Archibald McDonald

MCDONALD, REHKOPH, BROWN

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/5/2001 at 22:17:19

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
ARCHIBALD MC DONALD
Archibald McDonald, of the firm of McDonald and Meek, was born in Ft Madison on December 1, 1844. When a babe of three years, he was brought to Van Buren County, where he has since made his home. In his youth he was liberally educated, and throughout his life has manifested an interest in the cause of education, and done not a little for the school of this community. His primary training was supplemented by a course in Howe’s Academy, of Mt Pleasant and for a time he further continued his studies in Oskaloosa College. When his school life was ended he took up the profession of teaching as his life work. For three terms he taught in the district school, and then accepted a call as teacher in the public schools of Bonaparte, where he remained two years. He was then employed three years at Vernon, after which, about the year 1867, he took a trip to California, where he followed his profession during the winter at Salmon Falls. After a year spent on the Pacific Slope, he returned to his home in Van Buren County, and again took charge of the Bonaparte schools. His efforts as a teacher have been attended with marked success, he having given entire satisfaction whenever employed. In 1874 he was elected County Superintendent of Schools, of Van Buren County, and would have again been nominated had he not refused to accept a nomination. His official term having expired, in 1878 he went to Colorado, where he spent two seasons, also engaged in teaching. On his return to Bonaparte, Mr. McDonald was employed as a salesman until 1881 when he purchased the interest of Mr. Johnson in the mercantile business, the firm name being changed from Christie & Johnson to Christie and McDonald. They carried on business together for some time, the connection being dissolved only at the death of Mr. Christie, when Robert E. Meek succeeded to the business as a partner of our subject. They now carry on operations under the firm name of McDonald and Meek, and theirs is one of the leading business industries of Bonaparte.
Mrs. McDonald was, prior to her marriage, Miss Mary L. Rehkoph. This lady was born in Bentonsport Iowa, but their marriage was celebrated in Wisconsin. One daughter was born of their union—Mary M. After eighteen months of happy wedded life the young wife and mother was called to her final rest. For his present wife Mr. McDonald chose Miss Cora L. Brown, daughter of N.G. and Letitia Brown of Bentonsport. Two children have been born unto them, a son and daughter—Brown Archibald and Gertrude. C.
Mr. McDonald takes considerable interest in civic societies, and is a prominent Mason, belonging to Bonaparte Lodge, No. 73, A.F. & A.M.; LaFayette Chapter No. 61, R.A.M., and Commandery No. 28, K.T. He was Master of the lodge and Treasurer and Secretary of the chapter, and represented the local organization in the Grand Lodge. The business abilities of Mr. McDonald are such as to win him success, and he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of the community.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.