Robert McCONAHEY (1767 – 1847)  is Alex’s 6th Great Grandfather, one of 128 in this generation of the Miner line.

Robert McConahey was born 1767 in Convoy, County Donegal, Ireland.  Robert went from Scotland to Ireland and from there came to the United States and lived for a period in Chester County near Philadelphia. It is said that he walked from Philadelphia to Crawford County near the town of Westford , PA and took up a tract of land. He returned to Chester County and married Margret STORY in 1797 and then returned to Crawford county to live permanently.  Robert died 24 Oct 1847 or 24 Nov 1846 in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

Margaret Story was born in 1777 in  Convoy, Donegal, Ireland. Alternatively, she was born in Letterkenny, Donegal, Ulster, Ireland.  Her parents were Robert STORYand Margaret “Lacey” LACKEY.   Margaret died 12 Aug 1844.

Children of Robert and Margaret:

	Name	Born	Married	Departed
1.	Jane McCONAHEY	9 Oct 1799, Crawford County, PA	William LATTA II 17 Jan 1822	19 Nov 1869 Cass Co., NE
2.	Margaret McConnaughey	1803 Crawford, PA	William Story (Margaret’s cousin and David’s brother)	4 Mar 1888 Conneaut Twp., Ashtabula Co., Ohio
3.	Mary Elizabeth McConahey	31 Jan 1804 South Shenango, Crawford, PA	John A, Latta (Wiliam’s brother) 9 Mar 1801 Crawford County, PA	23 Apr 1904 Herman, Washington, NE
4.	James McConahey	1807, Jamestown PA		10 Nov 1834 Jamestown, PA
5.	Anna McConahey	1809	John McKissick (William’s brother
6.	Isabelle McConahey	c. 1810, South Shenango Twp, PA	William McKissick (John’s brother)	22 May 1849 South Shenango Twp, PA
7.	Sarah McConahey	1811	David Story (Sarah’s cousin and William’s brother)	Aft 1880 census, Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska
8.	Matthew McConahey	c. 1812, Crawford County, PA		1828 Crawford County, PA
9.	John McConahey	c. 1813, Crawford County, PA		1839 Crawford County, PA
10.	Robert McConahey	Aug 1813, South Shenango, Crawford, PA	Margaret McDowell Lackey 3 Aug 1838 Crawford, Pennsylvania . Martha Ann Sloan 10 Jun 1851 Jamestown, Crawford, Pennsylvania	28 Apr 1909 South Shenango, Crawford, PA

Robert’s grandson John McConnaha said Robert’s father, whose name he could not recall served with his five brothers under King William in the war between the Protestants and Catholics of Scotland and England, and probably spent his last years in Scotland. I think this must have been an earlier ancestor because William III died in 1702 and Robert was not born for another 65 years.

When Robert  came to America he spelled the name McConnaughey but somewhere along the line he changed the spelling to McConahey.  All the papers relating to him and his family spell the name McConahey. On his grave marker and others in South Shenango the name is spelled McConahey.

1 May 1798 – Deed for 200 acres delivered to Robert McConahey

The Shenango  township lies mostly within the Pennsylvania Population Land District, and the following persons agreed at the time mentioned to settle the various tracts within a few days from the date of contract, and were to receive the following amounts of land: Tract 794, Robert STORY [Robert’s father-in-law], 1 May  1798, 200 acres, deed delivered August 17, 1808 Tract  795, Robert McCONAHEY , 1 May 1798, 200 acres, settled under contract.

Quoted from History of Crawford County, Bates, 1899 Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Robert McConahey was a native of Ireland who settled in Westmoreland County. In 1798 he arrived in South Shenango with knapsack and camp kettle on his back, and settled upon a farm which he afterward occupied. He built a rough cabin and, leaving some of his possessions within it returned to Westmoreland County for horses, sheep and cattle which he drove before him over the mountains. Upon his arrival he found that Indians had broken in and stolen his clothes and dishes during his absence.

McConahey Society of America, Annual Bulletin, Number 1, January 1963

Robert McConaughey (1) of this group and his wife, Margaret Story, May well be found to belong to one or the other of groups here listed. Robert McConaughey (1) was born in 1767, and came to America after the Revolution but before 1797. The legendary story of this family compares with similar versions in other lines, which may assist us eventually in a “tying” together. This group E family originated in Scotland where they fought with Robert Bruce at the Battle of Bannock burn. Six brothers, each more than six feet tall, marched three on the right hand and three on the left hand of the Bruce; and after the battle four lay dead on the field. Other versions say the were all red-headed!

Children

1. Jane McCONAHEY (See William LATTA II ‘s page)

2. Margaret McConahey

Margaret’s husband William Story was born in 1795 in Venango, Pennsylvania. He was Margaret’s 1st cousin.  His parents were Robert Story and Ann Read His grandparents were  Robert STORY and Margaret [__?__]. His brother David Story married Margaret’s sister Sarah. William died 1 Jan 1880, Conneaut, Ashtabula, Ohio of paralysis.

In the 1850 census, William and Margaret were farming in Cornplanter, Venango, Pennsylvania.  They had a couple of borders, but no children listed.

In the 1870 census, William and Margaret Story were living in Conneaut, Astabula County, Ohio.  Conneaut is the extreme northeast corner of Ohio on the shore of Lake Erie, touching Pennsylvania.  William, 75 years old was listed as a farmer. Margaret was 67 years old and Anna  Story living with them was 30 years old. William and Margaret were born in PA however both William and Margaret list their mother and father as of foreign birth. In the 1880 census Margaret was still living in Conneaut with Anna R Story listed as a niece who is 36 years of age.

3. Mary Elizabeth McConahey

Mary’s husband John A, Latta was born 9 Mar 1801 in Crawford County PA. He was William’s brother and his parents were William L. LATTA and Elizabeth RANKIN.  John died 1 Nov 1884 in Herman, Washington, Nebraska.

Mary Elizabeth

• Resided on 10 Oct 1850 in Division 20, Washington, Iowa.

• Resided on 30 Jun 1860 in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska Territory.

• Resided on 25 Jun 1880 in Rosita, Custer, Colorado

• Was housewife on 25 Jun 1880 in Rosita, Custer, Colorado

• Resided at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Isabel & Stephen Davis on 26 Jun 1900 in Herman, Washington, Nebraska

• Lived to be 100 years

From and including: Tuesday, January 31, 1804 To and including: Saturday, April 23, 1904 is 36,608 days

Or 100 years, 2 months, 24 days
OR 3,162,931,200 seconds
52,715,520 minutes
878,592 hours
5229 weeks (rounded down)

John was the only brother to be born in the United States Born at Crawford Co., Pa. March 9, 1801.  He married Mary Ann McConahey (sister to Jane McConahey LATTA) on 2 Jan, 1834.

From a letter from John’s brother Thomas to another brother Moses telling of the death of their mother on 23 May 1846.

When I arrived in Shenango (Pa.) I found brother  William had started with all his family (except [our ancestor] Robert) for the neighborhood of Madison, Ind. with a design of getting up the cooleage business there in the barrell line, expecting to make a fortune and pay off all his debts in a short time.  He went from Shenango in very low circumstances, and left a number of his friends to suffer on his account.  … Brother John has left his old station, and rented the old Allen farm.  He gets along hardly enough.  He is involved some on William’s account.

.

.

He had a residence on 10 Oct 1850 in Division 20, Washington, Iowa. He had a residence on 30 Jun 1860 in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska Territory. He had a residence on 25 Jun 1880 in Rosita, Custer, Colorado.

Children of John and Mary Elizabeth:

i. James McConahey Latta b. 22 Sep 1834 in Crawford County, Pa.; d. 03 Feb 1920 in Logan, Harrison County, Iowa; buried Logan Cemetery; m. 16 Nov 1867 to Anna Jane Kendall (174 Feb 1838 Illinois – 12 Mar 1897 in Logan, Harrison County, Iowa; buried Logan Cemetery)

Anna Jane Kendall Latta, circa 1870

James McConahey Latta enlisted in “B” Co. 29th Iowa. Inf. in 1862.  Engaged in 16 battles, coming out without a scar.  Was shot at the Battle of Saline River.  The ball passed through his body.  Left on the battle field for dead, and was so reported.  The Union forces being driven back, was picked up by the Confederates, carried to Shreveport, La.  Was in prison for 18 months.  The first news the family had of him was when he came crippling home.

Lamed for life. Sawyer and farmer. Lived on a farm three miles west of Logan, Iowa until the death of his wife, then with his children. James and Anna are both buried at the Logan Cemetery, Harrison Co, Iowa.

1891 Harrison County Iowa History, PP.682,683

James M. Latta, who has been a resident of Harrison County for a quarter of a century, and who is now a resident of section 15, Calhoun Township, forms the subject of this sketch.

He was born in Crawford County, Pa., September 22, 1834, and is the son of Hohn and Mary (McConahey) Latta. The father was of Scotch ancestory, born in 1801, and had a family of four daughters and three sons, of whom our subject was the oldest child. When he was about ten years of age his patents emigrated to Carroll County, Ohio, and a year and a half later to Iowa.

They first located at Des Moines and drifted about the state, living in Washibgton, Monroe, Page, Mills and Harrison Counties. From Page County the moved to Cass County, Neb., then moved back to Iowa, and subsequently yo Washington County, Neb., where the father died, October 27, 1884. The mother is still living at the advanced age of eighty-eight.

When in Cass County, Neb., our subject in the autumn of 1862, enlisted in Company B, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and served until June 17, 1865, receiving his discharge at Davenport, Iowa, June 17, 1865. He at once came to Mills County, Iowa, and from there to Harrison County as above related.
November 16, 1867, just after he returned from the war, he married Anna J. Kendall, a native of Illinois, born February 17, 1837. She was the oldest of a family of nine children, born to William and Martha Kendall, who were of Scotch descent.
Mr. and Mrs. Latta are the parents of six children.

Politically, our subject is a firm supporter of the Republican party, “voting as he shot!” Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of Fuller Post, G.A.R. at Logan.

James was listed twice inn the 1880 census, once living with his parents in Rosita, Custer, Colorado and again living with Anna and six of his children in Calhoun, Harrison, Iowa.

James McConahey Latta

ii. Robert Ray “Freck” Latta b. 4 Mar 1836 in Jamestown, Crawford, Pennsylvania; d. 18 Sep 1925 in Garrison, Christian, Missouri; m. 7 Apr 1857 Weldon Grove, Missouri to Mary Anna Cain (b. 18 May 1822 Beaver County, Pennsylvania – d. 20 Jun 1909 Garrison, Christian County, Missouri) Her parents were James Cain (1787 Beaver County, Pennsylvania – 27 Aug 1850 Meigs County, Ohio) and Nancy “Agnes” McElhaney. Mary Anna first married Nelson Edson (1820 – 1857) and had seven children including George Chandler Edson (1845-1932) who married Freck’s cousin Margaret J McConahey (See below) Mary Anna’s brother Pressley married Freck’s sister Margaret.  Her parents were James Cain (1787 Beaver County, Pennsylvania – 27 Aug 1850 Meigs County, Ohio) and Nancy “Agnes” McElhaney.

Mary and her husband, Nelson, her mother Agnes, and two brothers including Pressley Martin Cain who married Freck’s sister Margaret Storey Latta (see below) were traveling in Keokuk, Iowa on their way west when Nelson died from Cholera. Mary was pregnant with their youngest child at the time. She married Freck in April 1857 in Page Co., Iowa and they had five more children. They eventually settled in Christian County in south Missouri, and they are buried in Garrison.

