Mrs. Margaret McCready, one of the oldest settlers, and most highly esteemed in the community where she resides, is a granddaughter of John Boyd, who was born in Ireland about the middle of the eighteenth century, and coming to America in early manhood settled near West Middletown, Hopewell township, this county. Soon after his arrival in Pennsylvania, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Mathon, who bore him four sons: John Boyd, James Boyd, Thomas Boyd, and Robert Boyd; and five daughters Margaret Boyd, Nancy Boyd, Mary Boyd, Rachel Boyd and Sarah Boyd. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Robert Boyd, father of Mrs. McCready, was born January 21, 1788, on the home farm near West Middletown, Hopewell township. The Indians were so hostile at that time that the family betook themselves to a more thickly populated district in Beaver County, Penn., where they remained some time. After the Indians has left the country, the family returned to this county, locating in Hanover township, where Robert grew to manhood, and was married to Miss Catherine McCausland, also a resident of that township. Nine children were born to their union, of whom four are yet living: George Boyd, Presley Boyd, Martha Boyd and Margaret Boyd. In his politics he was a stanch Democrat.

Margaret Boyd was born August 18, 1822, on the farm in Hanover township. Her childhood and early womanhood were passed in the pioneer home, then surrounded by various wild animals, as many as eight deer being often seen in one group. On February 26, 1857, she became the wife of William McCready, a son of Robert McCready, and now resides in Jefferson township.

Robert McCready, father of William, was born in Scotland, March 28, 1752, and in 1772 immigrated to America, first locating in the State of New Jersey. He then went to York county, Penn., teaching school there until the Revolution, when he entered a York county battalion, serving several months in the “Flying Camp” Division under Washington. In 1776 he left the service, and came to Washington county, Penn., locating on a tract of 332 acres in Jefferson township. Soon afterward he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Levins, a lady of Irish descent, who bore him nine children, as follows: David, Robert, William, John, Joseph, Mary, Nancy, and two deceased. He died August 10, 1846.

William McCready was born August 1, 1797, on the home farm in Jefferson township, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, purchasing the old place after the death of his father. He was married, as already stated, to Margaret Boyd, who bore him one son, Robert, April 7, 1858, who was married May 6, 1880, to Nancy E. Cassidy, daughter of William Cassidy; he lives on the home place, and like his father and grandfather before him, votes the Democratic ticket. William McCready died November 6, 1860, leaving over 300 acres of fine land to his heirs. He was a typical self-made man, liberal in thought and action, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.

Joseph McCready, a nephew of William McCready, was born and reared in Columbiana county, Ohio, and was there married to Martha Campbell, a native of the same county. She bore him children as follows: James, Joseph, Robert, Cynthia and Margaret. For his second wife he was married to Catherine Boyd, a sister of Mrs. Margaret McCready, and the names of the children of this union are Lizzie C., Rilla and George. Mr. McCready was a Republican and a Presbyterian. He and his wife are both now deceased.

Source: Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families; Chicago : J. H. Beers, 1893. FHL Film 1000575  

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