Misc. Notes
Rev. James McGee
The life of this worthy gentleman was so intimately connected with the hardships of a by-gone generation that, to properly appreciate it, one must be well posted as to the sparseness of population, the pioneering life of those early days, and the peculiar characteristics of a people whose life we shall not soon look on again.
He was born in Centre county about 1790. He served his time as an apprentice in blacksmithing. In 1826 he removed to Clearfield county, and settled on a tract of land now owned by James and Henry McGee, in Bell township. After the work of clearing was well under way, he farmed to some extent, but dedicated his special attention to the lumber business. He built the first saw and grist-mill in Bell township, and was one of the noted shippers of lumber in that portion of the county.
Previous to his removal to this country he had been, for many years, a member of the Methodist Episcopal connection. On the organization of the Protestant Methodist Church, he joined it, was licensed to exhort, and afterwards was duly licensed to preach. His labors were blessed, and everywhere he was received with the feelings of respect.
He was married in Centre county, near Curtin’s furnace, to Miss Mary Barnhart, daughter of Jacob Barnhart, an old settler of the Bald Eagle valley.
In Centre county he was at one time coroner and deputy-sheriff. He was in command of the party who captured the celebrated desperadoes, Lewis and Conly.
His death, about fifteen years ago, was greatly deplored by all, and the expression of grief was universal.
1486____________
Irish family for whom the town of McGees Mills, Pennsylvania is named.
1757Came to Clearfield County, PA from Centre County in 1826. The first postmaster at McGee’s Mills, when the first mail route was established between Curwensville and Indiana in 1833 and the postoffice was conducted by one member of the family or another ever since.
1752____________
Founder of McGee's Mills, Pennsylvania.
1758