Does anyone have Michael McDonald 1860 (?) to 1 Oct 1914 in their Family? :: FamilyTreeCircles.com Genealogy
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Does anyone have Michael McDonald 1860 (?) to 1 Oct 1914 in their Family?

Question by Nambara

We know he was a policeman in Melbourne, Australia between 1883 and about 1898. He then moved to Peeth. Married Annie Moore from Donald and had 2 children, Jack and Mary. He was a racecourse detective in Western Australia from about 1901 to 1914 when he died.

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by Nambara Profile | Research | Contact | Subscribe | Block this user
on 2016-12-28 07:09:50

Nambara has been a Family Tree Circles member since Jun 2015.

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Answers

by janilye on 2016-12-28 15:05:01

The Daily News (Perth, WA) Friday 2 October 1914
Death of Mr. McDonald
POPULAR RACECOURSE OFFICER.
On all sides professions of profound regret were heard this morning as the
news circulated tbat Mr. Michael M'Donald, well known In the city as
the detective attached to the W.A. Turf Club, had died later last night.
Death came with terrible suddenness. Mr. M'Donald went to his home
at Highgate Hill last night in good health, and retired to rest as usual.
Shortly before midnight, however, he suffered a sudden heart attack, and
before Dr. Officer, who was promptly summoned, could arrive, death had
taken place.
In racing circles, where the late Mr. M'Donald was well known, he was extremely popular, and all associated with the turf, as well as a big circle of other friends, join In expressing sympathy to the bereaved widow and
family. The secretary and officers of the W.A.T.C, with which Mr. M'Donald was connected for something like 14 years, are high In their praises of
his abilities and sterling qualities.
Mr. M'Donald was a member of the Victorian police force in the nineties,
and for some years did duty at Russell-street station In Melbourne city.
One who knew him in those days says of him: 'He was a peculiarly capable
constable, and in 'plain clothes' work served with rare distinction. Had he
remained in the Victorian force he would probably have gone to the detective branch, and there must have risen to the first rank. In a strenuous time, when there were many criminals of daring and resource operating, Mr. M'Donald was an invaluable member of the police brigade which kept them
in check and landed most of them in Pentrldge,'
In reporting Mr. M'Donald's untimely death to the committee of the Turf
Club, the secretary, Mr. Wlckham, wrote as follows : —
'Dear Sir,— It is with the deepest feeling of extreme regret that I am
compelled to report the death of Mr. Racecourse-Detective M'Donald, which
occurred shortly before midnight of the 1st instant, his end was painfully sudden, in testifying to his sterling character I, as your chief executive officer, with whom he more particularly came into contact, wish to
state that the deceased gentleman was one of the most efficient, loyal, and
capable officers the Western Australian Turf Club had In its ranks. Fearless in the discharge of his many onerous and difficult duties, he was at all
times fair, and the position now rendered vacant by his death will indeed
be hard to fill. Each and every member of the committee, past and present,
under whom the late Mr. M'Donald for many years served, will, I feel certain, unhesitatingly commend his worth.—
I am, dear sir, yours faithfully,
GEORGE H. WICKHAM,
"Secretary The Western Australian Turf Club."

buried in the Roman Catholic portion of the Karrakatta Cemetery.

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