Donald McDonald Moore County, NC any hope finding parents?

Question

I'm looking for into on a Donald McDonald (died 1787 or 1827 conflicting dates in sources) who immigrated to Moore County, NC, from I believe North Uist in 1772. He married an Effie Martin (died 1823) after immigrating. His neighbors in North Carolina were Donald Campbell of Scalpay and Catherine MacDonald (daughter of Ranald I of Baleshare). They purchased land adjacent to the land he purchased in NC. I've scoured North Carolina documents and books. Every known list of Highlanders in North Carolina, etc and can find nothing other than what was published in the book, Between the Creeks, A History of Highland Scots immigration into Moore County, NC.mostly relating to his descendants. The courthouse in Moore County burned in the 1800's so documentation is scarce. Do you think there is any chance at all I could find out who his parents were? Where should I look?

Comments

I wish you luck in your search. Donald McDonald is a common name and will take some digging to get to the right one.

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That’s what I’m afraid of! Effie was a common name too.

Answer 1

Donald McDonald death date 9 Jun 1827 Moore, NC      Burial at Old Scotch Graveyard

Comments

I’ve seen that date in cemetery surveys also, it’s believed that is the correct Donald and Effie. They are buried side by side in the cemetery, however, it appears that in 1787 they sold a large portion of land and the common boundary was labeled “Widow McDonald line” and evidently Effie received a land grant of 150 acres in her own name in 1799 below what was their property on Suck Creek that was sold.  She also applied for her own brand in 1794. The source for this is the book “Between the Creeks.” Odd thing is the census of 1790 does not list her as a head of household. Their last child was born in appx 1785.