10, 1780.
William McCune to B. Dougherty, 2000 pounds, on north side of Conemaugh bounded by David Wilson on the east. 336 acres. Jan 10, 1780.
We are not certain when he married Elizabeth McClintock, but family records indicate their marriage before 1770. By 1772, the family had moved to "Squirrel Hill," Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. We find these remarkable references William in the diary of the Rev. David McClure:
1772.
[December] "29. Rode in company with Mr. Wm. McCune 13 miles to Squirril Hill.
"30. Wednesday preached to the small new settlement there. It lies on the River Connemoh, which is foremed by the junction of Stoney Creek & Quamahone, and empties into the Allegany River. There are about 12 families here. Experienced much kindness, particularly from Mrs. McCune and family.
"This place was formerly a settlement of Indians. Here are vestiges of their corn fields, & on the bank and ancient fortification, similar to many that are found through all this country.
"Wednesday, preached the first sermon ever preached in this place, on the rich provision of Gospel salvation."
1773.
[April 6] "Tuesday. Received a present of a location of land on Connemoh (about 300 acres) of my good friend Mr. McCune. (This right was however lost to me by the war, & my absence.)
[June 7] "Monday. Mr. McCune of Squirril Hill, sent a horse for me to ride to that settlement, 13 miles, to preach there in the afternoon. Preached to them my last sermon. The settlement is the most easterly of those to whom I have preached, & is not far distant from the western foot of the Appalachian mountains.
"Truly the people here, in this new country, are as sheep scattered upon the Mountains, without a Shepherd. At this time, not a single church has been formed, or Minister of the Gospel settled, west of the Appalachian Mountains, from Pennsylvania to Georgia, through an extent of many hundred miles, of new & sparse settlements. A great proportion of the people manifest a desire for the Gospel, and would gladly make provision, for the support of ministers, according to their ability. We had the satisfaction, if I may so express it, of planting the seeds of some future churches, by forming several settlements into something like ecclesiastical order, during 7 or 8 months of our preaching among them. May the good Lord, raise up & send forth faithful labourers into this part of this vineyard.
"8. June. Wednesday. Mr. Wm. McCune, Benja Sutton & myself, sailed in a boat up the River Connemoh, in one place, saw a solid body of stone coal, jutting from the bank. Same day went to see an Indian Fort, near the River."
The Kentucky Years. William remained in Pennsylvania until the spring of 1780 when moved with his family to Kentucky. It is probable that he accompanied his half-brother, John Hinkson, on the journey. The following narrative, taken from an account of the Emison family, details the trip:
"During the latter part of 1779 many of the pioneers were becoming restless from their somewhat temporary stay in western Pennsylvania, and were anxious to move on westward to their new lands in the Kentucky country, of what was then western Virginia. Capt. Wm. Lytle had sold his lands back in Cumberland County, and came west where he set up a camp on a small island in the Ohio River just below Pittsburgh. There he sent out word that an expedition of settlers was being assembled for migration down the Ohio to Kentucky.
"Because of their previous association with Lytle, Hugh and Ash Emison, joined him. Most of the streams in this area had been frozen over during this severe winter. And it was not until April 1, 1780 that a large expedition of over 1,000 settlers, with their families and possessions started down the river in 63 Kentucky boats or Arks…On April 11th a stop was made at Limestone, where Capt. Hinkston, the Emisons, Stephen Archer, Moses Cherry, and members of the Baird, Holmes and McClure families started overland to their new lands. Here it may be noted that James and Thomas Baird, two brothers-in-law of Hugh Emison, had descended the Ohio a year before where they purchased lots No. 25 and No. 1 in the new village (Louisville) at the Falls. These two brothers later founded Bairdstown, now known as Bardstown."
Here, we pick up the story from John Hinkson’s son, John, Jr.:
"…(John Hinkson) moved to Kentucky in Spring of '80, four or five boats came with him with about half a dozen families, stopped at Limestone about a week, built a block-house, the first erected there, and sent a message to his old station (better known as Ruddell's) to get help to aid in moving the families over, and while waiting at Limestone the Indians stole all the horses belonging to the company - some 20 in all - At the old station there was not a sufficiency of men to share, and advised a continuation to the Falls of Ohio.
"Went down there in his boats - got horses to transport some of the property leaving the family at the Falls, and he had been at Ruddell's but three or four days when Bird came…"
It is likely that William McCune was in the Hinkson party that dropped the families off at the Falls of the Ohio—the newly formed village of Louisville—and continued on to John Hinkson’s former settlement, now built up and fortified by Captain Isaac Ruddell. It is in this place that William McCune enters into Revolutionary War history as one of the "defender’s of Ruddle’s Fort" against the British and the Indians. While a full account of the taking of Ruddle’s fort by the British and their Indian allies is not possible in this short essay, it is important to provide a summary of the events leading up to, and including, the capture of the fort. Maude Lafferty, in her article on the taking of Ruddle’s and Martin’s forts, provides an excellent summary of the events:
"One of the outstanding events of the Revolutionary War in the West was the invasion of Kentucky by the British officer, Captain Henry Bird, of the Eighth Regiment of his Majesty's forces, and the destruction of Ruddle's and Martin's Forts. Coming in the summer of 1780 with an army of more than a thousand British regulars, Canadian volunteers, Indians and Tories, and bringing the first cannon ever used against the log forts of the wilderness, he captured 470 men, women and children, loaded them down with the plunder from their own cabin homes and drove them on foot from Central Kentucky to Detroit, a distance of 600 miles. There they were divided among their captors and some of them were taken 800 miles farther to Mackinac and to Montreal. The story of their capture, of the separation of families, of the hardships endured during the six-weeks journey and of the conditions under which they lived during the fourteen years of their captivity is one of the most shocking in the pioneer period of Kentucky's history.
