David W. McClurken

The Civil War Service Card for David W. McClurken, provided details about him that were previously very limited. I took this information and expanded the information that was provided for him on six associated biographies.

Civil War McClurken's in the 10th Regiment of the Missouri Infantry Volunteers

While researching Thomas J. McClurken's civil war involvement, I also found the service cards for four other McClurken's. The service cards are now available for: Cyrus F. S., David W., James R., John C., and Thomas J. McClurken. All five of these men enlisted on August 1, 1861, in the 10th Regiment of the Missouri Infantry Volunteers. One was discharged for disability, three died while serving, and the other was wounded in action. Links to these service cards were added to the Outline Descendant Report of Thomas McClurken (1748 - 1845) or where referenced in biographies. These cards were located online in the Missouri State Archives Soldiers' Records. Only three of the five are listed in the Illinois State Archives. However, all five are listed, with minimal detail, in the National Park Service database.

Thomas J McClurken (1828 - 1861) Biography

I have now published the biography for Thomas J McClurken (1828 - 1861). He was the oldest son of James and Sarah and the brother of Clara and others. While researching his Civil War service, his middle initial J was identified (probably for James). In addition, seven other pages were updated to provide links to this biography.

Thomas McClurken (1828 - 1861) Records

The Thomas McClurken Probate Records were obtained from the Illinois State Archives. Those for Thomas McClurken, son of James and Sarah, are now available at Thomas McClurken Estate 1861. I need to create a biography for attachment. Additionally, I need to create a biography for the other Thomas McClurken (1805 - 1867) and scan the associated probate records.

Thomas McClurken Probate Documents

Acquiring the Thomas McClurken Probate Documents has been a challenge. Per the Washington County Genealogy Trails website, they are in three different boxes in the Washington County Courthouse. First you request the documents, then they count the pages and quote the copy cost. You send the county a check and they send the copies.

My initial request specified the Thomas that died in 1845; however, I received the papers from box 93. These were for the wrong Thomas and related to the end of a guardianship for Harriet McClurken in 1879.

My second request was for both of the other two boxes: 37 and 141. I did acquire the contents of box 141; however, again the wrong Thomas. These related to the end of the guardianships for Clara McClurken and her brother, Andrew Todd McClurken, on May 5, 1870. I believe these were from the estate of their brother, Thomas, who died in 1861.

For box 37, I was advised that boxes 1 through 50 had been sent to the Illinois Regional Archives Depository facility in Springfield. I called and found out that they were preparing the documents for preservation and are currently working on box 37. They are going to call me back with the copying cost. They did check and let me know that two persons named Thomas McClurken were included; however, both died in the 1860s. I will order then in order to clarify the contents of the first two boxes.

I will scan and post the relevant copies on my website when I have sorted it all out. Unfortunately, none seem to exist for the Thomas McClurken who died in 1845.

James McClurken Probate Documents Update

After two more iterations, I was finally able to get copies of the receipts signed by J. H. McClurken and C. A. Kemps. I rescanned the whole package and these updated documents are on pages 17 and 18 of the file, James_McClurken_Probate_Documents.

My Mother's Family

Recently, I had the pleasure of sharing the details of my mother's family with a cousin. I had collected all the data and stories over a period of years. Unfortunately, because of identity theft concerns, this information is only available to family members. What a shame that their biographies can not be shared in my lifetime.