Biographical & Genealogical History of Appanoose & Monroe Counties, Iowa

New York, Lewis Publishing Co. 1903

Thomas B. McDonald page 342

Among the worth citizens of Monroe county who have come to this locality form Indiana is Thomas Benton McDonald, who was born in Liberty, Union county, in the Hoosier state, December 6, 1846. He comes of Irish lineage, his father, Bernard McDonald, having been born in county Carlow, Ireland, whence he crossed the Atlantic to America. The paternal grandfather was Edwin Lawrence McDonald, M.D., who on reaching years of maturity wedded a Miss Camel and among their children was a son to whom they gave the name Bernard. The latter was a sailor in early life, following the sea for some years.

Taking up his abode in this country, he wedded Elizabeth Heavenridge, a native of Virginia, and in 1840 he retried from the sea in order that he might devote his energies to farming, which occupation he followed until 1888, when he put aside business cares entirely. He was born in 1808, took up his abode in this country in 1840 and is now living a retired life in Fairmount, Indiana, at the very advanced age of ninety-five years. His wife passed away in 1865. The children of their family were: Thomas B.; Emeline, deceased; Edwin; Lawrence, who has also passed away; John, Frank, Elizabeth and Jemima.

Thomas B. McDonald spent his early days in Indiana and attended the public schools there. When he became a young man he began learning the trade of a spinner and after a year spent in that way he secured employment with a millwright. In 1867 he began railroading on the Pan Handle system, first acting as a brakeman, while later he was promoted to the position of conductor. When he had been with the Pan Handle road for a year he left Indiana and removed to Nebraska, where he secured a position as conductor on the Midland & Pacific Railroad, running between Nebraska City and Lincoln. In 1871 he began work on the Burlington as conductor and continued in that capacity until 1879, when he retired altogether from railroad work.

He then came to Lovilia, Iowa, and with the capital he had acquired through his own labors and economy began merchandising. He is today the leading merchant of the town and his efforts have been largely instrumental in the upbuilding and improvement of this place. He carries a large and well selected line of general goods, and because of his correct business policy and earnest desire to please his customers is accorded a liberal patronage. On the 10^th of December, 1890, he established a private bank, which is known as the Lovilia Exchange and which has become a leading financial institution in this part of the county. Its present officers are T.B. McDonald, president; O. L. Wright, vice president; and Jerry Wilcox, cashier.

On the 25^th of January, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. McDonald and Mrs. Sarah J. Wilcox, a widow, and a daughter of Joseph Patterson. Her parents were residents of Baltimore, Maryland. Mrs. McDonald is an estimable lady, holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Lovilia and her friends in the community are many. Mr. McDonald, however, is an adherent of the Episcopalian faith, and fraternally is connected with the Masonic order, belonging to Lodge No. 269, F. & A.M., Clinton Chapter No. 16, R.A.M., and the Malta Commandery, K.T. He is an exemplary member of the craft, true to its beneficent teachings.

Mr. McDonald started out upon his business career without capital, and the success that he has achieved is entirely due to his own efforts. He may well be termed a self-made man, for he has placed his dependence upon his own industry, unremitting diligence and perseverance and these have proved the foundation upon which he has built the superstructure of his prosperity.

~~~~~~