"The invasion was planned by British officers at Detroit, their object being not only to exterminate the pioneer forts, but to force our western frontier back to the Alleghany Mountains, thus bringing out in bold relief the policy of Great Britain in the Revolutionary War-to prevent the westward growth of the American Colonies.
"In executing their plan they waged the War of the American Revolution on Kentucky soil, for they came under the command of a British officer flying the British flag, demanding surrender in the name of his Britannic Majesty, King George III, and made official report of the expedition to Sir Frederick Haldimand, the British Lieutenant General, who was then Governor of Canada."
The actual taking of Ruddle’s fort is described in graphic detail by Daniel Trabue, a brother of one of the captives, James Trabue:
"The land office was opened this spring at Wilson's Station for entering land warrents. James Trabue and I went their to make some entries, but their was so many people their we had to cast lots. And according to lot he (James Trabue) made some few entries, and it would be several days before he could make any more. And it would be several days before I could make my entries as my warrents was not on the first day.
"So we went home and James Trabue told me he would make my entries for me when he made his, if I would stay at home and attend to howing our corn planted. I agreed to it and gave him my warrents and a memorandum where my land was to be laid. It was 2,000 acres and choice land. James Trabue said he would go to licking on his commessary business. He was very much [needed] their and could be back to Wilson's Station in time to lay our warrents.
"So he went to Licking and got Ruddle's Station at night. And when morning [June 24, 1780] came their fort was surrounded by Indians; and Col. Byrd, a british officer from Detroyt, soon arrived with a cannon. He (Byrd) sent in a flag to the fort, demanding them to surrender to him as prisoners of war, etc., to which they refused. The cannon was twise fired. Done no damage except knocked one cabin log so it was moved in about six inches.
"Capt. Ruddle insisted it would be best to cappitulate. Capt. Hinkston and James Trabue insisted to defend the fort. At length Capt. Ruddle got a majority on his side and petitioned Col. Byrd to capitula[te]. The flag was sent back and forward several times before they agreed and the articles was sighned and agreed to. James Trabue was the man that did wright in behalf of Ruddle and the people in the fort. The terms of cappitulation was that Col. Byrd and his white soldiers should protect the people that was in the fort and march thim to Detroyt as prisoners, and that the Indians should have nothing to do with them, that the peoples cloathing and papers should be sicure to themselves with some little exceptions.
"The fort gate was opined. The Indeans came rushing in and plundered the people, and they evin striped their cloaths of[f] them and dividing the prisoners among the indians. In a few minuts the man did not know where his wife or child was, nor the wife know where her husband or either of her children was, no the children where ther parrents or brothers and sisters weare, all contrary to the cappitulation. Nor they had no chance of seeing Col. Byrd, as the Indians kept them to themselves. They went and took Martain's station also."
Though it does not really fit into this biography of William McCune, I cannot resist telling one last tale concerning his half-brother, John Hinkson. It is one of the most colorful tales of this tragic affair and has entered into the folk-lore of this period. The story is taken from an early newspaper article written by John Bradford, October 20, 1826. Though it suffers somewhat from the encrustation of folk-legend, it is, nevertheless, a wonderful story:
"Immediately after it was decided not to go forward to Bryan's Station, the army commenced their retreat to the forks of Licking, where they had left their boats, and with all possible dispatch got their artillery and military stores on board, and moved off. At this place the Indians separated from Byrd, and took with them the whole of the prisoners taken at Ruddle's Station. Among the prisoners were Capt. John Hinkston, a brave man and an experienced hunter and woodsman. The second night after leaving the forks of Licking, the Indians encamped near the river; every thing was very wet, in consequence of which it was difficult to kindle a fire, and before a fire could be made it was quite dark. A guard was placed over the prisoners, and whilst part of them were employed-in kindling the fire, Hinkston sprang from among them and was immediately out of sight. An alarm was instantly given, and the Indians ran in every direction, not being able to ascertain what course he had taken. Hinkston ran but a short distance before he lay down by the side of a log under the dark shade of a large beach tree, where he remained until the stir occasioned by his escape had subsided, when he moved off as silently as possible. The night was cloudy, and very dark, so that he had no mark to steer by, and after travelling some time towards Lexington, as he thought, he found himself close to the camp from which he had just before made his escape. In this dilemma he was obliged to tax his skill as a woodsman, to devise a method by which he should be enabled to stear his course without light enough to see the moss on the trees, or without the aid of sun, moon or stars. Captain Hinkston ultimately adopted this expedient: he dipped his hand in the water, (which almost covered the whole country) and holding it upright above his head, he instantly felt one side of his hand cold; he immediately knew, that from that point the wind came-he therefore steered the ballance of the night to the cold side of his hand, that being from the west he knew, and the course best suited to his purpose. After travelling several hours he sat down at the root of a tree and fell asleep.
"A few hours before day, there came on a very heavy dense fog, so that a man could not be seen at twenty yards distance. This circumstance was of infinite advantage to Hinkston, for as soon as day light appeared, the howling of wolves, the gobling of turkeys, the bleating of fawns, the cry of owls, and every other wild animal, was heard in almost every direction. Hinkston was too well acquainted with the customs of the Indians, not to know that it was Indians, and not beasts or birds that made these sounds-he therefore avoided approaching the places where he heard them, and notwithstanding he was several times within a few yards of them, with the aid of the fog he escaped, and arrived safe at Lexington. It was the 8th day after Ruddle's Station was taken, when Hinkston arrived in Lexington, and brought the first news of that event."
William was not as lucky as his half-brother. He was forced to march to Detroit where he remained as a prisoner for almost two years. We know nothing of those lost years other than a rather cryptic story told to Lyman Draper:
