Henry McClenahan

Henry McClenahan, son of Elijah and Elizabeth (Camp) McClenahan, natives of Pennsylvania, was born in Pendleton county, Ky., in 1798. His parents moved to Kentucky at an early day, thence to Ohio. In 1831 settled in Tazewell county, Ill.., and a year or so later moved into the Spoon River neighborhood, settling in what is now Essex township. Both were early members of the Church of Christ, here. Elijah died in Essex, in 1851, following his wife to the grave, who died there in 1817. Of their children—John, Henry, Sarah, Anna, Elizabeth, Jane, Jemima, Maria, Elsie, James, Robert and Elijah, were favorably known in this county. All deceased with the exception of Anna, of Henry, Ill., and Elizabeth, of Salt Lake, U. T. Elijah served in the War of 1812, against the British, doing gallant service. After-wards, in all his settlements in the West, his neighbors were the Indians whom he aided in subjugating. Henry McClenahan was married in Kentucky to Miss Sally Shawhan. In 1826 they with their two children moved to Rush county, Ind., and in 1831 came to what is now Goshen township. Here he entered 210 acres, on which he resided until his death, June 16, 1857. His wife died here May 19. 1880, aged seventy-seven. Of their children Mary is in Iowa; Elizabeth and Elijah J. reside here; George is a citizen of Iowa, and Daniel S. is deceased.