JOHN McADOO is one of the well-known and successful farmers of Donegal township, and is a son of James McAdoo, who was born December 16, 1780, in County Donegal, Ireland, and being the son of a farmer, he in early life received a practical training in that vocation. In 1807 he was married to Catherine Ralston, who was born in September, 1786, in the same county, and the children born to them in Ireland were as follows: Jane, born August 12, 1808, living in Johnson county, Mo.; James, born August 30, 1810, also living in Johnson county, Mo.; Letitia, born November 18, 1812, died February 8, 1870; John (subject of this sketch), born May 15, 1815; Margaret, born July 10, 1818, died November 9, 1870; and Catherine, born August 29, 1820, died June 1, 1866. In 1821 Mr. McAdoo and his family sailed from Londonderry, Ireland, on the vessel "Marquis Hill" commanded by Capt. Bryson, and after a voyage of nine weeks they reached St. Johns, Newfoundland, thence sailed to Baltimore, and then traveled from there by wagon to West Alexander, Washington county, Penn. Though then but a child of six years, John McAdoo (our subject) distinctly remembers the journey. He recollects riding on the high front seat with Tupper, the driver, who took a fancy to him. James McAdoo purchased some land in Donegal township, lying about three miles north of West Alexander, and erected a log cabin, which was afterward supplanted by a larger and more comfortable residence. On this farm the following children were born: Elizabeth, born December 17, 1822, died July 13, 1864; Alexander, born June 15, 1825, died March 17, 1863; William, born July 23, 1827, died December 1, 1861; David, born January 16, 1830, died August 11, 1864; and Robert (a miller of Ashland, Ohio), born November 14, 1833. Mr. McAdoo resided on his first farm several years, and then bought a place of John Huston, where he lived the remainder of his life, dying December 6, 1843; Mrs. McAdoo died in February, 1852. John McAdoo was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and, as previously stated, came with his parents to America, where he received a common-school education, and assisted on the farm. In 1837 he was married to Julia Ann Porter, of Harrison county, Ohio. Their children were as follows: Catherine (who died in infancy); Margaret Ellen (Mrs. Thomas Muldoon, of Pettis county, Mo.); Julia Anne (Mrs. C. F. DeFrance, of Donegal township); John (farming in Independence township); James (a farmer of Brooke county, W. Va.); Catherine (Mrs. Robert Mealy, of Donegal township); Oliver (farming in Donegal township); and John (deceased in infancy). The mother of these children died in 1863, and in 1865 Mr. McAdoo was married to Mrs. Margaret (Miller) Anderson, widow of George Anderson.
Mr. McAdoo passed the earlier years of his married life in Donegal township, afterward moving to Brooke county, W. Va., but finally returning to Donegal township. He has since remained on the farm, which is located about six miles north of West Alexander. Politically, he has always been a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren. He possesses a remarkable memory, easily recalling incidents which occurred many years ago; in personal appearance he is a fine specimen of perfect physical manhood. He began life with no financial aid, but by years of hard work and perseverance has succeeded in securing a comfortable competency. He and his wife are both members of the Baptist Church.
Text taken from page 1085 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed February 1997 by Karen Souhrada of Pittsford, NY as part of the Beers Project.
Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]