John McFerren emigrated to America from Killead (spelled Calade in one family record) Parish, County Antrim and settled in William Penn's Colony of Pennsylvania in or near Philadelphia.
In America, he married a young lady Martha Prather of Maryland colony, and from their union came William, Sr.. who married an immigrant from Northern Ireland, Isabella Nelson. From their union came William, Jr. born in Bucks. County, PA. When the call to arms came for the colonials to join together in revolution, all THREE generations of McFerren signed up.
Their roles in the young army are sketchy as are their respective battalion assignments in the Pennsylvania Militias. One William was "Private", the other William "Drummer". All three survived the war, but John McFerren died shortly after George Washington became president of the young nation. The youngest of the three men, William, Jr. went on to advance in the service of the young nation and also fought in the War of 1812. His tombstone says he was a colonel, but records show no higher rank then ensign.
The 3 generations of McFerrins are the 3rd, 4th, 5th, Great Grandparents of this member through 2nd Great Grandmother Sarah (McFerren) Smith.
The McFerrens are not only Irish ancestors, but I can find very little information about the James Hazel branch other than his father's name was Hugh.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1705 (circa) | |
| Date of Death | 2nd Aug 1789 | |
