In 1774, the Darragh family, including young John, his older brother Daniel, and at least one sister, emigrated to Nottingham Township, Pennsylvania, in the Pittsburgh area.
He married Margaret "Peggy" Calhoun and together they had six children,[2] Their son Cornelius Darragh would become prominent in state politics and served as U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 21st congressional district from 1844 to 1847.
[2] John Darragh became mayor of Pittsburgh on January 14, 1817 on the sudden retirement of Ebenezer Denny because of health concerns.
U.S. President James Monroe visited Pittsburgh on September 5, 1817; he toured 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.