The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania - James M. McDonald & Bridget Moran

This is the second post in the Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania series. The series features family stories and photographs submitted to The Clarion County Historical Society for a family history book that unfortunately was never published. 

James M. McDonald, son of Irish immigrants David McDonald and Bridget Dunn, was born August 1827 in County Kildare, Ireland. James was baptized August 6, 1827 as recorded in the Allen Parish records. The baptismal record reads: “August 6, 1827: James McDonald, parents David and Biddy, sponsors William & Nelly Dunn, residence (of parents) Grange”. 

The family relocated from Ireland and settled in Farmington Township sometime between August 1827 and 1833. The History of Clarion County Pennsylvania references David McDonald, the father of James M., living in Farmington Township around 1833. 

The 1850 United States Federal Census recorded James living with his parents and seven siblings in Farmington Township. James and his father David were recorded as farmers. In the census David, Bridget and James were recorded as born in Ireland. The local school teacher, John Toomy, was also recorded living in the household. 

The 1860 United States Federal Census recorded James living with parents and seven siblings in Farmington Township. James enlisted in the Union Army in August of 1861 serving in F Company of the 63rd Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry. On May 31, 1862 James and his brother, Andrew McDonald, fought in the Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks). During the battle James and Andrew, both privates, were captured by Confederate soldiers. Historical records indicate James was in prison from May 31 to September 13, 1862. James rejoined Company F and was wounded on May 3, 1863 during the Battle of Chancellorsville. James was promoted to Corporal in May of 1863. James was discharged in August 28, 1863 due to wounds he received during the Battle of Chancellorsville on August 31, 1862. The 1890 Veterans schedule indicated that James was shot in the right arm. 

The Last Will and Testament for James’ father David McDonald was recorded February 16, 1871. James and his brother Michael were appointed as executors of the estate. 

On July 22, 1873 James married Bridget Moran at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fryburg, Pennsylvania. Bridget, daughter of Irish immigrants Michael Moran and Ann Dunn, was born July 11, 1840 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The couple settled in Farmington Township. The following children are recorded from the marriage: 

1. Mary, daughter, born October 1871. Death prior to October 1877. 
2. James, son, born November 1875. Death unknown. 
3. Mary A., daughter, born October 1877. Marriage to Albert B. Reinsel. Death unknown. 
4. John C., son, born October 1881. Marriage to C. Christena Zagst. Death 1968.

The 1880 United States Federal Census recorded James as the head of household. His occupation was Lumberman. Enumerated in the household were wife Bridget, son James and daughter Mary. The household also included a niece Mary Kelloher. Andrew and Joseph Kelly, the children of James’ deceased sister Mary Ann, were also recorded in the household. Bridget’s brother Christ (possibly Christian) was also recorded in the household. 

Caldwell's Illustrated Historical Combination Atlas of Clarion County published in 1877 shows James McDonald owning 190 acres of land in Farmington Township. 

James died 1892 in Farmington Township. He was buried at St. Mary’s Church Cemetery in Crown. After his death Bridget took over the farm. The tombstone for James highlights his service in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

The 1900 United States Federal Census records the widow Bridget as the head of the household. Her two sons James and John C., daughter Mary A. Reinsel and her son in law Albert B. Reinsel were recorded in the household. The census indicated that Bridget had four children and three were living. The oldest daughter Mary likely died before 1877 as Mary A. recorded in the 1900 United States Federal Census was recorded as 22 years old. 

The 1910 United States Federal Census records the widow Bridget as the head of the household. Her son James is living with her working as an operator in the oil industry. Both the 1900 and 1910 census records indicate that Bridget owned the farm without a mortgage. 

Bridget died April 25, 1918 in Farmington. She was buried on April 27, 1918 at St. Mary’s Church Cemetery in Crown, Pennsylvania.

James F. McDonald and Brigid Moran are my 4th great aunt and uncle. James is the brother of Michael McDonald my 3rd great grandfather. Michael is the father of Robert Alphonsus McDonald my 2nd great grandfather. Robert is the father of my great grandfather Loraine McDonald. Loraine McDonald is the father of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

Author: Michelle M. Murosky

References:

1. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912, McDonald, James Ancestry.com. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. August 6, 1827: James McDonald, parents David and Biddy, sponsors William & Nelly Dunn, residence (of parents) Grange. 

2. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for David McDonald. Line 42. 

3. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 1-10. 

4. 1860 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 144; Image: 148; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for David McDonald. Lines 10-19. 

5. 1880 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Family History Film: 1255117; Page: 154A; Enumeration District: 069; Image: 0313. Record for James McDonald. Lines 14-21. 

6. Ancestry.com. 1890 Veterans Schedules [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Source Citation: Year: 1890; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 87; Page: 1; Enumeration District: 57 Record for James McDonald. 

