Hi Colin, Wondering if we share the same Roderick McDonald ? The one I am looking for was the son of John & Jessica McDonald, born about 1860 ? where. Both parents were born in Scotland. Roderick's sister, Flora McDonald was born 1852 in Whycocomagh -- she was my 2nd greatgrandmother. Florence (Flora) married Alexander Wilson Gillis of George's River in 1881, and died in George's River in 1922. I have very little information on these McDonald's and would welcome any little bit ! John is nowhere to be found and obviously died before 1871....but again where ? 1871 census Sydney Mines: #233 McDonald, Jessy F 46 b. Scotland Presbyterian Scotch Widow Flora F 20 " " Servant Rory M 12 " " ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- 1881 census North Sydney, Cape Breton: #225 McDonald, Roderick M 21 Scottish birthplace Nova Scotia Church of Scotland occ. teacher McDonald, Jessica F W 55 " " Scotland " McDonald, Floria F 29 " " Nova Scotia " McKegon, Cathern F 10 " " Nova Scotia " Hope there is a connection here, Lynne in Victoria, BC