Biographical Sketch of Dr. Silas McDonald, St. Joseph, Buchanan 
County, MO

>From "History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881, St. Joseph
Steam Printing Company, Printers, Binders, Etc., St. Joseph, Missouri.
**********************************************************************

Dr. Silas McDonald.  Buchanan County, was fortunate in having among
its early settlers men of solid worth.  They contributed to the ex-
cellent reputation of the county of which it has ever had just cause
to be proud.  Of this number no one has contributed larger share than
Dr. McDonald.  He was born in Washington County, Kentucky, April 18,
1812, and was there raised.  After making choice of the practice of
medicine as a profession, he attended his first course of lectures at
Transylvania University, in 1834, and his second course was at the
Cincinnati Medical College, in 1837.  In 1836, he came to Missouri,
and settled in Howard County, and in 1837 made a prospecting tour of
Texas, but not liking the country, he returned, and made his home in
this county.  In January, 1838, he pre-empted a claim, and at the
same time engaged in the active duties of his profession.  He was the
first physician to settle in what is now known as Buchanan County. Dr.
McDonald is a man of acknowledged ability as a physician, and his ser-
vices as such are recognized by a host of appreciatory friends.  His
kind and sympathetic nature made him a welcome visitor in the room,
and when in active practice, his calls were numerous and remote.  He
is well known throughout the county, and the respect shown him is as
wide as his acquaintance.  He has ridden hundreds of miles to admin-
ister to the necessities of the poor, at all seasons of the year, 
without any expectation of compensation.  Day and night he answered
calls, regardless of the pecuniary circumstances of the summoner.  As
a man he is a genial companion, positive in his character, and warm 
hearted as a friend.  Ten years ago he retired from active practice.
Having acquired a competency, his time has been occupied with financial
matters.  He married Miss Sarah Donnell, October 30, 1839.  She was 
born in North Carolina.  She is a lady of refined taste and domestic
habits, whose life has been devoted to making home happy and attractive.
Their family consists of seven children: Martha, now Mrs. France;
Daniel, a banker at Forest City; John T.; Hettie, now Mrs. Dr. Lindsay;
William F., also a banker at Forest City; Silas, cashier State Savings
Bank; and Alexander, in college.

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