RootsChat.Com
Research in Other Countries => Canada => Topic started by: Jessie 46 on Tuesday 26 May 20 13:24 BST (UK)
-
Williamina was born in 1895 in Edinburgh she and Hector McDonald were married there in 1924.
It's possible Hector went to Canada not long after they married and Williamina followed afterwards.
Looking for help in locating where they settled and any other information that can be found on them
Thank you
Jessie
-
Canada Passenger List - Willamina Thorburn McDonald - 1896 Scotland arrived 3 September 1926 on the Metagama. Husband Hector McDonald C/O Mr Skinner, Dropmore, Manitoba.
Mother Mrs Mair, 43 Pitt Street Leith.
Sandra
-
thank you Sandra that is them
Jessie
-
1926 Census of the Canadian Prairie Provinces shows Hector working with Frank L. Skinner at Shellmouth Post Office:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C395-L9QZ-3?i=9&cc=3005862&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AQP5R-B79Y
Frank Leith Skinner became a well known horticulturist:
http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/mb_history/50/skinner_fl.shtml
-
In the 1935 Voters' list, Frank Skinner is in Dropmore, but no sign of Hector and his wife with him; however, in the 1940 list, there is a Hector McDonald, an electrician, with a Mrs. Hector, in nearby Gilbert Plains, which might be yours. In 1945, Hector is noted in the armed forces.
-
Hector MacDonald was also involved in horticulture. There are several articles in the Winnipeg papers mentioning him..
One from the Dauphin Herald, July 14 1967 says that the Manitoba Department of Agriculture has published a book about the native plants of Manitoba - called Native Manitoba Plants in Bog, Bush and Prairie. The author was Hector MacDonald - a native of Scotland who has been working with horticulture in Manitoba since 1924. He started with Dr. Frank Skinner, and between 1941 and his retirement in 1964 was in senior positions with Metropolitan Winnipeg's parks.
RK
-
He is mentioned here on the Memorable Manitobans site...receiving a Centennial medal.
It says he received the medal for his many years as Head Gardener at Assiniboine Park during which he established the famous English Garden and other beautiful gardens.
http://mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/centennialmedals.shtml#M
RK
-
Nice. So the Voters' lists entries in Gilbert Plains are certainly not him.
-
Probably not :)
I found another short note about the 5th edition of his book coming out in 1977. It gives Hector's dates as 1889-1973. It also says that he studied at the botanical gardens in Edinburgh before coming to Canada in 1924. He wrote AND illustrated the book :). Very talented man :) :)
RK
-
Found a short obit saying that he died on Dec 29 1973 in Winnipeg. Certainly him...says he was head gardener at Skinner Nurseries for several years. Funeral services from Kildonan Presbyterian Church on Jan 2.
RK
-
1963 Voters' List has Hector as park supervisor living in Assiniboine Park, with wife Minnie.
-
Here is the obit from the Winnipeg Free Press Jan 1 1974
RK
-
Interesting Eileen... I wonder if he was married twice??
RK
-
Minnie MacDonald, wife of Hector MacDonald died on Jan 2 1971 in Winnipeg. Funeral at Old Kildonan Church. Interment Kildonan Cemetery.
RK
-
So - between 1971 and Dec 1973, Hector married Winnifred (Freddie).
RK
-
I think it's a different Hector with Freda, as I find them together in the 1960s -- he is a caretaker. I'm trying to find Hector in the voters' lists in 1972.
-
The 1963 voters list you found is certainly him - in Assiniboine park. Wife Minnie (probably Williamina?)
Minnie died in 1971, but his obit from Jan 1974 says his wife is Winnifred (Freddie).
Would be great if you could find him in 1972 - to see if he has a wife with him :). He should be in Winnipeg.
RK
-
FIND A GRAVE
Hector (1896 - 1986) and Fredda Sonnenberg McDonald (1901 - 1996)
Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Winnipeg, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
PLOT Good Shepherd Gardens.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/202147327
Freda Sonnenberg McDonald
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/201249026/freda-mcdonald
Sandra
-
So Hector (1896-1986) and Freda are definitely a different pair from the Hector (d 1973) and Freddie (Winnifred) in the Jan 1974 obit.
RK
-
Hector McDonald, age 24, born Dunkeld Scotland, arrived in St John NB Canada 13 Apr 1924 on the Marburn. He was enroute to Mr Skinner in Dropmore Manitoba.
PB
-
There is a very interesting article about Hector, his life and career - on the occasion of his retirement in 1964. Photo included. Winnipeg Tribune Dec 30, 1964, page 26. The article says he had a son (not named) who died at Dieppe.
RK
-
Probably not :)
I found another short note about the 5th edition of his book coming out in 1977. It gives Hector's dates as 1889-1973. It also says that he studied at the botanical gardens in Edinburgh before coming to Canada in 1924. He wrote AND illustrated the book :). Very talented man :) :)
RK
macdonald hector - native manitoba plants in bog bush and prairie ...
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01pi2/
Maybe a free trial might get you the article below RK referred to.
Russell Banner Newspaper Archives, Aug 4, 1977, p. 4 - newspaperarchive.com › ... › 1977 › August 4, 1977
4 Aug 1977 - Hector MacDonald (1889-1973) studied at the Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh. After coming to Canada in 1924, he joined the Winnipeg Parks ...
Sandra
-
Many thanks everyone for all this information your help is much appreciated .
Jessie
-
Hector MacDonald did indeed work for F.L. Skinner at Dropmore and from there went to Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg. I am one of the daughters of Frank Skinner and Jessie I am just curious what your connection to Hector and Minnie is.