John MacDonald, immigrant ancestor of the MacDonald family, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he grew to young manhood. While working in the field at farm labor he was approached by some of the King's soldiers who slipped some of the King's money in his pocket unnoticed by him. It seems it was an offence against the Crown for any of the common folks to have about their person any of the King's money and it subjected them to military duty, hence he was forced into the army and sent to America to fight against the colonies. He, however, deserted after arriving in this country and located in Brandon, Vermont, where he spent the remainder of his lief, living to an advanced age. He was a farmer by occupation.
He married Mary White, of Vermont.
Children:
1. Tryphenia, married Benjamin Phelps.
2. Benjamin.
3. Mercy, married Abiatha Cheeney.
4. Christopher.
5. John.
6. Stillman.
7. Abiathar, mentioned below.
The family were members of the Methodist church.

(III) Abiathar, son of John and Mary (White) MacDonald, was born in Brandon, Vermont, died at Parishville, N.Y. at the ripe old age of ninety-two years. he fought in the war of 1812 against Great Britain.
He married Lucinda White.
Children:
1. Morris, mentioned below.
2. Louisa, married Alonzo Smith.
3. Charles.
4. Miranda, married (first) M. Maxfield; (second) Parker Ames.

(III) Morris, son of Abiathar and Lucinda (White) MacDonald, was born at Parishville, N.Y., Oct. 4, 1824, died in Potsdam, N.Y., July 2, 1899. He received a common school education. He followed farming until 1870, when he removed to Potsdam for the purpose of educating his children to better advantage, and resided there for the remainder of his life. He dealt in real estate extensively, building and selling many dwelling houses in Potsdam.
In early life he was a Republican in politics, later a Prohibitionist.
He was assessor of the town and highway commissioner of Pierrepont, N.Y. He was a prominent member and class leader of the Methodist church.
He married, Oct. 4, 1847, Laura Isabel Bicknell, born in Norwich, Vermont, daughter of Ralph Bicknell, who was born in 1790.
Children:
1. Lavora A., born Aug. 12, 1851; married (first) Burton Bancroft, a farmer; (second) William Vebber, a farmer; children of first marriage: Ernestg and Laura Bancroft.
2. Alfarata J., born Nov. 26, 1854; married Charles R. Moore, of Champlain, a farmer.
3. Alphonso E., twin of Alfarata J.; teacher in Chicago; married Sarah Holmes, of Boston.
4. Isabel Inez, born Nov. 30, 1856; married Allen E. Day, now (1910) deceased, who was a merchant tailor; she resides in Buffalo, N.Y.
5. Erwin W., born Dec. 31, 1861, died Oct. 11, 1895; was employed with Armour's Packing Company, Chicago; married Ina Lucia; children: Frederic E. and Morris A. MacDonald.

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