William John McAfee (abt. 1709 - 1793)

Born about 1709 in County Antrim, Ireland

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 17 Oct 1793 at about age 84 in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, United States

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Biography

William was born about 1709 in northern Ireland. He came to settle in Edgmont Township, Chester County (now Delaware Co.), Penna, where he raised his family.

"Edgmont, the Story Of A Township”, by Jane Levis Carter details the story of the infamous bandit, James Fitzpatrick, aka the "Sandy Flash", who attempted to rob William and his family, but instead was subdued and captured by William's son Robert and Rachel, a servant: "On August 22, he rode to the home of William McAfee, a few hundred feet northwest of his hideaway in Castle Rocks. Captain Robert McAfee was there having tea with his parents. Fitz entered and demanded all their cash. Mrs. McAfee was able to slip upstairs and empty a strong box, hiding their money. When the box was shown to the outlaw he became angry and herded the McAfee family and a serving girl up into a small bedroom over the old kitchen. Meanwhile Fitz had been tottering around in a pair of fancy ladies boots he had come upon in the house. He sat down on the bed to adjust them on his feet and Captain McAfee, seeing his chance, jumped upon him. The serving girl, Rachel Walker, seized Fitz’s pistol, which he had set down beside him, and threw a thick woolen coverlet over his head. Finally he was bound with ropes brought by a hired man, David Cunningham."

From the Lower Merion Historical Society: "October 17th 1793 wind N W. & prety Cold, up to Torrences to Meet the Battalion wrong day 11s10; so home Made a Coffin for one Baymount Child at Wagoners. Movd from town Lately; Makeing one for John Erwine’s Wife & one for old Wilm. Mcfee about 82 years old, Buried the Child work & till about 9 OClock at night. 18th Finish’d Erwine’s Coffin & Buried her in Strangers yard, finish Mcfee’s & took it home at Bickings, at Streapers Sup, on Beef Stakes, Spent 11d &6d Tobacco so home, Ned Price wund [won] the Stakes at foot Race."

William passed away 17 October 1793.

Will

William McAfee signed his will (with his mark) in April 1791 (the day of the month was not included). He was living in Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The will was proved on 19 November 1793. He made bequests to: ^[1]

• His wife Jane
• His son James McAfee
• His grandson William (son of James)
• His son Robert McAfee
• His son Isaac McAfee
• His son John
• His daughter Elizabeth
• His daughter Mary
• His daughter Jane
• Executors: His son Robert McAfee and his son-in-law John Rightor
• Witnesses: Hugh Knox, Barth Rightor and Jacob Sibley

Sources

1. ↑ The will of William McAfee: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Will Book 1, page 363. FamilySearch film #005534224, image 188 of 642.

See also:

• 1790 Federal Census; Ireland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1620-1911; Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1669-2013; The Philadelphia Inquirer 19 Mar 1898; Edgmont, the Story Of A Township”, by Jane Levis Carter; the Lower Merion Historical Society