| Hon.John J. McDannold |
HON. JOHN J. McDANNOLD, a prominent citizenof Brown county, is the subject of the following biography, and is cheerfullyaccorded a space in this history. He was born on the homestead in Pea Ridgetownship, Brown county, Illinois, August 29, 1851. His father, Thomas I.McDannold, was born near Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, a son of John McDannold,a native of Virginia. The great-great-grandfather of our subject, AlexanderMcDannold, was born near Aberdeen, Scotland, and emigrated to America incolonial days; he settled near Culpeper Court House, Virginia, and spentthe remainder of his life in that State. John McDannold removed from Virginiato Kentucky and was an early settler of that State; he improved a farmon which he lived the remainder of his days. Thomas I. McDannold grew tomanhood in his native State, and came to Illinois. After his marriage hepurchased a tract of wild land in Pea Ridge township; there he built asmall frame house, and began the task of reducing his land to cultivation.As his means increased he made other investments in land, and now owns500 acres. He was united in marriage to Mary E. Means, a native of Kentuckyand a daughter of Major John and Patsey (Parker) Means. They reared a familyof four children: John J., Thomas R., George R. and Clara. John J. receivedhis early education in the district schools, and this training was supplementedby a course at the Quincy high school, one term at Farwell’s English andClassical school, and two years at Dr. Corbin’s private school.Supplying himself with the necessary books,he returned to the home farm, and began the study of law. In 1873 he enteredthe law department of the Iowa State University at Iowa City, and was graduatedfrom that institution in 1874; December 25th of that year he opened anoffice in Mt. Sterling, and has since devoted himself to legal work.
He was united in marriage, in 1876, to MissCora Harris, who was born in Macomb, Illinois, a daughter of Dr. Ralphand Mary Harris. Two children were born to Judge and Mrs. McDannold, Malcolmand Helen.
Judge McDannold has filled various officesof trust and honor; he has served as a member of the School Board, hasserved in the City Council, has been Mayor of the city, Master in Chanceryfor seven years, and County Judge for six years; the last named positionhe resigned in 1892. He was made the nominee of the Democratic party forCongress at the convention held at Jerseyville, in May, 1892, being thefirst man in Brown county to receive this distinction. He is a member ofHardin Lodge, No. 44, A. F. & A. M., of the chapter, and of Delta Commandery,No. 48, K. T. In his profession he has been very successful, and has attaineda prominent position among the members of the bar of Illinois.
Biographical Reviewof Cass, Schuyler and Brown Counties, Illinois, Biographical ReviewPublishing Co., Chicago, 1892, pages 194-195.
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