Charles McDonald born in Gairloch, Rosshire, Scotland, in 1802, and emigrated to Nova Scotia in 1832.  He learned the trade of a tailor in Dingwall, Scotland, and worked in Glasgow for a number of years.  Charles was married to Margaret Sutherland.  He was the father of John R Macdonald and Robert Macdonald as well as three daughters. He had a store on Water Street in Pictou. Charles McDonald died 28 March 1894.