History of Kern County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present
By Wallace M. Morgan
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914
Pages 1332 - 1333
Dan McDonald - The birth of Mr. McDonald occurred in Boston, Mass., January 1, 1870, and he received a public-school education in his native city. During 1893 he became an employee in the shipyards at Newport News, Va., and later he drifted to the Southwest to identify himself with the vast region that was drawing on the east for men of energy and intelligence. For nearly a year, he rode the range in Oklahoma and Indian Territory for different cattle outfits. After leaving there he drifted into Montana and followed the same occupation with John Murphy on the Seventy-Nine Horse Ranch near Billings, but resigned at the time of the discovery of gold in the Klondike, intending to accompany an expedition to Nome. However, he had gone no further than Seattle, when he was taken seriously ill with pneumonia. When finally he had recovered his health he went to Butte, Mont., and engaged in mining. Next he engaged in mining at Brigham, Utah, and from that point proceeded to San Juan, Colo.; thence to Bland, N. Mex., from which place he went to Jerome and Bisbee, Arizona.
Employment in Los Angeles filled the years between 1898 and 1902. During April of the year last named Mr. McDonald came to Mojave, where ever since he has made his home. For six years he followed mining with the Exposed Treasury Company and the Queen Esther Company, after which he embarked in the liquor business, becoming proprietor of the Los Angeles House, since which time he has built an annex to the house. in addition he has erected a cottage in the same block, which he used in connection with the hotel. In Los Angeles he married Miss Lillie E. Taylor, a native of England. by the union he is the father of four children, Lillie, Mabel and Mary, twins, and Joseph. In politics he always has been stanch (sic) in his allegiance to the Democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with Bakersfield Lodge No. 473, L.O.O.M., and also with the Los Angeles Aerie No. 202, F.O.E.
Arrived in Mojave in April 1906. He and his wife Elizabeth (Taylor) McDonald (or Ma McDonald) owned the L.A. Rooms rooming house and also operated the Santa Fe Cafe. Prior to settling in Mojave he followed mining with the Exposed Treasury Company and the Queen Esther Company. He was killed in an automobile accident.
BY DAVID DESMOND
SPECIAL TO THE DESERT NEWS
MOJAVE — 28-year-old Eliza Taylor arrived in Mojave in 1906. She had traveled a long way. Miss Taylor was a native of Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. Her aunt, Sarah Faulkner, had invited Eliza to come to Mojave and stay with her. When Eliza reached Mojave, her aunt had passed away. Sarah Faulkner owned and operated a hotel, the Los Angeles Rooming House, and had willed it to Eliza.
The Los Angeles Rooming House had been built around 1900 and was situated on the north side of Inyo St. between Inyo and J Street, today's Sierra Highway.
Soon after settling in Mojave, Eliza met Dan McDonald, a miner at the Exposed Treasure Mine and a Boston native, and they were married in 1907.
Business booming
Mrs. McDonald ran the hotel and by 1910 Dan McDonald had entered the saloon business. Business was booming for the McDonald family with the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in full swing. Between 1908 and 1920, Dan and Eliza McDonald had six children. One of the children, Ethelbert, would die in infancy.
Prohibition would close saloons throughout America. Dan McDonald became the last saloonkeeper in Mojave to close on orders of the County Board of Supervisors in 1919. He passed away four years later in 1923. Eliza McDonald would continue to persevere, running the rooming house and adding a restaurant, as well as raising five children.
In the ensuing years she would become affectionately known as "Ma" McDonald to the people of the Mojave Desert. Eliza "Ma" McDonald passed away in 1967. Two of the McDonald siblings; Joe and Lillie Stradal, would stay in Mojave their entire lives.
I spent a lot of time interviewing Lillie. who was a walking encyclopedia of Mojave Desert history. Any business involving Lillie would have to come secondary to her "Dodger" baseball games.
