Andy C. McDonold, who was one of Comanche-co.'s best known citizens, died shortly before 11 o'clock p.m. on last Friday, March 17, 1922, in Mineral Wells, Texas where he and a part of his family were spending the winter. He had been in failing health for some time, and had gone to Mineral Wells almost every winter for several years. He had been a sufferer from bright's disease and diabetes. Diabetic infection is given as the immediate cause of his death.The body was brought on Sunday to this city and burial was made from the McDonold home on West Main-st. in Monday afternoon. The funeral services were in charge of Rev. W. M. Austin of the Methodist Episcopal church, assisted by Rev. J. B. Handy. The Masonic lodge then took charge and burial was made in Crown Hill cemetery. The impressive burial ceremony of the Masons was carried out. A large number of people were present at the funeral to pay their last token of respect to their departed friend.
Andy McDonold was a good citizen and a devoted husband and father. He was kind-hearted, hospitable and honest, and hence he was esteemed in the community in which he lived. He and his faithful wife braved the hardships of pioneer life on the range, but in their declining years they had built up a good home in this city, besides their ranch in Shimer-tp. Mr. McDonold will be missed in our community, but the good influences of his secreted life during the past several years will live on.
Andy Cameron McDonold was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on February 8, 1847. His age at the time of death was 75 years, 1 month and 9 days. When he was three years of age he moved with his parents to Williamson-co., Texas, where they lived for some time. When Andy was but 15 years of age he took his father's place as a soldier in the Civil War. He served for 3 1/2 years as an artillery man, being stationed for most of the time at Galvaston, Texas. Soon after the close of the war he went to Stephens-co., Texas, where he engaged in the cattle business. From Texas he went to New Mexico, where he spent eleven years, coming from there to Comanche-co. in the year 1895. It will thus be seen he spent most of his life on the frontier and as a stockman.
On October 23, 1868, in Stephens-co., Texas, Mr. McDonold was united in marriage with Margaret Christeson. To this union were born ten children, one of whom passed away in infancy. One daughter, Mrs. Belle Hunter, died about five years ago. Another daughter died at the age of 11, and a son at the age of 6. Mr. McDonold is survived by his wife and by two sons and four daughters as follows: A. C. (Bud) McDonold of Augusta, Kansas, Fred McDonold, Mrs. Narcissus Bullock and Miss May McDonold of this city, Mrs. Emma Shultz of Guy, New Mexico, and Mrs. Mattie Duncan, who lives near Coy, Oklahoma.
Mr. McDonold was a 32nd degree Mason. At the age of 22 he was converted and united with the M. E. church. About ten years ago he sought the higher life and obtained the experience of holiness. Since that time his life had been a living example of the consecrated christian. He was much in prayer and it is said that during his long illness he showed a remarkable degree of fortitude, patience and resignation. Toward the end he often prayed, "Jesus, come quickly." He could say with the apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but to all them that love His appearing."
The Western Star, November 1, 1918. It was on October 23, 1868, in Throckmorton-co., Texas, that Mr. and Mrs. A. C. McDonold of this city were united in marriage. That was fifty years ago, and on Wednesday of last week, October 23, 1918, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. They had planned to have a number of their relatives and friends present, but the prevalence of the influenza prevented. The day, however, was not forgotten by any means.Golden Wedding
Mr.. and Mrs. McDonold received the congratulations of their friends upon having completed the 50th year of their married life, and sincere good wishes for their continued health and happiness were expressed. Mr. and Mrs. McDonold were among Comanche-co.'s pioneer settlers. They knew full well what is implied by the term "pioneers" in a new country. They toiled, they sacrificed and preserved, and, as many others have done, they have won for their declining years a modern home with convenient surroundings and a competence which will insure for them comfort and contentment. May many more happy years be theirs.
Also see:
Civil War Veterans of Comanche County, Kansas
Comanche Pool Reunion: "The Garst ranch was primarily located on what is now the Ray Bennett farm southeast of Buttermilk. Frank and his cowboys drove many herds of cattle from Texas and New Mexico up the Chisholm Trail to Dodge City, Abilene and Fort Supply and some to the ranch. One of his cowboys was a former neighbor in Lincoln county, New Mexico -- Andy C. McDonold, who in the early days moved with his family to southern Comanche county. Andy helped drive five herds of cattle of from 3,000 to 5,000 head each time for Mr. Garst and Bud McDonold, now of Augusta, Kansas, made two trips with his father when a lad of 14." - The Western Star, October 5, 1951.
Death List of Pioneer Settlers, Comanche County, Kansas
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news articles to this web site!
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