James McDonald, one of the pioneers of Volga Township, is a native of Scotland, born in Dumfrieshire on Dec. 25, 1793, and was a son of Allen and Mary (Goorley) McDonald, who were of Scottish birth, and now deceased. He was reared on the farm in his native shire and then received a practical education. He was married in 1821 to Jeannette Hunter, who was born in Dumfrieshire in September, 1802. Of twelve children born of this union, ten are living-- John, Allen, Robert, James, Irwin, George, Alexander, Jane, Julia and Jeannette. Of the number seven are married. Mary and Ann are deceased. In the spring of 1859 Mr. McDonald emigrated to America with his family, and located in Clayton County on May 10 of that year. He purchased a farm in Volga Township upon which he now resides, and manages with the assistance of his sons-- Irwin and James. He is now in his eighty-ninth year, and is still hale and hearty, having always enjoyed excellent health. His wife although quite aged performs her household duties without any assistance. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1124 |