William McDonald (abt. 1825 - 1884)

Husband of Frances Mary (Jones) McDonald — married 1850 in West Derby, Lancashire, England

Husband of Margaret (Boag) Paul — married Jan 1875 in Scotland

Died 5 Aug 1884 at about age 59 in Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken, Japan

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Biography

William McDonald married Frances Mary Jones in 1850 in West Derby and in 1851 was a master mariner. Settled in Yokahama about 1860. Yokahama port opened in 1859, part of the surrounding area was set aside for a foreign settlement that would become a center for new trends and services over the next 40 years.

George Mildmay Dare went to Japan in 1864 and started in 1865 as assistant of W. McDonald, Bill Broker in Yokohama. In 1867 he became partner of W. McDonald and they operated under McDonald & Dare, Bill, Bullion and Ship Brokers, Yokohama. Chronicle & Directory for China, Japan the Philippines & Hong Kong 1877. Dare, G.M. (McDonald & Dare) broker, Yokohama (absent) Dare, J.J. (McDonald & Dare) broker, Yokohama, John Julius Dare. In 1879 William McDonald, bill, bullion and ship broker, 32 Water Street, and Government surveyor, &c. [The Chronicle and Directory for China, Japan and the Phillipines for the year 1879]

Frances died in 1871 on a sea voyage returning from Yokahama. William married secondly Margaret Jessie Boag in Scotland on 12 Jan 1875.

The will of William McDonald late of Yokahama in Japan, bill broker, who died 5 August 1884 at Yokahama was proved by the relict Margaret Jessie McDonald of London Hospital Middx on 2 Feb 1889, 60£. Aged 59. [London and China Telegraph, 22 Sept 1884] “One of the oldest and most respected residents of Yokahjama, Mr W mcDonald, died on Aug 5. The Gazette says:- Mr McDonald arrived in Japan fully twenty-four years ago, when the settlement was in its infancy. He surrendered the nautical profession and established himself as a bill broker, combining therewith the duties of surveyor of shipping and to Lloyds, and finally he was appointed Government Surveyor of British Shipping In all public questions Mr McDonald took aprominent part, especially in the earlier fdays of the settlement. He was a member of the first municipal council, the difficulties of which did not destroy the interest he took in the recent movement for a like purpose; and every matter affecting the welfare of the community met with a cordial and earnest support from one who grew to be looked upon as a father of the settlement. Honotrable, charitable, and well and deservedly esteemed and respected, the familiar figure of William McDonald will be sadly missed by a host of friends, who remain to sympathise with his bereaved family.” [London and China Telegraph, 22 Sept 1884]

Sources

• Free bmd. Chester Chronicle, 27 May 1871. Chronicle & Directory for China, Japan the Philippines & Hong Kong 1877. The Chronicle and Directory for China, Japan and the Phillipines for the year 1879. Will proved 1889.