Elizabeth (unknown maiden name) married David Strean/Strain on unknown date (likely before 1750). Her birthdate (approximately 1730) and place is undocumented. She died after the 1810 census.
Her parents, birth and death date and places are all undocumented. Collateral cousin, Mary Ella Bratton Robertson's, Daughters of the American Revolution, application #73458, dated 3 Mar 1909, uses "approximately 1731" for her birth date. In 1952, another cousin Leila McDanald, wrote a Strain Family History and also used the same birth year, with no explanation of its source. No substantiation is listed on the form. D.A.R. does not share any corresponding data or pages that go with the applications to support it. In 1909, they were more lax in their requirements of proof. Elizabeth was most likely born in either Northern Ireland (where all her neighbors moved from in this Scots-Irish settlement in Hanover Twp., in then Lancaster County, Pennsylvania), Scotland, Pennsylvania, or en route there.
She married David Strean (AKA Strain) at time and place unknown and at the time of his will written in April 1783, he lists Elizabeth and his 6 children. Were all 6 children in David's will, also Elizabeth's children and was she David's second or first wife? It's all unknown. It is assumed they were all her children but it is not documented. So far the 3 believed proven children and the 2 unproven children all have children named David and Elizabeth (Scottish naming pattern) plus several siblings.
They had Strain children:
John, probably bef 1751 - 1826, below
Jennet, abt 1752 - 13 Sep 1828 in 77th year, below
Sarah, 6 Mar 1752 -1 Jul 1848 (John Wilson), below
William, bef 1766 (military) & died between Apr and Oct 1783, below
Alexander, born between 1762 and 1765 (under 21 in 1783 & bef David abt 1766)
David, abt 1766 -17 Jun 1830, in 65th year, below
Were Jennet and Sarah twins, born in 1752?
Children listed in her husband's 1783 will, in order: John, Jennet (Mrs. James McCreight), Mrs. John Wilson (given named unlisted), Alexander, David and lastly out of order, Executor William. The will also says: "I allow and it is my Will that my Children be mintane (maintained) - till they Come to Maturity" and "when my Youngest Child then living is Twenty one years old and this I allow to him over and above his Part With the Rest of my unmarried Children."
I believe his unmarried children were William, (served in the militia and died prior to David's 1783 probate, possibly with David), Alexander (believed born 1762 – 1765, no gravestone or death recorded as yet) and David (born about 1766, per gravestone/death register). That leaves married children: John (probably the eldest, believed married and living in the south in NC in 1783, not yet proven but all data points to it), Jennet S McCreight and Sarah S Wilson.
The first record found for Elizabeth to date is David's 1783 will and she is the only remaining executor (see David's will on his FaG site). Second is in 1785 (the same year her same land was now in Dauphin Co. instead of Lancaster Co.), Elizabeth warranted and patented David's land (now 87 acres on warrant #1025 and patent Vol. P, Book 4, page 158) in her name. "To Elizabeth Strain In Trust" and dated Nov 23 1785: "And whereas the faid David Strain (not Strean) by his last Will and Testament bearing dated the 25 th day of April 1783(,) Devised the same as therein mentioned and appointed his wife Elizabeth Strain and his Son William Strain Who is since deceased." There is also an inventory of his estate. The 1796 Dauphin Co. tax list includes Elizabeth's 80 acres containing 1 house, 1 1/2 stories high, of stone construction with a log barn, a small out house with 1 horned cattle, valued at £222.
I was surprised there were not any other crops listed on the Oct 1783 probate inventory, besides hemp (document on David's site). It's also possible their crops had been sold due to cold winters. They kept a bee hive, made cider (apple, "syder veffels") and raised animals. They owned sheep, cows/calves, pigs and mares. It appears they were involved in cloth making with the wool (17 sheep), yarn and of course, hemp (cloth or rope).
It looks like she rented out a room in her home in 1785, per the following: Western PA. Historical Magazine, Vol. 17, p. 33, article called The Narrative Of A Pioneer Preacher: George M. Scott. The original document is a small notebook of 39 pages. It was contributed by Anna J. Jeffery of Waynesburg whose grandfather (G.M.Scott) wrote it in his own hand. It was read at the 1934 Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania meeting by James M. Miller, professor of English & American Literature at Waynesburg College (PA.) who added the footnote. It begins: "About 1785, I began to study the Latin language under the tuition of a Mr. Hindman, in Hanover township,* Dauphin County and boarded the first year with my brother in law John McFerran, and afterwards with a WIDOW STRAIN who had an excellent library of good books, formerly the property of her brother, the Revd. Mr. Strain deceased. #3 I continued here till I finished my third year, in which I read through the course of Latin and Greek then taught in best institutions, then returned home to my father's house in Northampton County." (footnote #3 says: "Probably the Reverend John Strain, one of the most eloquent of the early ministers, who preached from 1761 until his death in 1774 at Chanceford and Slate Ridge, York County." Note: Widow Strain, is Elizabeth Strain (Mrs. David Strean), a widower in 1783, residing in Hanover Twp., Lancaster Co., PA.
Since we don't know Widow Strain's maiden name, it's possible her brother was also a preacher and the Latin books were his. I note that a younger Rev Matthew Woods (FaG #16555195) who died 13 Sep 1784 is buried at Old Hanover Churchyard, near the Strain home, is also a candidate. Her son in law, Capt. Jas. McCreight witnesses Rev. Wood's 1783 will and donated money (along with others) for his marker. There was also a Rev. Richard Sankey who owned land west of David and Elizabeth on the E. Hanover Tract map. He was licensed to preach in 1735).
More likely, I have suspected she was a Cathcart. Though, if not Elizabeth, then another local Strain wife OR William Cathcart's wife was a Strain. "John Cathcart, to the care of Mr. Strain, York county." List of Letters remaining in the Poft-Office at Lancafter, 19 Dec 1771 issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), p 4. Perhaps a connection to Rev. John Strain's dear brother David. William Cathcart, died 8 Jan 1797 resided in West Hanover, Lancaster Co., PA. He signed multiple Strain documents and had a family there. In 1774, Rev. John Strain died in York Co. and this letter appears to connect the Cathcarts again to the Strains.
Rev. Thomas H Robinson's Historical Sketches of Old Hanover Church, page 33 lists incorrectly that Elizabeth Strain was a contributor and member of the church from 1789 to 1827. There was also another Elizabeth Strain, the wife of Robert, 1756 – 1836, however this Mrs. Robert Strain died in 1822 in OH. I suspect the 1827 date was connected to her daughter Jennet who died in 1828, but it's just a guess. I don't find another record of another Elizabeth Strain, in this area.