"I was at Corn's, when Riddle, (that was taken at Riddle's,) got back. One McCune, who was at Bowman's Station when Riddle got there, went out & got a hoop-pole, of which he had a parcel, & wore it out on Riddle. McCune had been a prisoner with (fellow) Riddle and had been planning to run away, where Riddle went and told the British on him, who put McCune in irons. "Now," says McCune, "tell on me again."
After returning to Bourbon County, Kentucky, William and Elizabeth settled into the life of farming and raising their family. Over the course of the next seven years, William made a number of land purchases.
His oldest daughter Nancy was married to George Reading, Jr., May 7, 1789. The Readings were long time friends of the McCunes, having arrived in Bourbon County at about the same time. George Reading, Jr.’s brother, John Mullin, in fact, shared a unique bond with William, having also been captured and taken prisoner by the British at Ruddle’s fort. Susanna, William and Elizabeth’s third child, married John Patton in 1791. On October 24, 1793, their third daughter Margaret (called "Peggy") married John Shawhan, a young man who lived on a nearby farm. John was engaged in the whiskey distilling business with his brother Joseph. The brothers continued the business begun by their father Daniel who--with his family--had immigrated to Bourbon County in 1789 to get away from the mounting problems concerning the newly formed federal government’s desire to tax whiskey. A month later, on November 21, their oldest son John tied the knot with Polly Shannon. Tragedy struck the McCune family in 1795 when William’s wife Elizabeth died. Over the next several years, William continued to farm the land and engage in family and civic activities.
Sometime in 1812, the 61 year old William fell in love with and married the much younger widow Elizabeth Patton. Elizabeth was the daughter of William Patton (1730-1795) and the sister of John Patton, the husband of William’s daughter Susanna. To make the family relationship even more complicated, Elizabeth Patton’s sister, Martha, married William Holliday (1755-1811). William and Martha Patton Holliday’s son, Joseph Holliday, married William McCune’s granddaughter Nancy (the daughter of John McCune and Polly Shannon). Is the reader confused yet? Let’s add one more intermarriage to this mix: Joseph Holliday’s eldest brother, William Patton Holliday, married Rebecca Reading, the daughter of George Reading, Jr., and Nancy McCune. Also, Elizabeth (Maxwell) Patton McCune’s daughter from her previous marriage, Sarah Maxwell, married John Reading, son of George reading, Jr., and Nancy McCune. Enough, already!
Four children were born to Elizabeth Patton and William McCune: William Patton, born circa 1813, Joseph P., born circa 1815, Polly Lucy, born circa 1816, and Susanna, born circa 1820.
The Missouri Years. Sometime in 1817, William and family, including several other families, moved from Kentucky to Pike County, Missouri. The following account documents the route taken by the families:
"I married Nancy McCune, dau of John McCune on Mar 26 - 1816, she d Jan 9 1834. Our eldest son Wm was b in Ky--
"My Wife's gr father Wm McCune was a prisoner of the Indians 3 yrs during the Rev War. He saw sights, My dear, He was ironed frequently, and handcuffed. His wife never heard from him during the time, her father used to "quiz" her about "setting out".
"The McCunes and Hollidays moved from nr Carlisle, Cumberland Co, Pa to Kentucky and in 1817 they moved to the Territory of Mo and settled on Ramsey Creek, now Pike Co, Mo. Shortly after Mar 1816 this Company moved from Ky to St Charles Co, Mo, now Pike Co, Mo, by way of Louisville Ky then crossed the Ohio River, then to Smelsers Ferry about 2 mi above Alton, Ill, where we crossed the Mississippi River, thence to St Charles Mo, hence up to Ramsey Creek.
"The families composed the Company were: My wife's Grandfather Wm McCune and family; Benjamin Gray and family; he M a dau of Wm McCune, my wf's gr father; Wm Holliday, my eldest bro and his family, his wf was Rebecca Reading; Wm Biggs and family, he M "Betsy" Elizabeth McCune my wife's eldest Sister; John McCune, my wife's father and his family, His wf was Polly Shannon, dau of John Shannon; Myself and family (Joseph Holliday) and wf Nancy McCune. Six families in all."
The families settled on Ramsey Creek, Pike County, Missouri, and continued their lives as farmers. William and Elizabeth’s last child, Susanna, was born in Pike County, Missouri, circa 1819. William died on December 6, 1830. His wife Elizabeth died before November 9, 1835. William’s will, originally drafted in November, 1819, reads as follows:
I, Wm McCune, being advanced in life and knowing that I must shortly die think it proper as I am now in helth and injoy the right use of my reason to set my house in order and dispose of that earthly substance which God in his graft kindness hath bestowed upon me in the following manner:
1st - after by boddy is decently buried and all my debts paid it is my will and I do hereby bequeath to Nancy Reading, my eldest daughter four dollars.
2nd - It is my will and I do hereby bequeath to my eldest son John McCune four dollars.
3rd - It is my will and I do hereby bequeath unto the children of my decesed daughter Susanna Patten,, wife of John Patten four dollars to be equally divided among them.
4th - It is my will and I do hereby bequeath to my daughter Margarit Shawhen four dollars.
5th - It is my will and I do hereby bequeath to Betsy Gray four dollars.
6th - It is also my will and I do hereby bequeath to my beloved wife - Elizabeth McCune the third part of all my estate, real and moveable.
7th - I will and bequeath all the ballence of my estate to be equally, divided between my four youngest children; Wm P McCune, Polly Lacy McCune, Joseph P. McCune, and Susanna McCune, on conditon there should be no more heirs, but in case there should, they are to have an equal divide with, Wm, Joseph, Polly Lacy and Susan.
It is my will that my wife Elizabeth McCune and my son John McCune be and they are hereby appointed Executrix and Executor of this my last will and testament signed and sealed present of this 9th of November, 1819.
Wm McCune (Seal) Pike Co. Mesura Territory. Jacob Matthews; James Stark; Henry Matthews; John Patterson (supplement or codicil )
As a suplement to the within will, I Wm McCune have thought proper to leave the home place where I now live on containing 300 ackers to my son Wm P. McCune and my son Joseph P. McCune, providing they should think proper to keep it at its apraes value of their Guardens for them it is clearly to be understood that this suplement is to have no other change or careing on the within will except giving William and Joseph the right to keep the homeplace at its apraised value given under my hand this 8th day of August 1827.
Witness present

