Introduction

Joseph Junkin I's forebears, originally Huguenots from France in the 16th century, emigrated from their home near Inverness, Scotland into Ireland sometime before 1688 during the Stuart's persecution. They, like Joseph, were Covenanters (Reformed Presbyterians) and were a strongly Calvinistic group. Their members sang or chanted only the Psalms in worship, and prohibited the use of instrumental music. They were Covenanters of the strictest type, and left their country for conscience' sake.

Joseph Junkin I was born at Monahan, County Antrim, Ulster, Ireland, about 1715. He is thought to have been the son of John Lewis Junkin (1678-1762) and Margaret Lynn (born ca. 1680), daughter of the Laird of Loch Lynn. This has not been documented.

In 1735 or 1736, Joseph Junkin emigrated to the Colonies with his wife and two brothers Thomas Junkin and James Junkin. Joseph landed at New Castle, Delaware where uncles and cousins had previously settled. Thomas settled in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, while James chose Berks County, near Philadelphia. James had two sons, Adam (unmarried) and Benjamin who settled in the Sherman Valley of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He later moved to Washington County, Pennsylvania. Joseph tarried for a time in the vicinity of Oxford, Pennsylvania, before heading out for the Pennsylvania frontier.

Coming from the rural districts of the "old country", Joseph and Elizabeth sought the frontier, where lands were to be had for the "taking up," with small fees for records and surveying. It was to a virtual unbroken wilderness near Harris's Ferry, now Harrisburg, near the flowing Susquehanna and the present site of New Kingston, Pennsylvania, where about 1738, Joseph I brought his bride. It is said that at this time there were no settlers West of him, and of course none to interfere with his lines of survey.

Life on the Pennsylvania frontier was seldom dull. Often the family was forced leave their dwelling at night, hiding in the cornfield or the "flaxpatch," for fear of Indian assault. In the year 1755, during the French and Indian War, the Junkin Family was forced to escape from savage barbarities by fleeing to Chester County, where they stayed for a season with relatives.

Joseph Junkin I and his wife Elizabeth Wallace established the "Junkin Tent" soon after their arrival In what is now Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. This outdoor meeting place served the area as a church and services were held more or less regularly. It was here that the first Covenanter communion in the new world was celebrated. The Rev. John Cuthbertson, a Scotsman, served 250 communicants on August 23, 1752. According to Rev. Cuthbertson's diary, he baptized most of the Junkin children, and evidently headquartered at Elder Junkin's when he was in the vicinity. Known later as "Widow Junkin's Tent", it was a simple stand or dias, with a shelter for the minister, and a board on which to lay the Bible erected by Joseph Junkin I.

On page 28 of the biography of George Junkin¹ written by his son David X. Junkin in 1871, the exact location of the "Junkin Tent' is revealed in the following quote:

"It was known from my earliest memory," says Dr. J. in his reminiscences, "as 'Widow Junkin's tent', and stood three hundred yards from the dwelling first erected by my grandfather (photo at right). About the dawn of my memory that 'tent' was removed one mile west, to James Bell's place." [possibly the site of the Bell Tavern, still standing in 1998 - Eric Davis].

Joseph Junkin died on April 1, 1777, but his wife Elizabeth survived until 1796.

Children of Joseph Junkin I and Elizabeth Wallace:

B1 William Junkin, born 1744. Died 25 April, 1825. Married 1769 Jane Galloway, born 8 January 1745, died 1786.

B2 Mary (Polly) Junkin, born ca. 1747, died ca. 1825. Married John Culbertson and settled in Culbertson's Run, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. No children.

B3 Joseph Junkin II, born 01/22/1750. Died 02/21/1831. Married Elinor Cochran on 05/24/1779.

B4 George Junkin, (died at very young age)

B5 Agnes Junkin, born ca. 1754. Died ca. 1834. Never married. She is buried at the Center Presbyterian church cemetery near Ft. Robinson, Perry County, Pa. It is the supposition that she perhaps lived with her brother Benjamin's family, residents of Perry County. Also in Agnes' will she left an inheritance to two great nieces, daughters of her nephew John, who was Benjamin's son.

B6 John Junkin, born ca. 1756. Revolutionary War soldier, fought in the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. Never married.

B7 Benjamin Junkin, born ca. 1761, died 1812 Perry County, Pa. Married 1779 Mary Davidson.

B8 Elizabeth Junkin, born ca. 1763. Died ca. 1796. Married Dr. McCall of Shippensburg, PA.