Ihnken/Haines/Cathcart/Read/Alexander/Sharp

The Sharp(e), Alexander and Read families emigrated from Scotland and Ireland to Cecil County, Maryland. First known American soil birth was that of James Alexander in 1695. Other interesting facts include Amos Alexander (son of James) b.1728, DAR Records indicate that he was a Justice of the Peace in Maryland qualifying him as a Patriot of the American Revolution. Another Patriot is Alexander Read who according to DAR Records was a Private in the Flying Camp of Capt. Smith's Company.

Then during 1794 the family, headed by Alexander Read (Red Alex), moved up the Susquehanna River from Cecil County, MD to Penns Valley, Centre County PA. In 1802 the family moved to Clearfield County.

The Cathcarts emigrated from Ireland through New York and settled there. David was six during the emigration and as a young man (about 1830) decided to relocated to Clearfield County, PA. Records indicate that in 1863 David was wounded in the leg (shot from ambush) while in search of Union deserters days before the battle of Gettysburg.

Other noted persons;

George Haines, from the Hudson Valley Region of NY, enlisted in and served with the 143d NYSV Company B during the Civil War.

William Ihnken, NYPD Detective Sergeant 1905-1926, retired with service connected disabilities after being struck by a train in Stapleton, Staten Island, NY.