Signed: Raue La Force John P Patterson John McCune Wm McCune (Seal)
Elizabeth’s will, dated November 10, 1835, reads as follows:
Last will and testament of Elizabeth McCune.
In the name of God Amen, I, Elizabeth McCune of the County of Pike State of Missouri being weak in body but sound in mine and disposing memory and perfectly aware that ere long my body must return to its Mother earth, do ordain and publish this my last will and testament.
First, my desire is that my body may be decently buried in a plain coffin to be provided for that purpose.
Second, it is my desire that my just debts be paid if at this time of my death, I shall owe any and,
Thirdly, it is my will and desire that the balance of my property which I derived title to, by virtue of the last will and testament of my late husband, William McCune should be equally divided among my four children to wit; William P. McCune, Polly L. McCune, Susannah McCune and Joseph P. McCune except that my executor herein appointed is directed to pay out of my property to my other two children vizt: Jane Paterson and Sally Reading the sum of one dollar each and no more they having been sufficiently provided for and lastly I do nominated and appoint John McCune executor of this my last will and testament to acct according to law, In witneas whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 16th day Nov, in the year of our Lord 1830.
Her
Elizabeth X McCune
mark
Witness: L Rogers; Jeremiah Stark; Daniel F Stark; Susannah Stark

State of Missouri, County of Pike. Attest M.J. Noyes, Clerk. Recorded 9th Nov., A.D. 1835 Bondsmen: Wm P. McCune Administrator. Wm L. McCune Fountain D. Edwards.

