Cornelius Atherton (1737–1809), was an iron manufacturer, an inventor and an active gunmaker for patriot cause during the American Revolutionary War. He became closely involved in the first large scale production of "American Steel". He and his eldest son, John Daniel are recognized as the founders of borough of Taylor, Pennsylvania.

James Atherton was an early settler and one of the founders of Lancaster, Massachusetts. He emigrated to the New England Colonies from the parish of Wigan, Lancashire, England, in 1635.