Freck wrote a book entitled “Reminiscences of Pioneer Life” published in 1912 by Franklin Hudson, Kansas City, MO.(no longer in print) The following is an excerpt from the book, page 162:

“Freck, like thousands of others, surely lost his head over holes in the ground, which were called “mines.” In the process Mary and Freck’s babies all married, except their “baby boy” and Florence, the sweet little baby girl who was born in the dark, shady woods while the cannon down in the South-land belched forth fires of death and a loaded musket stood by the bedside. For twenty years Freck trailed over the ranges, and up and down the canyons and the gulches, at times working for a “grub-stake,” and again digging holes in the ground and panning dirt by the streams,, and living in cabins and tents and covered wagons. And Mary stayed with Freck through all these long and weary years, and shared his discouragements, his failures, his hopes, his cabins, his tents, and his covered wagon homes in the Rocky Mountains. And in the evenings, while the mountain wind sobbed and moaned in the pines or shivered through the aspen groves, with a miner’s glass they would examine the bits of rock and be almost persuaded that the hidden treasure was almost within their grasp. From the far north to the far south end of the Rocky Mountains, thousands of men were doing as Freck was doing, and meeting with the same disappointments; and many grew discouraged and reckless, and became dissolute gamblers and drunkards, and went to the dogs. But during all these years Freck never stood at the bar and drank a glass of whiskey, nor played a game of cards, nor crossed the threshold of a dance-hall; no, thank God! not once; because Mary stayed with him and was his guardian angel.

For three years Freck worked in a lumbering-camp in the Rocky Mountains and dug no holes in the ground, and had gotten together fifteen hundred dollars in gold and three teams; for Freck and Mary worked with their might and early, and late.

Then they, by a schemer, were induced to turn their faces to the south and take up land under the great Toas…..”

Freck and Mary eventually settled in southern Missouri, in Garrison, Christian County where it is believed, but not proven, that Freck had family. They are buried in the Garrison cemetery, their graves being one of the oldest.

Freck’s Boyhood Home from Reminiscences of Pioneer Life by R Latta – Google Books

Robert Ray “Freck” (on account of his freckles) got a job in 1852 at the age of 16,  carrying the United States mail by horseback between Washington and Bloomfield, Iowa, a distance of 80 miles.  The round trip had to be made in four days, a ride of 40 miles a day and the compensation was $480 a year.  He noted that he rode through prairie and gloomy woods 84 times and only met one horseman, one team and a band of Indians.  A few years later Freck and his family moved by wagon train across the  State to Page County, Iowa, where they built a log cabin and settled in.   In 1860 they went to Cass Co., Neb. and in 1861 to Mills Co., Iowa and in 1870 to Silver Cliff, Colo.  He was a miner.  In 1898 lived at Colorado Springs, Colo.  Wrote a book, “Reminiscences of Pioneer Life – Google Books“, published in 1912.  Click here for a review and excerpt.  It’s a fun read in a jaunty style as you can see from the preface.

Reminiscences of pioneer life – Preface.

In the late fall of 1856, another prairie schooner arrived with Pressley Martin Cain (Press), his widowed mother Nancy Agnes Cain and his sister, Mary Anna Cain Edson. His father, James Cain, had been a Scotch seceder and a soldier who fought under General Harrison in the War of 1812. With winter approaching, Freck’s mother invited the Cains to move into their cabin until they could build their own home in the spring.

According to information, Mary was eleven years older than Freck and had four children by her first husband, named Edson, who had died of cholera. m. Mrs. Mary A. Edson, nee Cain, sister to his sister Margaret’s husband, April 7, 1857, in Page Co., Iowa. She died on a farm on Ozark Mts. June 20, 1909. They were the first couple married in Valley Tp., Iowa. In 1860 they went to Cass Co., Neb. and in 1861 to Mills Co., Iowa and in 1870 to Silver Cliff, Colo. Miner. In 1898 lived at Colorado Springs, Colo. Wrote a book, Robert and Mary are buried in the Garrison Cemetery, Christian County, Missouri. Their tombstones read: Mary Latta, 1824-1909, and Robert R. Latta, March 4, 1836 – Sept. 1925. In the 1920 Census, Robert was listed as living in Garrison, Christian County, MO. He was 83 years old. He was living with his daughter, Florence M. Cain, age 56, and his grandson, James R. Cain, age 14…

Reminiscences of pioneer life 5..

In the 1880 census, Robert R and Mary A were living in Rosita, Custer, Colorado with five children where Robert was a lumber dealer.

Robert Ray (Freck) Latta

iii. Margaret Storey Latta b. 26 Feb 1839 near Jamestown, Pennsylvania; d. 22 Jun 1941 in Oakland, Douglas, Oregon; m.9 Apr 1857 Clarinda, Page, Iowa to Pressley Martin Cain (b. 26 Feb 1838 in Beaver City, Beaver, Pennsylvania – d. 9 Jul 1911 in Douglas, Oregon); Pressley’s sister Mary Anna married Margaret’s brother Freck.  His parents were James Cain (1787 Beaver County, Pennsylvania – 27 Aug 1850 Meigs County, Ohio) and Nancy “Agnes” McElhaney.

Mary Cain Edson and her husband, Nelson Edson, her mother Agnes Cain, and two brothers including Pressley Martin Cain were traveling in Keokuk, Iowa on their way west when Nelson died from Cholera. Mary was pregnant with their youngest child at the time. She married Freck in April 1857 in Page Co., Iowa and they had five more children. They eventually settled in Christian County in south Missouri, and they are buried in Garrison.

In the late fall of 1856, another prairie schooner arrived with Pressley Martin Cain (Press), his widowed mother Nancy Agnes Cain and his sister, Mary Anna Cain Edson. His father, James Cain, had been a Scotch seceder and a soldier who fought under General Harrison in the War of 1812. With winter approaching, Freck’s mother invited the Cains to move into their cabin until they could build their own home in the spring.