7. 1900 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1900; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1395; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 0010; FHL microfilm: 1241395. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 13-17.

8. 1910 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1910; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1329; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 0008; FHL microfilm: 1375342. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 34-35 

9. National Park Service. U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Record for James McDonald 

10. A. J. Davis, History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers (Syracuse, N. Y.:  D. Mason & Co., 1887), Clarion County Historical Society, Chapter 35 History of Farmington Township. Chapter XIX Company F, 63rd Regiment Battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines Page 194-195 Chapter XIX Company F, 63rd Regiment Battle of Chancellorsville Page 199-200 Chapter XIX Company F, 63rd Regiment Page 207 Chapter LIII History of Farmington Township Page 515 

11. Pennsylvania, Last Will & Testament of David McDonald. February 16, 1871 

12. Joseph A. Caldwell, Caldwell's Illustrated historical combination atlas of Clarion County, Pennsylvania / from actual surveys by & under the directions of Henry Cring ; assisted by C.T. Arms ... [et al.]. (Condit, Ohio, J.A. Caldwell, 1877), Library of Congress Geography and Map Division, Washington, D.C. 20540-4650 USA. Farmington Map 

13. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1924 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Death Certificate for Bridget McDonald. Certificate Number: 41914 

14. Find A Grave. Christena McDonald. Find A Grave Memorial# 111539460. 

15. Find A Grave. John C. McDonald. Find A Grave Memorial# 111539391. 

16. Find A Grave. James McDonald. Find A Grave Memorial# 114581616.

The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania - David McDonald & Bridget Dunn

In 2015 the Clarion County Historical Society announced the intentions of publishing The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the historical society. Families were encouraged to submit family stories and photographs to the historical society to be included in the book. Unfortunately The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania was never published.

A series of 13 stories and 8 photographs were prepared for the Clarion County Historical Society to publish in the The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania. These stories will be published in new research series The Families of Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

David McDonald & Bridget Dunn

David McDonald was one of the earliest residents of Farmington Township. David was born about 1803 in or around Dublin, Ireland. David McDonald married Bridget Dunn on May 7, 1825 at the village of Dunbyrn, County Kildare, Ireland. Their oldest recorded child, Richard, was baptized January 29, 1826. A second son, James M., was baptized August 6, 1827. Both baptisms were recorded in the Allen Parish records and indicate that family were residents of Grange. 

Sometime after the birth of James the family left Ireland for the Americas. The History of Clarion County Pennsylvania references that David McDonald was living in Farmington Township around 1833. After settling David and Bridget lived the remainder of their lives in Farmington Township. 

The following children are recorded from the marriage: 

1. Richard, son, born January 1826 Kildare, Ireland. Death unknown. 
2. James M., soon, born August 1827 Kildare, Ireland. Marriage to Bridget Moran. Death 1892.
3. Mary Ann, daughter, born about 1834. Marriage to William Kelly. Death unknown. 
4. John, son, born about 1836. Death October 16, 1864. 
5. Michael, son, born May 10, 1839. Marriage to Anna Haggerty. Death October 8, 1823. 
6. Andrew, son, born 1840. Marriage to Anna Sharrow. Death March 9, 1833. 
7. Bridget, daughter, born 1842. Marriage to Thomas C. Haggerty. Death July 15, 1889. 
8. David F., son, born 1844. Marriage to Hannah E. McCloskey. Death unknown. 
9. Peter, son, born March 3, 1847. First marriage to Mary Ann McAvoy. Second marriage to Emma Cecelia Nye. Death June 7, 1935. 

David was known as a farmer, logger and river pilot. There are multiple references to him in the True Tales of the Clarion River, Volume 1. As told by Victor M. Bake: 

"We have some old timers here who used to raft on the Clarion and Allegheny rivers. There are George Hazlett who used to work for Croasman Brothers, Horace Greely Sigworth, A. B. Sarver and Harry Horton. We also have here David McDonald and Mr. Hutton who used to run 90 foot platform rafts on the Susquehanna River. I don't believe that any of the 90 foot platform rafts ever came out of the Clarion." 

As told by his son Peter: 

“My experience as a raftman up to the time of this story, which was in December of 1862, was of the traditional style handed down by my father, David McDonald, who had helped Davis Munn run several rafts down the Clarion to Lower Hillville. There he sold them to Jacob Hill, who had a boat scaffold and furnished 100 foot boats for the Pittsburgh coal companies. These boats were dropped into the water without the aid of lines. My father and Mr. Munn used grapevines for cable to anchor the rafts. David Munn ran his first raft around 1840. He had purchased 150 acres on Troutman Run near the Clarion. He and his wife lived and died on this piece of ground, and their tombstones are standing to this day. They should have a monument. As I pass their lonesome resting place it brings back memories of the earlier days of the lumbering and rafting business and along with these memories of the many hardships the early pioneers had to endure.” 

