Elizabeth Smith McClurken 1767

Elizabeth Smith McClurken

1767 - 1852

Elizabeth Smith was born on February 10, 1767 in Antrim, Ireland. She died on September 2, 1852 in Oakdale, Illinois.

Her parents were John Smith (1730 - 1784) and Agnes Faris (1745 – 1838). Elizabeth and her parents were Scotch-Irish. Her siblings, included:

· David (May 13, 1771 - ????)

· James (1776 - ????)

· John (1779 - ????)

· Agnes (1782 - ????)

· Rebecca (July 22, 1784 - ????)

Elizabeth accompanied her parents, and brother David, on a voyage from County Antrim, Ireland to Charleston, South Carolina in 1772. For an explanation, see Covenanters. Elizabeth came on either the Hopewell or the Pennsylvania. See surnames at: Surname Summary of those who came with Rev Martin and details at: Names of Passengers from Ireland.

Elizabeth Smith married Thomas McClurken on September 17, 1790 in Chester, South Carolina.

Elizabeth and Thomas were Covenanters. They had six children while living in South Carolina:

· John (May 4, 1792 – July 12, 1874)

· Archibald (1794 – 1843)

· James (January 5, 1801 – October 8, 1875)

· Nancy (1801 – November 9, 1857)

· Thomas (March 31, 1805 – January 10, 1867)

· David (1811 – March 18, 1880)

Elizabeth and Thomas show up in the 1790 Census of Chester County, South Carolina, along with three males under 16 years of age, three females, and one slave. It is presumed that the others were not their children, but may have been related.

Elizabeth and Thomas show up in the 1810 Census of Chester County, South Carolina. Living with them were John (16 – 25), Archibald (10 – 15), James and Thomas (0 – 9), Nancy (10 – 15), and two other free persons.

Elizabeth and Thomas show up in the 1820 Census of Chester Township of Chester County, South Carolina. Living with them were James (16 – 25), Thomas (10 – 15), David (0 – 9), and Nancy (16 – 25).

Elizabeth and Thomas show up in the 1830 Census of Chester County, South Carolina. Living with them were Thomas (20 – 29), David (15 – 19), and Nancy and one other female (20 – 29).

In 1830, Thomas and Elizabeth, moved this portion of their family to Washington County, Illinois. For an explanation of the circumstances associated with the move, see Covenanters. They crossed the Cumberland Gap and traveled by wagon train for six weeks, arriving in May. For a description of the trip, see History of Oakdale Township, pages 4, 8 and 29. Thomas purchased 80 acres in Section 35 of what became Oakdale Township. Additional family members, including James and John and their families, arrived in 1833 or 1834. Elizabeth and Thomas purchased an additional 80 acres in Section 15 in 1834 and 40 acres in 1836.

Elizabeth and Thomas were Charter Members of the Oakdale Reformed Presbyterian Church that was formed in 1834. It is likely that they participated in the Underground Railroad, along with other members of the congregation, because of their disdain for slavery.

Elizabeth and Thomas show up in the 1840 Census of Washington County, Illinois. Living with them were David, Nancy and one other male (20 – 29).

Elizabeth is mentioned in “History of Oakdale Township” (see references) on page 33 as an RP Church Charter Member.

Thomas died on March 22, 1845 at the age of 97. He is buried in Oakdale Cemetery (Old Section, Row 5, Grave 32), near Oakdale, Illinois.

Elizabeth shows up in the 1850 Census of Washington County, Illinois. She was living with her son, David, and her daughter, Nancy.

Elizabeth applied for and received a widows pension of $34.11 per year until her death. She died, at the age of 85, on September 2, 1852 and is buried in Oakdale Cemetery (Old Section, Row 7, Grave 38), near Oakdale, Illinois.

Reference sources and files:

Oakdale

Scotch-Irish

Covenanters

Surname Summary of those who came with Rev Martin

Names of Passengers from Ireland

“Perry County, Illinois” page 207

Elizabeth_McClurken_Pension Part1.jpg see line 6

Elizabeth_McClurken_Pension Part2.jpg see line 9

1790_Thos_McClurkin_Chester_SC.jpg see right column, third from bottom

1810_Thos_McKlirkin_Chester_SC.jpg see line 19

1820_Thos_McKlirkin_Chester_SC.jpg see line 22