Peter McCune

McCUNE "BOYS" RECALL OLE PETER - Bruce And Norville Remember

(07/08/2008)

By Bob Weaver 1999

One of Calhoun's most historical figures of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, Peter McCune, (1748-1832) was the first permanent settler in Washington District. Coming from Ireland to the Monongalia-Harrison County area, he enlisted twice during the American Revolution.

After serving three years, he was discharged in 1781. McCune, an acquaintance of Daniel Boone, married 14-year-old Christina O'Brien in 1881, the daughter of explorer Adam O'Brien. Oral history tells of McCune asking the young Christina to stuff handkerchiefs in her bosom to appear more mature.

The relationship started in 1780, after the O'Brien's had sought refuge from Indians at Fort Richards near Clarksburg. They had ten children. Peter McCune is buried at the Knotts Cemetery below Orma.

Many of their descendants are among the early pioneer families of Calhoun County, including Norville, 80, and Bruce McCune, 83, who still reside on Crooked Run, not far from the original McCune cabin built in 1815 at Orma.

Genealogist, Jim Mulloly of Wheeling examines McCune razor and hair, held by Bruce McCune of Orma.

The McCune boys have an original straight razor and a lock of hair belonging to their famous ancestor, which came with him on his voyage from Ireland. They are both outstanding storytellers.

The earliest record we have found of Peter is the Revolutionary War. In 1777 he enlisted into a company of regulars under Captain John Lewis and Colonel Henias Morgan of the 2nd Virginia Regiment.

In 1778 he Re-enlisted at Pittsburgh, Pa. (Fort Pitt) and served 3 years fighting the British and the indians under Captains Campbell and Lewis of the 9th Virginia Regiment,Continental Line. Commanded by Colonel Lewis Gibson.

He was discharged at Wheeling, Virginia in 1781. He was also one of 50 McCunes serving in the War of 1812, with the 5th Regiment of the Virginia Militia.

According to records of Land Speculation for Harrison County, Peter McCune was awarded a land certificate entitling him to 400 acres at the mouth of Rooting Creek. (Near the boundaries of Upshur & Barbour Counties)

The following was taken from an article written by Martha Hall

Peter died in Washington District Calhoun County, West Virginia. It is said that he was buried outside the fence of the Knotts Cemetery.  With the aid of the Calhoun County Historical and Genealogical Society a monument was placed at the gravesite.

The Phoebe Cunningham DAR Chapter of Grantsville, West Virginia marked the grave with a DAR emblem and conducted a memorial service on the afternoon of May 31,1980.

On 13 Jan 1781 when Peter was 33, he married Christiana O'BRIEN daughter of Adam O'BRIEN, (1727-1836) in Ft. Richards near Clarksburg, Wv.5 Born in 1767. Address: 15806 Roland View Dr., Chester, Va 23831. e-mail: Rocodad@aol.com.

During a tour at Ft. Richards near Clarksburg, West Virginia, Peter met and married Christinia. They were married by a Baptist Minister named Edwards.

Peter was a Guard at this time and was dressed in his uniform at the marriage. He continued to fight against the Indians for several months and Christinia went with him. When she was ordered to sleep on his arms, she slept by his side. 

Peter McCune * (1748 - 1832)

is my 4th great grandfather

Mary P McCune * (1785 - 1834)

Daughter of Peter McCune and Margaret Christina O'Brien

Keziah Barnhouse * (1821 - 1887)

Daughter of Mary PMcCune and Thomas Holsten Barnhouse

Rebecca Elizabeth Brannan * (1849 - 1926)

Daughter of Keziah Barnhouse and Lorenzo Dow Brannan

*Charles William Lute (1874 - 1905)

Son of *Rebecca Elizabeth Brannan and Andrew Lute

*Doran Edgar Lute (1901 - 1982) and Margaret Mae Belle Bramblett

Son of Andrew Lute and MaryLou EllaStewart