George Harlan
George Harlan
George Harlan was born in 1660 at Lurgan, County Ardmagh in Ulster Province, Northern Ireland. In early 1687 he and his wife Elizabeth moved to Pennsylvania (then known as the Lower Three Counties), now New Castle County, Delaware.
He was a Quaker. He married Elizabeth Duck, daughter of Ezekiel Duck and Hannah Hoope. Together they had nine children.
Early Life and Education
George Harlan was born in 1650 in Durham, England and baptized on the 11th day of 1 month (1650/1 according to modern calendar) at Monkwearmouth Abbey, County Durham.
He belonged to the Society of Friends (Quakers). In 1687 he immigrated to America and settled near Centreville (now Kennett Square) in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
On March 9, 1678 in Shankill, County Armagh, Ireland, He wed Elizabeth Duck, daughter of Ezekiel Duck and Hannah Hoope. Together they had seven children: Rebecca, Mary Ann, Joel, Samuel, Nancy, Elisha and Jacob.
Professional Career
George Harlan was an engineer, author and historian of trains and ferries in the San Francisco Bay Area. He authored several books about narrow gauge railroads, ferries and West Coast railroads.
He served on the Board of Directors of The Harlan Family in America, a nonprofit organization which organizes national reunions for descendants of George and Michael Harlan who immigrated to America in 1687.
Harlan not only fostered family ties but he also enjoyed sharing knowledge. He wrote two books about trains and ferries, while being an active member of the Railroadians of America. Additionally, he traveled widely; visiting landmarks across England and Ireland. Furthermore, he belonged to both Association of American Patriots and Sons of Confederate Veterans – serving as former president in both positions.
Achievements and Honors
George Harlan came to America in 1687 with his wife Elizabeth and settled in Centreville, New Castle County, Delaware.
He and his brothers engaged in battle against the British during the American Revolution. Additionally, they constructed a fort at Harrodsburgh, Kentucky which would later be named in their honor.
George served as Attorney General of Kentucky during the Civil War and was later elevated to the United States Supreme Court.
The descendants of the Harlan family have a proud legacy of adventure, good deeds, and service. If you have any stories to tell about a Harlan in your family tree, please reach out to us.
Louis R. Harlan is University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Maryland and author of several books on American history. In recognition of his two-volume biography on Booker T. Washington, which won both the Bancroft Prize and Beveridge Award in History, he received both awards.
Personal Life
George Harlan was a Quaker who immigrated to America in 1687 with his brother Michael from Belfast, Ireland.
On arrival in the United States, their family settled in Centreville (now Centerville, Delaware) near the Pennsylvania-Delaware border. At that time they were part of Newark Meeting from Pennsylvania’s Lower Three Counties.
In 1698, George and his family purchased 470 acres further up the Brandywine River and relocated to Kennett Square, Chester County (now Pennsbury Township). They were joined by Native American neighbors across the river who formed a Friends Meeting within their community and met regularly. In 1701 they received a grant of 200 additional acres in “Great Bend” of Brandywine River.
Net Worth
George Harlan is a renowned American author with an estimated net worth of $65 million. He specializes in writing horror, fantasy and science fiction novels.
He is married to Maya Wiley, an accomplished civil rights activist, professor, and lawyer. Together they have three children.
He is not only a popular writer, but an executive in the media industry as well. He provides debt and equity financing to news and information companies.
His Dallas estate features a private library with an impressive collection of historical documents, such as books by Ponce de Leon, Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci. Additionally, he owns original works of art by Peale, Renoir and Monet.