Thomas McClurken 1748

Thomas McClurken

1748 - 1845

Thomas McClurken was born in 1748 in Balleymoney, Antrim, Ireland. He died on March 22, 1845 in Oakdale, Illinois.

Thomas and his siblings accompanied his parents on a voyage from County Antrim, Ireland to Charleston, South Carolina in 1772. For an explanation, see Covenanters. Thomas was on the ship, Lord Dunluce. For a list of all the surnames, see: Surname Summary of those who came with Rev Martin and Names of Passengers from Ireland.

A Thomas appears in “Scotch-Irish Migration to South Carolina, 1772” on the following pages:

· Page 35, signed letter about the virtues of the captain of the ship, Lord Dunlace.

· Page 42, a Thomas is listed as the son of James McClurken in his will dated December 9, 1794.

· Page 47, a Thomas is listed as a property owner bordering that of Samuel McLurkam on plat folder 1109, dated January 6, 1773, and surveyed March 20, 1773 in Laurens County, South Carolina.

See will for a transcript of the James McClurken will, mentioned above.

Thomas and his three brothers served in the Revolutionary War. Thomas was a private in Turner’s Company of Winns South Carolina Regiment. In 1827, Thomas applied for a military pension. Thomas received the pension from the South Carolina Office through 1833 when it was transferred to the Illinois Office. The pension file for Thomas and his widow, contains 94 pages and details his service and other details of his life. See the complete file at this link. Additional details will be extracted and provided in the near future.

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

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

· Nancy (December 25, 1797 – November 9, 1857)

· John (May 4, 1792 – July 12, 1874)

· Archibald (November 11, 1794 – 1843)

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

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

· David (June 22, 1811 – March 18, 1880)

Thomas and Elizabeth 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.

Thomas and Elizabeth 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.

Thomas and Elizabeth 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).

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

About 1830, Thomas, moved this portion of his 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. Thomas and Elizabeth purchased an additional 80 acres in Section 15 in 1834 and 40 acres in 1836. Additionally, 40 acres were purchased in Section 26 in 1836.

Thomas and Elizabeth were Charter Members of the Oakdale Reformed Presbyterian Church that was formed in 1834. Thomas was an elder in his church in South Carolina and was chosen to be one of the elders of this church. It is likely that they participated in the Underground Railroad, along with other members of the congregation, because of their disdain for slavery.

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

Thomas Sr., is mentioned in “History of Oakdale Township” (see references):

· Page 4; May 1830 settled in precinct

· Page 8; Wagon train arrival

· Page 29; Wagon train arrival

· Page 29; Elder of RP Church in Spring 1834

· Page 33; RP Church Charter Members

· Page 34; Revolutionary War Service RP Church member

· Page 45; Revolutionary War grave decoration

· Page 121; Section 15 1834-11-19 & 1836-9-7

· Page 123; Section 35 1831-5-30

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.