From the December 20, 1873 Portsmouth Times
“We witnessed quite a pleasant meeting of three old gentleman that might be termed, very appropriately, too a love feast. Colonel John C McDonald, of Ross County, who is visiting his old friends of this city, is a son of the trapper and Indian scout John McDonald who died in Ross County in 1853. His father was assessor of Scioto County as early as 1827 or 1828. He served in Wayne’s Army, with his brother Thomas, who belonged to a company of foot rangers, that were of great service in the contest with the Buchongahelas and his red skins. They were also in the war of 1812.”
“It was pleasant to hear the old gentleman, McDonald, James Lodwick, and William Newman, talk over old times.”
“From the conversation, we caught a little leaf to fill in the pages of Scioto County history. Thomas McDonald, uncle of John C., was the first settler within the limits of Scioto County and the first to locate on the Scioto River. It seems that shortly after the treaty of August 1794 he married Miss Marshall, sister of the late Jesse Marshall, and coming to Scioto County he built a little cabin about one-half mile this side of Lucasville, between what is known as Lily Pond and the Scioto River. Here he lived in seclusion until 1796, when Chillicothe was laid out, when he removed to that place, where he lived for some time. From here he removed to Washington, Fayette County, and started the first dry goods store in that place. Failing here he returned to Chillicothe, and afterwards removed to Fayette County, where he died.“
“Among other things we learned that the father of John C. was engaged in assisting General Massie in his surveys in Scioto and Ross counties.”
“Colonel McDonald, who is visiting here, is about sixty years of age, is an intelligent gentleman, and a Democrat. He has been sheriff of Ross County, and held other offices of trust. He inherits the strong constitution of his ancestors. Aside from an occasional chew of fine cut, he is temperate in his habits. He seems to enjoy the renewal of old time acquaintances in this county. As to Cuba he says he wouldn’t object to taking it to get rid of the present Spanish misrule, but he says out country is too large now, and has too many scalawags in it. He cast his vote and influence for Governor Allen and took part in the rejoicing afterwards.”