Presley enlisted in the Iowa 4th Light Artillery Battery on 29 Jul 1863. He received a disability discharge on 15 Jan 1865 at Thibodeaux, LA.

In the 1880 census, Presley and Margaret were living in Rosita, Custer, Colorado.

Margaret Story Latta 1

iv. William McCobb Latta b. 1840 Somerset, Pennsylvania; d. 6 Oct 1863 in Little Rock, Arkansas,

William also enlisted in 1862 in “B” Co. 29th Iowa Inf. After campaigning through Mo. and Tenn. while on a long march through the swamps of Arkansas he was seized with a virulent fever, fell out of the ranks, lay in the woods with three others for three days, was picked up by a supply train, taken into Little Rock, Ark. where he died the next day, October 6, 1863.

v. John Erskine Latta b. 22 Jan 1842 – Jamestown, Crawford, Pennsylvania; m. his first cousin Margaret E. Storey (b. 1842) (See below)

He had a residence on 10 Oct 1850 in Division 20, Washington, Iowa.

He resided at the home of his aunt and uncle William & Jane Latta on 30 Jun 1860 in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska Territory.

John enlisted in the 4th Iowa Battery (field artillery) in 1862.

In the 1885 Iowa census, John and Margaret were farming in Atlantic, Cass, Iowa with five children ages 5 to 20 at home They resided at Corner Eighth Street and Hazel Streets. In 1897 John lived near Plattsmouth, Cass County, NE.

Other researchers say John died 31 Mar 1863. But he was found in the Iowa State Census in 1885 living in Atlantic, Cass, Iowa with his wife and children.

vi. Mary Elizabeth Latta b. 2 Mar 1845 in Jamestown, Mercer, Pennsylvania; d. 28 Dec 1932 in Herman, Washington, Nebraska; m. 25 Sep 1862 to her cousin Dr. John McConaha (b.10 Dec 1838 in Near Jamestown, Crawford, Pennsylvania – d. 07 Mar 1920 in Fulton, Callaway, Missouri). His parents were Robert McConahey and Margaret McDowell Lackey (See below). His grandparents were Robert McCONAHEY and Margret STORY.

John chose the spelling, McConnaha. His grandaughter, Margaret Ball, she said that when his mother, Margaret Lackey died and his father married Martha Sloan that he was angry and changed his name. No other person in the family used this name. However, because he was a well known physician and people knew he was these people, some, even the press, assumed that was the correct spelling. An example is Mary Elizabeth Latta’s obituary spells her name McCopnnaha, but her tombstone says McConahey.

In the 1880 census, John and Mary were farming in Rock Bluffs, Cass, Nebraska with six children ages 4 to 16.

vii. Isabelle (Belle) F Latta b. 16 Mar 1847 – , Carroll, Ohio; d. 14 Aug 1906 – Herman, Washington, Nebraska; m. 25 Sep 1862 Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska to Stephen Davis (May 1835 Pennsylvania – 1911)

She had a residence on 10 Oct 1850 in Division 20, Washington, Iowa.

She had a residence on 30 Jun 1860 in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska Territory.

She had a residence on 26 Jun 1900 in Herman, Washington, Nebraska with her husband, two children and 96 year old mother on her way for her century.

5. Anna McConahey

Anna’s husband John McKissick was born about 1805 in Pennsylvania. His brother William married Anna’s sister Isabelle. Their parents were Daniel McKissick (b. Scotland) and Jane Moore. Alternatively their parents were John McKissick and Isabelle McFate

In the 1850 census, John and Anna were farming in District 13, Wapello, Iowa

Children of Anna and John

i. Thomas McKissick b. 1831 PA; d. 1885; m. Bef. 1876 tp Eliza D Duncan (b. 1858 Pennsylvania – Aft 1920 census) Note that Eliza was 27 years younger than Thomas.

In the 1870 census, Thomas was a single farm laborer in St Vrain, Weld, Colorado Territory living with the James & Cornelia Mills family. In the 1880 census, Thomas and Eliza were living in Weld, Colorado. Thomas suffered from paralysis of the spine. His 30 year old cousin Daniel Story (see below) was living with the family and mining for silver. In the 1910 census, Eliza was a widow and living with her son John in Denver, Colorado.

ii. Isabell McKissick b. 1836 PA; d. Aft 1850 census District 13, Wapello, Iowa. Isabelle’s cousin (see below) was born at almost the same time

iii. Robert McCissick b. 1837 PA In the 1860 census, Robert was a single farmer near Clarinda, Nodaway, Page, Iowa

iv. John W. McCissick b. 17 Dec 1840 in Pennsylvania John’s cousin of the same name was born in 1838 (See below); d. 4 Feb 1917 in Oakland, California; m. 1866 to Mary Jane Canaday (b. 22 Feb 1843  Vermilion, Illinois – d.  9 Apr 1920 Oakland, California)

In the 1870 census, John and Mary were farming near Burlington, St Vrain, Weld, Colorado Territory with three young children ages 2 to 4 near his brothers Thomas and James

In the 1900 census, John and Mary were farming in Sierra Township, Tehama, California. Red Bluff is the seat of Tehama county, but I’m still trying to find out where Sierra Township was. By 1910, John, Mary and Nettie had moved to Santa Rosa.

v. William McCissick b. 1844 PA

vi. James McKissick b. 1850 PA James cousin of the same name was born in 1849.(See below). In the 1870 census, James was single and living near his brothers Thomas and John in St Vrain, Weld, Colorado Territory.

vii. Claus McKissick

6. Isabelle McConahey

Isabelle’s husband William McKissick was born about 1805 in Pennsylvania. His brother John married Isabelle’s sister Anna. Their parents were Daniel McKissick (b. Scotland) and Jane Moore. Alternatively their parents were John McKissick and Isabelle McFate

