James N. McDonald

JAMES N. McDONALD, cashier of the Scammon State Bank, and ex-mayor of Scammon, was born in 1859 on his father's farm in Howard County, Missouri, where he grew to manhood. In 1881 he struck out for himself, first entering the office of Keith & Henry, coal operators, now the Central Coal & Coke Company. He stayed with them for nearly 20 years, as assistant in the Rich Hill office for two years, and in charge of the office in Scammon for more than 17 years. Later, he had charge of the Mackie-McDonald Lumber Company, of Scammon. In 1901 the Scammon State Bank was organized, and he was appointed to the cashiership, which position he still holds. The present officers of the bank were its organizers; they are David Mackie, Sr., president, A. H. Slanger, vice-president, and James N. McDonald, cashier.

The subject of this sketch entered the matrimonial state in 1885, marrying in that year Jennie Coman, who was born in Bureau County, Illinois, and is a daughter of James and Joanna (O'Mally) Coman. Mr. Coman came to Cherokee County in 1868, being one of the very early settlers, and this county continued to be his home until his death. His wife's father was also an early settler in Kansas. James N. McDonald and his wife have one child—Mary, born in Scammon.

Mr. McDonald is a son of James Russell McDonald, who was born February 1, 1821, in Howard County, Missouri, and died August 1, 1897, near Rich Hill. His wife was Iantha Hill. She was born in December, 1820, in Howard county, Missouri, and died there in 1878.

James N. McDonald was one of eight children, all born in Howard County. One died in infancy and five are still living, as follows: James N.; Elizabeth; Laura (Mrs. L. N. Dinkle); Thomas A., who married Susan Hollenback; and Edward H., who married Maggie Ewing. The father was a farmer all his life. He was a Democrat in politics, was elected county commissioner at one time, and held various other offices.

Mr. McDonald follows in his father's footsteps as to political matters, and takes an active interest in city, county, State and national politics. He moved to Scammon before the town was laid out, and has been the agent of the town company ever since it was organized. He has served four terms as mayor. So useful a citizen as Mr. McDonald deserves the respect and esteem in which he and his family are held by the entire community.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 6-27-97