Andrew Donogh came from Ireland, possibly as a child, and settled in Ontario. There he married Margaret Lee, who had come from County Derry, Ireland, and was 12 years his senior. Just over a year after their marriage, Margaret gave birth to their son Alexander. Margaret died in childbirth, at the age of 39.

It appears that Margaret Lee is the sister of Samuel Lee, who married Margery Donogh, Andrew's sister.

Two years later Andrew married again. His new wife was also an Irish girl - Jane Jackson. She was born in County Sligo in 1829 and her parents were General Tom Jackson and Anne Henderson.

According to Jane's obituary from 1912: "They settled on a bush farm on the 6th concession of Egremont. With faithful and patient toiling they were able to make a comfortable home where they lived until failing health came and they retired to Mount Forest about 18 years ago." Andrew and Jane raised Alexander and had nine more children.