In the 1850 census, William and Isabella were farming in French Creek, Mercer, Pennsylvania

In the 1870 census, William and Isabel were farming in Cornplanter, Venango, Pennsylvania

Children of William and Isabelle (Note: some of these children’s records say their mother was Isabelle Carey, but do not provide any detail on her background)

i. Mary J. McKissick b. 10 Feb 1833 in Pennsylvania; d. 28 Feb 1862; m. George Frederick Mallard (b. 08 Mar 1822 in France – d. 02 Feb 1891 in Meadeville, Crawford, Pennsylvania) George Frederick and Mary had three children Joseph (1855 – 1932), Alexander (1858 – 1942 and Mary Isabella (1860 – 1938). By the 1870 census, George Frederick had remarried to Caroline Pernet (Pernatt) (b. 1824 Marne, France) and was still farming in Wayne, Crawford, Pennsylvania. Ancestry.com shows a marriage record for Louise-Caroline-Adele PERNET

Marne, France. Maybe George Frederick went back home to find a second wife.

ii. Isabella “Belle” McKissick b. Dec 1835 in Pennsylvania Isabelle’s cousin (see above) was born at almost the same time; d. 1911 in New Lebanon, Mill Creek, Mercer, Pennsylvania; m. 1859 to Abraham Blatt (b. 14 Jul 1833 in Pennsylvania – d. 1894 in Berks County, Pennsylvania) His parents were Peter Blatt (1801 – 1867) and Rachel Beidler (1802 – ).

Abraham enlisted as a Corporal on 27 June 1863 at the age of 29. in Company K, 55th Infantry Regiment Pennsylvania He mustered Out Company K, 55th Infantry Regiment Pennsylvania on 26 Aug 1863. The 55th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment lost 7 officers and 201 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded and 3 officers and 268 enlisted men to disease during the Civil War.

In the 1880 census, Abraham and Isabelle were living in New Lebanon, Mercer, Pennsylvania where Abraham was a wagon maker.

iii. John McKissick b. 1838 PA John’s cousin of the same name was born in 1840 (See above); m. 1867 to Melissa Arabelle Morrison (b. 14 Apr 1839 in Pennsylvania – d. Aft 1920 census) Her parents were Isaiah Morrison (1806 – 1868) and his cousin Matilda Morrison (1817 – 1877).

In the 1900 census, John and Adelia were farming in Columbus, Warren, Pennsylvania.

iv. Nathaniel McKissick b. 1839 PA; d. May 1850 in Mill Creek, Mercer, Pennsylvania

v. Elizabeth McKissick b. 1841 in Cornplanter, Venango, Pennsylvania; d. 23 May 1896;

vi. Sarah McKissick b. 1843 PA

vii. Susan McKissick b. 1845 PA

viii. William Henry McKissick b. 19 Dec 1846 Pennsylvania; d. 16 Dec 1926 New Castle, Lawrence, Pennsylvania; m. 1 Feb 1866 Clarion County, Pennsylvania to Mary Elizabeth “Eliza” Burns (b. Oct 1846 in Pennsylvania – d. 1926)

It’s possible this William’s parents were Henry McKissick and Mary Lucinda Wallace, but in the 1870 census William and Eliza were living with his parents near Oil City, Cornplanter, Venango, Pennsylvania.

In the 1900 census, William and Mary were living in Newcastle Ward 4, Lawrence, Pennsylvania with five children at home ages 6 to 28. William was a quarry boss and his oldest son Richard was foreman.

ix. James McKissick b. 1849 PA James cousin of the same name was born in the 1850.(See above).

7. Sarah McConahey

Sarah’s husband David Story was born about 1810 in Pennsylvania He was Sarah’s first cousin. His parents were Robert Story and Ann Read. His grandparents were Robert STORY and Margaret Lacey LACKEY. His brother William Story married Sarah’s sister Margaret. David died between 1860 and 1870 in Cass County, Nebraska.

In the 1840 census, David and Anna were farming in South Shenango Township, Crawford, County, Pennsylvania.

In the 1850 census, David and Sarah were farming in South Shenango Township, Crawford County with eight children at home.

Story, David – age 40 born in PA farmer
Sarah – age 39 born in PA
Ann R. – age 11 born in PA
Margaret – age 9 born in PA
Robert – age 8 born in PA
William I. – age 6 born in PA
Alexander M. – age 4 born in PA
Sarah M. – age 2 born in PA
David E. – age 2 born in PA
Daniel M. L. – age 1/12 born in PA
(Robert R. and David Story lived next door to each other, with James Story only two houses over in this census.).

David came to Nebraska Territory in 1857, settling on a claim in Cass county about one mile southeast of Murray.

The History of the United Presbyterian Church, Murray, Nebraska, 1860-1960 by Margaret Spangler Todd

“According to appointment of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church made at Philadelphia in May 1860 I came a missionary to Nebraska Territory in July and commenced preaching half time in Rock Bluff Cass County.” Thus Rev. Thomas McCartney entered the first minutes in the Session Records of the Rock Bluffs United Presbyterian Church.

The next item entered was dated August 18, 1860, reading: “By arrangement with those who requested preaching August 18th was designated as the time for the organizing a church. And on the day appointed, after a sermon from Matthew 11:29 the following people were admitted in full communion by assenting to the pricinples of the church, to wit: Robert M. LATTA [our ancestor and David Story’s first cousin] , Letitia LATTA [Robert’s wife], William L. Thompson, Hanna E. Thompson, William H. Royal, Elizabeth Royal, David Storey  , Jane Latta and Mary Latta.” Also Robert M. LATTA and W.L. Thompson were, by ballot, chosen as ruling elders and the organization named “The United Presbyterian Congregation of Rock Bluffs.”