"Widow Strain" contributed to the funds for the Old Hanover Presbyterian Church Cemetery wall in 1797. There is still a short wall around the cemetery, repaired in the 1990's after my visit there (see photo on Findagrave of wall and church yard). Her son in law James McCreight and 2 others, would collect them for the church.
In 1803, on Dec. 7th, Elizabeth made an Indenture in Dauphin County (county line moved) to her grandson David McCreight for part of David's land. Index to Grantors Deeds, Vol. S-Z, 1785-1917, says on Vol. 1, p. 450 of the Deeds book, Elizabeth Strain deeded land called Elizabeth Town to D. McCright in 1806. It was recorded in 1807.
Dauphin Co., PA Tax Lists film, 1806 - 1810:
1805/6(?)"Elizabeth Strain Wd." value £1050, no other data
1806 Widow Strean, value £1088, 17 in W. Hanover.
1807 Dec 7 the 1803 land indenture to David McCreight was recorded 4 years later and after Capt. McCreight died. Did Elizabeth continue to live on her land until her death? James McCreight died on Nov 21 1807 and is buried at Old Hanover.
1807 Elisabeth Strain, £1030, 18.7 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700 122.
1808 Elisabeth Strain, £1050, 18.7 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700.
1809 Elizabeth Strain, £1050, 3.17 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700, 2.11.
1810 found no Strains, only David McCreight: £632 and 125 in W. Hanover (her land is David's now).
1790 Federal Census for Dauphin Co., PA census, listed Elizabeth Strain, with 3 males under 16 (born before 1774), 0 males over 16 and 2 females (no ages). She was next to neighbor Alexander Sloan, 1735-1812, buried at Old Hanover Presbyterian Cemetery (see photo).
1800 Federal Census for West Hanover Twp., Dauphin Co., PA. Eliza Strain is again next to neighbor Alexr. Sloan (see photo). She had MALES: 2 under 10, 1 10-15, 1 16-25; 1 45 and over; FEMALES: 2 under 10, 1 10-15, 1 16-25, 1 45 and over. Who were the others residing with her?
Elizabeth signed her name with a mark, shaped like an O on two legal papers. The Lancaster Co. probate papers for her husband in 1783 and the Dauphin Co. indenture in 1803 giving her land to her grandson David McCreight .
1810 Federal Census for Dauphin County, PA, listed next to each other on page 714 1/2, Elizabeth "Shean" (or maybe Stean with an uncrossed T) and her grandson, David McCreight both in "Hanover;" Elizabeth: 3 males between 16 & 26 and females: 1 10 to 16, 1 16 to 26, 1 26 to 45 and 1 over 45 (herself). David McCreight: has males- 2 under 10, 1 26 to 45 (himself), females- 3 under 10, 1 each 10 to 16, 16 to 26, 26 to 45 and over 45 years. (Perhaps David built a house on Elizabeth's land he received in 1803-7 and she continued to live in hers. James Dickson lived beside Elizabeth and a Dixon lot was just above David Strain's (see photo).
Janet's late husband's estate was sold to pay his debts after his 1807 death. I suspect David McCreight's mother, Jennet S McCreight, was residing with him. I found Elizabeth, by looking up her grandson, David McCreight.
This is the last record I could find of hers. I don't know what happened to David McCreight's inherited Strain land, as I could not find a land record of the sale. Note: the same Strain land was originally in Lancaster Co., in 1785 it became Dauphin Co. and in 1813, the same lot was in Lebanon Co., on the western border of Lebanon Co., next to Dauphin Co. It does not appear on the Hanover tract maps (E and W) assembled in the 1900's at the PA Archives. I collected early plot plans of neighbors and put them together to locate the land. From these, I discovered that David Strain's lot bordered John Strain's (died 1752) and below it was Anthony McCreight's, father of son in law Capt. James McCreight.
Photo 1: Lancaster Co., PA list of Warrantees (2nd from bottom in pix) lists Elizabeth STRAIN, in trust, Accept for 87 acres in Hanover Twp., warranted 23 Nov 1785 and returned on 25 Nov 1785 in name of new Patentee: Elizabeth Strain in trustee, recorded in P4 158, surveyed A37,64. Her husband David died, she inherited it through his will, so it was in trust. She was the 1st to have his 1765 land patented, since he did not do it.
Photo 2: Elizabeth Strain's 1803 Dauphin Co., PA Indenture to grandson, David McCreight. Page 1 of 2 (legal size). Recorded in 1807. She signs page 2, with her mark, shaped like an O.
Her burial location is undocumented. I suspect it is either on her homestead or at the Old Hanover Churchyard without a permanent marker. They lived very close to this churchyard. The church does not have any records as yet found for the period 1740 to about 1788. In June 1745, recorded Minutes of the Presbytery mention Hanover and Rev. Sankey. Her husband (died 1783), son David and daughter Jennet were members there in 1788 and David, Jr. was married there in 1792. Their pastors revolved for many years, going from church to church. It was written in 1878's The Historical Sketch of Old Hanover Church, by Rev. Thomas H. Robinson, D.D., that "the well-filled grave-yard, where many an UNMARKED MOUND, many a well-worn MOSS-COVERED STONE, with the better-preserved memorial of later times..."
There are many people, in the Old Hanover churchyard in the enclosed walls and outside of it, that also do not have names, dates or markers. The source below says, there were about 1157 graves, with 879 markers, at unknown date. Yet today there are less than 300 existing old markers. The surrounding about 700' cemetery wall, was originally built in 1797 by assessing church members, including my kin. It has been repaired many times since then, including most recently, in about 2006. East Hanover Township, Dauphin Co., PA, Bicentennial Celebration, 1776-1976, Ruth Carlson Editor, Bicentennial Book Committee (page 63-64). There are several open spaces without markers beside daughter Jennet McCreight's family and nearby rows. Many people are recorded buried there and no longer have a marker. Incidentally, there is plenty of empty space near the markers of James & (daughter) Jennet S McCreight, Wm Cathcart and Wm and Sarah Allen (David Jr.'s in laws). Elizabeth last lived with the McCreights, who lived next to David and Elizabeth's homestead.
*August, 19, 1784, the Rev. Matthew Woods reported in the Presbytery that some disturbance had arisen in his congregation, occasioned by a Rev. Mr. Hindman, who was formerly on trial before Presbytery for some irregularities. There are also records of Rev. Hindman in early Virginia. Rev. Thomas H Robinson's source above, p 20.
BH shared her maiden name Axtell, born 1728 or 7 Aug 1730, daughter of Joseph Axtell and Abigail Hayden of MA. Others sites are now listing her as well. According to Axtell Genealogy, by Carson A Axtell, Fairhaven, Mass, 1945, p 20 & 22, Joseph (FaG#24862313) and Abigails daughter Elizabeth Axtell born 7 Aug 1730 in MA, married Nathaniel Cooper (82118198) on 22 Apr 1746, and they had children.