William P. McCune being duly sworn upon his oath saith that he the said William P. McCune, Polly L Edwards, late Polly L. McCune, Susannah McCune and Joseph P. McCune are the only heirs and legal representatives of Elizabeth McCune late of said County deceased, all of whom reside in the said County of Pike. William P. McCune sworn to before me and oath of office taken this 10th day of Nov., A.D. 1835.

M. J. Noyes, Clerk. Recorded Nov 10th 1835.
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THE KENTUCKY LAND GRANTS
Volume 1
Part 1
CHAPTER II VIRGINIA GRANTS (1782-1792)
THE COUNTIES OF KENTUCKY
page 96
Grantee: McCune, Wm
Acres: 400
Book: 11
Page: 550
Date Survey: 4-25-1789
County: Bourbon
Watercourse: Grays Run
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THE KENTUCKY LAND GRANTS, Volume 1, Part 1, CHAPTER III OLD KENTUCKY GRANTS (1793-1856), THE COUNTIES OF KENTUCKY, page 215:
Grantee: McCune, Wm
Acres: 900
Book: 2, Page: 259
Date Survey: 1-21-1783
County: Fayette
Watercourse: Hinkstons Cr
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Harrison County, Kentucky: From a law suit 4911, Daniel Barton vs William E. Boswell, taken 28 & 29 July 1812, filed Aug 10, 1812:
Also the deposition of William McCune of lawful age and first duly sworn deposith and saith. That in 1780 he came from Ruddle's station in company with his half brother John Hinkson to Lee's lick which he informed him was on Mill creek and from Lee's lick we traveled down to McFall's lick, that he was then informed and understood this to be Mill creek and has ever since known it by that name. He says that after he returned from his captivity with the Indians (having been taken at Ruddle's station) and he thinks in the latter part of 1781 or the beginning of 1782 he was again over on these waters and the information before received was confirmed. He says that Mill creek was well known in Ruddle's station.
Question by complts. Did you know of any other creek on the north side of the Kentucky River by the name of Mill creek?
Ann. I never did.
Question by defts. Whether or not was Lee's lick a place of great note in the year 1780 & 1782?
Ann. I think it was. I didn't know any place more so for the distance it was off.
Question by same. Whether or not was this fork called Mill creek below Lee's lick.
Ann. I knew nothing of the other fork at that time.
Question by William E Boswell Whether or not was you acquainted with Hinkson's station or settlement and if you were at what time?
Ann, I was acquainted there in the year 1780.
Question by complts. From the relative situation of what is now called the north and south forks of Mill creek to each other, would not you as a woodsman call this the south fork and the other the north fork?
Ann. Yes, I should.
Question by defts. Whether or not was this fork generally called the south fork of Mill creek in the year 1782? Ann. I don't remember now that I heard it called the south fork or north fork but Mill creek. I understand it was called Mill creek from Lee's lick to McFall's lick and all the branches of it. And further this depondent saith not.