The following Act of Legislature was approved January 4, 1861: “To incorporate The United Presbyterian Church at Rock Bluffs City: Section I – Be it enacted by the council and the house of representatives of the Territory of Nebraska, that Joh Latta [Robert’s brother John Allison], William H. Royal, David Storey,  Robert M. LATTA and William L. Thompson and their associates and successors, the members of the United Presbyterian Church of Rock Bluffs City, Cass County, be, and the same are hereby created a body politic and corporate, under the name style and title to remain in perpetual succession with full power to plead and be impleaded, to sue and be sued, to receive, acquire hold and possess property, real, person and mixed; to use, employ, manage and dispose of all such property as they deem proper for use and well being of said church and in consistent with the provisions of said act, to elect such trustees and other officers and make such rules and by-laws as they deem proper provided always, that they do any act or make any rule or by-law which shall in any way conflict with t he constitution of the United States or doctrine or usages of the United Presbyterian Church of the United States of America.”.

1860 Census David and Sarah were farming in Nebraska – Cass County – Plattsmouth They were fairly prosperous RE – $7,200, PP-$400    Their farm as adjacent to that of Robert Story (b. 1815 Ireland) and  his wife Ann Jane.

In the 1870 census, Sarah was a widow farming in Rock Bluffs, Cass, Nebraska with her children Robert, William, Alexander and Sarah.

In the 1880 Nebraska census, Sarah was living with her son-in-law and daughter H.L. and Sarah Oldham in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska.

Children of David and Sarah

i. Ann R Story b. 1840 PA; d. Aft 1860 census Cass, Nebraska Territory

ii. Margaret Story b. 1842 PA Aft 1860 census Cass, Nebraska Territory; m. her first cousin John Erskine Latta ( b. 22 Jan 1842 – Jamestown, Crawford, Pennsylvania) (See above)

John resided at the home of his aunt and uncle William & Jane Latta on 30 Jun 1860 in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska Territory.

John enlisted in the 4th Iowa Battery (field artillery) in 1862.

In the 1885 Iowa census, John and Margaret were farming in Atlantic, Cass, Iowa with five children ages 5 to 20 at home They resided at Corner Eighth Street and Hazel Streets. In 1897 John lived near Plattsmouth, Cass County, NE

iii. Robert Story b. 1842 PA; d. Aft 1870 census Rock Bluffs, Cass, Nebraska

iv. William J Story b. 1844 PA; d. Aft 1870 census Rock Bluffs, Cass, Nebraska

v. Alexander M. Story b. Mar 1846 PA m. 1889 to Florence M. [__?__] (b. May 1868 Wisconsin)

In the 1900 census, Alecxander M and Florence were living in Cripple Creek, Teller, Colorado where Alexander was mining gold. By the 1920 census, Alexander M and Florence M were back in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

vi. Sarah “Sadie” M Story b. 1848 PA; d. Aft 1920 Census, Murray, Cass, Nebraska; m. 1872 Missouri to Humphrey Lee Oldham (b. 1845 in Chariton, Missouri – d. betw. 1910-1920 in Cass, Nebraska) His parents were Jackson Goodman Oldham (1813 – 1890) and Mary Abbott “Polly” Jackson (1817 – 1894).

In the 1900 census, Humphrey and Sadie were farming in Rock Bluffs, Cass, Nebraska

vii. David Story b. 1848 d. bef. 1855 David was apparently the twin brother of Sarah M.

viii. Isabel Jane Story d. before 1855 Two children of David and Sarah Story are buried in the South Shenango Cemetery, David I and Isabel Jane. David was apparently the twin brother of Sarah M. The dates of their deaths can not be determined but they died around 1855 prior to the family leaving for Nebraska..

ix. Danial M Story b. 1850 PA

In 1880 Daniel was a silver miner in Weld Colorado with his cousin Thomas McKissick

In the 1900 census, Daniel was living with his sister and brother-in-law Sadie and Humphrey Oldham in Rock Bluffs Nebraska. His occupation is listed as gold miner, though there isn’t much gold in Rock Bluffs.

10. Robert McConahey

Robert’s first wife Margaret McDowell Lackey was born 04 May 1818 in Fallowfield Township, Crawford, Pennsylvania.   Her parents were Robert Lackey(b. 1790 in Pennsylvania – d. 16 Aug 1845 in Conneault Lake, Sadbury, Crawford, Pennsylvania) and Mary Kelly (b. 1794 in Carlisle, Cumberland, Pennsylvania – d. 23 Dec 1857 in Fallowfield, Crawford, Pennsylvania)   Her grandparents were Hugh Lackey “Leckie” (b. 1750 in Ulster, Ireland – d. 25 Jan 1832 in Salem, Mercer, Pennsylvania) and Julia Mc Dowell (b.1765 Ulster, Ireland – ).  Margaret died 14 Oct 1850 in South Shenango Twp, Crawford, PA.

Robert’s grandmother was  Margaret Lacey LACKEY.   I wonder if Robert and Margaret were cousins.

Two of Margaret’s brothers and sisters had McConahey for a middle name. Janette McConaughey Lackey (b. 27 Dec 1821 in Fallowfield, Crawford, Pennsylvania – d. 9 May 1851 in E Fallowfield, Crawford, Pennsylvania) and David Mconahy Lackey (b. 26 Sep 1830 in Greenwood, Crawford, Pennsylvania – d. 29 Mar 1863 in Osawatomie, Miami, Kansas) David M Lackey enlisted in Company D, 10th Infantry Regiment Kansas on 21 Apr 1862. David died of disease Company D, 10th Infantry Regiment Kansas on 1 Feb 1863 at Osawatomie, KS. The regiment lost a total of 146 men during service; 2 officers and 26 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, 4 officers and 114 enlisted men died of disease.

