John MCDONALD, Sr.

MCDONALD, CORCORAN, TOMLINSON, WINTERS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/11/2015 at 14:35:40

September 1, 1855 --- December 12, 1923

John McDonald, Sr. was born Sept. 1, 1855, in Syracuse, New York. When he was but a mere lad he left New York and went into the great southwest, where he traveled in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. For years he was a member of the U.S. cavalry. His next move was to the northwest, where he entered the employ of the C. & N. W. R. R. Co. He helped to build the grade between Webster City and Eagle Grove, Iowa.

In 1880 he was united in marriage to Anna Corcoran. No children were born to them but they adopted a son, John McDonald of Eagle Grove. Mrs. McDonald died three years ago. On Nov. 11, 1881, he joined the motive power department of the C. & N. W. R. R. Co. as a fireman. He was promoted to the position of engineer on March 24, 1884. At the time of his death he held No. 1 on the seniority list and would have been pensioned in two years more. On the morning of Dec. 12th he went to his work as usual and mounted to the seat in the cab of his engine. He was given the signal to back his engine out, but he did not respond, for The General Superintendent of Life’s road had ordered his soul to appear before him. The head was bowed in submission to the command and the hand which had controlled his engine so long lay lifeless by his side. At the time of his departure he was 68 years, 3 months and 11days old.

Mr. McDonald was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He was not often seen in society, but was a man of strong likes and dislikes. He had his close friends who admired him greatly. He was generous to a fault. He seemed to have been thinking of his departure, for only within the week he had spoken to his son about what he wanted done when he should take his departure.

He leaves to mourn their loss, two sisters, Mrs. M. F. Tomlinson and Mrs. Katy Winters, both of Long Beach, Calif., and his son, John McDonald Jr., of Eagle Grove. Services were held in the Methodist church and the sermon was preached by Rev. W. G. Muhleman. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE - Eagle Grove, Iowa
December 20, 1923

Source: Paul Wilde