William McCune

Carolyn Kent
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From History of Northeast Missouri, Vol. I, ed. Walter Williams, (Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1913), p. 514:

“Others who settled in these parts (Ramsey Creek) were John Mulharin, William and Joseph Holiday, William Biggs, David Todd, who became the first circuit judge of Pike county, Benjamin Gray, John and William McCune.”

Spouses
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1: Elizabeth McCLINTOCK (?)
Birth: circa 1738 Cumberland County, Pennsylvania [22]
Death: circa 1812 Bourbon County, Kentucky [23] Age: 74
Death Memo: Some researchers place her death date as ca.1795.--REF
Burial: Old Stonermouth Presbyterian Church Graveyard, Bourbon County, Kentucky

Misc. Notes
The date of Elizabeth’s death listed on the roster of Old Stonermouth Presbyterian Church Graveyard raises questions as to her birth date. The roster lists her as dying in 1812 at the age of 65, which would mean that she was born in 1747. However, this directly contradicts an account given by Joseph Holliday in 1861: "Elizabeth was 12 yrs older than her husband."--REF
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NOTE: It is possible that Elizabeth was the daughter of John McClintock. While it is only speculation at this juncture, Elizabeth’s father, John, was on the tax rolls of Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania in 1753.

Marriage: before 1770
Children: Nancy (1770-1843)
John (1772-1852)
Susanna (1774-ca1814)
Margaret "Peggy" (1775-1857)
Elizabeth “Betsy” (1776-)
Hugh (1778-)

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2: Elizabeth PATTON
Birth: 1777
Death: before November 9, 1835 Age: 58
Father: William PATTON (1725-1795)
Mother: Sarah DUNLAP?

