ARCHIBALD R. McDONALD, Driftwood, was born in Glengary county, Upper Canada, June 1, 1839, and is a son of Reynold and Mary (Kennedy) McDonald. He was reared and educated in Canada, and in 1854, when sixteen years of age, came to the United States, locating in Steuben county, N.Y., and worked in the lumber woods of that section up to August, 1856. He then located in Lock Haven, Penn., which point he made his home until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry. He was taken prisoner at Culpeper, Virginia, in August, 1862, and detailed to remain with the wounded until September 15, 1862, when he was sent to Libby prison, and remained until November 15; was then paroled and exchanged in December, 1862, rejoining his regiment at Fredericksburg, Va., December 14, 1862, and was honorably discharged from the service, by General Order 312, June 17, 1865, as captain of Company M, First Pennsylvania Veteran Cavalry. He then returned to his home in Lock Haven, where he remained until 1871, and during that time was engaged in the lumber business in Elk and Cameron counties. In 1871 he removed to Dent’s Run, Elk county, residing there until 1874, when he removed to Driftwood, and conducted the McDonald House two years. He then refitted the Sherman House, which he kept about six months. In 1877 he rented the Kelso House, which he conducted until he was burned out in 1882. He then took charge of the New Kelso (now Parnell) for nearly a year, after which he was proprietor of the Hotel Lafayette two years. He then conducted a hotel at Renovo two years, returning to Driftwood in 1888. His wife was Annie E., daughter of, David and Rachel (Micheltree) Carpenter, of Jersey Shore, Penn., by whom he has two children living: Della and Agnes. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and a member of the G.A.R. In politics he is a Republican.
Currently a resident of Burke, Virginia - I'm originally from the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been a student of the Pennsylvania Reserves since 1997 and thoroughly enjoy telling their story. By trade I'm a former IT Professional but presently working as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service.
