The McDonald Family - The Story

Where I have found relevant birth certificates or marriage certificates, I have provided a link which will display a transcript of the certificate. (Watch for the word "born" or "married" being indicated as a link).

Can you fill in any further details?

To comment or to  provide additional information, please email me using the link below.

Andy McMenemy

Page views since 12th Sept. 2004:

The McMenemy family is linked to the McDonald family. In 1925, Thomas John Temple McMenemy married Florence Victoria McDonald. Here is what is known of the McDonald family.

Thomas McDonald & Catherine (1795-?)

The first McDonald we have traced to date is Thomas McDonald. Thomas came to London from County Carlow in Ireland. He was probably born around 1800-1805 and came to London as a youth. Thomas was a plasterer by trade. He met and married Catherine from Chingford.

John Thomas McDonald (1829-?) & Julia Hancock (1826-1891)

Thomas and Catherine had a son John Thomas born in Holborn in 1829. We know little of his early life.

John met and married Julia Harriott Hancock. Julia was born in Hoxton, Shoreditch in 1826, daughter of George Hancock (1793-?)  a local window blind maker, and Charlotte. Julia had several brothers and sisters, an elder sister Elizabeth born in 1824, a brother Henry William and a further sister Martha.

Thomas and Julia married in the Chapel of St Mary, Moorfields on February 10th, 1855. Julia’s brother Henry and sister Martha were witnesses at the ceremony.

By 1861 they were living at 9 Lamb’s Conduit Street, and John was working as an architectural ornamental modeller. They moved over the years and in 1881 were living at 27 Cumming Street, Clerkenwell with John working as a house decorator. Later they moved to Islington where John was a Foreman of Decorators.

Third Generation

Thomas and Julia had seven children. Julia Catherine Mary born in Caledonian Road on April 19th, 1856; Mary Elisabeth born in Islington on October 24th, 1857; Catherine Winnifred born January 7th, 1860; John Joseph born in Lamb’s Conduit Street on July 17th, 1861; George James born in Holborn on February 7th, 1865; Arthur Henry born in Holborn on October 4th, 1866; and Henry Augustine also born in Holborn February 3rd, 1868.

I am unable to fill in too many details about some of the children. I will make no further mention of Mary Elisabeth, Catherine Winnifred, or Henry Augustine. I do not know whether they ever married. Catherine lived until November 1960. I do have some data, however, on the others.

Julia Catherine Mary McDonald (1856-1931) & James Kilkenny (1854-?)

John Joseph McDonald (1861-1923) & Eliza Ellen Kilkenny (1861-1946)

John Joseph McDonald was the fourth child His birth certificate records his birthday as 17th July 1861 at the family home at 9 Lamb’s Conduit Street.

John Joseph lived at 28 Albion Grove, Islington when he married Eliza Kilkenny in 1889. Eliza was born on January 3rd, 1861 at Edmund Place, Applegate, East London. She was the sister of James Kilkenny who had married John Joseph’s eldest sister. Eliza and James had several other brothers and sisters, incidentally. Sarah Ann Kilkenny was born in 1856, Charles in 1859, Maria in 1864, Thomas in 1866, and Ellen in 1868. I know little of the family, other than that Thomas was working as a newspaper agent in 1891 when the census showed him living at 10 Ely Buildings, Ely Place. Eliza is believed to have worked as a governess in Belgium prior to her marriage.

They married on September 8th, 1889 at the Church of St John the Evangelist, Duncan Terrace. John’s brother George James was one of the witnesses at the ceremony. John had been living in the family home at 28 Albion Grove, and Eliza at 10 Ely Buildings. Evidently, once married John and Eliza moved away, as they were not present at either address at the time of the 1891 Census. John was an accomplished pianist, and was remembered for always going to work in a top hat. Eliza was a very slight woman, probably no more that 5 feet tall, very slim, but always very smartly dressed. She would always wear a hat, usually with straight sides, but generally decorated with leaves and fruit.

By 1897, when Florence was born the family had moved and were living at what are described in the census as Industrial Dwellings at 2 Canonbury Avenue, Islington.

In 1919, John lived at 98 Highbury Hill. By the time he died, he was classified as an Architect’s Draughtsman.

Eliza lived on, and was staying with her daughter Marie at 16 Gower Mews Mansions, WC1 when she died of heart and kidney failure on December 15th 1946, aged 85.