War hero
Donald McDonald, the last surviving of the children of Dan and "Ma" McDonald, is also one of the Mojave Desert's greatest war heroes. Don was drafted into the Army in 1941. He was given an opportunity to join the Army Air Corps and eventually became the co-pilot of a B-17, the "Winsome Winn."
On his eighth mission, he was shot down over Germany in January, 1944. He was captured by the Germans and spent the rest of World War II as a prisoner of war. Don now lives in Holly Hill, Florida.
He recalls returning to Mojave after World War II. "I was met at the train depot by my mother and my brother Joe. I was the only Army man in town allowed to wear my uniform."
When I asked Don if this was related to his P.O.W. status during the war, he stated, "no, it was because of my mother. The Marines in town were told to lay-off "Ma" McDonald's boy." Evidently "Ma" McDonald had endeared herself to the Marines at Mojave's Base as well as the townspeople.
At 85 years old, Donald McDonald doubts he can make it back to Mojave. "Say hello to my friends in Mojave, especially Roger White," he asked.
For those who would like to read a more detailed accounting of Don McDonald's service in W.W. II, I suggest - "We Remember" by Dayle DeBry of Palmdale at 661.943.2970. If you like mining history of the Mojave Desert, a good reference is J. Bart Parker, proprietor of the Powder Room Antique store in Randsburg.
1910 United States Federal Census Record
about Daniel Mcdonald
Name: Daniel Mcdonald
Age in 1910: 41
Estimated birth year: abt 1869
Home in 1910: 11-Twp, Kern, California
Neighbors: View Results
Race: White
Gender: Male
Steel worker on the aqueduct.
1920 United States Federal Census Record
about Danil Mcdonald
Name: Danil Mcdonald
[David Mcdonald]
Age: 50 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1870
Birthplace: Massachusetts
Race: White
Home in 1920: Township 10, Kern, California
Home owned: Rent
Sex: Male
Marital status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Mother's Birth Place: Prince Edward Island
Father's Birth Place: Ireland
Image: 668
Occupation listed as cook in a restaurant.
Obit - McDONALD, Dan
Author: Sharon Dulcich Date: 18 Aug 2006 9:08 PM GMT
Surnames: McDonald
Classification: Obituary
McDONALD, Dan A.
spouse: L.L.
age 53 years
county: 70 (Buried in Mojave)
DOD: 6/11/1923
The Bakersfield Californian
Monday, June 11, 1923
Pg. 7
MOJAVE PIONEER DIES FROM WRECK INJURY
That Dan McDonald, for many years engaged in business at Mojave, and one of the best known men on the desert, died in a Los Angeles hospital at 11:30 o'clock this morning was the sad news received here by Sheriff Cas Walser. Death came as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident at Culver City last week. Several other persons were also seriously injured.
The deceased had been visiting in Los Angeles. His place of business was destroyed in the fire which swept Mojave some time ago, and since that time he has been enjoying a vacation from business cares. He had resided in Mojave for a quarter of a century.
No funeral arrangements have been made.
Sharon
Kern Co. Volunteer
By Wallace M. Morgan
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914
Pages 1332 - 1333
Dan McDonald - The birth of Mr. McDonald occurred in Boston, Mass., January 1, 1870, and he received a public-school education in his native city. During 1893 he became an employee in the shipyards at Newport News, Va., and later he drifted to the Southwest to identify himself with the vast region that was drawing on the east for men of energy and intelligence. For nearly a year, he rode the range in Oklahoma and Indian Territory for different cattle outfits. After leaving there he drifted into Montana and followed the same occupation with John Murphy on the Seventy-Nine Horse Ranch near Billings, but resigned at the time of the discovery of gold in the Klondike, intending to accompany an expedition to Nome. However, he had gone no further than Seattle, when he was taken seriously ill with pneumonia. When finally he had recovered his health he went to Butte, Mont., and engaged in mining. Next he engaged in mining at Brigham, Utah, and from that point proceeded to San Juan, Colo.; thence to Bland, N. Mex., from which place he went to Jerome and Bisbee, Arizona.
