John Roy MacDonald

From his Obituary: John. R. MacDonald, who conducted what has been known for many years as the Old Fort Farm just east of Cornwall, for 24 years, retiring to his own residence at 731 Montreal Road, died at his home in the early hours of Saturday morning. Mr. MacDonald had been in failing health for two years but was able to be about until 3 weeks before his death, when he was compelled to take to his bed. He had been a great sufferer for several months, but was most patient through it all and was ever considerate for those entrusted with his care and was never known to complain. Every attention was bestowed on him by Mrs. MacDonald and her daughter, Mrs. Alex Plamondon. Born near Glen Walter, Glengarry county, 72 years ago, a son of Mr and Mrs. John MacDonald, he spent his entire life in this locality. Prior to moving to the Old Fort Farm, the property of the Colquhouin family, Mr. MacDonald farmed at Summerstown, and while living there was a member of Salem Church. He was an honest, upright man in every sense of the term, a loving husband and kind father and a neighbour who never lost an opportunity to be of help in time of need or trouble. These excellent attributes earned him the love and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. While his death was not unexpected, the announcement of his passing was received with deep regret by friends in Cornwall and over a wide area throughout this region, the family being some of the best known in the locality. Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald observed their golden wedding anniversary on January 1, the occasion being marked by a dinner at the Central York Cafe. This observance took the form of a double celebration, as Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dyer, R.R.#1 Cornwall (Summerstown), were also married the same day, January 1, 1883, by Rev Peter Watson, pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Williamstown. Mr. MacDonald and Miss Martha Dyer had seven sons and two daughters: Orvis, John J, Oliver, Leonard, William, Alexander and Hamilton MacDonald, all of Cornwall; Mrs. Alexander Plamondon (Laura May), of Cornwall; Mrs Stephen Hicks (Marion/Mary) of Aylmer, Que. He was the last of the family of Mr. and Mrs. John MacDonald, his only sister was Mrs. Wallace Dyer (Catherine)