ABOUT McGRANAHAN

THE PHOTO...Emma Jane McGranahan

THE KNOWN...The family connection starts with Emma Jane McGranahan (b. 1859), a great grandmother of Sandra L. Clitter. Emma married Francis Marion Miller in 1888 after his first wife died. They had two children, Maude and Hallie, paternal grandmother of Sandra L. Clitter.

An 1934 obituary of Emma in, obviously written by a very close friend and/or relative, included the following:

"The deceased was a true gentlewoman, modest, dignified and unassuming. Living quietly and simply, clinging closely to home, she was naturally a good housekeeper, her household was always well ordered; she was careful and prudent and managed well. To her family she gave unselfish, constant and thoughtful devotion and dearly loved her grandchildren. She was a friendly, interested neighbor as well as a sympathetic friend and when she herself was sorely afflicted and barely able to get around would prepare some dainty or other pleasure and at great discomfort personally take the good cheer to an invalid neighbor. Following an attack of an insidious aliment a number of years ago that caused her untold agony as it slowly and gradually warped and twisted her hands and feet permanently, she was ever well. But with uncomplaining, undaunted spirit and characteristic determined will she bore her cross heroically and with marvelous patience, carrying on as best she could. She always asked so little for herself and gave her all so graciously and generously. Love for her kindred, loyalty to friends and to all the obligations of life her efficient service on all undertakings, her quiet dignity, generous hospitality, her kindly interest in and love for children and young folks and her splendid womanliness - these are some of the memories she has left." (Comment from Emma's great-grandaughter: "I will NEVER be remembered for keeping a clean or well-ordered house!")

AND THE UNKNOWN...Emma McGranahan's ancestry has been traced back to her great grandfather, John McGranahan, born in 1786 in Nevins Township, Vigo County, Indiana. Who were his parents and where were they living before moving to Indiana? There is one hypothesis that could be considered and researched further if and when additional facts are discovered. Consider:

The internet search engine, Rootsweb, includes the fact that the first McGranahan of record to date in America is John (b. 1757) who migrated from Ulster Ireland (probably Belfast) with his two brothers, James and David, to Donegal Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, probably in the early to mid 1770s. John married Nellie Smith (1761-1850) in 1777 and their first child, John, was born 1778 in western Crawford County western Pennsylvania. While there is lots of information about his family, there is little existing knowledge about the families of James and David.

Could James and David also have traveled to western Pennsylvania with their brother, John, continuing westward at some point and finally settling in Vigo County, Indiana? Perhaps Emma's great great grandfather is either James or David. And perhaps this is why the first two sons of Emma's grandfather were named James and John. While only logical speculation today, this unknown might be verified in the future.