Employment in Los Angeles filled the years between 1898 and 1902. During April of the year last named Mr. McDonald came to Mojave, where ever since he has made his home. For six years he followed mining with the Exposed Treasury Company and the Queen Esther Company, after which he embarked in the liquor business, becoming proprietor of the Los Angeles House, since which time he has built an annex to the house. in addition he has erected a cottage in the same block, which he used in connection with the hotel. In Los Angeles he married Miss Lillie E. Taylor, a native of England. by the union he is the father of four children, Lillie, Mabel and Mary, twins, and Joseph. In politics he always has been stanch (sic) in his allegiance to the Democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with Bakersfield Lodge No. 473, L.O.O.M., and also with the Los Angeles Aerie No. 202, F.O.E.
Arrived in Mojave in April 1906. He and his wife Elizabeth (Taylor) McDonald (or Ma McDonald) owned the L.A. Rooms rooming house and also operated the Santa Fe Cafe. Prior to settling in Mojave he followed mining with the Exposed Treasury Company and the Queen Esther Company. He was killed in an automobile accident.
BY DAVID DESMOND
SPECIAL TO THE DESERT NEWS
MOJAVE — 28-year-old Eliza Taylor arrived in Mojave in 1906. She had traveled a long way. Miss Taylor was a native of Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. Her aunt, Sarah Faulkner, had invited Eliza to come to Mojave and stay with her. When Eliza reached Mojave, her aunt had passed away. Sarah Faulkner owned and operated a hotel, the Los Angeles Rooming House, and had willed it to Eliza.
The Los Angeles Rooming House had been built around 1900 and was situated on the north side of Inyo St. between Inyo and J Street, today's Sierra Highway.
Soon after settling in Mojave, Eliza met Dan McDonald, a miner at the Exposed Treasure Mine and a Boston native, and they were married in 1907.
Business booming
Mrs. McDonald ran the hotel and by 1910 Dan McDonald had entered the saloon business. Business was booming for the McDonald family with the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in full swing. Between 1908 and 1920, Dan and Eliza McDonald had six children. One of the children, Ethelbert, would die in infancy.
Prohibition would close saloons throughout America. Dan McDonald became the last saloonkeeper in Mojave to close on orders of the County Board of Supervisors in 1919. He passed away four years later in 1923. Eliza McDonald would continue to persevere, running the rooming house and adding a restaurant, as well as raising five children.
In the ensuing years she would become affectionately known as "Ma" McDonald to the people of the Mojave Desert. Eliza "Ma" McDonald passed away in 1967. Two of the McDonald siblings; Joe and Lillie Stradal, would stay in Mojave their entire lives.
I spent a lot of time interviewing Lillie. who was a walking encyclopedia of Mojave Desert history. Any business involving Lillie would have to come secondary to her "Dodger" baseball games.
War hero
Donald McDonald, the last surviving of the children of Dan and "Ma" McDonald, is also one of the Mojave Desert's greatest war heroes. Don was drafted into the Army in 1941. He was given an opportunity to join the Army Air Corps and eventually became the co-pilot of a B-17, the "Winsome Winn."
On his eighth mission, he was shot down over Germany in January, 1944. He was captured by the Germans and spent the rest of World War II as a prisoner of war. Don now lives in Holly Hill, Florida.
He recalls returning to Mojave after World War II. "I was met at the train depot by my mother and my brother Joe. I was the only Army man in town allowed to wear my uniform."
When I asked Don if this was related to his P.O.W. status during the war, he stated, "no, it was because of my mother. The Marines in town were told to lay-off "Ma" McDonald's boy." Evidently "Ma" McDonald had endeared herself to the Marines at Mojave's Base as well as the townspeople.
At 85 years old, Donald McDonald doubts he can make it back to Mojave. "Say hello to my friends in Mojave, especially Roger White," he asked.