David and Bridget are recorded in the 1840 United States Federal Census in Farmington Township, Venango, Pennsylvania. 

The 1850 United States Federal Census recorded David as head of household in Farmington Township. The household included Bridget and children James, Mary Ann, John, Michael, Andrew, Bridget, David and Peter. David was recorded as a farmer. David, Bridget and James are recorded as born in Ireland. The local school teacher, John Toomy, was also recorded living in the household. The farm was valued at $1,100. 

The 1860 United States Federal Census recorded David as head of household in Farmington Township. The household included Bridget and children James, Mary Ann, John, Michael, Andrew, Bridget, David and Peter. David was recorded as a farmer. The farm was valued at $2,000 and David’s personal estate was valued at $640. 

Family of David McDonald and Bridget Dunn

recorded in the 1860 United States Federal Census

The 1870 United States Federal Census recorded David as head of household in Farmington Township. The household included his wife Bridget and their sons Andrew, Peter and David F. Daughter in law Hannah, wife of David F., and grandson Joseph Kelly were also living in the household. David was recorded as a farmer and his sons as farm hands. The farm was valued at $3,000 and David’s personal estate was valued at $300. 

The last will and testament of David McDonald was recorded August 28, 1871. Following David's death Bridget lived with her son David. Bridget was included in the household of David McDonald when the 1880 United States Federal Census was recorded in Farmington Township. 

Bridget died prior to 1900 as she was not enumerated in the 1900 United States Federal Census. The burial location for David and Bridget is unknown.

David McDonald and Brigid Dunn are my 4th great grandparents. They are the parents of Michael McDonald my 3rd great grandfather. Michael is the father of Robert Alphonsus McDonald my 2nd great grandfather. Robert is the father of my great grandfather Loraine McDonald. Loraine McDonald is the father of Mary Eugenia McDonald my paternal grandmother.

Author: Michelle M. Murosky

References:

1. Ireland, Civil Registration Marriages Index, 1845-1958, McDonald, David. David McDonald to Brit (Bridget) Dunn on 7 May 1825 at village of Dunbyrn, witnesses Michael and Margaret Dunn. 

2. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912, McDonal, Richard Ancestry.com. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Richard McDonal, parents Davy and Biddy, sponsors John Kene(sic) and Nel McDonald, residence (of parents) Grange Baptism: 29 January 1826. 

3. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912, McDonald, James Ancestry.com. Ireland, Select Catholic Birth and Baptism Registers, 1763-1912 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. August 6, 1827: James McDonald, parents David and Biddy, sponsors William & Nelly Dunn, residence (of parents) Grange. 

4. A. J. Davis, History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers (Syracuse, N. Y.:  D. Mason & Co., 1887), Clarion County Historical Society, Chapter 35 History of Farmington Township. Chapter LIII History of Farmington Township Page 515 

5. 1840 United States Federal Census Source Citation: Year: 1840; Census Place: Farmington, Venango, Pennsylvania; Roll: 497; Page: 32; Image: 68; Family History Library Film: 0020559. Record for David Mcdonald. 

6. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for David McDonald. Line 42. 

7. 1850 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1850; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 193B; Image: 392. Record for Bridget McDonald. Lines 1-10. 

8. 1860 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 144; Image: 148; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for David McDonald. Lines 10-19. 

9. Pennsylvania State Archives. Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866 Indexes. McDonald, John, F – 63 I, 2-511 

10. Pennsylvania State Archives. Civil War Veterans' Card File, 1861-1866 Indexes. McDonnell, John – H-105 I, Muster Roll 

11. Ancestry.com. U.S., Registers of Deaths of Volunteers, 1861-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: Registers of Deaths of Volunteers, compiled 1861–1865. ARC ID: 656639. Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780's–1917. Record Group 94. National Archives at Washington, D.C. Record for Jno McDonald. 

12. Find A Grave. Pvt John McDonald. Find A Grave Memorial# 27625754. 

13. 1870 United States Federal Census Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 441B; Image: 204; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for David McDonald. Lines 22-28. 

14. 1880 United States Federal Census. Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Farmington, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Family History Film: 1255117; Page: 153D; Enumeration District: 069; Image: 0312. Record for David McDonald. Lines 24-32 

15. George P. Sheffer, True Tales of the Clarion River, Volume 1: (Clarion, Pa.: The Clarion Republican Newspaper Co, 1933), An Old Timer's Early Thrills on the River, by Peter McDonald of Vowinckel, Pa., Page 42-44 

16. George P. Sheffer, True Tales of the Clarion River, Volume 1: (Clarion, Pa.: The Clarion Republican Newspaper Co, 1933), Adventures in Boating and Rafting on the Clarion and Allegheny Rivers, by Victor M. Baker, Masonic Homes, Elizabethtown, Pa., Page 136-137