George James (1865-?) & Ellen Hyde

I have very little information about George. He was a Decorative Draughtsman according to the 1891 Census, and at that time was still single. He married Ellen Hyde and started a family.

George is remembered as a very jolly person, with a good singing voice. He used to keep the children laughing at his songs, which he would play on the ukelele accompanied by "Nellie" playing the piano.

Arthur Henry (1866-?) & Rose Windust

Again I regret the paucity of information regarding Arthur. He was working as an ornamental plaster when the 1891 census was taken. He was still living in the family home at 28 Albion Grove at that time.

Subsequently he married Rose Windust and started a family. He was very proud of the fact that he designed and constructed the ceiling of the Astoria, at Finsbury Park.

Fourth Generation

Julia and James Kilkenny had seven children. Gertrude J. born in Clerkenwell in 1882, Florence C. in 1883, Elizabeth Agnes in 1886, Edith M. in Bermondsey in 1888, Alfred J.J. in 1891, George in 1896, and Grace in 1900.

I do not know whether Gertrude, Elizabeth Agnes, Edith, Alfred, George or Grace married. Gertrude lived until 1856; Elizabeth lived until 1975; Edith until 1968; Alfred until 1978; George until 1993; and Grace until 1925.

Florence Kilkenny married Eugene Small. Eugene died in 1949. Florence died in 1960.

John Joseph and Eliza Ellen McDonald had seven children. Eileen born on August 1st, 1890; Cecilia born November 16th, 1891; John Albert Edward born May 10th, 1893; Mildred Eva born in 1896; Florence Victoria born June 22nd, 1897; Marie Ellen born March 12th, 1900; and Patricia born May 8th, 1902.

Eileen McDonald (1890-1967) & Bernard Murphy (1893-1962)

Eileen McDonald while in her early twenties met and married Bernard John Stanley Murphy. I regret to say I know little of their lives. They did have five children, however.

Cecilia McDonald (1891-?) & Charles Burnley-Belt

Everyone knew Cecilia as "Cis". Cis met and married Charles Burnley-Belt. Again, I know little of their lives. Charles was in the police force, based at Scotland Yard. They had a home in Cheam, but were never blessed with children.

John Albert Edward McDonald (1893-?) & Edith Powney

John had very poor health as child. His mother was known to push him in a wicker frame to St Bartholomew's Hospital for treatment.

John met and married Edith Powney. I don’t believe they had any children. John worked as a chauffeur. I have conflicting evidence of his death. I have been told he lived up until the 1940s at least. I have, however, the receipt for his interment at St Pancras Cemetery dated 31st August 1921. (If anyone can clear this up, I’d be most grateful.

Mildred Eva McDonald (1896-1919)

Mildred never married. She died in her early twenties and was buried at St Pancras Cemetery on April 7th 1919.

Florence Victoria McDonald (1897-1985)

Florence Victoria was born in June 1897 in the family home at 2 Canonbury Avenue (islington). Llike her mother, of slight build but a bundle of energy. During the first World War she served as a voluntary nurse.

In 1925 Florence married Thomas McMenemy, and full discussion of their family can be found by following the link.

Marie McDonald (1900-1963)

The family had been living in Islington when Marie was born. Marie never married. She lived in Gower Mews Mansions, WC1. When her mother was old and infirm, she looked after her at the flat, until she passed away. After that Marie went and stayed for a while with her nephew and his wife, Bernard and Kathleen Murphy. She soon returned to the Mews though. She died there in about 1963.

Patricia McDonald & Geoffrey Nield

Patricia was always know as "Trix". Trix met and married Geoff Nield. Geoff worked for one of the shipping companies. Canadian Pacific, I believe. Their home was in Norwood.

I regret that I have far fewer details about the remaining members of this generation.

George James McDonald and Ellen Hyde had five children. I do not have all of their birth dates so may list them in the wrong order. The children were Charles, Dorothy, Jessica, Lillian, and Kathleen. I know nothing of Charles, Dorothy or Jessica. Lillian, however married, probably in the late 1930s, though I do not know the name of her husband. Kathleen also married. Her husband was Ronald Sayers (born in 1906).

Arthur Henry McDonald and Rose Windust had four children. Rosie, Violet born in 1893, Ethel born in 1895, and Percy born in 1897. I know little of Rosie or Ethel, though believe that Ethel lived until December 1971.

