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McGill, John, D.D.

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a Roman Catholic prelate, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 4, 1809. During his childhood his parents moved to Bardstown, Kentucky, where, at the College of St. Joseph, John was educated. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and practised his profession there and at New Orleans. He then embraced the sacred calling, studied two years at St. Mary's College, Baltimore, and on his return to Bardstown was ordained priest, June 13, 1830. He subsequently studied at Rome, became missionary in Kentucky, and was the zealous colleague of Dr. Spalding. His Conferences on the dogmas of the Church, at Bardstown, made him distinguished as a controversialist. He was editor of the Catholic Advocate, pastor at Lexington, Kentucky, and on the division of Virginia into two dioceses, and the translation of bishop Whelan to Wheeling, Dr. McGill was appointed bishop of Richmond, and consecrated, November 10, 1850. His labors were great. As a learned and convincing preacher he was pre- eminent. His controversial sermons were, it is said, unsurpassed. He took an active part in the councils of Baltimore for twenty years, and was an earnest member of the Council of the Vatican. While attending its sessions his health failed him, he returned home, and died at Richmond, Virginia, January 14, 1872. See (N.Y.) Cath. Almanac, 1873, page 42.