Andrew Donaldson

ANDREW DONALDSON

The subject of this sketch stands second to none among the prosperous and substantial farmers of Rural township, whose record it has been deemed wise to preserve in this manner for the perusal of coming generations. As a judicious tiller of the soil he has met with excellent success, and as a man and citizen he holds a good position among his neighbors. His life has been one of unabated industry, and his fine farm on section 14 is one of the most attractive ant! desirable places in Rural township.

A native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Donaldson was born near Midway, March 2, 1831, and his parents, Richard and Catharine (Ritchie; Donaldson, were also natives of the Keystone state.. Of their seven children, five are still living, namely: Ann Eliza, James. Andrew, Richard and Catharine H. The father, a successful fanner, died in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1879 when past the age of eighty years, and the mother of our subject was called to her final rest in 1845, when about fifty-three years of age. Both were earnest and consistent members of the Presbyterian church, in which the father served as elder for over half a century.

James Donaldson, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish an cestry, was a farmer by occupation, and died in that state when well advanced in years, leaving a large family of children, among whom was Richard, John, Andrew and Thomas, the latter serving as a soldier in the war of 1812, The maternal grand father, Andrew Ritchie, was also a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. Agricultural pursuits claimed his attention, and he died at the age of eighty and was laid to rest at Cross Creek, Pennsylvania. Four or five of his brothers aided in the defense of their country during the war of the Revolution. Richard Donaldson, a brother of James, was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

In the district schools of his native county, Andrew Donaldson conned his lessons, the building being of the most primitive character, made of log's and supplied with slab seats. Until he had reached manhood he remained upon his father's farm, but in 1851 his brother James came to Ryck Island county, Illinois, and selected a couple of farms in Rural township, which the father purchased. They comprised nine hundred and sixty acres, which was divided equally between James and Andrew, and the latter still owns his portion together with a tract of thirty acres of timber land, making in all five hundred and ten acres of valuable land. By persistent and well directed labors he has placed it under a high state of cultivation, has made many excellent improvements, including an elegant residence, barns and granaries to match, and has success fully engaged in both farming and stock raising.

On the 4th of July. 1865, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Donaldson and Miss jyien M., daughter of John Titterington, and to them have been boru two sons and six daughters: Mary E,, Clara B., Annie FC., Richard, Susan, Andrew, Maudie P., who died in 1890 aged seven years, and Catharine ,H. Those living are all at home with the exception of Mary E.. who is now the wife of R, W. Battcrsby, of Whatcome, Washington, and has one son, Donald R.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Donaldson is a Democrat, and socially is identified with Coal Valley Lodge, No. 547, F. & A. M. He has served as supervisor and assessor for a number of years, and for the long period of thirty years has been a member of the school board. lie has seen almost the complete development of this region, having made his home here since 1853, almost all the land being then in its primitive condition and only worth two dollars per acre. Industrious, progressive and public-spirited, he has been an important factor in bringing about the wonderful transformation that has since taken place, aiding in converting the wild land into valuable and productive farms. As a strong Democrat, he believes that the free coinage of silver would materially benefit this country, and is opposed to the principles of protection as advocated by the politicians.

Biographical Record of Rock Island

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Illinois Ancestors

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