George McDaid 1851 - 1904

MCDAID, DIXON

Posted By: Michael J. Kearney (email)
Date: 2/6/2008 at 10:34:06

The Clinton Daily Herald Thursday July 14, 1904 p. 8 All Clinton was shocked this morning to learn of the death of Hon. George D. McDaid, which occurred at his residence on Fifth avenue at 10:40 last night. Mr. McDaid had been ill for several months with an affection of the heart, but few were aware of the nature of his illness and the news of his demise comes as a surprise and sorrow to all. The end came suddenly and he passed peacefully away. George D. McDaid was one of Clinton's most prominent men. During his thirty-two years' residence here he had consistantly exercised his ability and business sagacity for the good of the city. Always a close student of public affairs, he took great pride in Clinton and both as a citizen and public official had labored untiringly for the city's advancement. Mr. McDaid was a native of New York, wher ehe was born on August 8, 1851, in St. Lawrence county, near Alexandria's bay, in the Thousand Islands. His father lost his life in the war of the rebellion and when sixteen years of age, Mr. McDaid came west, locating in Oregon, Illinois. In 1870 he came to Iowa and two years later took up his residence in Clinton, which has since been his home. In 1873 he became associated with the wholesale drug house of Olney & McMahon, which was succeeded in 1881 by the firm of Olney & McDaid and Mr. McDaid continued as a member of this firm up to the time of his death. There are a few men in every community who take at all times a deep interest in the advancement of their city and Mr. McDaid was one of these. No man in Clinton gave more of his time toward the city's betterment. It was in recognition of this trait and his ability as a business man that his mane was brought forward for the office of mayor on the Republican ticket in 1898. He was elected and his administration was one of the most successful in the city's history. In 1900 he was re-elected by the largest majority ever given a candidate for mayor in Clinton. During his incumbancy of the office of mayor his ability was a financier was manifested and he was rewarded by having his administration characterized as "a business administration." Since his return to private life Mr.McDaid had been still active in promoting the development of Clinton and was a potent factor in many large improvements. He was prominent in the organization of the new interurban railway company, in which he held the office of president, and was active in several other large interests. Mr. McDaid is survived by his wife; and one brother and sister - Guilford and Frances McDaid of Oregon, Ill. The funeral arrangements will be announced later. In the death of Mr. McDaid, Clinton suffers a loss that will be deeply felt by all. No man was more devoted to the city or gave more of his time and ability in furthering its interests. A devoted husband, a loyal citizen and a man among men, George McDaid's life will long leave its impression on the community which mourns his death.

The Clinton Daily Herald Thursday July 14, 1904 p. 4 In the death of George D. McDaid the people of Clinton mourn the loss of one of our most prominent citizens, a man who has been closely identified with the business, social and political affairs of Clinton for the past number of years, a man honored and respected and personally known to a large number of the residents of this city. George D. McDaid was a typical example of the self made man and his life and his achievements should be an inspiration to boys and young men, especially those whose surroundings are such that upon them rests the responsibility of a successful career. When George D. McDaid arrived at the age when young men generally begin to plan for the future, like thousands of others, his only assets were a determination to succeed, ambition and a sterling character. Thus equipped he began the battle of life. Handicapped by poor health, he mounted a pony, bade farewell to parents and friends in Oregon, Ill., and started overland on a trip to the northwestern part of this state, where he arrived weeks later, much improved in health. He took up a homestead, built a sod house and became a land holder. Previous to this he had been employed on a farm and received his first business training in the buying and selling of life stock. The next few years were spent by Mr. McDaid in various pursuits. It was in 1872 that he came to Clinton. A year later he entered the employ of Olney & McMahon as a drug clerk and he proved himself to be such a valuable employee that a few years later he was invited to become a member of the firm, which was incorporated under the name of Olney & McDaid, and continued as active member of this corporation until failing health a few months ago compelled him to abandon his desk. Mr. McDaid was prominently identified with other financial interests of the city and when a new era seemed to be dawning upon Clinton was among the first to see the changed condition. Not only did he invest his own capital in new enterprises, but induced others to assist him in the upbuilding of Clinton, whose future prosperity was never doubted for a moment by him. As mayor of Clinton, George McDaid rendered such valuable assistance in the city and to his fellow townsmen that his name will go down in history as one of the best chief executives in the history of the city. In 1898, when the city's finances were at a low ebb, when city warrants were worth about 15 cents on the dollar, and when the city's indebtedness was a menace to its future prosperity, George McDaid was nominated by the republicans for mayor. Not because he was a politician, but because he was known as a shrewd business man, a man who was loyal to the city and to its interests. He was elected by a large majority and two years later was reelected by a still greater majority, which was absolute proof of the success of his administration. During his two terms in office he reduced the city indebtedness $80,000, placed the city upon a sound financial basis and started it on the highway to prosperity. The people of Clinton will be given but one more opportunity to honor the memory of their fellow townsman before his body shall have been consigned to earth, that of following the remains to their final resting place in Springdale cemetery. During the hours of the funeral all business should be suspended so far as possible and the city of Clinton, now in mourning on account of the death of so distinguished a citizen, should bow its head in a token of respect to the memory of Geo. McDaid.