Excerpted from Flora McDonald's book, The Glengary McDonalds:
"Harry Peake McDonald, the oldest son of Angus W. and Cornelia (Peake) McDonald, was born in Romney April 14th, 1848, and named for his great uncle, Harry Peake."
Henry "Harry" Peakewas his mother's uncle.
"He enlisted in Company D, 11th Va. Cavalry, April 6th, 1865."
"he entered Washington and Lee University and graduated in the engineering department in 1869. He then went West to Kentucky and was engaged for sometime with Mr. John McLeod in the construction of the Elizabethtown and Paducah R. R., now a part of the Illinois Central. He remained with the railroad until its completion and was made resident engineer. He finally resigned that position and came to Louisville and established himself as an architect, in which business he was eminently successful"
"Among his first achievements in that line was the City Workhouse, under Mayor Jacob's administration. He later formed a partnership with his two brothers, Kenneth and Donald, in the business, and the firm, "McDonald Brothers," constructed some of the most prominent edifices in the city. Among them, the old Southern Exposition building.The Custom House is another building constructed by the same firm."
"When the movement was inaugurated to build a home for the Confederate soldier, he took an active interest,giving much of his time to the work and when the Home was finally achieved, he was the first Secretary of the Board of Trustees. In recognition of his services a memorial tablet has been placed over the door of a room in the hospital, dedicated to his memory."
"A short time before his death, when he was elected as a member of the Legislature"
"One of his colleagues said of him: "He was a brusque but a true man. Absolutely fearless and a useful legislator. No man in Kentucky did more for the Confederate Veteran than he."
"A special from Frankfort to the Courier-Journal at the time of his death, said: "The news of the death of the Hon. Harry P. McDonald in Louisville was received here with profound sorrow."

"The lobby of the Capitol Hotel was filled with members at the time and the deepest gloom was cast over every one, for no member of the General Assembly stood in higher esteem, or was more popular than Mr. McDonald. He was notable for his rugged honesty and the direct and sincere manner with which he invariably treated both men and measures.

"Out of respect to one of the strongest characters in the body, the House will adjourn shortly after it assembles, and after a committee has been appointed to attend the funeral."

On April 14,1875 he married Alice Keats Speed, daughter of Phillip Speed of Louisville. One daughter survived, Fannie Speed McDonald b. Sept.12, 1876.