Wiley P. McDonald
Wiley P. McDonald, a well-to-do farmer, of James County, was born in McMinn County, January 2, 1826, being the son of William and Matilda (Kirkpatrick) McDonald. They were of Scotch and English descent, and both were natives of Jefferson County. The father was born in 1796, and died in what is now James County in 1858. The mother was born in 1798, and died in what is now James County in 1851. The parents were married in their native county about 1818. The father was a planter, and made life a success. He was a decided Democrat, and a worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The mother was a member of the same church. Our subject is the third of eleven children. He secured a good academic education in his youth in what was then Hamilton County, though now James. Farming has been his chief occupation. In 1860 he purchased and settled where he now lives. He has never married. A sister who died last year has lived with him a great deal. Mrs. Eliza C. Thompson, another sister, and the widow of James Thompson, is now living with him. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
“Goodspeed’s History
of East Tennessee,”