For those who would like to read a more detailed accounting of Don McDonald's service in W.W. II, I suggest - "We Remember" by Dayle DeBry of Palmdale at 661.943.2970. If you like mining history of the Mojave Desert, a good reference is J. Bart Parker, proprietor of the Powder Room Antique store in Randsburg.
1910 United States Federal Census Record
about Daniel Mcdonald
Name: Daniel Mcdonald
Age in 1910: 41
Estimated birth year: abt 1869
Home in 1910: 11-Twp, Kern, California
Neighbors: View Results
Race: White
Gender: Male
Steel worker on the aqueduct.
1920 United States Federal Census Record
about Danil Mcdonald
Name: Danil Mcdonald
[David Mcdonald]
Age: 50 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1870
Birthplace: Massachusetts
Race: White
Home in 1920: Township 10, Kern, California
Home owned: Rent
Sex: Male
Marital status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Mother's Birth Place: Prince Edward Island
Father's Birth Place: Ireland
Image: 668
Occupation listed as cook in a restaurant.
Obit - McDONALD, Dan
Author: Sharon Dulcich Date: 18 Aug 2006 9:08 PM GMT
Surnames: McDonald
Classification: Obituary
McDONALD, Dan A.
spouse: L.L.
age 53 years
county: 70 (Buried in Mojave)
DOD: 6/11/1923
The Bakersfield Californian
Monday, June 11, 1923
Pg. 7
MOJAVE PIONEER DIES FROM WRECK INJURY
That Dan McDonald, for many years engaged in business at Mojave, and one of the best known men on the desert, died in a Los Angeles hospital at 11:30 o'clock this morning was the sad news received here by Sheriff Cas Walser. Death came as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident at Culver City last week. Several other persons were also seriously injured.
The deceased had been visiting in Los Angeles. His place of business was destroyed in the fire which swept Mojave some time ago, and since that time he has been enjoying a vacation from business cares. He had resided in Mojave for a quarter of a century.
No funeral arrangements have been made.
Sharon
Kern Co. Volunteer
History of Kern County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present
By Wallace M. Morgan
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914
Pages 1332 - 1333
Dan McDonald - The birth of Mr. McDonald occurred in Boston, Mass., January 1, 1870, and he received a public-school education in his native city. During 1893 he became an employee in the shipyards at Newport News, Va., and later he drifted to the Southwest to identify himself with the vast region that was drawing on the east for men of energy and intelligence. For nearly a year, he rode the range in Oklahoma and Indian Territory for different cattle outfits. After leaving there he drifted into Montana and followed the same occupation with John Murphy on the Seventy-Nine Horse Ranch near Billings, but resigned at the time of the discovery of gold in the Klondike, intending to accompany an expedition to Nome. However, he had gone no further than Seattle, when he was taken seriously ill with pneumonia. When finally he had recovered his health he went to Butte, Mont., and engaged in mining. Next he engaged in mining at Brigham, Utah, and from that point proceeded to San Juan, Colo.; thence to Bland, N. Mex., from which place he went to Jerome and Bisbee, Arizona.
Employment in Los Angeles filled the years between 1898 and 1902. During April of the year last named Mr. McDonald came to Mojave, where ever since he has made his home. For six years he followed mining with the Exposed Treasury Company and the Queen Esther Company, after which he embarked in the liquor business, becoming proprietor of the Los Angeles House, since which time he has built an annex to the house. in addition he has erected a cottage in the same block, which he used in connection with the hotel. In Los Angeles he married Miss Lillie E. Taylor, a native of England. by the union he is the father of four children, Lillie, Mabel and Mary, twins, and Joseph. In politics he always has been stanch (sic) in his allegiance to the Democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with Bakersfield Lodge No. 473, L.O.O.M., and also with the Los Angeles Aerie No. 202, F.O.E.
Arrived in Mojave in April 1906. He and his wife Elizabeth (Taylor) McDonald (or Ma McDonald) owned the L.A. Rooms rooming house and also operated the Santa Fe Cafe. Prior to settling in Mojave he followed mining with the Exposed Treasury Company and the Queen Esther Company. He was killed in an automobile accident.