Another of Margaret’s brothers had Story for a middle name! William Storey Lackey (b. 10 Aug 1837 in Greenwood, Crawford, Pennsylvania – d. 26 Oct 1864 in Florence, Florence, South Carolina) William enlisted in Company F, Pennsylvania 101st Infantry Regiment on 19 Nov 1861. The regiment was mostly captured on Apr 20, 1864 at the Siege of Plymouth. William “mustered out” as a POW on 26 Oct 1864 at Florence, SC.

Robert’s second wife Martha Ann Sloan was born 22 Jan 1829, Her parents were James Sloan and Katherine Imbrie. Martha died 30 Jan 1912 in South Shenango Twp, PA.

In the 1850 census, Robert and Margaret were farming in Crawford County – South Shenango Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

In the 1860 census, Robert and Martha were farming (RE-$4,000, PP-$1,920) in South Shenango Township, Crawford, Pennsylvania. Margaret Lackey died in 1850 and Robert remarried in 1851. John would be 21. He graduated from College and left for Nebraska in 1859. Mary McConahey, Age 19, Teach Comm School, (Daughter of 1st marriage)

In the 1870 census, Robert and Martha were still farming (RE-$9,350, PP-$1865) in South Shenango Township, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

In the 1880 census, Robert and Martha were still living in South Shenango Township, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

Edson, Effie, age 10, grand daughter
Edson, Maggie, age 8, grand daughter

The Edson girls are the daughters of Margaret McConahey (daughter of Robert and Margaret Lackey) and George Edson. Apparently they came to live with Robert and Martha after their mother’s death in 1873.

Children of Robert and Margaret also migrated to Iowa and Nebraska in the 1850’s.

i. Dr. John McConaha b.10 Dec 1838 in Near Jamestown, Crawford, Pennsylvania – d. 07 Mar 1920 in Fulton, Callaway, Missouri; m. his first cousin Mary Elizabeth Latta (See above)

John chose the spelling, McConnaha. His grandaughter, Margaret Ball, she said that when his mother, Margaret Lackey died and his father married Martha Sloan that he was angry and changed his name. No other person in the family used this name. However, because he was a well known physician and people knew he was these people, some, even the press,assumed that was the correct spelling. An example is Mary Elizabeth Latta’s obituary spells her name McCopnnaha, but her tombstone says McConahey.

In the 1880 census, John and Mary were farming in Rock Bluffs, Cass, Nebraska with six children ages 4 to 1

ii. Mary Elizabeth McConahey b. 24 Feb 1841 in Jamestown, Crawford, Pennsylvania; d. 13 Apr 1928 in Colony, Adams, Iowa; m. 1868 to Robert Countryman (b.1833 Ontario, Canada – d. 24 Sep 1919 Weeping Water Ward 1, Cass, Nebraska) He was already living in Cass County, Nebraska Territory
with Nicholas and Amanda Country, maybe his aunt and uncle, in the 1860 census, so he must have met Mary Elizabeth when she came out west to visit.

In the 1880 census Robert E and Mary E were farming in Rock Bluffs, Cass, Nebraska with six children at home ages 1 month to 11 years.

iii. Margaret J McConahey b. 28 Jan 1843 in Jamestown, Crawford, Pennsylvania; d. 22 Feb 1873 in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska; m. 22 Nov 1866 to George Chandler Edson (b. 17 Apr 1845 in Miegs, Ohio – d. 3 Oct 1932 in Denver, Colorado) He was one of seven children of Nelson Edson (1820 – 1857) and Mary Agnes Cain (1822 – 20 Jun 1909 Garrison Christian County, Missouri,) Mary and her husband, Nelson, her mother Agnes,and two brothers were traveling in Keokuk, Iowa on their way west when Nelson died from Cholera. Mary was pregnant with their youngest child at the time. She married (Margaret J McConahey’s cousin see above) Robert Ray Latta in April 1857 in Page Co., Iowa and they had five more children. They eventually settled in Christian County in south Missouri, and they are buried in Garrison.

George enlisted in Company C, Nebraska 1st Cavalry Battalion on 27 Apr 1864. He mustered out on 10 Jul 1865 and transferred to Company E, Nebraska 1st Cavalry Regiment on 10 Jul 1865. He was promoted to Full Bugler on 01 Mar 1866 and mustered out on 01 Jul 1866.

The battalion was attached to the District of Nebraska and operated against Indians in Nebraska and Colorado and guarded the Overland Mail routes. After the end of the Civil War the battalion was consolidated with the 1st Regiment Nebraska Volunteer Cavalry on July 10, 1865.

Duty at Fort Cottonwood, Nebraska Territory, October and November, 1864. Duty at Gillman’s Station until January, 1865. Duty at Cottonwood Springs until February, 1865, and at Gillman’s Station until July, 1865. Company “B” at Dakota City until July, 1865. Scout from Dakota City April 12–16, 1865. Scout to Middle Bow River April 22–27. Company “C” had duty at Fort Cottonwood, until July, 1865. Scout from Cottonwood May 12–14, 1865. Company “D” had duty at Omaha until February, 1865. Moved to Fort Kearney February 25 and duty until April, and at Fort Laramie until July

Margaret and George’s daughters Effie, age 10, and Maggie age 8 came to live with their grandparents in 1880 after their mother’s death in 1873.   In 1878, their son Frank  was living with his father and new wife,

After Margaret died, George married Elizabeth Hulda McNurlin (b. 27 Jun 1839 tHuntingdon, Pennsylvania; d. 7 Apr 1921 in Nehawka, Nebraskaa; Her parents were James McNurlin (1805 – 1880) and Rachel Jeffers (1803 – 1880). She had first married Levi Thrush. By the 1920 census, George was retired in Lincoln, Nebraska. (b.

.

