BIOGRAPHY: McKean, Andrew J.
From the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875

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ANDREW J. McKEAN was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1816.  His 
ancestors were from Scotland and settled in Maryland about four generations go, and are now scattered 
over several states of the Union.  His grandfather resided a long time in Pennsylvania, where he died 
many years ago, leaving a family.  His father, Robert McKean, married Martha Wilson, and had eight 
children.  He died about 1826 and his wife in 1862.  Young McKean resided with his parents until he 
was twelve years of age, and then went to live with his grandfather, Noah Wilson, of Alba, 
Pennsylvania, and remained till 1834.  He was educated in the common schools and taught several 
winters, thus aiding in the support of his mother and younger brothers and sisters.  In June, 1838, in 
company with H. W. Gray and Alonzo Pratt, he started for the West, traveling over Illinois and Iowa 
and finally settled in Linn County near Mt. Vernon.  In the Fall of 1839, he assisted in laying out the 
town of Marion, subsequently removing there; has since made it his home.  In 1851, he was elected 
Clerk of the District Court, which position he held till January, 1873 – a period of eighteen years, in the 
meantime dealing to advantage in real estate.  

In December 1872, he purchased an interest in the only bookstore in Marion, the firm being 
McKean and Gibson, and has since assisted in its management.
Mr. McKean married Abiah Day November, 1842, and by her has had nine children, four of 
who are living.  She died in 1861, and he was again married in 1863 to Phoebe L. Hickok, of 
Pennsylvania.

Mr. McKean is a Republican, and has been identified with that party sice its organization.