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved (Do not reprint)
Her parents, birth and death date and places are all undocumented. Collateral cousin, Mary Ella Bratton Robertson's, Daughters of the American Revolution, application #73458, dated 3 Mar 1909, uses "approximately 1731" for her birth date. In 1952, another cousin Leila McDanald, wrote a Strain Family History and also used the same birth year, with no explanation of its source. No substantiation is listed on the form. D.A.R. does not share any corresponding data or pages that go with the applications to support it. In 1909, they were more lax in their requirements of proof. Elizabeth was most likely born in either Northern Ireland (where all her neighbors moved from in this Scots-Irish settlement in Hanover Twp., in then Lancaster County, Pennsylvania), Scotland, Pennsylvania, or en route there.
She married David Strean (AKA Strain) at time and place unknown and at the time of his will written in April 1783, he lists Elizabeth and his 6 children. Were all 6 children in David's will, also Elizabeth's children and was she David's second or first wife? It's all unknown. It is assumed they were all her children but it is not documented. So far the 3 believed proven children and the 2 unproven children all have children named David and Elizabeth (Scottish naming pattern) plus several siblings.
They had Strain children:
John, probably bef 1751 - 1826, below
Jennet, abt 1752 - 13 Sep 1828 in 77th year, below
Sarah, 6 Mar 1752 -1 Jul 1848 (John Wilson), below
William, bef 1766 (military) & died between Apr and Oct 1783, below
Alexander, born between 1762 and 1765 (under 21 in 1783 & bef David abt 1766)
David, abt 1766 -17 Jun 1830, in 65th year, below
Were Jennet and Sarah twins, born in 1752?
Children listed in her husband's 1783 will, in order: John, Jennet (Mrs. James McCreight), Mrs. John Wilson (given named unlisted), Alexander, David and lastly out of order, Executor William. The will also says: "I allow and it is my Will that my Children be mintane (maintained) - till they Come to Maturity" and "when my Youngest Child then living is Twenty one years old and this I allow to him over and above his Part With the Rest of my unmarried Children."
I believe his unmarried children were William, (served in the militia and died prior to David's 1783 probate, possibly with David), Alexander (believed born 1762 – 1765, no gravestone or death recorded as yet) and David (born about 1766, per gravestone/death register). That leaves married children: John (probably the eldest, believed married and living in the south in NC in 1783, not yet proven but all data points to it), Jennet S McCreight and Sarah S Wilson.
The first record found for Elizabeth to date is David's 1783 will and she is the only remaining executor (see David's will on his FaG site). Second is in 1785 (the same year her same land was now in Dauphin Co. instead of Lancaster Co.), Elizabeth warranted and patented David's land (now 87 acres on warrant #1025 and patent Vol. P, Book 4, page 158) in her name. "To Elizabeth Strain In Trust" and dated Nov 23 1785: "And whereas the faid David Strain (not Strean) by his last Will and Testament bearing dated the 25 th day of April 1783(,) Devised the same as therein mentioned and appointed his wife Elizabeth Strain and his Son William Strain Who is since deceased." There is also an inventory of his estate. The 1796 Dauphin Co. tax list includes Elizabeth's 80 acres containing 1 house, 1 1/2 stories high, of stone construction with a log barn, a small out house with 1 horned cattle, valued at £222.
I was surprised there were not any other crops listed on the Oct 1783 probate inventory, besides hemp (document on David's site). It's also possible their crops had been sold due to cold winters. They kept a bee hive, made cider (apple, "syder veffels") and raised animals. They owned sheep, cows/calves, pigs and mares. It appears they were involved in cloth making with the wool (17 sheep), yarn and of course, hemp (cloth or rope).
It looks like she rented out a room in her home in 1785, per the following: Western PA. Historical Magazine, Vol. 17, p. 33, article called The Narrative Of A Pioneer Preacher: George M. Scott. The original document is a small notebook of 39 pages. It was contributed by Anna J. Jeffery of Waynesburg whose grandfather (G.M.Scott) wrote it in his own hand. It was read at the 1934 Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania meeting by James M. Miller, professor of English & American Literature at Waynesburg College (PA.) who added the footnote. It begins: "About 1785, I began to study the Latin language under the tuition of a Mr. Hindman, in Hanover township,* Dauphin County and boarded the first year with my brother in law John McFerran, and afterwards with a WIDOW STRAIN who had an excellent library of good books, formerly the property of her brother, the Revd. Mr. Strain deceased. #3 I continued here till I finished my third year, in which I read through the course of Latin and Greek then taught in best institutions, then returned home to my father's house in Northampton County." (footnote #3 says: "Probably the Reverend John Strain, one of the most eloquent of the early ministers, who preached from 1761 until his death in 1774 at Chanceford and Slate Ridge, York County." Note: Widow Strain, is Elizabeth Strain (Mrs. David Strean), a widower in 1783, residing in Hanover Twp., Lancaster Co., PA.
Since we don't know Widow Strain's maiden name, it's possible her brother was also a preacher and the Latin books were his. I note that a younger Rev Matthew Woods (FaG #16555195) who died 13 Sep 1784 is buried at Old Hanover Churchyard, near the Strain home, is also a candidate. Her son in law, Capt. Jas. McCreight witnesses Rev. Wood's 1783 will and donated money (along with others) for his marker. There was also a Rev. Richard Sankey who owned land west of David and Elizabeth on the E. Hanover Tract map. He was licensed to preach in 1735).
More likely, I have suspected she was a Cathcart. Though, if not Elizabeth, then another local Strain wife OR William Cathcart's wife was a Strain. "John Cathcart, to the care of Mr. Strain, York county." List of Letters remaining in the Poft-Office at Lancafter, 19 Dec 1771 issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), p 4. Perhaps a connection to Rev. John Strain's dear brother David. William Cathcart, died 8 Jan 1797 resided in West Hanover, Lancaster Co., PA. He signed multiple Strain documents and had a family there. In 1774, Rev. John Strain died in York Co. and this letter appears to connect the Cathcarts again to the Strains.
Rev. Thomas H Robinson's Historical Sketches of Old Hanover Church, page 33 lists incorrectly that Elizabeth Strain was a contributor and member of the church from 1789 to 1827. There was also another Elizabeth Strain, the wife of Robert, 1756 – 1836, however this Mrs. Robert Strain died in 1822 in OH. I suspect the 1827 date was connected to her daughter Jennet who died in 1828, but it's just a guess. I don't find another record of another Elizabeth Strain, in this area.
"Widow Strain" contributed to the funds for the Old Hanover Presbyterian Church Cemetery wall in 1797. There is still a short wall around the cemetery, repaired in the 1990's after my visit there (see photo on Findagrave of wall and church yard). Her son in law James McCreight and 2 others, would collect them for the church.
