James Paul McAnn

James Paul McAnn is the earliest McAnn we know of. He married Margaret Kiellian and they had 10 children, 8 of whom we have names for; Catherine McAnn, Annie McAnn, Tom McAnn, Emma McAnn, James McAnn, Johnny McAnn, Peter McAnn, and Margaret Jane McAnn. The two unnamed members of the family are believed to have been males. Most of what we know of the McAnn's comes down through Margaret Jane McAnn.

James is said to have owned Moran Towing and Lighterage Corporation, though that has not been confirmed. It was said that no tugboat could come into New York Harbor without his assistance. The company still exists and claims to be,"the oldest and largest supplier of tugs on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts."