John McDonald (Illinois politician)

John McDonald
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
In office
1840–1846
Personal details
BornApril 1797 (1797-04)
DiedJuly 1846(1846-07-00) (aged 49)
PartyDemocratic
SpouseAnn Red
Children6

John McDonald (April 1797 – July 1846) was an American politician who served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives.[1]

Biography

McDonald was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania in April 1797, one of seven children born to Mary (née Campbell) and Edward McDonald who both had emigrated from Ireland.[2] His mother was of Scottish ancestry.[2] McDonald worked as a bookeeper for his uncle before moving to Wayne County, Illinois in 1825 where he taught and clerked.[2] He then worked in the lead mines in Galena, Illinois for 18 months before moving to Calhoun County, Illinois where he served as sheriff (1836–1840).[2]

He served as a state representative representing Greene and Calhoun counties in the 12th, 13th, and 14th Illinois General Assemblies.[3]

He was married to Ann Red, also of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent, whom he met in Calhoun County' they had six children: Mary, John, James, Charles, Ann, and Stephen.[2] He died in Calhoun County in July 1846.[2] His son, also John McDonald, served in the State Assembly for three terms.[2]

References

  1. ^ Illinois Blue Book (1931-1932). State of Illinois. 1932. pp. 747–748.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Biographical Album of Pike and Calhoun Counties, Illinois. Vol. 2. Biograhical Publishing Company. 1891. pp. 264–266.
  3. ^ Moses, John (January 1882). Illinois, Historical and Statistical: Comprising the Essential Facts of Its Planting and Growth as a Province, County, Territory, and State. Derived from the Most Authentic Sources, Including Original Documents and Papers. Together with Carefully Prepared Statistical Tables. Vol. 2. Fergus Printing Company. p. 1184.