In 1803, on Dec. 7th, Elizabeth made an Indenture in Dauphin County (county line moved) to her grandson David McCreight for part of David's land. Index to Grantors Deeds, Vol. S-Z, 1785-1917, says on Vol. 1, p. 450 of the Deeds book, Elizabeth Strain deeded land called Elizabeth Town to D. McCright in 1806. It was recorded in 1807.
Dauphin Co., PA Tax Lists film, 1806 - 1810:
1805/6(?)"Elizabeth Strain Wd." value £1050, no other data
1806 Widow Strean, value £1088, 17 in W. Hanover.
1807 Dec 7 the 1803 land indenture to David McCreight was recorded 4 years later and after Capt. McCreight died. Did Elizabeth continue to live on her land until her death? James McCreight died on Nov 21 1807 and is buried at Old Hanover.
1807 Elisabeth Strain, £1030, 18.7 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700 122.
1808 Elisabeth Strain, £1050, 18.7 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700.
1809 Elizabeth Strain, £1050, 3.17 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700, 2.11.
1810 found no Strains, only David McCreight: £632 and 125 in W. Hanover (her land is David's now).
1790 Federal Census for Dauphin Co., PA census, listed Elizabeth Strain, with 3 males under 16 (born before 1774), 0 males over 16 and 2 females (no ages). She was next to neighbor Alexander Sloan, 1735-1812, buried at Old Hanover Presbyterian Cemetery (see photo).
1800 Federal Census for West Hanover Twp., Dauphin Co., PA. Eliza Strain is again next to neighbor Alexr. Sloan (see photo). She had MALES: 2 under 10, 1 10-15, 1 16-25; 1 45 and over; FEMALES: 2 under 10, 1 10-15, 1 16-25, 1 45 and over. Who were the others residing with her?
Elizabeth signed her name with a mark, shaped like an O on two legal papers. The Lancaster Co. probate papers for her husband in 1783 and the Dauphin Co. indenture in 1803 giving her land to her grandson David McCreight .
1810 Federal Census for Dauphin County, PA, listed next to each other on page 714 1/2, Elizabeth "Shean" (or maybe Stean with an uncrossed T) and her grandson, David McCreight both in "Hanover;" Elizabeth: 3 males between 16 & 26 and females: 1 10 to 16, 1 16 to 26, 1 26 to 45 and 1 over 45 (herself). David McCreight: has males- 2 under 10, 1 26 to 45 (himself), females- 3 under 10, 1 each 10 to 16, 16 to 26, 26 to 45 and over 45 years. (Perhaps David built a house on Elizabeth's land he received in 1803-7 and she continued to live in hers. James Dickson lived beside Elizabeth and a Dixon lot was just above David Strain's (see photo).
Janet's late husband's estate was sold to pay his debts after his 1807 death. I suspect David McCreight's mother, Jennet S McCreight, was residing with him. I found Elizabeth, by looking up her grandson, David McCreight.
This is the last record I could find of hers. I don't know what happened to David McCreight's inherited Strain land, as I could not find a land record of the sale. Note: the same Strain land was originally in Lancaster Co., in 1785 it became Dauphin Co. and in 1813, the same lot was in Lebanon Co., on the western border of Lebanon Co., next to Dauphin Co. It does not appear on the Hanover tract maps (E and W) assembled in the 1900's at the PA Archives. I collected early plot plans of neighbors and put them together to locate the land. From these, I discovered that David Strain's lot bordered John Strain's (died 1752) and below it was Anthony McCreight's, father of son in law Capt. James McCreight.
Photo 1: Lancaster Co., PA list of Warrantees (2nd from bottom in pix) lists Elizabeth STRAIN, in trust, Accept for 87 acres in Hanover Twp., warranted 23 Nov 1785 and returned on 25 Nov 1785 in name of new Patentee: Elizabeth Strain in trustee, recorded in P4 158, surveyed A37,64. Her husband David died, she inherited it through his will, so it was in trust. She was the 1st to have his 1765 land patented, since he did not do it.
Photo 2: Elizabeth Strain's 1803 Dauphin Co., PA Indenture to grandson, David McCreight. Page 1 of 2 (legal size). Recorded in 1807. She signs page 2, with her mark, shaped like an O.
Her burial location is undocumented. I suspect it is either on her homestead or at the Old Hanover Churchyard without a permanent marker. They lived very close to this churchyard. The church does not have any records as yet found for the period 1740 to about 1788. In June 1745, recorded Minutes of the Presbytery mention Hanover and Rev. Sankey. Her husband (died 1783), son David and daughter Jennet were members there in 1788 and David, Jr. was married there in 1792. Their pastors revolved for many years, going from church to church. It was written in 1878's The Historical Sketch of Old Hanover Church, by Rev. Thomas H. Robinson, D.D., that "the well-filled grave-yard, where many an UNMARKED MOUND, many a well-worn MOSS-COVERED STONE, with the better-preserved memorial of later times..."
There are many people, in the Old Hanover churchyard in the enclosed walls and outside of it, that also do not have names, dates or markers. The source below says, there were about 1157 graves, with 879 markers, at unknown date. Yet today there are less than 300 existing old markers. The surrounding about 700' cemetery wall, was originally built in 1797 by assessing church members, including my kin. It has been repaired many times since then, including most recently, in about 2006. East Hanover Township, Dauphin Co., PA, Bicentennial Celebration, 1776-1976, Ruth Carlson Editor, Bicentennial Book Committee (page 63-64). There are several open spaces without markers beside daughter Jennet McCreight's family and nearby rows. Many people are recorded buried there and no longer have a marker. Incidentally, there is plenty of empty space near the markers of James & (daughter) Jennet S McCreight, Wm Cathcart and Wm and Sarah Allen (David Jr.'s in laws). Elizabeth last lived with the McCreights, who lived next to David and Elizabeth's homestead.
*August, 19, 1784, the Rev. Matthew Woods reported in the Presbytery that some disturbance had arisen in his congregation, occasioned by a Rev. Mr. Hindman, who was formerly on trial before Presbytery for some irregularities. There are also records of Rev. Hindman in early Virginia. Rev. Thomas H Robinson's source above, p 20.
BH shared her maiden name Axtell, born 1728 or 7 Aug 1730, daughter of Joseph Axtell and Abigail Hayden of MA. Others sites are now listing her as well. According to Axtell Genealogy, by Carson A Axtell, Fairhaven, Mass, 1945, p 20 & 22, Joseph (FaG#24862313) and Abigails daughter Elizabeth Axtell born 7 Aug 1730 in MA, married Nathaniel Cooper (82118198) on 22 Apr 1746, and they had children.
