Australian woman hunts for family

Geraldine Macdonald, who lives in Fairfield, Victoria, is searching for information about her great-uncle, William McDonald, who was an Orangeman in Aghalee in the late 1800s.

“I am researching family history for a great-uncle, William McDonald, who was associated with the Orange Lodge for some 20 years prior to his death in 1898,” she explained. “I have some newspaper cuttings from the time of his death and I have for some time been trying to get further information of his involvement other than the newspaper cutting.”

A newspaper clipping that Geraldine has unearthed details William McDonald’s funeral in Aghalee. “The remains of Br.William McDonald, District Master of Aghalee, were interred in Aghalee Burying-ground on the afternoon of the 22nd inst., the funeral being one of the largest remembered in the neighbourhood,” reports the newspaper.

“The brethren, who numbered about 300, assembled at the Orange Hall, and marched in colours to the late residence of the deceased. Br. McDonald was Worshipful Master of L.O.L. No 192 and his popularity in the Institution may be judged from the fact that, although disabled by an accident between six and seven years ago, he was constantly re-elected to the district chair to the close of his life.”

If you can help with the search, or have any further information about William McDonald, Geraldine can be contacted via email at [email protected].