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From:
Subject: Hannah-McDonald
Date: Sun, 26 Jun 2005 01:56:45 EDT


>>>Looking for any Polk County info on these three families (births,
marriages, deaths, land records) originally from Lanark County, Ontario, Canada.
They settled somewhere in T-151. Would like to correspond with descendants.

Barbara Hopper, UE
Professional Genealogist
Brownlee Descendant
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
<<<<<<

Barbara,
You may want to check the archives for this list. I know there was at least
one descendant who posted in 2003.

from: (mailto:)
> Hello
>
> My name is Kirsty Barr and I am new to this list. I was wondering if
anyone could help me, I am looking for my grandfather's obituary. His name
is James
> Mc Donald (McDonald) he was born in 1854, Canada and died 01/01/1933,
Huntsville Twp., Polk, MN. He lived in Nesbit Twp., Polk for most of his
adult life. He married Isabella Miller, she died in 1902/1903.
>
> Is there somewhere I can write or e-mail to find his obit? What would
have been the newspaper at the time in that area?
>
> Thanking you in advance
>
> Kirsty Barr
> Perth, Australia

The following is from "Bicentennial History of Polk County, Minnesota-
Pioneers of the Valley", Polk County Historical Society 1976
page 354:
James McDonald (December 6, 1853 - January 1, 1933)
James McDonald, one of the early settlers of Polk County, has accumulated a
valuable property in Nisbet Township. He is an energetic farmer and has
taken great pains in the development of his homestead, adding to its value and
beauty by the careful culture of trees, shrubs, and other ornaments and
improvements, which greatly enhance the value of his estate. Mr. McDonald was born
in western Ontario, Dec 6, 1853. He was the second of ten children born to
Donald and Ellen (Hannah) McDonald. His childhood was spent on a farm in
Canada, as he left his homestead there in 1875. He went to Polk County,
Minnesota and has since resided there. Soon after locating there he filed a
homestead claim to one quarter of land of Section 32 in Nisbet Township. This is
his present home. Its present location and good improvements show what may be
accomplished in northern Minnesota by work and perseverance.
Mr. McDonald has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and has become
thoroughly acquainted with the operation of a model farm. Fortune has
favored him and he has added to his acreage, as circumstances justified. He is is
now the owner of 560 acres of valuable farm lands. He has given
considerable attention to the improvement of his immediate surroundings, and his efforts
are rewarded by the enjoyment of a pleasant, comfortable home.
Mr. McDonald married Miss Isabel Millar of Canada, May 8, 1878. This
union was blessed by the birth of the following children: Ethel Ellen, William
James, Eva Belle, Daniel Lloyd, Mable Jennie, Margaret Fern, Roy Herbert,
Kathryn Gladys and Mary Edith. Mr. McDonald with his family worships at the
Bethel Presbyterian Church, as he is a member of that denomination. He also
holds membership in the I.O.O.F. and I.O.F. He is a Republican and stands firmly
for his convictions and lends his interests for the principles of his party.
He is a citizen of true worth in his community and has always taken an
active part in township affairs and served as a member of the township board for
a number of years.
================
There is also a biography of him in "Compendium of History and Biography of
Polk County" , 1916. This is longer (too long for me to type). Here are
some highlights:
born County Frontenac, Ontario
in spring of 1876 went to Blue Earth county, MN and worked as a farm hand.
During the winter was employed in lumber camps on the Chippewa river in
Wisconsin. ..after quitting that job went to Duluth to get work on the railroad.
-spring of 1877 went to Nesbit township with David Morrow.
-went back to Canada to marry Miss Isabella Miller on May 8, 1878.
-became the parents of 9 children, all living in 1916:
Ethel Ellen, whife of George White of Saskatoon, Canada
William J, lives on the Mallory farm.
Eva Bell, wife of William Nesbit
Daniel Lloyd, living at home
Mabel Jennie, wife of Robert Stewart, son of TD Stewart Of Huntsville Townshi
Margaret Fern, teacher first in Polk Co, now Bemidji
Roy Herbert, at home
Kate Gladys, at home- housekeeper for the family, attended State
Agricultural school in Crookston
Mary Edith, at home, student of music
- mother died Nov 17, 1903



You may already have the following:
=================================
THE LANARK ERA

Wed. April 14th, 1915 - death

Davidson, Minn. Feb. 20th, 1915, Donald McDonald. Born in North Sherbrooke
in March 1829, he later married Ellen E. Hannah, on Jan. 31st, 1851 and was
predeceased by her about ten years ago. They came to Minnesota in 1880.
Survived by six children; Mrs. J. A. Bryson, Grand Forks, ND; James, of Davidson,
Minn.; Mrs. Deartell, of Lannigan, Sask.; Dan. H. & John H., of Davidson and
Mrs. Emma Lee, of Freeman, Minn. There is also a reference to a John A. Hannah
and wife of Davidson. (Possibly a brother of his wife)

I hope this helps.
Rita


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