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved (Do not reprint)
Elizabeth (unknown maiden name) married David Strean/Strain on unknown date (likely before 1750). Her birthdate (approximately 1730) and place is undocumented. She died after the 1810 census.
Her parents, birth and death date and places are all undocumented. Collateral cousin, Mary Ella Bratton Robertson's, Daughters of the American Revolution, application #73458, dated 3 Mar 1909, uses "approximately 1731" for her birth date. In 1952, another cousin Leila McDanald, wrote a Strain Family History and also used the same birth year, with no explanation of its source. No substantiation is listed on the form. D.A.R. does not share any corresponding data or pages that go with the applications to support it. In 1909, they were more lax in their requirements of proof. Elizabeth was most likely born in either Northern Ireland (where all her neighbors moved from in this Scots-Irish settlement in Hanover Twp., in then Lancaster County, Pennsylvania), Scotland, Pennsylvania, or en route there.
She married David Strean (AKA Strain) at time and place unknown and at the time of his will written in April 1783, he lists Elizabeth and his 6 children. Were all 6 children in David's will, also Elizabeth's children and was she David's second or first wife? It's all unknown. It is assumed they were all her children but it is not documented. So far the 3 believed proven children and the 2 unproven children all have children named David and Elizabeth (Scottish naming pattern) plus several siblings.
They had Strain children:
John, probably bef 1751 - 1826, below
Jennet, abt 1752 - 13 Sep 1828 in 77th year, below
Sarah, 6 Mar 1752 -1 Jul 1848 (John Wilson), below
William, bef 1766 (military) & died between Apr and Oct 1783, below
Alexander, born between 1762 and 1765 (under 21 in 1783 & bef David abt 1766)
David, abt 1766 -17 Jun 1830, in 65th year, below
Were Jennet and Sarah twins, born in 1752?
Children listed in her husband's 1783 will, in order: John, Jennet (Mrs. James McCreight), Mrs. John Wilson (given named unlisted), Alexander, David and lastly out of order, Executor William. The will also says: "I allow and it is my Will that my Children be mintane (maintained) - till they Come to Maturity" and "when my Youngest Child then living is Twenty one years old and this I allow to him over and above his Part With the Rest of my unmarried Children."
I believe his unmarried children were William, (served in the militia and died prior to David's 1783 probate, possibly with David), Alexander (believed born 1762 – 1765, no gravestone or death recorded as yet) and David (born about 1766, per gravestone/death register). That leaves married children: John (probably the eldest, believed married and living in the south in NC in 1783, not yet proven but all data points to it), Jennet S McCreight and Sarah S Wilson.
The first record found for Elizabeth to date is David's 1783 will and she is the only remaining executor (see David's will on his FaG site). Second is in 1785 (the same year her same land was now in Dauphin Co. instead of Lancaster Co.), Elizabeth warranted and patented David's land (now 87 acres on warrant #1025 and patent Vol. P, Book 4, page 158) in her name. "To Elizabeth Strain In Trust" and dated Nov 23 1785: "And whereas the faid David Strain (not Strean) by his last Will and Testament bearing dated the 25 th day of April 1783(,) Devised the same as therein mentioned and appointed his wife Elizabeth Strain and his Son William Strain Who is since deceased." There is also an inventory of his estate. The 1796 Dauphin Co. tax list includes Elizabeth's 80 acres containing 1 house, 1 1/2 stories high, of stone construction with a log barn, a small out house with 1 horned cattle, valued at £222.
I was surprised there were not any other crops listed on the Oct 1783 probate inventory, besides hemp (document on David's site). It's also possible their crops had been sold due to cold winters. They kept a bee hive, made cider (apple, "syder veffels") and raised animals. They owned sheep, cows/calves, pigs and mares. It appears they were involved in cloth making with the wool (17 sheep), yarn and of course, hemp (cloth or rope).
It looks like she rented out a room in her home in 1785, per the following: Western PA. Historical Magazine, Vol. 17, p. 33, article called The Narrative Of A Pioneer Preacher: George M. Scott. The original document is a small notebook of 39 pages. It was contributed by Anna J. Jeffery of Waynesburg whose grandfather (G.M.Scott) wrote it in his own hand. It was read at the 1934 Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania meeting by James M. Miller, professor of English & American Literature at Waynesburg College (PA.) who added the footnote. It begins: "About 1785, I began to study the Latin language under the tuition of a Mr. Hindman, in Hanover township,* Dauphin County and boarded the first year with my brother in law John McFerran, and afterwards with a WIDOW STRAIN who had an excellent library of good books, formerly the property of her brother, the Revd. Mr. Strain deceased. #3 I continued here till I finished my third year, in which I read through the course of Latin and Greek then taught in best institutions, then returned home to my father's house in Northampton County." (footnote #3 says: "Probably the Reverend John Strain, one of the most eloquent of the early ministers, who preached from 1761 until his death in 1774 at Chanceford and Slate Ridge, York County." Note: Widow Strain, is Elizabeth Strain (Mrs. David Strean), a widower in 1783, residing in Hanover Twp., Lancaster Co., PA.
Since we don't know Widow Strain's maiden name, it's possible her brother was also a preacher and the Latin books were his. I note that a younger Rev Matthew Woods (FaG #16555195) who died 13 Sep 1784 is buried at Old Hanover Churchyard, near the Strain home, is also a candidate. Her son in law, Capt. Jas. McCreight witnesses Rev. Wood's 1783 will and donated money (along with others) for his marker. There was also a Rev. Richard Sankey who owned land west of David and Elizabeth on the E. Hanover Tract map. He was licensed to preach in 1735).
More likely, I have suspected she was a Cathcart. Though, if not Elizabeth, then another local Strain wife OR William Cathcart's wife was a Strain. "John Cathcart, to the care of Mr. Strain, York county." List of Letters remaining in the Poft-Office at Lancafter, 19 Dec 1771 issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), p 4. Perhaps a connection to Rev. John Strain's dear brother David. William Cathcart, died 8 Jan 1797 resided in West Hanover, Lancaster Co., PA. He signed multiple Strain documents and had a family there. In 1774, Rev. John Strain died in York Co. and this letter appears to connect the Cathcarts again to the Strains.
Rev. Thomas H Robinson's Historical Sketches of Old Hanover Church, page 33 lists incorrectly that Elizabeth Strain was a contributor and member of the church from 1789 to 1827. There was also another Elizabeth Strain, the wife of Robert, 1756 – 1836, however this Mrs. Robert Strain died in 1822 in OH. I suspect the 1827 date was connected to her daughter Jennet who died in 1828, but it's just a guess. I don't find another record of another Elizabeth Strain, in this area.
"Widow Strain" contributed to the funds for the Old Hanover Presbyterian Church Cemetery wall in 1797. There is still a short wall around the cemetery, repaired in the 1990's after my visit there (see photo on Findagrave of wall and church yard). Her son in law James McCreight and 2 others, would collect them for the church.
