McDonald, James R., 1828-1902.

Miner, farmer, politician and merchant. Born in Scotland, emigrated to Illinois (1835), then to California (1850). After mining, he farmed near Hayward, Calif. Later was Public Administrator of Alameda County (1857). Active in Republican Party politics, McDonald was delegate to convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln (1860). Also represented California at General Assembly of Presbyterian Church. During 1870s farmed at Grayson, Stanislaus County and was active in establishing Kings River Canal and Irrigation Company and West Side Irrigation District. He was California State Treasurer (1889).

From the description of James R. McDonald autobiography, 1895. (University of the Pacific). WorldCat record id: 34820557