The McCollams of Brown's Mountain

 

 

Daniel McCollam is a historical figure associated with Pocahontas County. He married Anna Sharp, the daughter of John Sharp, a pioneer of Frost, and initially settled there

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. Around 1770, he moved near Brown's Mountain in Pocahontas County, West Virginia

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. Later, he relocated to Lewis County and settled on Leading Creek

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. Further details about his arrival or his activities in Pocahontas County are not provided in the search results.

Reasons for choosing West Virginia: What drew the McCollam family to this specific location? Was it land availability, proximity to relatives, or other factors?

• Ancestry: The McCollam family is believed to be of Scotch-Irish descent, with the pioneer ancestor arriving in West Virginia from New Jersey around 1770.
• Early Settlement: The family settled on Brown's Mountain and established themselves in the Randolph County area.

Land Availability:

• West Virginia (then part of Virginia) offered vast tracts of fertile land available for homesteading at relatively low costs compared to more established colonies. This could have been a significant draw for the McCollam family, especially if they were farmers or seeking new economic opportunities.

Proximity to Relatives:

• The excerpt mentions the McCollam family potentially having relatives in New Hampshire. While distant, it's possible they chose West Virginia due to its relative proximity compared to other frontier regions, allowing them to maintain some connection.

Religious Freedom:

• Scotch-Irish immigrants often faced religious persecution in their homelands. West Virginia, with its diverse religious landscape, offered more tolerance than some other colonies, which could have attracted the McCollams if they were seeking religious freedom.

Economic Opportunities:

• The region offered various opportunities beyond farming, such as fur trading, logging, and salt production. These possibilities could have enticed the McCollams, especially if they possessed specific skills or desired a different livelihood.

Following Migration Trends:

• Many Scotch-Irish immigrants settled in western Pennsylvania and then migrated further south along the Appalachian Mountains. West Virginia might have been a natural progression along this established migration route.

Personal Reasons:

• There could be more personal reasons not mentioned in the excerpt. Perhaps the McCollams had prior connections to the area, knew someone who had already settled there, or were simply drawn to the natural beauty and resources of the region.

Further Research:

• To pinpoint the exact reasons, you might need to consult additional sources like:
  • Family histories or letters: Personal accounts might mention motivations for the move.
  • County records: Deeds, land grants, or tax records could indicate the family's economic situation and land acquisition.
  • Historical accounts of Scotch-Irish migration: Understanding broader migration patterns could provide clues about their motivations.