McDAID, George D.

MCDAID, DAKE, DIXON

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Date: 4/4/2003 at 16:24:11

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

HON. GEORGE D. McDAID.

This is a utilitarian age when the value of practical ideas is recognized not only as a potent factor in business affairs but in political circles as well, and thus men of well known business and executive force are chosen for public office. Filling the responsible position of mayor of Clinton is the Hon. George D. McDaid—a gentleman well known for reliability in commercial circles. Energetic, prompt and notable progressive, as the chief executive of Clinton he is so controlling the affairs of the city as to promote progress, reform and improvement along many lines.

Mr. McDaid is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred on the 8th of August, 1853, in St. Lawrence county, New York, near Alexandria’s bay, in the Thousand Islands. His parents were James and Syrena (Dake) McDaid. The family is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The father of our subject was born in the southern part of Scotland and when about twenty years of age crossed the Atlantic to the state of New York, where he remained until 1862, when he offered his services to his adopted country to aid in the suppression of the rebellion in the south. He became a member of the One Hundred and Forty-second New York Infantry and was killed in the battle of Island No. 10, in the Mississippi river. His wife was a native of Canada, and at her husband’s death was left with the care of seven children.

George McDaid, the fifth in order of birth, came to the Mississippi valley in 1867, locating at Oregon, Ogle county, Illinois, and a year later was joined by his mother and her family, who established a homestead in Oregon, where the mother died in 1889. The property is still in the possession of the family. In the common schools of New York, George McDaid began his education which was continued in the schools of Oregon, but at an early age he began to earn his own living, working first as a farm hand and later entering the employ of a farmer and stock-raiser, buying hogs and cattle for George W. Hill, of Oregon, and driving them fifteen or twenty miles to the railroad for shipment. This was his first experience in business life. In 1870, on account of failing health, he purchased a pony and rode across the country to northwestern Iowa, camping out along the way. In that section of the state he entered a section of land in his own and his brother’s name, embracing the present site of the town of Sutherland. He hired a man to improve the land, built a house on each quarter section of the land and thus fulfilled the legal requirements for obtaining the title. On arising in the morning he would often see great herds of deer and elk on his land. After remaining for a time on his claim he went to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he remained until the spring of 1871, when he secured employment with George J. Bander, of Clinton, who was selling lightning rods.

In the spring of 1872 Mr. McDaid came to this city with his wagon and entered the employ of Thomas G. Ferreby, who was engaged in the hardware business, and was also employed by George G. Bender, who was in the crockery business. In the spring of 1873 he became connected with the firm of Olney & McMahon, druggists, first in the capacity as a clerk in the store and afterward going upon the road as a traveling salesman. Subsequently he acquired an interest in the business as a member of the firm of Olney & McDaid, the relationship being formed in 1881 and continuing until 1891 when the business was incorporated under the same name with A. R. Olney as president and treasurer; G. D. McDaid, vice-president and general manager; W. B. Holmes, assistant treasurer; F. J. Junkermann, secretary; and B. F. Moffett, superintendent. There is a paid up capital stock of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The year after the incorporation the company erected a fine building, with pressed brick front. The dimensions of the structure are fifty by one hundred and twenty feet, and there are three floors and a basement. There is also a warehouse across the alley and the company utilizes the entire space in the conduct of its extensive, growing and profitable business. The building was especially planned for the purpose after an experience of thirty years in the drug trade, and is most complete in all details. The patronage is large and is constantly increasing and the customers who once gave them their trade remain as their constant patrons, a fact which indicates in unmistakable manner the reliability of the house in its dealings and on the quality of goods carried. They employ six traveling salesmen and at least two thirds of their business is through mail orders.

In his political views Mr. McDaid is a stalwart Republican, but has never been an aspirant for political honors nor was he ever active in politics, aside from exercising his right of franchise, until his name was brought forward in the spring of 1898 in connection with the candidacy for mayor. The city was in debt and could not get along on its income. The citizens felt that they wanted a business man at the head of affairs,--one who could successfully conduct the business interests of the municipality, and Mr. McDaid was elected by a majority of six hundred although Clinton is an acknowledged Democratic stronghold. That his administration was highly satisfactory is indicated by the statement that in 1900, when he was again the Republican candidate he was elected by a majority of sixteen hundred, receiving three-fourths of the votes cast. During the first three years of his administration city warrants which had sold as low as seventy-five and eighty cents, were brought up to par. The affairs of the town were conducted so as not to exceed the income, and in the first three years an indebtedness of sixty thousand dollars was discharged, in addition to making a great many permanent improvements. Clinton has every reason for congratulation that a man of Mr. McDaid’s business ability and patriotism stands at the head of its affairs. For one year he was chairman of the Republican county central committee.

On the 28th of January, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McDaid and Miss Jennie Dixon, a daughter of J. E. Dixon, of Clinton. The lady is a member of the Episcopal church and Mr. McDaid attends its services and contributes to its support. They have a beautiful residence at the corner of Fifth avenue and Fourth street. Such in brief is the history of one who has not only been the architect of his own fortunes, building wisely and well, but has also exercised a strong and beneficial interest in public life for the assistance of his fellow men and governmental affairs. Starting out in life for himself as a farm hand, working his way steadily upward, overcoming obstacles by determined and honorable effort, guiding and controlling business interests with a firm hand and clear head, improving opportunities and making careful investments, he to-day stands among the most successful and prominent business men in this portion of Iowa. As a public official his record is above reproach. He has been true to the best interests of Clinton, has carefully considered the possibilities for improvement and his labors have redounded to the benefit of the municipality whose welfare is now entrusted to his keeping.