The Sutherland family of Troy, New York, are of Scotch ancestry, although one generation were of Quebec, Canada. In this country the family have been skilled mechanics and settlers in cities.
(I) Peter Sutherland was born in the highlands of Scotland (where the family name is of frequent mention), and died in Quebec, Canada. He left Scotland when a young man, crossed the seas to America, settling at Quebec, Canada, where he passed the remainder of his days. He was a mason, having learned the trade, and that of ornamental plastering, in Scotland. He was a man of good education and unusual native ability. He married Christina J. Stewart, who died in Quebec. Children:
- James, located in New York city, unmarried.
- Ann, married Thomas Jewell.
- Jane, married John Parkhill.
- Isabella, married a Mr. O'Connor.
- Jessie, married John Purdy.
- James.
- John B., (see forward), and perhaps others.
The children were all carefully reared and given a good education.
(II) John B., son of Peter and Christina J. (Stewart) Sutherland, was born in Quebec, Canada, December 7, 1825, died in Troy, New York, March 19, 1902. He was educated in the schools of Quebec, and on arriving at a suitable age was apprenticed and served seven years, learning the molder's trade. He became an expert molder and for several years was employed in New York City, afterwards located in Troy, and entered the employ of James Burden, with whom he remained until years caused his retirement. His expert mechanical ability and thorough mastery of his trade made his services invaluable to his employer, who advanced him to a responsible position in his works and confided to him the most intricate patterns and models. His services were often required by others, with work beyond the skill of even the best molders. His mechanical ability was not his only claim to recognition. His manly character, upright life, and pleasing personality, made him admired among his fellows. He was strongly in favor of organized labor, and affiliated with the local molders' union. He secured for himself a competence through economy and wise real estate investment in the city, which he improved and cared for during his later years, after retiring from active work. He was large-minded, charitable, just and upright. He was a member of the Presbyterian church of Troy, and faithful to his obligations. A Republican in politics, he took no part in public affairs, his hours "off duty" being given to his home and family, to which he was greatly devoted.
He married, in Quebec, Ann Elizabeth Dean, born there, July 5, 1826, died in Troy, April 2, 1892. They were parents of eight children, four of whom died in infancy. Those who grew to mature years were born in New York City;
- Mary Ellen, married George Troutman;
- Jane C., resident of Troy, unmarried;
- Ann Elizabeth, deceased, married Mark Anderson, and had Ann Sutherland and Helen Violet Anderson, living with their aunt, Miss Jane C. Sutherland.
- The only son, Peter B., was born 1852, died 1893. He was well educated, and learned the molder's trade from his father, whose mechanical ability and skill he inherited. He was prominent in the Molders' Union, and a man of excellent character. He visited Europe twice, and had a mind well stored with facts gathered from travel and experiences. He was a Republican in politics, and was a candidate for member of the New York assembly. He was a hard worker in his party's ranks. He never married.