GEORGE
MACDONALD
George Macdonald was born in England, on the 1st of
November, 1858, the son of George and Marion Elizabeth (Mullier) Macdonald. His
father was a French count and a member of a distinguished family. His mother
was a member of a well-known English line that traces its origin back many
generations. Both father and mother were conspicuous for their sound
citizenship and perfect morals. The subject of this memoir was their only offspring.
Both parents received sound educations in their early years, the father
finishing with high credit in medicine and surgery and becoming one of the most
noted practitioners in Great Britain. His capabilities as a surgean became so
pronounced and conspicuous that he was selected to serve as surgeon of the
Queen Victoria Regiment of the English troops. There he revealed his masterly
leadership in all modern methods of surgery. Both parents passed away in 1887,
after useful and honorable lives.
George Macdonald received the right training and an excellent
education in his early years. He early planned for a professional career
similar to that of his father, and, accordingly, after he had attained early
manhood, he entered the medical department of Edinburgh (Scotland) College,
pursued the full course laid down in the curriculum, and in due time was
graduated with high credit and with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. His
studies and his other qualifications fitted him for the practice of both
medicine and surgery, and he began at once the same year of his graduation,
1884. He opened his first offices in London, and there lived and practiced for
three years, with both success and credit. He finally concluded to change his
location, hoping to improve his surroundings and multiply his advantages.
Accordingly, he gather everything together, boarded a vessel and in time
arrived at New South Wales, Australia, reaching that section of the globe in
1888. He opened his offices there and began to practice, but after two years
concluded again to change his location. Again he boarded a steamer with all his
possessions and set out for California, where he arrived in 1890. After
attending to preliminary matters and getting well settled in his new home he
began the practice of his profession, and has continued the same with much
distinction up to the present time. Before leaving London he took the required
examination and secured the extra degrees of Master of the Royal College of
Surgeons and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. Since starting here he
has made a specialty of surgery, and is now regarded as one of the most
competent experts in the city.
He is a member of the Masonic order, and takes great interest in the
civic development and health growth of San Francisco. He and his wife and
family are now assimilated into the community and may be regarded as true
Americans. In 1888 he married Miss Elizabeth Fogerty, and to this union the
following children have been born: George, who is a resident of Portland, Oregon,
and is manager of the Cowell Cement Company; Edward, who lives in San Francisco
and is connected with the Independent Cracker Company; Guy, who is also a
resident of San Francisco, and is a writer for the Insurance Magazine, and
other insurance documents; Norman, who is a resident of this city, but owns a
ranch out in the country districts; Allen, who is deceased; Roy, who is a
resident of this city and is occupied in the printing business; Dorothy, who is
now engaged in studying medicine with the intention of practicing the same;
Jack, who is engaged in importing and exporting products at San Francisco,
where he resides.
Transcribed
by Donna L. Becker
Source: "The
San Francisco Bay Region," by Bailey Millard, Vol. 3, page 399-400, The
American Historical Society, Inc., 1924.