My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS DONALDSON GLADDEN, farmer, post office Cecil, Washington county, was born in Smith township, that county, in 1827, a son of Joseph Gladden. His grandfather, William Gladden, a native of Bucks county, married Mary Ann Woods. During early life he was a teamster, and served in that capacity during the Revolution. He came to Western Pennsylvania at an early day, and there followed the milling business. He was also a farmer, and purchased 321 acres of land near the present site of McDonald station, and there remained until his death. To this pioneer and his wife were born five sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Joseph, the second son, also a farmer, born in 1795, married Jane, daughter of James Donaldson, also an Eastern Pennsylvanian, and to them were born five children, four of whom are now living. Joseph came to Allegheny county from Washington county in 1842, purchased 212 acres of land on Miller’s run, followed farming, and remained on this property until his death, which occurred in 1866, when he was seventy-one years old; his wife died at the age of seventy-two years. The subject of this sketch was educated at the public schools, and like his ancestors has followed farm life. At his father’s death he came into possession of the property where he now resides. He was twice married; first, in 1869, to Mary Donaldson, and second, in 1882, to Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander Burkett, who has borne him two children, Edna Pearl and William Richard. Mr. and Mrs. Gladden are members of the U. P. Church; he is a strict democrat.