HON. JOHN J. MCDANNOLD, a prominent citizen of Brown county, is the subject of the following biography, and is cheerfully accorded a space in this history. He was born on the homestead in Pea Ridge township, 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, Alexander McDannold, was born near Aberdeen, Scotland, and emigrated to America in colonial days; he settled near Culpeper Court House, Virginia, and spent the remainder of his life in that State. John McDannold removed from Virginia to Kentucky and was an early settler of that State; he improved a farm on which he lived the remainder of his days. Thomas I. McDannold grew to manhood in his native State, and came to Illinois. After his marriage he purchased a tract of wild land in Pea Ridge township; there he built a small frame house, and began the task of reducing his land to cultivation. As his means increased he made other investments in land, and now owns 500 acres. He was united in marriage to Mary E. Means, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Major John and Patsey (Parker) Means. They reared a family of four children: John J., Thomas R., George R. and Clara. John J. received his early education in the district schools, and this training was supplemented by a course at the Quincy high school, one term at Farwell's English and Classical 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 entered the law department of the Iowa State University at Iowa City, and was graduated from that institution in 1874; December 25th of that year he opened an office in Mt. Sterling, and has since devoted himself to legal work.
He was united in marriage, in 1876, to Miss Cora Harris, who was born in Macomb, Illinois, a daughter of Dr. Ralph and Mary Harris. Two children were born to Judge and Mrs. McDannold, Malcolm and Helen.
Judge McDannold has filled various offices of trust and honor; he has served as a member of the School Board, has served in the City Council, and has been Mayor of the city, master in Chancery for seven years, and County judge for six years; the last named position he resigned in 1892. He was made the nominee of the Democratic party for Congress at the convention held at Jerseyville, in May, 1892, being the first man in Brown county to receive this distinction. He is a member of Hardin Lodge, No. 44, A.F. & A.M., of the chapter, and of Delta Commandry, No. 48, K.T. In his profession he has been very successful, and has attained a prominent position among the members of the bar of Illinois.