Wellington County, Ontario GenWeb - Pioneer

Wellington County, Ontario GenWeb - Pioneer - MACDONALD Family, The

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Pioneer - The MACDONALD Family

Biographical Sketches of
Early Settlers of Wellington County

Information from: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario.
Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906

MACDONALD Family, The , OF GUELPH. The founder of this family in Canada was the late Hugh Macdonald, who was b. in Inverness-shire, Scot., in 1778. He m. Margaret Macdonald. Issue: Mrs. (Rev.) Daniel Allan, Isabella, Evan, Alexander, and John. They came with their family to Guelph in 1833, and set. on the exact spot where the Wellington Hotel is now located, and lived there about two years. In 1835 they moved to the Macdonald homestead at the southern limits of the city, on the Brock road, and it was there that the late Hugh Macdonald passed away in 1870, age 92.

He was somewhat advanced in life when he came to Canada, and therefore, outside of being a sterling citizen, did not take an active part in affairs, but left such matters to the younger men. Of his family: Isabella never m., and is living at this writing at the advanced age of 91 years. Alexander and John were barristers and practised their profession in Toronto, where they died. Evan, b. Inverness-shire, Scot 1817, was fifteen years old when he came with his family to Guelph. The country was a wilderness at this time, and he assisted in clearing the bush from Wyndham St., and the family still have in their possession some quaint pieces of furniture made from the cherry trees taken from this leading street by their father. He also cleared 188 acres comprising the farm, and brought the same up to a good state of cultivation, and later carried on the manufacture of lime in connection with his farming operations. He was a man of more than ordinary ability and became very successful. Of quiet disposition, he did not aspire to municipal honors, although he was induced to serve a couple of terms in the Guelph Council. He was a faithful and consistent member of Chalmer's Presbyterian Church from the time of its organization up to his death, and was nearly all the time on the Board of Management. He was a liberal contributor to the church, and took an active interest in the affairs and prosperity of the congregation. His long residence made him a host of acquaintances and friends and his upright outspoken cheerful character, won for him the good esteem and respect of all who knew him. In business matters he was the embodiment of honor and integrity. He m. Miss Margaret Hyslop. Issue: Mrs. Wm. Anderson, Margaret, Hugh, Mrs. W. W. Macallister, William, Alexander, Mrs. J. I. McIntosh, John (d.), Donald E., Allan, Evan A., and Norman.

Of his sons: William, Donald E., and Evan A., are of the dry goods firm of D. E. Macdonald & Bros., of Guelph City, while Hugh and Allan are employed by the firm. Alexander is in New Ontario, while Norman is in Guelph.

The present firm of D. E. Macdonald & Bros. Started in business in 1889 in Corbett's Block, Guelph, with a moderate stock of dry goods. Their business was an increasing one, and in 1898 they purchased the Williamson Bros.' stock of dry goods and moved into the store occupied by that firm. They shortly afterwards secured the adjoining store, throwing both stores into one, thus giving them their large and palatial premises of to-day, where they carry a complete line of dry goods, millinery, carpets, furs, besides a men's ordered clothing and furnishing department.

"The Golden Lion" store is a household word throughout the district both as the excellence and variety of its goods.

From: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario. Toronto:Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906