Elijah McClanahan

Elijah McClanahan was the son of William and Sarah Neely McClanahan, along with three brothers: John, James and Green. He was also very generous, and probably already had the Smallpox, because at the age of 13, on October 10, 1783, he was "...allowed five pounds for attending a Continental soldier with the small pox." By the age of 22, he was granted a license to keep an ordinary or Tavern in their house.

Elijah McClanahan married on September 3, 1795, Agatha Strother Lewis (born March 15, 1779, and died June 14, 1852), daughter of Colonel Andrew Lewis (soldier), who then lived on Bent Mountain, Virginia. They had twelve children: 1. Elizabeth; married Dr. Gabriel Nash; second husband was Dr. Cox, of Missouri; offspring, several children. 2. Sallie; married Edward White, brother of Alexander White, of Fort Lewis; offspring, seven children. 3. Mary; married R. D. Montague; offspring, five. She was mother-in-law of Judge George Junkin, whose son, William Junkin, is now (1894) missionary in Corea. 4. Agnes; married Dr. John Ingles; offspring, four, one of whom is Mrs. Colonel Thomas Lewis, of Roanoke. 5. Lucy; married William Johnston; offspring, six. 6. Nancy; married Colin Bass. 7. Catharine; married Thomas Ingles; offspring, five. 8. Fannie; married Thomas Micou, of Essex County, Virginia; second husband, Rev. Charles Miller; grandmother of Rev. W. McC. Miller; offspring, five. 9. Jane; married Rev. J. N. Lewis; offspring, two. 10. Peggy; died young. 11. William; engaged to marry Patsy Lewis; both died from fever without having married. 12. Andrew.

On August 11, 1795, he took an oath of Captain of the Virginia militia.

With the organization of the 5th Virginia Militia, Elijah McClanahan was promoted to Lieutenant colonel (United States). He is also listed as the Lieutenant Colonel of the 121st Regiment, Virginia Militia, during the War of 1812.

He was a substantial landowner in Virginia, and "Colonel Elijah McClanahan was the owner of most of the land that ultimately became the Northwest section of Roanoke City ([Roanoke, Virginia])." As early as 1798, he purchased along with his partner and father-in-law, Colonel Andrew Lewis (soldier), two plots of land of 92 and 84 acres each along the Little River (New River) in Montgomery County, Virginia.

He is credited with owning over 1,500 acres, and with farm holdings valued at over $75,000.

When the county was formed in 1830, Elijah McClanahan was appointed the sheriff by the governor. "In those days, the duties of the sheriff were somewhat different than they are today. He was charged with collecting taxes, preparing a list of "insolvents", and keeping the jail. His salary was paid through the collection of fees."

Colonel McClanahan served as a justice when Roanoke County, Virginia, was formed from part of Botetourt County, Virginia. He later was appointed the first high sheriff. "He was also among the trustees chosen at the founding of the town of Salem, among the founding elders of Salem Presbyterian Church (Salem, Virginia), and one of the largest landholders in the county."

Elijah McClanahan was one of the justices of the county court in 1838, 1852 and 1856.

"Elijah McClanahan, Elias thomas, Lewis Harvey and William McDermed were appointed commissioners to lay off public roads in the county into properr and suitable districts, along with allocating the tithables."

Elijah McClananhan was also prominently involved in the Allegheny Turnpike Company, and early turnpike in western Virginia that became part of the Valley Pike, and eventually U.S. Route 11 in Virginia.

Colonel Elijah McClanahan is buried with his spouse and other members of his family in the McClanahan Family Cemetery in Roanoke, Virginia.