Violet met and married Alec Toole (born 1895). I do not have any details of Violet and Alec, though I was told that Violet survived until May 1979.

Percy Arthur married Mary Agnes Tracey (born February 1898). Percy was an excellent swimmer and diver, and member of the Highgate Lifebuouys. He used to take place in the 100 yard swim across Highgate Ponds on Hampstead Heath at Christmas every year.

He had a brilliant singing voice and sung the solo at his son John’s ordination.

Percy died in March 1973, and Mary Agnes in January 1975.

Fifth Generation

As with the McMenemy’s the number of descendants in this generation and beyond makes it difficult to keep track. I will summarise, and leave as an exercise to the reader the filling in of the pertinent details.

Florence and Eugene Small had a daughter.

Sheila, born about 1925. Sheila met and married Kevin Hood and started a family.

Eileen and Bernard Murphy had five children.

Bernard John Dennis was born April 1st, 1915, and married Kathleen Gammon. They lived in Cockfosters, and Enfield. Bernard died February 22nd 1983. Kath now lives in Brentwood.

Frank was born September 9th, 1917, and married Eileen McQuilkin in April 1946. They live in North Finchley.

Patricia born March 30th, 1919 and now lives near Oakwood in North London.

Eileen Victoria was born September 12th, 1923 and married Philip John Albert Law. Eileen died in 1989. Philip now lives near Oakwood.

Anthony was born September 18th, 1928 and married Gabrielle Zehnder. Tony died in 1996.

Patricia (Trix) and Geoff Nield had one son.

Michael. Michael grew up to marry Kathleen Eldridge.

Lillian McDonald had one daughter

Marian was born on May 22nd, 1939.

Kathleen and Ronald Sayers had two sons.

Donald was born April 14th, 1926 and grew up to marry Joan Everest Woolley-Smith. They now live in Jersey.

The second son was Noel born 12th March, 1932. He married Elizabeth Everest Woolley-Smith.

I believe that both families now reside in the Channel Islands.

Violet and Alec Toole had a son.

Peter was born on September 23rd, 1923. Peter married Roisine Kearney.

Peter served in Burma during World War II. Some of his memoirs are available on the web, and can be found by following this link.

This is a picture of Peter taken in Burma

Peter recalls how as a boy he frequently visited the Kilkenny family at 44 Squires Lane, Finchley.

Alf, Gerts and Edith (Edi); he says Edi was the nicest. One of the sisters told the story of how during WW1 she was watching when Commander Ball shot down the Zeppelin which crashed near Potters Bar.

Percy Arthur and Mary Agnes McDonald had three children.

Mary Josephine was born September 5th, 1925. She grew up to marry William Rodgers.

John was born on June 19th, 1930 and was educated at Sacred Heart Convent at Whetstone, and Finchley Grammar school.

John, like his father was an excellent swimmer and diver. He was a member of Highgate Lifebuouys, and swimming champion of Finchley in about 1943.
During the war, John was evacuated with his mother, brother and sister to Winchester. They lived for three years in The Rising Sun, at the bottom of St Giles' Hill. The pub was, at the time, run by John's aunt. John's father was working for the War Office in Cheltenham.

He studied for the priesthood at the seminary at St Edmund's College, Ware. He was ordained in June 1955, and took up a position in the parish of All Saints, Kenton until 1963. He then moved on the St Joan of Arc, Highbury until 1965.
For the next 18 years he worked first as the Sub-Administrator, then the Administrator of the Crusade of Rescue Children's Society. His next appointment was to be Parish Priest at Our Lady of Lourdes, Acton (from 1983-1987) and then to the Most Sacred Heart in Ruislip until 1992.

In 1992 Fr. John was appointed to Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane. Here he finished the worked of restoration on the church, started by his predecessor, Fr. Dodd.

Fr. John is also the national chaplain to the Catholic Stage Guild.

Michael was born on February 18th, 1932. He married Angela Rowe. I understand they live in St Albans, where Michael sells sculpture.

Sixth Generation

Sheila and Kevin Hood had seven children.

Eugene was born on 2nd April, 1952 and married Linda Gosling.

Michael was born on 25th January, 1955 and married Maureen Hitchcock.

Kevin was born on 24th May, 1956 and married Georgina.

Francis was born on 29th August, 1957 and married Linda Bedford.

