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Donald “Mad” McKay

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Birth	:	1753 Brora, Highland, Scotland
Death	:	26 Jun 1833 Upper Barneys River, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada
Burial	:	Hillcrest Memorial Park, Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate	:	38.0485992, -84.5457993
Plot	:	Plot # 354
Inscription	:	Aged 80 yrs.
Description	:	Donald was born in Gordon Bush, in the Brora Valley, Sutherland, Scotland in 1753. His mother's name was Jane Sutherland McKay, but his father's name is lost. It is said by family that Donald fought in the Prussian wars before going to Canada in 1779. Here follows a synopsis of his life from research by T.R. "Pat" McCloy, Donald's trip diaries with the HBC, and his final narrative written in Scotland before coming to Nova Scotia. Nov 24 1780 - April 1781 - Donald in the Northwest with the Northwest Company. 1782 - Donald taken prisoner by the French... Read More	Donald was born in Gordon Bush, in the Brora Valley, Sutherland, Scotland in 1753. His mother's name was Jane Sutherland McKay, but his father's name is lost. It is said by family that Donald fought in the Prussian wars before going to Canada in 1779. Here follows a synopsis of his life from research by T.R. "Pat" McCloy, Donald's trip diaries with the HBC, and his final narrative written in Scotland before coming to Nova Scotia. Nov 24 1780 - April 1781 - Donald in the Northwest with the Northwest Company. 1782 - Donald taken prisoner by the French at the surrender of York Factory. Imprisoned at Paris for 3 years. On release from prison in Paris, went back to Hudson Bay Service. April 5 1784, Donald was granted a license to sell Liquor at Point St. Claire, outside Montreal. May 1784 - Donald has a dream while encamped at Portage Delish, which he wrote about in his narrative - "However at midnight or thereabouts, I dreamed of seeing my brother, John, who was dead at that time." 1788 - Donald sailed to London on the Brig Maxwell (sometime between April and July.) Aug 1 1788 - Agreement made in London to carry on a trade to the Northwest for 7 years. Eight partners, viz: James Brandrum, Thomas Templeman, Donald McKay, John MacKay, W.M., Benjamin Winter, John Dixey, (one name is missing.) Agreement drawn by one, Mr. Gregory, an attorney in London. Sept 30 1788 - Set out from London on the mail coach for Falmouth to go on board the packet to Halifax. Oct 6 1788 - Sailed from Falmouth for Halifax. Nov 13 1788 - Arrived Halifax. Nov 16 1788 (about) Mr. Winter, Mr. Dixey and Donald McKay set out for Montreal from Halifax. Dec 12 1788 - Set out from Fredericton, New Brunswick, after arriving there five days earlier. Jan 8 1789 - Arrived Quebec, remained 2 days, and set out for Montreal, arriving shortly thereafter. Feb 20 1789 - Donald McKay engaged himself with Mr. Alexander Shaw of Nipigon and set out for Point Claire. Stayed with Doctor Meyers who had his house on a lease. Apr 22 1789 - Donald McKay engaged himself with Mr. Alexander Shaw of Nipigon, Esq. 1789 - Donald McKay arrived at River Daipie in Lake Superior. Mr. Shaw arrived 2 days later. Donald sent to Lake Eturgeon, 500 miles from Lake Superior. June 1790 - Donald back at River DuPic in Lake Superior. Aug 6 1790 Donald McKay and John MacKay* (1763-1810 also of Brora, Scotland, but not his brother) departed from Lake Superior for Albany Fort, Hudson Bay, arriving there Oct 12 1790. Winter 1790 - Donald journeyed to Portage Delish whereone John Sutherland wintered as a trader. Spring 1791 - Donald went to River Lake Suphris to purchase canoes. 1791 - Donald refers to Mr. McNab, the governor, who insisted that he go as a passenger to Red River. Spring 1792 - Donald McKay sentenced to go to England where he was again appointed to his station at Red River. (Note: Event dates between Aug 6 1790 and Jul 3 1796 may be off because it is difficult to decipher when events occurred by reading the narrative diary. 1793 - William McKay born at Lake le Pie. 1796 - Donald left Albany, arrived at York Factory in 1797. 1797 - Approximate birth year of son Donald. 1798/1799 - After the death of Donald's wife Hannah Sutherland, the two boys were taken to Scotland. 1799 - Last phrase of narrative diary "but was done to me at York Fort in 1799. Nov 21 1799 Donald joined the Free Mason's in London, England, becoming a 2nd degree Mason. Jul 21 1803 - Birth of Isobel McKay, illegitimate daughter of Donald McKay and Mary McKenzie, Ashcoilmore. 1806 - Donald McKay returned to Hudson Bay with son William. (son Donald may have remained in Scotland at that time.) 1807 - Donald left the Hudson Bay for good. Probably back to Scotland, son William stayed. 1809 - William McKay went from Scotland to Hudson Bay (conflicts with 1806-7 events. (from the Selkirk Record obit of William, Jan 21 1887.) Jan 3 1811 - Birth of John McKay, son of Donald McKay and Mary McKenzie, Strathbrora. Oct 2 1813 - Birth of Margaret MacKay, daughter of Donald MacKay and Mary MacKenzie, Aschoilman. Dec 15 1817 - Birth of Hugh McKay, son of Donald McKay and Marion McKenzie, Auchoilman. 1819 - Approximate birth year of the 2nd son named William McKay born in Sutherlandshire. 1820 still paying rent at Ashcoilmore. Sometime before their departure, son Hugh dies of whooping cough. June 1822, Donald McKay and his family left Scotland for the last time for Nova Scotia on the brig Harmony. 1824 - First son William McKay visited Scotland. 1826 - First son William McKay returned to Hudson's Bay. Jun 26 1833 - Donald McKay, aged 80 years, of Gordon Bush, Clyne, Scotland died in Upper Barney's River and was buried in Kenzieville Cemetery, Barney's River, Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Apr 9 1885 - John McKay, son of Donald, aged 74 died at Upper Barney's River and was buried at Kenzieville. Jul 6 1885 - Donald McKay (Indian Donald), son of Donald, aged 88, died at Upper Barney's River and was buried at Kenzieville Cemetery. Jan 13 1887, William (First William) McKay, aged 94, died at Parkdale, Manitoba and is buried at St. Andrew's, Manitoba. Aug 28 1893 - William R. (Second William) McKay, age 74, died and was buried at Kenzieville Cemetery. Family says Donald made at least 6 trips back to Scotland during his Hudson Bay days.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Donald “Mad” McKay's memorial?
Donald “Mad” McKay's memorial is located at: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Lexington, Fayette County, USA.
When did Donald “Mad” McKay death?
Donald “Mad” McKay death on 26 Jun 1833 in Upper Barneys River, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada
Where are the coordinates of the Donald “Mad” McKay's memorial?
Latitude: 38.0485992
Longitude: -84.5457993

