Angus John MacDonald was born January 16, 1899 in Silver Mine, Cape Breton. He was the son of Donald “Taylor” MacDonald and Margaret (nee MacDonald from Morrison Road) from Silver Mine. His siblings were Norman, Margaret (Mrs. Norman Morrison) of Whitney Pier, Murdock A. of Glace Bay, John Alex and Malcolm of Big Glen and Dan Allan of St. Thomas, Ontario. Angus remained single all his life and was self-employed for many years. He loved the out-of-doors and during the “Dirty Thirties” constructed a log cabin and lived off the land. During this time he taught himself French and academic subjects of interest thanks to mail-order books. He was an amateur prospector in the Silver Mine area with James P. Nolan and his son, James Ignatius Nolan from California.
After World War II began, Angus was employed in the boiler shop of the Sydney Steel Plant, retiring in 1964 or 1965. After his retirement he traveled to North Uist, Scotland. He spoke and read Scottish Gaelic and, in retirement, translated children’s stories into English for some family members. He took a keen interest in the education of his nieces and nephews and introduced several of them to the Gaelic Mod, held in St. Ann’s. He lived for many years with his brother, Malcolm and his wife Margaret (nee Walker of Big Ridge) and their family in Big Glen. Angus had an interest in conservation of the local forest and he planted trees over the years for eventual harvesting. He also did a lot of gardening, was interested in bird watching and he was a lover of books.
Mr. MacDonald died March 1, 1984 in Sydney, NS. 1
Published
Letters received by Angus J. MacDonald of Silver Mine, Whitney Pier and Big Glen between the years 1917-1973 from the Nolan's, James P. Sr. and James I. Jr.. Also included are letters and cards from other relatives and friends of Angus and a few photographs.
Angus J. MacDonald is the donor's paternal Uncle. The letters were in the custody of the donor's cousin, Ella Matheson of Marion Bridge.
Published
Series consists of correspondence between Angus and Ignatius and James Nolan, as well as Margaret MacDonald, Cassie Fortune and others. One file (A.7) consists of two letters from Folklorist Helen Creighton asking Angus MacDonald about Rhoddy McLeod's ghost.
Published
Series consists of a set of holiday cards, invitations and programs.
Published
Series consists of four images. One is dated February 24, 1929 and states "at a prospecting shaft, (?) Big Glen. In the photo MacLeod, Beaton, Nolan, and A.J. MacDonald" and three others of Ignatius Nolan.