John McDonald (April 1797 – July 1846) was an American politician who served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives.
Biography McDonald was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania in April 1797, one of seven children born to Mary (née Campbell) and Edward McDonald who both had emigrated from Ireland. His mother was of Scottish ancestry. McDonald worked as a bookeeper for his uncle before moving to Wayne County, Illinois in 1825 where he taught and clerked. He then worked in the lead mines in Galena, Illinois for 18 months before moving to Calhoun County, Illinois where he served as sheriff (1836–1840).
He served as a state representative representing Greene and Calhoun counties in the 12th, 13th, and 14th Illinois General Assemblies.
He was married to Ann Red, also of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent, whom he met in Calhoun County' they had six children: Mary, John, James, Charles, Ann, and Stephen. He died in Calhoun County in July 1846. His son, also John McDonald, served in the State Assembly for three terms.
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