At the age of twelve years he was left
an orphan by the death of his parents,
and then had to struggle against the
slings and arrows of outrageous for
tune, by his own exertion. In the
summer Le worked at farming, and
attended school in winter, until he
reached twenty-one ; when he farmed
on his own hook three years. Find
ing that mode of making a fortune
slow, he changed the occupation and
emigrated west. Since the starting
of the Union Pacific Railroad from
Omaha, westward, he has identified
himself witii its progress in various
ways, and has been successful. At
North Platte he was one of the first
settlers hr the place. From that place
to this he has aided as a contractor, to
build the “ highway of nations ;” and
in other ways helped to make himself
useful. In December last he was ap
pointed by the Legislature of Dakota,
one of the Commissioners of Laramie
county and discharges the duties of
that office with an eye to the interests
of the people, lie was elected a mem
ber of the City Council at the late
charter election in this city, by an
overwhelming vote. McDonald is a
married man, and has his wife with
him.
