Fonds consists of certificates documenting extensively Macdonald's medical training at Edinburgh University, correspondence and other papers detailing his naval appointments, and family affairs, especially between 1841 to 1846. Also of note are religious sermons from Cromarty ca. 1789-1796 and other religious writings, notes on surgery, 1828-1829, Sarah Anne Malloch's commonplace book, and related family material. A printed notice, written in Greek, advertising a forthcoming student musical is filed with the university records. A diploma from the Royal College of surgeons, dated April 1839, Edinburgh, is located in horizontal storage, container 2.
The fonds also contains photographs, ca. 1839-1898, that depict Hamilton, Ontario; Dr. John Duff Macdonald, his wife Sarah Anne, and their family, including daughters Elizabeth (Mrs. Hugh Wardrope), Catherine, Rose and Sarah.
Macdonald, John Duff, 1819-1901 : John Duff Macdonald, surgeon, was born into a naval family in Cromarty Scotland. After attending Forres Academy, he studied at Edinburgh University and qualified as a surgeon. Macdonald served as an Assistant Surgeon in the Royal Navy in Mediterranean, Carribbean and Canadian waters from 1841 to 1846.
Macdonald came to Canada c. 1847 to join his mother and other family members in the vicinity of Perth. He married Sarah Anne Malloch (1826-1902) in 1849 and moved to Hamilton, where he had a distinguished medical career, including work with the Provincial Board of Health and the Canada Life Assurance Company. He died in Hamilton in 1901.
