• The McDonald family arrived in New York on 6 July 1866 via the ship Arkwright. The Thompson company records show that William's father Edward purchased 6 1/2 adult food rations for the overland journey, which would be consistent with the traveling group on the ship, which consisted of 2 parents, and 8 children, about 5 of whom would need either no food rations or only 1/2 of an adult portion.

  Memoranda book 2 indicates that a "W. McDonald" left the company at O'Fallon's Bluff. If this is in reference to William, it is possible he moved to another company to work as a teamster.

Daniel Thompson Company (1866)

• Age at Departure: 18

Sources

• 1870 Wyoming Census.
• “Captain Daniel Thompson, memoranda book (2), 1866.” In Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company church trains accounts 1861-1868, Captains’ accounts 1862-1868.
• “Captain Daniel Thompson, memorandum book 1, 1866.” In Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company church trains accounts 1861-1868, Captains’ accounts 1862-1868.
• New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957.