One of the leading law
firms of Edmonton is that of Mackay, McDonald & Wells, of which John C.
McDonald is a member, and the extent and importance of their clientele
indicates the confidence reposed in their integrity and legal acumen by
the general public. John C. McDonald was born in the province of
Ontario, in 1882, and is a son of Neil and Mary (McKay) McDonald, who
have spent their lives in Ontario, where the father is following the
occupation of farming.
After completing his high
school training at Owen Sound, Ontario, John C. McDonald entered Toronto
University and was graduated from that institution of learning in 1907,
with the degrees of B. A. and LL. B., obtaining the gold medal on
political science. He began his professional career at Owen Sound,
Ontario, where he engaged in the practice of law until 1915, when he
came to Edmonton and formed a partnership with the late Hon. A. G.
Mackay, under the name of Mackay, McDonald & Company. In 1919 William A.
Wells joined the partnership and the firm has since carried on business
under the name of Mackay, McDonald & Wells, although the senior partner
died in 1920. Mr. McDonald has never lost the attitude of a student
toward his profession and his ability is manifest in the logic of his
deductions and the clearness of his reasoning.
Mr. McDonald finds
diversion in football and bowling and his fraternal connections are with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Beneolent Protective Order
of Elks. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith and a Liberal in his
political views. For thirteen years he has been identified with the
legal profession, in which he has steadily progressed, and his life
record is proof of the fact that success is not a matter of fortunate
circumstances, nor even of genius, as is held by some, but is the
outcome of clear judgment, experience, careful preparation for the work
in hand and unabating industry. |