San Francisco County
Biographies
FRED McDONALD
Among the younger lawyers of San Francisco, California, who are upholding the fine traditions of the local bar is Fred McDonald, who is engaged successfully in general practice at 821 California Commercial Union building. He was born in historic Virginia City, Nevada, October 10, 1896, a son of the late Dr. Thomas P. and Dolly (McCone) McDonald.
Fred McDonald is of Scotch-Irish descent, his grandfather having come from the north of Ireland to the United States about 1837. Dr. Thomas P. McDonald was born in Machias, Maine, and was graduated in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. He came to the west in 1891, and began the practice of his profession in Virginia City, Nevada, where he continued until 1901. He then moved to San Francisco, where he practiced until 1906, at which date he went to Reno, Nevada, and there followed his profession until the time of his death, February 2, 1907. Dolly (McCone) McDonald, the mother of Fred, was born May 16, 1863, in San Francisco, California, and was a daughter of John and Alicia (Kelly) McCone. The McCones were pioneers who first came to California in 1850 and settled in San Jose. John McCone was a partner of Peter Donahue, who was the first settler in the Santa Clara valley. Mrs. McDonald died October 19, 1918, in San Francisco. Fred McDonald is the eldest of three children born to her union with Dr. Thomas P. McDonald, the others being Susan Frances, who is now the wife of Lloyd D. Kelly of San Francisco, and John D.
Fred McDonald attended the public schools of Reno, Nevada, and in 1917 took up the study of law in St. Ignatius College of San Francisco, from which institution he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1920. Prior to his graduation he had been employed by different leading law firms of the city, where he supplemented his studies with valuable practical experience. After obtaining his diploma, he became associated with the well known law firm of O’Gara & De Martini. He remained in this connection until 1921, and then was affiliated with Eugene F. Conlin until May 1, 1923. Next he became assistant to the United States attorney in San Francisco, which office he filled until September, 1924. He then entered a co-partnership with John T. Williams, United States attorney, and James Raleigh Kelly under the firm name of Williams, Kelly & McDonald. This association continued until February 1, 1928, on which date Mr. McDonald withdrew to enter private practice. He has won success in the law through his skillful conduct of litigation and his continued study of the profession. He has observed the ethics of the bar in every particular, and holds the respect of all his contemporaries.
On June 20, 1924, at Sacramento, California, occurred the marriage of Mr. McDonald and Miss Ruth Willey, a native of Reno, Nevada, and a daughter of A. C. and Dulcina Willey. Mr. McDonald has one daughter, Elise. The family residence is situated at 1645 Plymouth street in San Francisco.
Mr. McDonald is a republican in politics, and is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the American Legion. When the United States entered the World war, he enlisted and was assigned to the Ninth Coast Artillery of the California National Guard. He was stationed in San Francisco, but only served a short time until the armistice was declared. He has taken a public-spirited interest in civic affairs of his residence city, and has gained a large circle of friends through his many activities and contacts.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Byington, Lewis Francis, “History of
San Francisco 3 Vols”, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1931. Vol. 2 Pages 306-308.
© 2007 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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