My Genealogy Hound

JAMES ALEXANDER DORAN, engineer, Wilkinsburg, was born at Wilmore (then Jefferson), Cambria county, Pa., Sept. 2, 1840, a son of James, and Mary (Kennedy) Doran, of County Longford, Ireland. James Doran came to America and settled near Philadelphia when sixteen years old, the mother of the latter being deceased. When James attained manhood he was employed in the construction of state roads and canals, and eventually settled on a farm in Cambria county. He died there, in February, 1888, at the age of eighty-two; his widow still resides there, aged seventy-nine. They had thirteen children, three being older than James and his twin brother Patrick. James A. remained on the farm until he was eighteen years old, when he secured a position as freight-brakeman on the Pennsylvania railroad. He was rapidly promoted, being given charge of a train at the end of seven months, and three months later he became fireman. After firing for less than a year, he was promoted to engineer, and now runs the fast express from Pittsburgh to Altoona. He bought a house in Wilkinsburg, whither he moved in 1871, and in 1885 he built the handsome brick residence which he now occupies. He is a member of St. James’ R. C. Church, and an active worker in the democratic party. In 1870 he married Mary, daughter of Richard and Theresa Sharp, descendants of the early German settlers at Lilly’s station, on the Pennsylvania railroad. Mr. Doran’s children are named, in order of birth: Maggie, Genevieve, Theresa, William, Joseph, Paul, Louis and Legoria.