Aonghas Dhòmhnuill Ailein Dhòmhnuill

Angus “Bàn” Bernard MacDonald was born February 2, 1906 in Black River, Inverness County, to Donald (Dòmhnuill Ailein) and Catherine Marie (MacDonnell) MacDonald. In the community, he was known as Angus Dan Allan California. His MacDonald ancestors hailed from Badenoch, Scotland, and originally settled in Glenville (An Gleann Dubh).

Angus had one sister, Mary Janet, and eight brothers: John R., Allan, Joseph, Jack, Colin, Alexander, Anthony, and Right Rev. Alexander Duncan “A.D.” His brother, Father A.D. MacDonald, authored the well-known genealogical record, Mabou Pioneers.

Angus married Elizabeth MacDonnell Hanley, a widow and daughter of Sandy Christopher of Judique. He helped raise her five children.

In his early years, Angus worked in the mines in Ontario before returning to Inverness County, where he made his living hauling pulpwood with his pulp truck. He was also a carpenter by trade.

Angus is fondly remembered as a kind man. He had a deep love for horses and contributed a song about a mare to the Cape Breton Folklore Collection.

Angus passed away on March 21, 1978, and is buried in Judique.