In 1803, on Dec. 7th, Elizabeth made an Indenture in Dauphin County (county line moved) to her grandson David McCreight for part of David's land. Index to Grantors Deeds, Vol. S-Z, 1785-1917, says on Vol. 1, p. 450 of the Deeds book, Elizabeth Strain deeded land called Elizabeth Town to D. McCright in 1806. It was recorded in 1807.
Dauphin Co., PA Tax Lists film, 1806 - 1810:
1805/6(?)"Elizabeth Strain Wd." value £1050, no other data
1806 Widow Strean, value £1088, 17 in W. Hanover.
1807 Dec 7 the 1803 land indenture to David McCreight was recorded 4 years later and after Capt. McCreight died. Did Elizabeth continue to live on her land until her death? James McCreight died on Nov 21 1807 and is buried at Old Hanover.
1807 Elisabeth Strain, £1030, 18.7 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700 122.
1808 Elisabeth Strain, £1050, 18.7 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700.
1809 Elizabeth Strain, £1050, 3.17 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700, 2.11.
1810 found no Strains, only David McCreight: £632 and 125 in W. Hanover (her land is David's now).
1790 Federal Census for Dauphin Co., PA census, listed Elizabeth Strain, with 3 males under 16 (born before 1774), 0 males over 16 and 2 females (no ages). She was next to neighbor Alexander Sloan, 1735-1812, buried at Old Hanover Presbyterian Cemetery (see photo).
1800 Federal Census for West Hanover Twp., Dauphin Co., PA. Eliza Strain is again next to neighbor Alexr. Sloan (see photo). She had MALES: 2 under 10, 1 10-15, 1 16-25; 1 45 and over; FEMALES: 2 under 10, 1 10-15, 1 16-25, 1 45 and over. Who were the others residing with her?
Elizabeth signed her name with a mark, shaped like an O on two legal papers. The Lancaster Co. probate papers for her husband in 1783 and the Dauphin Co. indenture in 1803 giving her land to her grandson David McCreight .
1810 Federal Census for Dauphin County, PA, listed next to each other on page 714 1/2, Elizabeth "Shean" (or maybe Stean with an uncrossed T) and her grandson, David McCreight both in "Hanover;" Elizabeth: 3 males between 16 & 26 and females: 1 10 to 16, 1 16 to 26, 1 26 to 45 and 1 over 45 (herself). David McCreight: has males- 2 under 10, 1 26 to 45 (himself), females- 3 under 10, 1 each 10 to 16, 16 to 26, 26 to 45 and over 45 years. (Perhaps David built a house on Elizabeth's land he received in 1803-7 and she continued to live in hers. James Dickson lived beside Elizabeth and a Dixon lot was just above David Strain's (see photo).
Janet's late husband's estate was sold to pay his debts after his 1807 death. I suspect David McCreight's mother, Jennet S McCreight, was residing with him. I found Elizabeth, by looking up her grandson, David McCreight.
This is the last record I could find of hers. I don't know what happened to David McCreight's inherited Strain land, as I could not find a land record of the sale. Note: the same Strain land was originally in Lancaster Co., in 1785 it became Dauphin Co. and in 1813, the same lot was in Lebanon Co., on the western border of Lebanon Co., next to Dauphin Co. It does not appear on the Hanover tract maps (E and W) assembled in the 1900's at the PA Archives. I collected early plot plans of neighbors and put them together to locate the land. From these, I discovered that David Strain's lot bordered John Strain's (died 1752) and below it was Anthony McCreight's, father of son in law Capt. James McCreight.
Photo 1: Lancaster Co., PA list of Warrantees (2nd from bottom in pix) lists Elizabeth STRAIN, in trust, Accept for 87 acres in Hanover Twp., warranted 23 Nov 1785 and returned on 25 Nov 1785 in name of new Patentee: Elizabeth Strain in trustee, recorded in P4 158, surveyed A37,64. Her husband David died, she inherited it through his will, so it was in trust. She was the 1st to have his 1765 land patented, since he did not do it.
Photo 2: Elizabeth Strain's 1803 Dauphin Co., PA Indenture to grandson, David McCreight. Page 1 of 2 (legal size). Recorded in 1807. She signs page 2, with her mark, shaped like an O.
Her burial location is undocumented. I suspect it is either on her homestead or at the Old Hanover Churchyard without a permanent marker. They lived very close to this churchyard. The church does not have any records as yet found for the period 1740 to about 1788. In June 1745, recorded Minutes of the Presbytery mention Hanover and Rev. Sankey. Her husband (died 1783), son David and daughter Jennet were members there in 1788 and David, Jr. was married there in 1792. Their pastors revolved for many years, going from church to church. It was written in 1878's The Historical Sketch of Old Hanover Church, by Rev. Thomas H. Robinson, D.D., that "the well-filled grave-yard, where many an UNMARKED MOUND, many a well-worn MOSS-COVERED STONE, with the better-preserved memorial of later times..."
There are many people, in the Old Hanover churchyard in the enclosed walls and outside of it, that also do not have names, dates or markers. The source below says, there were about 1157 graves, with 879 markers, at unknown date. Yet today there are less than 300 existing old markers. The surrounding about 700' cemetery wall, was originally built in 1797 by assessing church members, including my kin. It has been repaired many times since then, including most recently, in about 2006. East Hanover Township, Dauphin Co., PA, Bicentennial Celebration, 1776-1976, Ruth Carlson Editor, Bicentennial Book Committee (page 63-64). There are several open spaces without markers beside daughter Jennet McCreight's family and nearby rows. Many people are recorded buried there and no longer have a marker. Incidentally, there is plenty of empty space near the markers of James & (daughter) Jennet S McCreight, Wm Cathcart and Wm and Sarah Allen (David Jr.'s in laws). Elizabeth last lived with the McCreights, who lived next to David and Elizabeth's homestead.
*August, 19, 1784, the Rev. Matthew Woods reported in the Presbytery that some disturbance had arisen in his congregation, occasioned by a Rev. Mr. Hindman, who was formerly on trial before Presbytery for some irregularities. There are also records of Rev. Hindman in early Virginia. Rev. Thomas H Robinson's source above, p 20.
BH shared her maiden name Axtell, born 1728 or 7 Aug 1730, daughter of Joseph Axtell and Abigail Hayden of MA. Others sites are now listing her as well. According to Axtell Genealogy, by Carson A Axtell, Fairhaven, Mass, 1945, p 20 & 22, Joseph (FaG#24862313) and Abigails daughter Elizabeth Axtell born 7 Aug 1730 in MA, married Nathaniel Cooper (82118198) on 22 Apr 1746, and they had children.
