Guthrie county's member of the House this winter is the Hon. Michael McDonald of Bayard. He was born in Ireland July 20, 1846, and the next year was brought to this country by his parents. They lived at Luzerne, Pennsylvania, for nine years and then permanently located in Guthrie county. Here Michael grew up on a farm. He has been a farmer all his life. Though only a lad when the war broke out, he enlisted and served as a private in Company I, 29th Iowa Infantry. He was married to Eliza Jane Gaines, and they have four boys and four girls. Mr. McDonald was formerly a Green-backer, but when Cleveland made his famous flag order McDonald became a Republican, and has since remained true to the faith. He was sheriff of Guthrie county from 1871 to 1875. and was a member of the House in the Nineteenth General Assembly. Consequently he has some valuable experience to guide him in his work this winter. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and the G. A. R.

Born in county Mayo, Ireland, July 20, 1846, the son of Patrick and Ann McDonald. He was one of the first men in Bayard, and is now its most prominent business man, as well as one of the most prominent men in Guthrie county. When he was but six months old his parents removed to America, going to Pennsylvania and remaining there until 1856. In April of that year they removed to Des Moines, and in September removed to Highland township in this county. In August, 1862, when but seventeen years of age, Mr. McDonald enlisted in company I, 9th Iowa, remaining with his regiment till August, 1865, when he was discharged with his regiment, the war being over. He has served the county two terms as sheriff, being elected the first time in 1871, and serving till 1875. He was elected to the Nineteenth General Assembly as representative from Guthrie county in 1882 on the greenback ticket. He was the first mayor of Bayard, serving in that capacity in 1883. He was married May 10, 1868, to Miss Eliza Jane Garnes, a native of Ohio. Mr. McDonald is master of the Masonic lodge of Bayard.