Misc. Notes
McCune, Elizabeth - will dated 16 Nov 1830. All property I own by virtue of will of my late husband William McCune, equally divided among my 4 children, to wit: William P., Polly L., Susannah & Joseph L. McCune. One dollar each for my other two children, viz, Jane Patterson & Sally Reading. They have been provided for. Exr, John McCune. Wit: Daniel F. Stark, Susannah Stark, Jeremiah Stark & Lewis Rogers. Filed 4 Nov 1835. John McCune declined to act as exr of the estate. Court apointed William P. McCune. Sec, William L. McCune & Fountain D. Edwards. Heirs: William P. McCune, Polly (McCune) Edwards, Susannah McCune, & Joseph P. McCune are the only heirs, All of Pike Co. ("Missouri Pioneers of Pike County," InfoTech Publications, P.O. Box 86, Bowling Green, MO 63334, pp. 71-73)

Mrs Elizabeth (Patton) Maxwell (dau of Wm Patton b ca 1730 Ireland, was in Pa in 1773 he d in Bourbon Co, Ky in 1795). Her will, written Nov 16, 1830, proven Nov 9, 1835. Bowling Green, Plke Co, Mo, Will Bk 2, p 71

Elizabeth Patton's sister Martha Patton M Wm Holliday and their bro John Patton M Susan McCune, dau of B5 Wm McCune thus Elizabeth Patton's bro M her 2nd husband Wm McCune's dau Susan by his (1) wf Ellzabeth.

Marriage: circa 1812 Kentucky
Children: William Patton (ca1813-)
Joseph P. (1815-1846)
Mary “Polly” Lucy (ca1816-)
Susanna (ca1820-)

Sources
1. Orphans Court, Vol. 2, Page 88 Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 16 February 1768.
2. Missouri Pioneers of Pike County, InfoTech Publications, P.O. Box 86, Bowling Green, MO 63334, pp. 156-158
3. Missouri Pioneers of Pike County, InfoTech Publications, P.O. Box 86, Bowling Green, MO 63334, p. 7
4. Kentucky Records, Volume II, Harrison County, Order Book A, p. 143.
5. Hanna, Charles A. The Scotch-Irish or The Scot in North Britain, North ireland, and North America, Volume II, Genealogical Publishing County, p. 82.
6. Hanna, Charles A. The Scotch-Irish or The Scot in North Britain, North ireland, and North America, Volume II, Genealogical Publishing County, p. 85.
7. Autobiography of Joseph Holliday (1861). Copy annotated by his son, Samuel Newton Holliday, St. Louis, Mo. (1863)
8. Campbell, Kathryn Hutcherson. “William McCune, The Pennsylvanian and Kindred Families,” p. 7.
9. His will was written, Nov. 9, 1819 in Pike Co, Mo and proved Dec 6, 1830, Bowling Green, Pike Co, Mo., Will Bk 1 - p. 123. Probate Red Bk 1 - p 123-125, Pike Co, Mo - 126-127; 156-157-158
Will prob Pike Co, Mo - 1830.
10. Campbell, Kathryn Hutcherson. “William McCune, The Pennsylvanian and Kindred Families,” pp. 8-9
11. History N.E. Mo by Walter Williams - pp 508-514-515-517-399
12. Old Kentucky Entries and Deeds by Jillson, p. 3.
13. Fayette Co. Entries - Fayette Co. Ky., p. 121.
14. Kentucky Land Grants, Fayette County, Kentucky, microfilm, from the LDS Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
15. Kentucky Land Grants, Fayette County, Kentucky, microfilm, from the LDS Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, p. 215.
16. Kentucky Land Grants, Fayette County, Kentucky, microfilm, from the LDS Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, p. 96.
17. Campbell, Kathryn Hutcherson. “William McCune, The Pennsylvanian and Kindred Families,” pp. 10-12
18. Kentucky Census 1790.
19. Campbell, Kathryn Hutcherson. “William McCune, The Pennsylvanian and Kindred Families,” p. 14
20. Campbell, Kathryn Hutcherson. “William McCune, The Pennsylvanian and Kindred Families,” p. 15
21. Campbell, Kathryn Hutcherson. “William McCune, The Pennsylvanian and Kindred Families,” p. 16
22. Holliday Memo: “Elizabeth was 12 yrs older than her husband.” From “William McCune: The Pennsylvanian and Kindred Families” Compiled by Kathryn Hutcherson Campbell, April, 1974, p. 15.
23. Elizabeth’s name is listed in the Old Stonermouth Presbyterian Cemetery record, as follows: Elizabeth (or Emily) McCune Age 65--?-1812 (Wife of William McCune).

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Last Modified: February 11, 2003
Created: February 25, 2003