Archibald McDonald 1844-1809

MCDONALD, REHKOPF, DUNN, JOHNSON, CHRISTY, MEEK, BROWN, RAU, WHITELEY

Posted By: Karen Bergquist Uhr, volunteer
Date: 10/31/2012 at 11:31:21

Death of Honored C;itizen

A. McDonald Passed Away Suddenly at Bonaparte Mon. Night

Bonaparte, Ia, Dec. 7, 1809--Bonaparte people were shocked Tuesday morning when the word was passed from one to another that Archibald McDonald had died the previous night. He was taken ill Sunday morning about 10 o'clock with a severe attack of heart failure, but with a physician's help recovered throughout the day. Monday morning as usual, we went to the Boston store, of which place he has been manager the past two years, and seemed well as ever. He retired at his usual hour Monday night in the best of spirits, but shortly called to his wife. She hastened to him, helped him down stairs, made his as comfortable as possible and awaited the physician who arrived quickly, but death had occurred when he came. Mr. McDonald realized death was near and spoke comforting words to his wife, and the end was most peaceful.

Archibald McDonald, the oldest son of Charles and Martha McDonald was born in Ft. Madison, Lee county, Ia., Dec. 1, 1844. In 1848 the family moved to a farm in Harrisburg township, this county. He was raised on the farm and attended the schools of the rural districts, until, when he was older he was sent by his parents to the Howe School at Mt. Pleasant and at Oskaloosa. He later began teaching in the common schools of Van Buren county, but after teaching a number of years here he went to California and taught while there. He later returned to Iowa and taught in the graded schools of Bonaparte, Bentonsport and Vernon. In 1873 he was elected superintendent of the Van Buren county schools, and served two years.

Nov. 10, 1874, he was married to Miss Mary Rehkopf at Baraboo, Wis. and to this union was born one daughter, now Mrs. Madeline Dunn, of Liberty, Mo. Sept. 25 1876, his wife died at Bentonsport, Iowa. During a part of the year 1877 he spent the time in Texas, and in 1878,he went to Colorado and taught in that state two years. He returned to Iowa in the spring of 1881.

On Dec. 7 of that year he bought out the interest of Wm. J. Johnson of the well known firm of Christy & Johnson, merchants of Bonaparte. Then the firm became Christy & McDonald, and remained such until the death of Thos. Christy, which occurred July 11, 1887. The business was continued under the firm name until Feb. 1, 1888, when R. E. Meek purchased the interest of the estate of Mr. Christy and the firm name became McDonald and Meek, and remainded such until the election of the junior partner to the office of County Treasurer, three years ago. The business was then closed out and Mr. McDonald engaged himself with the Whiteley firm. Two years ago he assumed management of the Boston store and closed his work in the line of merchandising exactly 28 years after entering it.

He was married the second time to Miss Cora L. Brown of Bentonsport,
Feb. 9, 1882. To them were born three children, Brown Archibald, Gertrude Alster and Martha E. who died in infancy.

He belonged to a family of 10 children, 6 sisters and 3 brothers. Those who have gone to that undiscovered country from which no traveller ever returns are four sisters and one brother. The father died July 8, 1876, aged 65 years. The other died Nov. 19, 1899, aged 82 years.

Mr. McDonald is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters, and two grandsons, two sisters, Miss Mattie McDonald and Mrs. Chas. Rau of Mason City, two brothers Chas. W. of Council Bluffs and Robert E. of Harrisburg township.

He became a member of Bonaparte Lodge. No. 72 A.F.& A.M. Sept. 1, 1871, and has served the lodge in all stations from Junior Deacon to Master. He joined La Fayette Chapter, No. 61, Royal Arch Masons, Feb. 29, 1872, and served as Secretary a number of years. Feb 20, 1877 he became a member of El Chanan Commandery, No. 28, Knights Templars, of Keosauqua, and in Feb. 1899, he became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church.

Source: newspaper unknown
Margaret Johnson Meek Scrapbook