Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1917-05-02

ton in the veins of his descendants.
and particularly so in many of the
characteristics of his son and name
sake, the subject of this sketch The
mother, Belmince Byers Mcdonald,
who at the age of nearly ninety sur
wives Thomas, was of German ances-
try, thus supplying those distinct
traits of the initiative so markedly de-
veloped in her son.
Thomas was born in the South
town OF Lancaster on the oath day of
February, 1866, and died at the ST.
Mary's hospital in Madison. on Satur
day, April 18th, 1917 He was united
IN marriage to Iona Steward on the
list day of October, 1896. His widow.
mother and brother, John, are the
only surviving relatives in Grant
county
Inc funeral services were held at
the residence on Pine street. Wednes
DAY, April Is, and the body was de-
posted in Hillside cemetery. Revs
campbell and Weyhrauch officiating.
assisted by the local lodge, of Wood
men.
Rev. Weyhrauch spoke most feeling
lyot the great loss to the community.
ne regretted the sad fact that unjust
personal, criticism had been INDUCED
III by those opposed to the one great
OBJECT that was so dear to the deceas-
ed. With burning words he spoke of
Inc cruelty OF this Injustice. With
warm communication he pictured the
hlgh motive and self-sacrifce. This
tribute was full of pathetic Justice
ana must have found response in ev-
cry listening ear.
More than five years ago Thomas
Mcdonald began the one great nm
dertaklng OF his life. While he had
long been active in public affairs
mad twice been elected to the state
assembly-and in many WAYS had
been prominent in private and nuhlio
undertakings, yet the great ambition
OF MS life was to promote and have
quilt railroad through the heart of,
Grant county, connecting it with the
outside world. To the project he gave
the rlpest years of his life. Upon it's
realization he staked all-health. mon
ey, comfort, reputation and life it.
sel1-and then laid down the burden
at the very threshold of successful
contamination.
Like Moses, he stood on the heights
and viewed the land of Caanan but
was not permitted to cross over.
Fate was cruel; collected the full
toll and closed the gate Weary and
nearly discouraged, almost over
Whelmed with vicious personal
SANDER; perplexed and worn out in
spirit and body, with indomitabie
courage and unf1inching faith in the
Nightmares Of his work he trudged
along the way he had marked out. sac
rlflcing everything except honor and
his wonderful love for his home. COW
cred with the CRIME of the road and
the VenOmOus censure of thoughtless
critics, he never failed in his gentle
mlnlstrat1pns to wife and mother.
Sturdy in frame and method, his home
life was always an inspiration Of love
and gentle patience.
II ever a man inundated himself
on an altar Of unselfish public I'M
dertaking, that man was Thomas Nc
Donald. SO earnest and anxious was
he that health was neglected until too
late. Frequently urged by family,
physician and friends, he refused to
spare the time from his work to take
necessary precautions that doubtless
would have prolonged his life.
And so he died, but, gathered around
the casket, his friends and associates
pledged themselves to round out his
last great ambition And when this
work is done the name of "Tom" Me
Donald will be on the lips of ten
thousand admiring friends and his
memory blessed by generations who
shall never know or speak the name
OF others less unselfish
And with such is the road Of human
progress marked, and so shall his
success finally be achieved
A. r. BURKDOLL.
Some husbands would do most any
thing to render their wives unsnaalx