Donald McKenzie was, in years gone by, a prominent pioneer of Woodbine Township, has had much to do with its government in an official capacity, and is now numbered among its most substantial, trusty, and well-to-do citizens. He has been interested in its agriculture for nearly 40 years, and his fine farm on section 27, with its valuable deposits of lead ore, that within that timehe has evolved from the wild prairies, is classed among the best farms in the township.
Our subject was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, June 18, 1819 to John and Catherine (McLean) McKenzie, likewise natives of that country. They had five children besides our subject; John, Alexander, ARchibald, and two who died in childhood. The family emigrated to this country in 1836, and settled in Govanstown, four miles from Baltimore MD where the parents and John died. Alexander went to California in 1850, subsequently returned and in 1853 died on the plains while making his second trip to the Pacific Coast. Archibald died in St. Louis MO.
Donald went to St. Louis in 1840, and came from there here in 1844. In 1850 he went to CA driving a team of horses all the way. He was engaged in mining for gold for 18 months, but tiring of the wild, rough life of the mining camps, in the spring of 1852 he returned to this part of the country, and purchasing his present farm, has been an honored resident of Jo Davies County ever since. When he first came back he worked in the lead mines of Elizabeth for awhile, but soon began to improve his land, and the 142 acres comprising his homestead are in a find condition and are provided with neat and tasty farm buildings, and all the appliances for tilling the soil. He has some fine herds of stock, paying much attention to rearing cattle, hogs andhorses.
December 24, 1849, Mr. McKenzie married Catherine, daughter of John Williams. After ahappy wedded life of seven years she passed to the life beyond, April 29, 1857. The second marriage occurred April 1, 1858 to Mrs. Sarah Madge, wido of James Madge and a daughter of Mathew Atchison. She was born in Mercer Co. PA and came to this county in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie had four children; Sarah C. who died in her 19th year, John C., Mary G and William L.
Mr. McKenzie inherited to a large extent the forethought, competence and industrious habits so characteristic of his Scotch ancestry, and they have been important factors in raising him to the honorable position he has so lon occupied among his fellow-townsmen, who see in him a man whose upright course through a lon and busy life, and whose uncompromising virtue, entitle him to the highest respect and consideration,which they gladly yield to him. He never sought official honors, but they have sought him and he has been an incumbent of various responsible offices, and has been Supervisor of the twp. many times, amounting in all to 20 years of service int hat capacity. He and his good wife, who shares with him the esteem in which he is held, are valued members of the Presbyterian Church and they are strong in the faith.
Portraits & Biograhpical Jo Daviess Co 1889
