Representative Michael McDonald View All Years

HON. MICHAEL MCDONALD

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee to propose suitable resolutions to commemorate the life and services of the late M. McDonald, a former member of the Iowa legislature, beg leave to report as follows:

Michael McDonald, the son of Patrick and Anna McDonald, was born in Mayo county, Ireland, July 20, 1845, and died in New Orleans, June 12, 1926. He was brought by his parents to Pennsylvania, where he remained until he was eleven years of age. In 1856 he came with his parents to Des Moines where they remained a short time. They journeyed on in a covered wagon drawn by an ox team to Highland township, Guthrie county. Their first home was a log cabin near Coon Rapids. Michael grew to young manhood during the pioneer days of Guthrie county.

In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry. The regiment was engaged at Helena, Arkansas Post, Terenoir and Spanish Fort. It was one of the bravest and best disciplined regiments in the Union Army. He was mustered out at New Orleans, August 15, 1865.

Mr. McDonald was married May 10, 1868, to Miss Eliza Jane Garnes, a native of Ohio, who died in August, 1909. Ten children came to bless this home, three of whom are now deceased, Agnes, Blanche and Anna Grace. Surviving the father are three daughters, Mrs. L. H. Gunderman and Mrs. Victor Pasera, both of New Orleans; Mrs. William Horton of Bayard, and four sons, Edward S., William P., and Charles P., all of Bayard, and Robert Emmett of Yale, South Dakota.

He was a very successful farmer, at one time operating twenty-five hundred acres of land. Although always a very busy man, he was very active in public life. He served two terms as sheriff of Guthrie county, two terms in the Iowa legislature (1880 and 1896), was a member of the Iowa State Fair Board for fifteen years, and commander of the G. A. R. of Iowa for one term. He also served as mayor of Bayard.

One of the greatest delights in Mr. McDonald’s life was his membership in the local Masonic lodge.

Following his retirement from active farming he engaged in the grain business, and also banking. He organized the Bayard Savings Bank and for many years was its president. Mr. McDonald was always looked upon as a leader in all public meetings. He was always on the square with everyone, and his word, once given, was most sacred. He was always ready to help any worthy person in time of need, and many young and middle aged people of the community secured their start in life only through his aid and assistance. He did not wait to be asked, but volunteered help to many a poor boy.

Following his marriage to Mrs. Jennie Jewett in 1912, he resided a short time at Biloxi, Mississippi. He later made his home with his daughter, Mrs. May Gunderman, in New Orleans. His last wish that he be laid to rest in Chalmette National Cemetery was complied with on June 14, 1926. The burial service was conducted by his beloved Masonic order.

In view of the splendid services of the Hon. M. McDonald to our state,

Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Forty-third General Assembly, That we take this opportunity to express our appreciation of the character and public services of the deceased member.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the Journal of this House and that the Chief Clerk be instructed to send an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

GEO. M. HOPKINS,

C. W. LAMB,

R. M. BUCHMILLER,

Committee.

Unanimously adopted April 8, 1929.