BY DAVID DESMOND
SPECIAL TO THE DESERT NEWS
MOJAVE — 28-year-old Eliza Taylor arrived in Mojave in 1906. She had traveled a long way. Miss Taylor was a native of Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. Her aunt, Sarah Faulkner, had invited Eliza to come to Mojave and stay with her. When Eliza reached Mojave, her aunt had passed away. Sarah Faulkner owned and operated a hotel, the Los Angeles Rooming House, and had willed it to Eliza.
The Los Angeles Rooming House had been built around 1900 and was situated on the north side of Inyo St. between Inyo and J Street, today's Sierra Highway.
Soon after settling in Mojave, Eliza met Dan McDonald, a miner at the Exposed Treasure Mine and a Boston native, and they were married in 1907.
Business booming
Mrs. McDonald ran the hotel and by 1910 Dan McDonald had entered the saloon business. Business was booming for the McDonald family with the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in full swing. Between 1908 and 1920, Dan and Eliza McDonald had six children. One of the children, Ethelbert, would die in infancy.
Prohibition would close saloons throughout America. Dan McDonald became the last saloonkeeper in Mojave to close on orders of the County Board of Supervisors in 1919. He passed away four years later in 1923. Eliza McDonald would continue to persevere, running the rooming house and adding a restaurant, as well as raising five children.
In the ensuing years she would become affectionately known as "Ma" McDonald to the people of the Mojave Desert. Eliza "Ma" McDonald passed away in 1967. Two of the McDonald siblings; Joe and Lillie Stradal, would stay in Mojave their entire lives.
I spent a lot of time interviewing Lillie. who was a walking encyclopedia of Mojave Desert history. Any business involving Lillie would have to come secondary to her "Dodger" baseball games.
War hero
Donald McDonald, the last surviving of the children of Dan and "Ma" McDonald, is also one of the Mojave Desert's greatest war heroes. Don was drafted into the Army in 1941. He was given an opportunity to join the Army Air Corps and eventually became the co-pilot of a B-17, the "Winsome Winn."
On his eighth mission, he was shot down over Germany in January, 1944. He was captured by the Germans and spent the rest of World War II as a prisoner of war. Don now lives in Holly Hill, Florida.
He recalls returning to Mojave after World War II. "I was met at the train depot by my mother and my brother Joe. I was the only Army man in town allowed to wear my uniform."
When I asked Don if this was related to his P.O.W. status during the war, he stated, "no, it was because of my mother. The Marines in town were told to lay-off "Ma" McDonald's boy." Evidently "Ma" McDonald had endeared herself to the Marines at Mojave's Base as well as the townspeople.
At 85 years old, Donald McDonald doubts he can make it back to Mojave. "Say hello to my friends in Mojave, especially Roger White," he asked.
For those who would like to read a more detailed accounting of Don McDonald's service in W.W. II, I suggest - "We Remember" by Dayle DeBry of Palmdale at 661.943.2970. If you like mining history of the Mojave Desert, a good reference is J. Bart Parker, proprietor of the Powder Room Antique store in Randsburg.
1910 United States Federal Census Record
about Daniel Mcdonald
Name: Daniel Mcdonald
Age in 1910: 41
Estimated birth year: abt 1869
Home in 1910: 11-Twp, Kern, California
Neighbors: View Results
Race: White
Gender: Male
Steel worker on the aqueduct.
1920 United States Federal Census Record
about Danil Mcdonald
Name: Danil Mcdonald
[David Mcdonald]
Age: 50 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1870
Birthplace: Massachusetts
Race: White
Home in 1920: Township 10, Kern, California
Home owned: Rent
Sex: Male
Marital status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Mother's Birth Place: Prince Edward Island
Father's Birth Place: Ireland
Image: 668
Occupation listed as cook in a restaurant.
