The McCracken family is one of the most numerous in Clearfield County, and is largely connected with many other families by marriage. It is claimed by observers that there are but few native Clearfield Countains who are not related to the McCracken's, Blooms or Straws, and they were largely interrelated by marriages. The McCracken's have mostly been an industrious people, having assisted very materially in the development of the resources of the County.

The early members of the family were large, strong muscularly built men and well adapted to withstand the hardships attenuated by pioneering and lumbering. They were among the very earliest of the white settlers who came into what is now Clearfield County. The progenitor of the McCracken family was James McCracken, Sr.5013
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James McCracken, Sr., was of Scotch–Irish descent. His parents came from Northern Ireland and he was born on board the vessel which brought his parents to this [country]. The name is traceable back to the thirteenth century. We have been unable to secure the date of birth and death of ether [sic] James McCracken or his wife, but both were buried in the McClure Cemetery and like many other early settlers their graves are unmarked. We assume, however that they were both born about the middle of the eighteenth century, as their oldest child is born 1775. He, Casper Hockenberry and Arthur Bell were married to sisters, who were daughters of a Mr. Greenwood, of Huntingdon County, previous to the Revolution.

Mr. Greenwood and his wife were of English descent. He was called to England at the outbreak of the Revolution and is supposed to have been entered into service and have fallen in some of the early engagements of the war, as he was never heard from since.

James McCracken was accompanied by Casper Hockenberry to this county upon the solicitation of their brother-in-law, Arthur Bell, who had previously visited this section. James McCracken had served some time in the Revolution, and it is claimed he had five brothers who grew to manhood and married. One brother located in Allegheny County. The other brothers locating in what is now the state of Kentucky.

Here the family became quite numerous. One of the counties of that state having been named in their honor. He and his family first settled on the river above Curwensville, Pa., on a farm now [1931] occupied by George Addleman. Later he moved on the ridge where Bloomington is now located on lands now owned by the Peale Coal Company. It is believed he and his wife resided here until their death.

The family of James McCracken, Sr. we're eight sons and four daughters, all born before he came to this county, and all for a time, at least, became citizens of Clearfield County.5014
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James McCracken [an early Clearfield County settler] found a home on time on the ridge now within the limits of Ferguson township [circa 1798].1372
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James McCracken, Sen., the first settler of Ferguson township.3991
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“Vet. American Revolution”175
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Abstract from the Administration bond on the estate of James McCracken decd No. 3256 in Center county, PA January 7, 1814.

We Joseph McCracken and William McCracken, Roland Curtin and Benjamin Fenton, of the counties of Centre and Clearfield, administrators of the goods and chattels and credits of James McCracken late of the township of Pike in Clearfield county, deceased do cause to be made to the said orphans court by decree of law now in force in this commonwealth do make a true and perfect inventory.

If it shall appear that any last and will and testament by the said deceased be found it shall be submitted to the registers office making a request to have it allowed and approved accordingly.

Signed by Jos McCracken, Wm (his + mark) McCracken, Roland Curtin, and Benjamin Fenton

Among his possessions were the following in addition to the normal household goods and farming implements.
1 horse, 1 cow and calf, 9 sheep, 1 hog, 7 geese, 100 small apple trees, 1 windmill, canoe, 2 crooks and shoemaker hammer, 14 yards of tow cloth for a total of $694.67

Signed by Arthur Bell and Robt Maxwell the Jan 21, 1814.5012