John R. Macdonald

Another of the links connecting the present with the past business life of the town was broken on Tuesday morning when John R. Macdonald, prominent for many years in business and community activities in days gone by, died in his 93rd year.  His health had been failing for the pas few months, but he only became seriously ill about two weeks ago.

Mr. Macdonald was born at Pictou on March 4, 1846, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Macdonald who came from Scotland.  As a young man he went to the United States and worked there for several years before returning to Pictou where he founded the grocery business over sixty years ago still carried on by his sons.  In 1880 he married Margaret A. Smith of West River, who died on January 14, 1928.  A son, Harold, died when about 2½ years old, and a daughter Hazel died in infancy.

A man of probity in all his dealings, and noted for the sincerity and strictness of his principles, Mr. Macdonald was active for many years in the Y.M.C.A., and in temperance work in the town.  He was for many years a member of the board of management of Knox Church until its amalgamation with Prince Street Church and was a member of Pictou United Church.  He retired from active business about fourteen years ago. 

Mr. Macdonald is survived by two sons, C. Smith and A Corbett Macdonald, Pictou and one sister, Bessie, Mrs. George H. MacKay of Eureka and Pictou.

The funeral was held from his residence on Denoon street on Thursday at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Gerald Rogers officiating, assisted by Rev. Dr. P. M. MacDonald.  Interment was in Haliburton cemetery.