[p. 603] residing six and one-half miles southeast of New Castle, has a valuable farm of eighty-five acres in Slippery Rock Township. He is a native of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, having been born about four miles north of New Castle on the old McClaren farm, March 6, 1832, and is a son of William and Mary (Chambers) McClaren.
The McClaren family was established in Lawrence County in the pioneer days by Robert McClaren, grandfather of Alexander, who settled on the place on which the latter was born. He was a native of Ireland and died in this county shortly after the birth of his son, William McClaren.
William McClaren was born on the home place in Lawrence County in 1806, and lived there until 1836, when he moved to a farm three miles east of New Castle, where he passed the remainder of his days. His death occurred April 20, 1875. He was united in marriage with Mary Chambers, daughter of Alexander Chambers, of Lawrence County, and she passed away in February, 1890. They were parents of eight children, as follows: Alexander, Robert, James, William, John, Uriah, Charles and Hugh, all of whom are deceased except Alexander, Uriah and Charles.
Alexander MeClaren received his early educational training in the primitive schools of his native locality, of the log type with slab desks and benches. Upon leaving school he continued to work on the home farm until after his marriage, and in 1859 rented the place on which he now lives. He purchased this property of his father-in-law in 1884, and has resided here continuously since. He has been very successful in his business ventures, and is one of the progressive men of Slippery Rock Township. He takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the development and improvement of the community, and has served several terms as school director.
Mr. McClaren was united in marriage with Nancy C. Ewing, daughter of Joseph Ewing, who was one of the pioneers of Slippery Rock Township. Politically, he has been unswerving in his support of Republican principles, believing that in their supremacy lies the prosperity of this country. In religious attachment, he and his estimable wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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