Obit - McDONALD, Dan
Author: Sharon Dulcich Date: 18 Aug 2006 9:08 PM GMT
Surnames: McDonald
Classification: Obituary
McDONALD, Dan A.
spouse: L.L.
age 53 years
county: 70 (Buried in Mojave)
DOD: 6/11/1923
The Bakersfield Californian
Monday, June 11, 1923
Pg. 7
MOJAVE PIONEER DIES FROM WRECK INJURY
That Dan McDonald, for many years engaged in business at Mojave, and one of the best known men on the desert, died in a Los Angeles hospital at 11:30 o'clock this morning was the sad news received here by Sheriff Cas Walser. Death came as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident at Culver City last week. Several other persons were also seriously injured.
The deceased had been visiting in Los Angeles. His place of business was destroyed in the fire which swept Mojave some time ago, and since that time he has been enjoying a vacation from business cares. He had resided in Mojave for a quarter of a century.
No funeral arrangements have been made.
Sharon
Kern Co. Volunteer
By Wallace M. Morgan
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914
Pages 1332 - 1333
Dan McDonald - The birth of Mr. McDonald occurred in Boston, Mass., January 1, 1870, and he received a public-school education in his native city. During 1893 he became an employee in the shipyards at Newport News, Va., and later he drifted to the Southwest to identify himself with the vast region that was drawing on the east for men of energy and intelligence. For nearly a year, he rode the range in Oklahoma and Indian Territory for different cattle outfits. After leaving there he drifted into Montana and followed the same occupation with John Murphy on the Seventy-Nine Horse Ranch near Billings, but resigned at the time of the discovery of gold in the Klondike, intending to accompany an expedition to Nome. However, he had gone no further than Seattle, when he was taken seriously ill with pneumonia. When finally he had recovered his health he went to Butte, Mont., and engaged in mining. Next he engaged in mining at Brigham, Utah, and from that point proceeded to San Juan, Colo.; thence to Bland, N. Mex., from which place he went to Jerome and Bisbee, Arizona.
Employment in Los Angeles filled the years between 1898 and 1902. During April of the year last named Mr. McDonald came to Mojave, where ever since he has made his home. For six years he followed mining with the Exposed Treasury Company and the Queen Esther Company, after which he embarked in the liquor business, becoming proprietor of the Los Angeles House, since which time he has built an annex to the house. in addition he has erected a cottage in the same block, which he used in connection with the hotel. In Los Angeles he married Miss Lillie E. Taylor, a native of England. by the union he is the father of four children, Lillie, Mabel and Mary, twins, and Joseph. In politics he always has been stanch (sic) in his allegiance to the Democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with Bakersfield Lodge No. 473, L.O.O.M., and also with the Los Angeles Aerie No. 202, F.O.E.
Arrived in Mojave in April 1906. He and his wife Elizabeth (Taylor) McDonald (or Ma McDonald) owned the L.A. Rooms rooming house and also operated the Santa Fe Cafe. Prior to settling in Mojave he followed mining with the Exposed Treasury Company and the Queen Esther Company. He was killed in an automobile accident.
BY DAVID DESMOND
SPECIAL TO THE DESERT NEWS
MOJAVE — 28-year-old Eliza Taylor arrived in Mojave in 1906. She had traveled a long way. Miss Taylor was a native of Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. Her aunt, Sarah Faulkner, had invited Eliza to come to Mojave and stay with her. When Eliza reached Mojave, her aunt had passed away. Sarah Faulkner owned and operated a hotel, the Los Angeles Rooming House, and had willed it to Eliza.
The Los Angeles Rooming House had been built around 1900 and was situated on the north side of Inyo St. between Inyo and J Street, today's Sierra Highway.
Soon after settling in Mojave, Eliza met Dan McDonald, a miner at the Exposed Treasure Mine and a Boston native, and they were married in 1907.
