My Genealogy Hound

LEWIS O. McDONALD. On section 18, township 6, range 7, Randolph County, lies a pleasant, finely tilled and well improved farm, which was the property of our subject. He was born near Preston, this county, May 6, 1857, to Thomas M. and Mary (Thompson) McDonald, also natives of this county, who are still residing here. The primary education of young Lewis was obtained in the common and district schools near his home, but be later supplemented it by an attendance at the school at Carbondale, Ill. Subsequently he gave his undivided attention to the pursuit of agriculture until his death, which sad event occurred December 5, 1892, when the community was deprived of one of its most honored and respected citizens. He was a very successful farmer, one who pursued the most approved methods in the management of his estate of sixty-eight acres.

Miss Jane Jones became the wife of our subject March 21, 1878. Mrs. McDonald was a native of this county and by her marriage bore her husband four children: Clara S. and Charles T., who died at the same time as their beloved father; Lulu B. and William O., who are still living. The good wife and mother passed to the land of rest February 28, 1885, and May 18, 1890, Mr. McDonald was married to Minnie W., daughter of Samuel H. and Mary E. (Wiley) Thompson, also natives of this county. The father is still living in Chester, but the mother died in 1880. To this second union of our subject one child, Clay Hill, was born, who is now living with his mother. She is making her home at Ellis Grove and is a consistent member of the Baptist Church, as was her husband. Mr. McDonald was a leading member of the Farmers’ Alliance at Ellis Grove, and was ever a stanch supporter of the Republican platform.