Family Members:

Spouse

Mary McKenzie McKay

(1776 - unknow)

Children

Donald McKay

(1797 - 1885)

John “Woodhouse” McKay

(1811 - 1885)

Margaret McKay Henderson

(1813 - 1854)

William R. MacKay

(1819 - 1893)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Hillcrest Memorial Park
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0485992, -84.5457993

2. Fayette County Infirmary Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0620700, -84.5340300

3. Saint Raphaels Episcopal Church Columbarium
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0378910, -84.5628120

4. Calumet Farm Equine Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0464700, -84.5710400

5. Highland Memorial Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0614014, -84.5255966

6. Calvary Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0573200, -84.5113400

7. Lexington National Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0577600, -84.5107800

8. The Lexington Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0562172, -84.5080185

9. Cove Haven Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0654750, -84.5090950

10. Forest Hill Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0629300, -84.5070900

11. First Hill Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0505200, -84.5014900

12. Old Lexington Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0511750, -84.5013750

13. Christ Church Cathedral Memorial Garden
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0486930, -84.4965300

14. Payne Family Graveyard
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0848070, -84.5274410

15. Darby Dan Farm Equine Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0817400, -84.5741500

16. Eastern State Hospital Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0625500, -84.4965700

17. Old Morrison Crypt
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0515790, -84.4934870

18. Keene Family Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0457610, -84.6014400

19. Old Irish Catholic Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0475810, -84.4894560

20. Hull-McGowan Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0100230, -84.5174920

21. Old Episcopal Third Street Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0472000, -84.4891000

22. Trotter Family Vault
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0324290, -84.4923520

23. Flight 5191 Memorial
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0156800, -84.5050120

24. Jonabell Farm Equine Cemetery
Lexington, Fayette County, USA
Coordinate: 38.0215100, -84.5935800