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved (Do not reprint)
Her parents, birth and death date and places are all undocumented. Collateral cousin, Mary Ella Bratton Robertson's, Daughters of the American Revolution, application #73458, dated 3 Mar 1909, uses "approximately 1731" for her birth date. In 1952, another cousin Leila McDanald, wrote a Strain Family History and also used the same birth year, with no explanation of its source. No substantiation is listed on the form. D.A.R. does not share any corresponding data or pages that go with the applications to support it. In 1909, they were more lax in their requirements of proof. Elizabeth was most likely born in either Northern Ireland (where all her neighbors moved from in this Scots-Irish settlement in Hanover Twp., in then Lancaster County, Pennsylvania), Scotland, Pennsylvania, or en route there.
She married David Strean (AKA Strain) at time and place unknown and at the time of his will written in April 1783, he lists Elizabeth and his 6 children. Were all 6 children in David's will, also Elizabeth's children and was she David's second or first wife? It's all unknown. It is assumed they were all her children but it is not documented. So far the 3 believed proven children and the 2 unproven children all have children named David and Elizabeth (Scottish naming pattern) plus several siblings.
They had Strain children:
John, probably bef 1751 - 1826, below
Jennet, abt 1752 - 13 Sep 1828 in 77th year, below
Sarah, 6 Mar 1752 -1 Jul 1848 (John Wilson), below
William, bef 1766 (military) & died between Apr and Oct 1783, below
Alexander, born between 1762 and 1765 (under 21 in 1783 & bef David abt 1766)
David, abt 1766 -17 Jun 1830, in 65th year, below
Were Jennet and Sarah twins, born in 1752?
Children listed in her husband's 1783 will, in order: John, Jennet (Mrs. James McCreight), Mrs. John Wilson (given named unlisted), Alexander, David and lastly out of order, Executor William. The will also says: "I allow and it is my Will that my Children be mintane (maintained) - till they Come to Maturity" and "when my Youngest Child then living is Twenty one years old and this I allow to him over and above his Part With the Rest of my unmarried Children."
I believe his unmarried children were William, (served in the militia and died prior to David's 1783 probate, possibly with David), Alexander (believed born 1762 – 1765, no gravestone or death recorded as yet) and David (born about 1766, per gravestone/death register). That leaves married children: John (probably the eldest, believed married and living in the south in NC in 1783, not yet proven but all data points to it), Jennet S McCreight and Sarah S Wilson.
The first record found for Elizabeth to date is David's 1783 will and she is the only remaining executor (see David's will on his FaG site). Second is in 1785 (the same year her same land was now in Dauphin Co. instead of Lancaster Co.), Elizabeth warranted and patented David's land (now 87 acres on warrant #1025 and patent Vol. P, Book 4, page 158) in her name. "To Elizabeth Strain In Trust" and dated Nov 23 1785: "And whereas the faid David Strain (not Strean) by his last Will and Testament bearing dated the 25 th day of April 1783(,) Devised the same as therein mentioned and appointed his wife Elizabeth Strain and his Son William Strain Who is since deceased." There is also an inventory of his estate. The 1796 Dauphin Co. tax list includes Elizabeth's 80 acres containing 1 house, 1 1/2 stories high, of stone construction with a log barn, a small out house with 1 horned cattle, valued at £222.
I was surprised there were not any other crops listed on the Oct 1783 probate inventory, besides hemp (document on David's site). It's also possible their crops had been sold due to cold winters. They kept a bee hive, made cider (apple, "syder veffels") and raised animals. They owned sheep, cows/calves, pigs and mares. It appears they were involved in cloth making with the wool (17 sheep), yarn and of course, hemp (cloth or rope).
It looks like she rented out a room in her home in 1785, per the following: Western PA. Historical Magazine, Vol. 17, p. 33, article called The Narrative Of A Pioneer Preacher: George M. Scott. The original document is a small notebook of 39 pages. It was contributed by Anna J. Jeffery of Waynesburg whose grandfather (G.M.Scott) wrote it in his own hand. It was read at the 1934 Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania meeting by James M. Miller, professor of English & American Literature at Waynesburg College (PA.) who added the footnote. It begins: "About 1785, I began to study the Latin language under the tuition of a Mr. Hindman, in Hanover township,* Dauphin County and boarded the first year with my brother in law John McFerran, and afterwards with a WIDOW STRAIN who had an excellent library of good books, formerly the property of her brother, the Revd. Mr. Strain deceased. #3 I continued here till I finished my third year, in which I read through the course of Latin and Greek then taught in best institutions, then returned home to my father's house in Northampton County." (footnote #3 says: "Probably the Reverend John Strain, one of the most eloquent of the early ministers, who preached from 1761 until his death in 1774 at Chanceford and Slate Ridge, York County." Note: Widow Strain, is Elizabeth Strain (Mrs. David Strean), a widower in 1783, residing in Hanover Twp., Lancaster Co., PA.
Since we don't know Widow Strain's maiden name, it's possible her brother was also a preacher and the Latin books were his. I note that a younger Rev Matthew Woods (FaG #16555195) who died 13 Sep 1784 is buried at Old Hanover Churchyard, near the Strain home, is also a candidate. Her son in law, Capt. Jas. McCreight witnesses Rev. Wood's 1783 will and donated money (along with others) for his marker. There was also a Rev. Richard Sankey who owned land west of David and Elizabeth on the E. Hanover Tract map. He was licensed to preach in 1735).
More likely, I have suspected she was a Cathcart. Though, if not Elizabeth, then another local Strain wife OR William Cathcart's wife was a Strain. "John Cathcart, to the care of Mr. Strain, York county." List of Letters remaining in the Poft-Office at Lancafter, 19 Dec 1771 issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), p 4. Perhaps a connection to Rev. John Strain's dear brother David. William Cathcart, died 8 Jan 1797 resided in West Hanover, Lancaster Co., PA. He signed multiple Strain documents and had a family there. In 1774, Rev. John Strain died in York Co. and this letter appears to connect the Cathcarts again to the Strains.
Rev. Thomas H Robinson's Historical Sketches of Old Hanover Church, page 33 lists incorrectly that Elizabeth Strain was a contributor and member of the church from 1789 to 1827. There was also another Elizabeth Strain, the wife of Robert, 1756 – 1836, however this Mrs. Robert Strain died in 1822 in OH. I suspect the 1827 date was connected to her daughter Jennet who died in 1828, but it's just a guess. I don't find another record of another Elizabeth Strain, in this area.
"Widow Strain" contributed to the funds for the Old Hanover Presbyterian Church Cemetery wall in 1797. There is still a short wall around the cemetery, repaired in the 1990's after my visit there (see photo on Findagrave of wall and church yard). Her son in law James McCreight and 2 others, would collect them for the church.
