Joseph McKean

Joseph Borden McKean (July 28, 1764 – September 3, 1826) was a distinguished Philadelphia lawyer and judge. He served as state Pennsylvania Attorney General when appointed by his father, Governor Thomas McKean, and like his father, also served as presiding judge of the District Court of Philadelphia.

Biography and career McKean was the first child of Thomas McKean and Mary Borden. Mary died in 1773 when Joseph was 9, and upon remarriage, the family moved to Philadelphia. During the War the elder McKean was a prominent patriot—among other things, he was a signer of the Declaration of Independence—and the family was given the house of a vacated Brit.

McKean attended the Academy of Philadelphia, graduating in 1782. He was admitted to the bar and began practicing law in 1785.

In 1824, McKean was elected as a member to the American Philosophical Society.

Like his father, McKean served as a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania (1794–1826). Samuel Miles, Thomas,

Joseph would study law, but not practice, ending up working for the Federal Treasury. William joined the navy at a young age, and ended up as an officer with the rank of Commodore.

Hannah survived her husband by 19 years, dying in 1845.