McDonald, Michael 1820-1905

DONALD, MCDONALD

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/3/2021 at 17:25:09

Elkader Register, Thur., 18 May 1905. Local News columns. From the North Iowa Times, undated.

Sunday morning about 9 o'clock neighbors saw a light burning in Michael Donald's house, and went in to investigate, and found the old man dead in bed. He seemed in his usual health Saturday. As he lived alone nothing is known of his sickness or dying. He was an eccentric old man about 85 years old and had many good qualities, and was well liked and respected by all. Years ago he was a prosperous citizen of McGregor, with a paying business, but when his children grew to manhood and womanhood they preferred city life, and took the old folks to Minneapolis. After the money was gone, and his wife dead, Mike McDonald wandered back here to be among old friends. He was a faithful Catholic, and his funeral was held in St. Mary's church Tuesday morning.- N.I. Times.

(Note: The name was spelled both ways in the article, as shown.)

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Added by S. Ferrall 6/3/2021:

Died, at McGregor, Iowa, May 7th, 1905, Michael McDonald, aged 85 years.

The deceased was born in County Fermauagh, Ireland in 1820 and came to this country at an early age and settled in New York City, where he resided for a few years, and then moved to Savannah, Georgia from whence he came west, to Illinois, and then coming to McGregor about 50 years ago, where he has resided most of the time since having spent six years in Minneapolis.

The deceased is survived by three daughters who live in Minneapolis, and one son, who lives in Seattle, Washington, his wife having died three years ago in Minneapolis.

The deceased was of a kind and genial disposition, honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellowmen. Many will miss him for his kindnesses and thoughtfulness shown in times of distress. He was especially beloved by the children of the neighborhood who attended the funeral in a body and strew the casket with flowers.

He was an earnest and devoted member of the Catholic church from which the funeral was held on Tuesday morning, Rev. Father O'Donnell officiating, burial in St. Mary's cemetery.

~McGregor News, Wednesday, May 17, 1905