John P. McClaugherty
Birth 21 Aug 1782
Ireland
Death 29 Aug 1872 (aged 90)
Giles County, Virginia, USA
John McClaugherty was born Saturday, August 21, 1782 and the 1850 U. S. Census records states that his birthplace was Ireland. He came to America with his parents, brothers, James, Jr. and Hugh and his sister, Jane.
His parents and sister drowned on May 18, 1813 while trying to cross a swollen stream in Giles County, Virginia. I believe his brother Hugh also died about the same time. According to GILES COUNTY, VIRGINIA; HISTORY - FAMILIES compiled by the Giles County Historical Society on page 60 John McClaugherty served respectively as an ensign in a company of riflemen commanded by Capt. Andrew Johnson and Lt. Col. Christian Snidow in the 86th Regiment Virginia Militia during the War of 1812.
A marriage bond between John McClaugherty and Sarah Sally Dingess is dated August 12, 1813, Pearisburg, Giles County, Virginia. Sally, born Sunday, April 13, 1789, was the daughter of Peter Dingess, who was a soldier in the Revolution and came to Giles County from Montgomery County, Virginia.
John and Sally had three children: John Floyd, Magdalene Campbell and Mary (Polly). Sally Dingess McClaugherty died on Saturday morning, February 17, 1821 at less than 32 years according to the family Bible.
John married the second time on January 5, 1826 to the widow of Col. William Cunningham, Sally Walker Cunningham, who was born November 18, 1792, the daughter of John H. and Sarah Susannah Givens Walker.
Capt. John McClaugherty became a prominent figure in the affairs of Giles County, Virginia. He served many years as a Magistrate, Deputy Clerk, Clerk, Deputy Sheriff and Sheriff. He lived a long and useful life and died at the age of ninety years and six days.
From the August 31, 1872 issue of the "Pearisburg Gazette":
"Death of an Old Citizen. Capt. John McClaugherty, perhaps the oldest citizen in the county, died on last Thursday, August 29th. He was ninety years and six days old. Mr. McClaugherty was the last one of the first Methodist Class formed in this place. He died loved and respected by all who knew him."
Additional sources:
"The History of McClaugherty"
"Giles County, Virginia History - Families", Vol. I and Vol. II.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/173327876/john-p-mcclaugherty
