Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954)(about) |
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Saturday 12 April 1913
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OBITUARY.
Late Donald McDonald.
A link with the past gold mining days, and a colonist of 60 years standing, the late Donald McDonald, recently of the Braidwood and Moruya districts, passed quietly away on Monday week, at the residence of his seoond son, Mr A. J. McDon ald, of Cattai. Deceased, who had reached the age of 79 years, was a native of Canada, and left home when quite a young man in search of fame and fortune on the goldfields of California. Here he worked for some time, until the wonderful stories of the New El Dorado in Australia were
wafted aoross me Pacific, and, in company wiin several mates, he set sail for these new fields. After an adventurous voyage he landed in Sydney instead of Melbourne as was intended. From one rush to another, with varying success, he drifted, one day in plenty, another time in privation, ever on the move for the chance of making a good haul. Missing chances that landed others on prosperity, he at last settled in the Braidwood district, where he married, and where all his family of six sons and one daughter were born. Mining at Little River, Aralueu, and Bell's Creek claimed his attention until the industry failed to be remunerative. Then he engaged in the timber industry, first as manager in a mill for fcbe late Mr Tippet, but soon afterwards in business on his own account. About the year 1884 he removed to the Moruya district, and at Mogo he conducted a sawmilling business until the price for colonial hardwood fell so low as to render its production unremunerative. Afterwards he engaged in his trade as a wheel wright and blacksmith until increasing infirmity from rheumatism compelled him to retire. In November of 1912, owing to the vigor of the cli mate at Braidwood, he came to live with bis son at Cattai. Some monuments of his skill in mining engineering endure to-day, and will do so for all time, and his services as a mining expert, in tun nel surveying, mill and water wheel building for mining purposes, were largely availed of. Dur ing the great flood of 1860 he performed many acts of extreme danger and bravery, and rescued at least a dozen persons whose lives were in the greatest peril. He leaves a family of 6 sons and ore daughter, 24 grand-children, and 1 great grand child to mourn their loss. Deceased was recog nised as a man of upright and truthful character
whose opinions were always highly valued, and in every place had the confidence of the residents of the locality. His services were used as leader of prospecting parties for silver, copper and gold. By accident he stumbled across the silver lode which afterwards became known as Captain Flat Silver mines, and he was one of its original share holders. The funeral took place on Tuesday of last week and was well attended. Tbe remains were huried in Ibe R.C. Cemetery, Windsor. Rev. Father McDonnell conducted the burial service and Mr J. W. Chandler was the undertaker.