Business booming
Mrs. McDonald ran the hotel and by 1910 Dan McDonald had entered the saloon business. Business was booming for the McDonald family with the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in full swing. Between 1908 and 1920, Dan and Eliza McDonald had six children. One of the children, Ethelbert, would die in infancy.
Prohibition would close saloons throughout America. Dan McDonald became the last saloonkeeper in Mojave to close on orders of the County Board of Supervisors in 1919. He passed away four years later in 1923. Eliza McDonald would continue to persevere, running the rooming house and adding a restaurant, as well as raising five children.
In the ensuing years she would become affectionately known as "Ma" McDonald to the people of the Mojave Desert. Eliza "Ma" McDonald passed away in 1967. Two of the McDonald siblings; Joe and Lillie Stradal, would stay in Mojave their entire lives.
I spent a lot of time interviewing Lillie. who was a walking encyclopedia of Mojave Desert history. Any business involving Lillie would have to come secondary to her "Dodger" baseball games.
War hero
Donald McDonald, the last surviving of the children of Dan and "Ma" McDonald, is also one of the Mojave Desert's greatest war heroes. Don was drafted into the Army in 1941. He was given an opportunity to join the Army Air Corps and eventually became the co-pilot of a B-17, the "Winsome Winn."
On his eighth mission, he was shot down over Germany in January, 1944. He was captured by the Germans and spent the rest of World War II as a prisoner of war. Don now lives in Holly Hill, Florida.
He recalls returning to Mojave after World War II. "I was met at the train depot by my mother and my brother Joe. I was the only Army man in town allowed to wear my uniform."
When I asked Don if this was related to his P.O.W. status during the war, he stated, "no, it was because of my mother. The Marines in town were told to lay-off "Ma" McDonald's boy." Evidently "Ma" McDonald had endeared herself to the Marines at Mojave's Base as well as the townspeople.
At 85 years old, Donald McDonald doubts he can make it back to Mojave. "Say hello to my friends in Mojave, especially Roger White," he asked.
For those who would like to read a more detailed accounting of Don McDonald's service in W.W. II, I suggest - "We Remember" by Dayle DeBry of Palmdale at 661.943.2970. If you like mining history of the Mojave Desert, a good reference is J. Bart Parker, proprietor of the Powder Room Antique store in Randsburg.
1910 United States Federal Census Record
about Daniel Mcdonald
Name: Daniel Mcdonald
Age in 1910: 41
Estimated birth year: abt 1869
Home in 1910: 11-Twp, Kern, California
Neighbors: View Results
Race: White
Gender: Male
Steel worker on the aqueduct.
1920 United States Federal Census Record
about Danil Mcdonald
Name: Danil Mcdonald
[David Mcdonald]
Age: 50 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1870
Birthplace: Massachusetts
Race: White
Home in 1920: Township 10, Kern, California
Home owned: Rent
Sex: Male
Marital status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Mother's Birth Place: Prince Edward Island
Father's Birth Place: Ireland
Image: 668
Occupation listed as cook in a restaurant.
Obit - McDONALD, Dan
Author: Sharon Dulcich Date: 18 Aug 2006 9:08 PM GMT
Surnames: McDonald
Classification: Obituary
McDONALD, Dan A.
spouse: L.L.
age 53 years
county: 70 (Buried in Mojave)
DOD: 6/11/1923
The Bakersfield Californian
Monday, June 11, 1923
Pg. 7
MOJAVE PIONEER DIES FROM WRECK INJURY
That Dan McDonald, for many years engaged in business at Mojave, and one of the best known men on the desert, died in a Los Angeles hospital at 11:30 o'clock this morning was the sad news received here by Sheriff Cas Walser. Death came as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident at Culver City last week. Several other persons were also seriously injured.
The deceased had been visiting in Los Angeles. His place of business was destroyed in the fire which swept Mojave some time ago, and since that time he has been enjoying a vacation from business cares. He had resided in Mojave for a quarter of a century.
No funeral arrangements have been made.
Sharon
Kern Co. Volunteer
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
