HENRY H. McDONOUGH, M. D. a leading physician of Washington county, was born October 30, 1836, in Somerset township, a grandson of Henry McDonough, a native of Baltimore, where the family had resided many years. Henry McDonough had two brothers, also natives of Baltimore, who separated at an early age, the elder brother, John, going South, and, engaging in real estate speculation, became one of the wealthiest citizens of New Orleans; as he never married, he bequeathed his property to New Orleans and Baltimore, each city receiving the same amount. The other brother, Thomas, left his native city in a merchant ship, and passed through varied scenes; he was with Perry at the battle of Lake Erie, and bore the title of "Commodore McDonough." Henry, the youngest in the family, drifted westward, finally arriving in Washington county, Penn., and, first settling near West Alexander, was among the earliest pioneers of that locality. He married, and two children were born to him, but one day while he was absent from the house, clearing the land, the Indians rushed down on the little home, and massacred his helpless wife and children. Heartsick and lonely, the bereaved husband and father traded his property for a mere trifle, and abandoning the desolated home returned to Baltimore, where he remained a few years. However, he again came to Washington county, and in 1783 purchased a farm in Somerset township, on which he resided until his death. Soon after returning to the county he was married to Jane Hamilton, a resident of the same, and to their union were born four children: John, Henry, Mary (Mrs. John Pangburn) and David. Mr. McDonough was an energetic and enterprising man, and his life left a lasting impression on the character of the community. In political affiliations he was a Whig, and served several years as justice of the peace in Somerset township. In religious faith he was formerly a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in later life united with the Baptists, in whose faith he died.
David McDonough, youngest son of this honored pioneer, always resided on the home farm in Somerset township, at the subscription schools of which he received his early education, afterward reading current literature. In early life he was married to Lavina, daughter of Adam Weir, of West Bethlehem township, this county, and the young people then settled on the home place, where the following children were born to them: Joseph, Thomas, Adam (who died at the age of eight years), and Henry H. Mr. McDonough was a Whig, and after the organization of the party became a faithful Republican, and active in the work, although rarely accepting office. He was administrator of various estates in the locality, and was frequently selected as guardian of children, every one having great confidence in his integrity and ability. In religion he was a member of the Disciple Church, in which he served many years as an elder, being one of the most hearty supporters of that Society.
Dr. Henry H. McDonough, youngest son of David McDonough, first received a common- school education, and then attended a select school conducted by Rev. Streator, near Washington. Having when quite young evinced an inclination to study medicine, he commenced reading with Dr. James McDonough, and with him remained some time, until called to take charge of the home by the death of his father. He managed the home place for several years, then returned to the study of medicine with Dr. Winnett, attending at the same time medical lectures at Long Island College. He completed his course at Cleveland, in March, 1876, and then commenced practicing in Waynesburg, Greene Co., Penn., remaining there, however, but four months, when he settled on the home place in Somerset township, this county. On October 22, 1861, the Doctor was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan Winnett. This wife dying March 6, 1879, he married October 24, 1882, Margaret L., daughter of S. B. Lindley, and they have had two children: Ann Estelle and Charles L. Dr. McDonough remained on the home farm fifteen years, enjoying a large and lucrative practice, and in 1891 he came to Claysville. In politics he is a pronounced and energetic Republican; in religion he is a member of the Disciple Church.
Text taken from page 479 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed June 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published June 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]