In 1803, on Dec. 7th, Elizabeth made an Indenture in Dauphin County (county line moved) to her grandson David McCreight for part of David's land. Index to Grantors Deeds, Vol. S-Z, 1785-1917, says on Vol. 1, p. 450 of the Deeds book, Elizabeth Strain deeded land called Elizabeth Town to D. McCright in 1806. It was recorded in 1807.
Dauphin Co., PA Tax Lists film, 1806 - 1810:
1805/6(?)"Elizabeth Strain Wd." value £1050, no other data
1806 Widow Strean, value £1088, 17 in W. Hanover.
1807 Dec 7 the 1803 land indenture to David McCreight was recorded 4 years later and after Capt. McCreight died. Did Elizabeth continue to live on her land until her death? James McCreight died on Nov 21 1807 and is buried at Old Hanover.
1807 Elisabeth Strain, £1030, 18.7 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700 122.
1808 Elisabeth Strain, £1050, 18.7 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700.
1809 Elizabeth Strain, £1050, 3.17 in W. Hanover + David McCreight: £700, 2.11.
1810 found no Strains, only David McCreight: £632 and 125 in W. Hanover (her land is David's now).
1790 Federal Census for Dauphin Co., PA census, listed Elizabeth Strain, with 3 males under 16 (born before 1774), 0 males over 16 and 2 females (no ages). She was next to neighbor Alexander Sloan, 1735-1812, buried at Old Hanover Presbyterian Cemetery (see photo).
1800 Federal Census for West Hanover Twp., Dauphin Co., PA. Eliza Strain is again next to neighbor Alexr. Sloan (see photo). She had MALES: 2 under 10, 1 10-15, 1 16-25; 1 45 and over; FEMALES: 2 under 10, 1 10-15, 1 16-25, 1 45 and over. Who were the others residing with her?
Elizabeth signed her name with a mark, shaped like an O on two legal papers. The Lancaster Co. probate papers for her husband in 1783 and the Dauphin Co. indenture in 1803 giving her land to her grandson David McCreight .
1810 Federal Census for Dauphin County, PA, listed next to each other on page 714 1/2, Elizabeth "Shean" (or maybe Stean with an uncrossed T) and her grandson, David McCreight both in "Hanover;" Elizabeth: 3 males between 16 & 26 and females: 1 10 to 16, 1 16 to 26, 1 26 to 45 and 1 over 45 (herself). David McCreight: has males- 2 under 10, 1 26 to 45 (himself), females- 3 under 10, 1 each 10 to 16, 16 to 26, 26 to 45 and over 45 years. (Perhaps David built a house on Elizabeth's land he received in 1803-7 and she continued to live in hers. James Dickson lived beside Elizabeth and a Dixon lot was just above David Strain's (see photo).
Janet's late husband's estate was sold to pay his debts after his 1807 death. I suspect David McCreight's mother, Jennet S McCreight, was residing with him. I found Elizabeth, by looking up her grandson, David McCreight.
This is the last record I could find of hers. I don't know what happened to David McCreight's inherited Strain land, as I could not find a land record of the sale. Note: the same Strain land was originally in Lancaster Co., in 1785 it became Dauphin Co. and in 1813, the same lot was in Lebanon Co., on the western border of Lebanon Co., next to Dauphin Co. It does not appear on the Hanover tract maps (E and W) assembled in the 1900's at the PA Archives. I collected early plot plans of neighbors and put them together to locate the land. From these, I discovered that David Strain's lot bordered John Strain's (died 1752) and below it was Anthony McCreight's, father of son in law Capt. James McCreight.
Photo 1: Lancaster Co., PA list of Warrantees (2nd from bottom in pix) lists Elizabeth STRAIN, in trust, Accept for 87 acres in Hanover Twp., warranted 23 Nov 1785 and returned on 25 Nov 1785 in name of new Patentee: Elizabeth Strain in trustee, recorded in P4 158, surveyed A37,64. Her husband David died, she inherited it through his will, so it was in trust. She was the 1st to have his 1765 land patented, since he did not do it.
Photo 2: Elizabeth Strain's 1803 Dauphin Co., PA Indenture to grandson, David McCreight. Page 1 of 2 (legal size). Recorded in 1807. She signs page 2, with her mark, shaped like an O.
Her burial location is undocumented. I suspect it is either on her homestead or at the Old Hanover Churchyard without a permanent marker. They lived very close to this churchyard. The church does not have any records as yet found for the period 1740 to about 1788. In June 1745, recorded Minutes of the Presbytery mention Hanover and Rev. Sankey. Her husband (died 1783), son David and daughter Jennet were members there in 1788 and David, Jr. was married there in 1792. Their pastors revolved for many years, going from church to church. It was written in 1878's The Historical Sketch of Old Hanover Church, by Rev. Thomas H. Robinson, D.D., that "the well-filled grave-yard, where many an UNMARKED MOUND, many a well-worn MOSS-COVERED STONE, with the better-preserved memorial of later times..."
There are many people, in the Old Hanover churchyard in the enclosed walls and outside of it, that also do not have names, dates or markers. The source below says, there were about 1157 graves, with 879 markers, at unknown date. Yet today there are less than 300 existing old markers. The surrounding about 700' cemetery wall, was originally built in 1797 by assessing church members, including my kin. It has been repaired many times since then, including most recently, in about 2006. East Hanover Township, Dauphin Co., PA, Bicentennial Celebration, 1776-1976, Ruth Carlson Editor, Bicentennial Book Committee (page 63-64). There are several open spaces without markers beside daughter Jennet McCreight's family and nearby rows. Many people are recorded buried there and no longer have a marker. Incidentally, there is plenty of empty space near the markers of James & (daughter) Jennet S McCreight, Wm Cathcart and Wm and Sarah Allen (David Jr.'s in laws). Elizabeth last lived with the McCreights, who lived next to David and Elizabeth's homestead.
*August, 19, 1784, the Rev. Matthew Woods reported in the Presbytery that some disturbance had arisen in his congregation, occasioned by a Rev. Mr. Hindman, who was formerly on trial before Presbytery for some irregularities. There are also records of Rev. Hindman in early Virginia. Rev. Thomas H Robinson's source above, p 20.
BH shared her maiden name Axtell, born 1728 or 7 Aug 1730, daughter of Joseph Axtell and Abigail Hayden of MA. Others sites are now listing her as well. According to Axtell Genealogy, by Carson A Axtell, Fairhaven, Mass, 1945, p 20 & 22, Joseph (FaG#24862313) and Abigails daughter Elizabeth Axtell born 7 Aug 1730 in MA, married Nathaniel Cooper (82118198) on 22 Apr 1746, and they had children.
Bio researched and written by LSP, all rights reserved (Do not reprint)
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