Background
Darragh was born in Ireland, the son of John Darragh and Margaret Oliver.
politician mayor of Pittsburgh
Darragh was born in Ireland, the son of John Darragh and Margaret Oliver.
He served as the Mayor of Pittsburgh from 1817 to 1825. Two more brothers, Neal and Archibald would be born there. Darragh began his career as a merchant on Fourth Avenue between Wood Street and Smithfield Street in the city.
Darragh eventually parlayed his success as merchant into becoming the president of the Bank of Pittsburgh.
They had six children, one of whom, Cornelius, would also be prominent in local politics. Darragh served terms as Justice of the Peace and Burgess of the Borough.
John Darragh became mayor of Pittsburgh on January 14, 1817 on the sudden retirement of Ebenezer Denny because of health concerns. His tenure as mayor saw the construction of sidewalks and street drainage systems
The start of a city wide water system also took root during his service.
John Darragh also hosted world leaders for the first time in Pittsburgh"s history. United States. President James Monroe visited Pittsburgh on September 5, 1817 touring military installations around the area including the Allegheny Arsenal. French statesmen and general Marquis de Lafayette also visited Pittsburgh with John Darragh as host on May 30, 1825.
On Wednesday May 14, 1828, Darragh died after a long fight with consumption.