Gerard was on 10th April, 1960; Peter on 11th December, 1961; and Sheila on 10th December, 1964.

Bernard and Kathleen Murphy had three daughters.

Anne was born December 20th, 1940. She married Phil Warwicker and they now live in Somerset.

Elizabeth was born April 23rd, 1947. She married Anthony Murrell on October 12th, 1968. They now live in Brentwood, Essex.

Mary was born February 10th, 1948. She married Graham McLeod on September 8th, 1973. They now live near Brentwood, also.

Eileen and Frank Murphy had four children.

Maureen was born on May 6th, 1947. She married Peter Dyer on October 25th, 1969.

Francis was born on St Patrick’s day 1949. He went to school at St Columba’s College in St Albans. He married Rebecca Haire, but that did not last. He is now married to Sharon Higham.

Angela was born August 24th, 1953 and is now married to James Kennedy.

Clare was born October 29th, 1962. She now lives in Finchley and is a teacher at a school in London.

Eileen and Phillip Law had four sons.

Phillip Anthony was born October 10th, 1950. Phillip was ordained a priest and is now the parish priest at Knebworth in Hertfordshire.

John Vincent was born February 26th, 1952 and married Frances Jane Green in 1973.

Joseph Edmund was born March 29th, 1960 and married Amanda Howells.

Bernard Gerald was born May 14th, 1963.

Anthony (usually known as Tony) and Gabriella had six children

Anthony was born February 7th, 1956. He married Monica Wright.

Vincent was born April 5th, 1967 and Gabrielle was born September 1st, 1958.

Magdalen and Nicholas were born September 22nd, 1960. Magdalen married Gerard Hurrell.

Bruno was born May 12th, 1972.

Michael and Kathleen Nield have a son Andrew.

Donald (Dr.) and Joan Sayers have eight children, I believe.

Rosemary, Anthony born May 27th, 1953; Helen born September 17th, 1954; Phillip born January 18th, 1956; Charles and Martin born July 3rd, 1957; Michael born March 27th, 1959; and Stephen William born February 18th, 1962 but died in January 2002.

Noel and Elizabeth Sayers have six children.

Catherine born September 6th, 1957; Mary born December 23rd, 1958; Veronica born March 29th, 1960; Peter born February 28th, 1963; Timothy born December 26th, 1964; and Richard born April 4th, 1971.

Peter and Roisine Toole had four sons.

Adrian was born on November 18th, 1951 (Adrian has his own website); Mark on June 29th, 1953; Simon on March 8th, 1957; and James on April 19th, 1966.

Mary Josephine and William Rodgers had five children.

Christine was born May 5th, 1952. She married Diego Duran.

Margaret was born August 21st, 1953; Michael was born April 20th, 1956; David on March 21st, 1960 and John Paul on September 14th, 1962.

Michael and Angela McDonald have two children.

Carole was born December 4th, 1964 and Christopher on December 6th, 1968.

Seventh Generation

Anne and Phillip Warwicker had a son Kerri who was born July 4th, 1971.

Elizabeth and Anthony (Tony) Murrell have two children.

Carolyn Jane was born August 7th, 1970. She grew up in Brentwood and married Simon Noakes on April 9th, 1994.

Richard was born March 6th, 1973. He trained as a mining engineer and is currently in Australia, where he has just been offered a four year contract working for one of the big gold mines.

Francis and Sharon Murphy have two children.

Rupert was born in February 1980, and Layla in November 1983.

Angela and James Kennedy have three children,

Matthew born September 24th, 1984; Jolon born September 21st, 1989; and James born September 9th, 1991.

John and Frances Law have two children.

Matthew Nathan was born September 23rd, 1973 and Dawn Rebecca.

Joseph and Amanda Law have two children, Daniel and James.

Anthony and Monica Murphy have seven children, Joanne, Jennifer, Rachel, Ruth, Luke, Stephanie and Thomas.

Magdalen and Gerald Hurrell have seven children.

John was born July 18th 1983, but tragically died on December 17th that same year. Emily was born May 10th 1985; Rebecca on December 19th 1987, Sarah on July 7th, 1989; Naomi on December 5th, 1990; Magdalen on April 22nd, 1991; and Peter on March 31st, 1995.

Christine and Diego Duran

Christine & Diego have two children, John Paul and Marco Francisco

Last Modified: 16/04/2006 11:17