Fergus McLean: Weaver

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Genealogy
Weaver
Patriot
Pioneer

Born: 1746 in Coleraine, Co. Coleraine (Londonderry), Ulster, Ireland ⁴   Coleraine, located on the River Bann, had for 100 years been a key port and settlement for English and Scottish Planters.

Alt Spellings found: Fergus McClain^{1 2 3}   Fergus MacLean⁸

In Ulster, Fergus is said to have been a  "Weaver by trade".²  Immigrating from Coleraine in 1775, likely with his brother Nathaniel, Fergus became the progenitor of this branch of the McLean family on North American soil.

Londonderry Coast Line

His ship headed for the American colonies where they debarked at Wilmington.^{2 5 6}

Notes:

• Some have erroneously put his birth as being 1741 in New Jersey.⁷

• Others have estimated his birth as being Abt 1747, since when he immigrated in 1775 he was reported "about 28 yrs old".² 

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Parents:

         Father: John McClain (1690-      ) ^{7   ???}
            Mother: ???

Uncovering the story in Ireland remains a key quest. All info welcome!

Sources

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1 Clan MacLean Genealogy Database Web Site, www.gillean.com/Roots/db/dat141.htm#9.

2 Francis P. Weisenburger, The Life of John McLean, a Politician on the United States Supreme Court, Graduate School Series, History and Political Science No. 15, (Ohio State University Press, Columbus, Ohio, 1937), p. 1.

3 Belknap, "Belknap Papers" (1620-1798), Location: Mass. Historical Society Library.

4 Old Cemeteries from Eight Townships of Warren Co. Ohio, vol. VI, (Warren Co. Genealogical Society, 300 East Silver St., Lebanon, Ohio 45036, 1987), p. 346, gravestone, located 1988 by Joseph McLean.

5 Dictionary of American Biography, (USA, 1933), p. 127.

6 Encyclopedia of World Biography, (McGraw Hill, 1973), p. 310.

7  Francis P. Weisenburger, The Life of John McLean, a Politician on the United States Supreme Court, Graduate School Series, History and Political Science No. 15, (Ohio State University Press, Columbus, Ohio, 1937), p. 1-2.

8 Jim Reis, "Dred Scott jurist had strong ties to N. Kentucky", The Kentucky Post, 09-22-97.

If you are interested in or have ANY further information about the persons in this study, please: