My Genealogy Hound

CLARENCE A. MACDONALD. There is no legal firm in Seneca Falls that is more widely or favorably known throughout this section of New York than the MacDonald Brothers, of which the subject of this sketch is the senior member. Having been a life-long resident of this village, he has gained a wide acquaintance among the people of this locality, and is well respected as a man of high talents and broad information.

Born in this village April 3, 1856, our subject is the son of Col. James H. and Ulissa P. (Baker) MacDonald. His father, who was born in New York State in 1828, was one of the brave defenders of the Union during the Rebellion. At the outbreak of the war he assisted in raising Company K, Fiftieth New York Engineers, and was mustered into the service as First Lieutenant. In 1862 he was promoted to the rank of Captain of his company, and in 1864 became Major of the regiment. The following year he was breveted Lieutenant-Colonel of the United States Volunteers. For four years he served his country faithfully and well, taking part in many important engagements. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged, and, returning to his home in Seneca Falls, resumed his business, which had been interrupted by army service. He is still living in this village, and is engaged in a general insurance business.

The subject of this sketch received his primary education in the public schools of Seneca Falls, and later entered Rochester Free Academy, after which he entered the University of Rochester, from which institution he was graduated in 1880. Returning to Seneca Falls, he served as Principal of the public schools for two years. He then read law with Charles A. Hawley, a prominent attorney of this place, and was admitted to practice in January, 1884, before the Supreme Court at Syracuse, N. Y. On receiving his diploma he opened an office in his native village, and for five years continued in practice alone, when, in 1889, he formed a partnership with his brother, William S. MacDonald, under the firm name of MacDonald Brothers. They have built up a large practice in the various courts of the state, and also in the federal courts. Mr. MacDonald is well read in law and is considered a safe counselor and a good advocate before a jury. Fraternally he is a member of Pocahontas Lodge No. 211, F. & A. M.

In 1889 Mr. MacDonald was united in marriage with Miss Agnes J. Davis, a daughter of James Davis, of Seneca Falls, and they have one son, Stewart C. Politically Mr. MacDonald is recognized as one of the leaders of the Republican party in the county.