DONALD McDONALD (23451)

Donald McDonald, known as ‘Big Donald’ at the settlement, was from Brora, Clyne, Sutherlandshire. Although information about his year of birth varies, about 1790 seems to be correct. An article written about him in The Beaver, winter 1954(1), says he joined the HBC in 1805.
According to Miss Johnstone’s article, his parents were Adam McDonald and Isabella McKay, the sister of Donald ‘Mad’ McKay. Miss Johnstone surmises that Mad McKay may have been instrumental in young Donald McDonald’s decision to sign on with the HBC. Her article states that about 1807 James Bird sent Donald and a man named Hugh Munro to live with the Blackfeet for three years to learn their language and customs and eventually to serve the HBC as interpreters and liaisons with the Blackfeet.
The HBCA biographical sheet for Donald does not have any work history prior to 1813, although it does indicate that he may have been with the company earlier. He was listed as a labourer in his first years, and 1820-1834 worked as a steersman on York boats between Fort Edmonton and York Factory. During his time in the Northwest, his ‘country wife’ was Jeanette (aka Jean or Jane) Beaudry(2). In 1834, Donald left the employ of the HBC and he and his wife moved to Red River, where they settled in St. Andrew’s Parish. They brought five children with them to RR, as shown by the baptismal registers of St. John’s. The registers also show that Donald and Jean were formally married in 1840 and would have eight more children born at the settlement. Donald died on Feb. 4, 1876(3).

(1) The Beaver, winter 1954: Big Donald of the Blackfeet by Barbara Johnstone. Miss Johnstone was custodian of the Company’s museum in Winnipeg. She was also the great-granddaughter of ‘Big Donald’ McDonald.

(2) According to Miss Johstone’s article, Jeanette Beaudry was the daughter of a voyageur.

(3) HBCA biographical sheet for ‘Big Donald’ McDonald. Death notice in Manitoba Free Press gave Feb. 1st.