Children of Robert and Martha

iv. James Carrough McConahay b. 10 Oct 1852 in PA; d. 04 Jan 1910 in Spokane, WA; m. 1875 to Lousia Williams (b. Oct 1854 in PA – d. 02 Jul 1924 in Spokane, WA.) Her parents were William Williams and Margaret A Newboldt

In the 1900 census, James and Louisa were living in Kent, Portage, Ohio with five children at home ages 3 to 19 where James worked as a day laborer.

A letter written by JC McConahey, Hilltard, Wash and addressed to Martha McConahey, Westford, Crawford County., the letter is written on Northern Pacific Railway Company stationery. The envelope is postmarked Spokane, Wash, Feb 6, 1909 and stamped on back, Westford, PA, Feb 8, 1909.

Dear Folks
I have not heard any thing from you for a long time and I do not know what is the reason. You all ought to have as much time as I have I get up at 4PM get supper walk 3/4 of a mile take a street car and go 5 more go to work at 7 and quit at 6 get home about 7 or 1/2 past go to bed and get up at 4 again so you see how much time I have. We are not any of us very well. All have bad colds. Jim is back in the N.P. yard again and we make $6.80 when we both work, but since he has gone back to work I do not work so steady. Roy is yard master for the NP at Sabdpoint, Idaho Latta and he were up last Sat. and stayed over Sunday Effa & Babies are well.

James Carrough McConahay was impressed by preacher Billy Sunday (1862-1935)

There is great excitement here over Billy Sunday He certainly has this town going. He has a big wooden that holds 10,000 people and he has the use of the Armory across the street – which holds 3,000. He uses this for overflow meetings or for those who can’t get in the tabernacle. and this meeting is conducted by one of his assistants. Last Sunday the 24th of Jan. both were full making 13,000 people and over 5,000 were turned away. I managed to get a seat by going 1 1/2 hours before he started. His subj was Booze or get on the water wagon and at the close when he called for an expression on local option every man in the house stood up and remember this meeting was for men only Well I went to see him about 7 or 8 times and he got me all right the third time I heard him. He landed Roy and Lotta Sunday night and now thank God I am free. Louisa is so happy she can’t keep still I think it is coming to her for she has been praying for me for 30 years. All of my family are now in the fold of Christ but Jim and if could get to hear Billy he would get him too. The day Billy preached his famous Booze Sermon, He said we will sing 2 more verses more and then I am going at you. he took of his coat, collar, vest and cuffs and rolled up his sleves above his elbows. I have a great many good speakers but I never have heard Billy Sundays equal. He had a week ago over 3,000 converts and he is counting on 10,000 and I guess he will get them. Last Sunday after meeting he left here with 100 workers from Spokane for Olympia in the interests of local option and Monday eve he poured hot shot into those senators and representatives for 2 1/2 hours. He told them you pass Local Option or take your last look at the capital for if you don’t give it to us the way people want it I will come back in 4 years and stump the State and beat every one of you. Thank God for Billy Sunday. Well I must close. Write soon at least to congratulate me. Give love to all

Yours in haste

J.C.M.

P.S.
Tell Mother & daddy I’ll be there ”

v. Robert Irwin McConahay b.18 Apr 1854; d. 24 Oct 1918; m.26 Aug 1875 to Clara Adella “Dell” Collins (b. 1856 – d.Sep 1921 in Elmhurst Hospital, Hartstown, PA.)
obert married in 1875 and was living with his own family in South Shenango Twp in 1880

In the 1880 census, Robert I and Dell were farming in South Shenango Township, Crawford County, PA.

vi. Gertrude (Emma) McConahay b. 1857 PA ; d. 1924 Park Lawn Cemetery, Jamestown, Mercer County, Pennsylvania,; Unmarried

In the 1920 census, Gertrude was living with her brother-in-law and sister William P and Catherine J Johnson in West Mead, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

vii. William Story McConahay b. 06 Apr 1860 in South Shenango Twp, Crawford PA; d. Jul 1942 in Williamsfield, OH.; m.  27 Aug 1890 in Kinsman, OH, to Maude Elizabeth Lossee (b. 1867 in Kinsman, OH – d. 1948 in Williamsfield, OH) Her parents were Wallace Lossee and Ellen French.

William Story McConahey family circa 1905

William and Maude raised their five sons on the family farm finally leaving the farm between 1910 and 1920. The 1910 census shows the family living on the farm along with William’s mother, Martha, his brother Luther, and Rettie Little, age 28, listed as a servant. By 1920, only two of the sons remained on the farm, Wallace V (head) and William P along with Emma R Little, again listed as a servant. William and Maude relocated to Jamestown, PA and William became an insurance agent for Central Life Insurance Company of Illinois. By 1930 William and Maude had relocated to Williamsfield, Ohio. Living in the household were youngest son, Donald, 20 years old, and Retta Little, listed as a border. William’s occupation is Insurance salesman, while Don is listed as a laborer. The other brothers had moved on and had families of their own. William and Maude continued to live in Williamsfield until their deaths, William in 1942 and Maude in 1949. They are both buried in Williamsfield.

viii. Luther David McConahay b. 1863 PA

In the 1910 census, Luther was living with his brother William and his family in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania

ix. Jessie Katherine “Cate” McConahay b. 25 Apr 1864 in South Shenango Twp, PA; d. 29 Apr 1922 in Meadville, PA; m. 1884 to William P. Johnson (b. 1861 Pennsylvania – Aft 1920 census)

In the 1900 census, William P and J Kate were farming in West Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

Sources:

Reminiscences of pioneer life By Robert Ray Latta 1912.

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/m/c/c/Robert-C-Mcconahey/GENE2-0001.html

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/m/c/c/Robert-C-Mcconahey/GENE1-0001.html

Conneaut Township History

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ronnadumas/i1819.html#i25947

http://usgwarchives.org/maps/pa/county/crawfo/usgs/