Eóghann Dhòmhnaill Eóghainn Aonghais 'Illeasbuig

Hugh "Hughie Donald Hughie" MacDonald was from Glencoe Mills, Inverness County. His MacDonald ancestors came from Lochaber, Scotland, arriving in Cape Breton around 1822. He was the son of Donald "Hughie" MacDonald of Glencoe Mills and Isabel Campbell of Upper Glencoe.

In the 1920s, Hugh moved to Detroit in search of work. Over the years, he held a number of jobs—as a streetcar conductor, and working on boats. When his father passed away, Hugh returned to Glencoe Mills to take over and expand the family farm, clearing additional land and maintaining a woodlot. In the 1950s and 60s operated a Massey Harris/Ferguson farm equipment dealership, serving the needs of local farmers.

After his return home, Hugh met Rachel Ann MacDonald of Saint Ninian through the parish priest, Fr. Sam Campbell. Rachel worked as the housekeeper at the Glebe in the neighbouring parish. Hugh and Rachel were married in 1946 and had three children—two daughters and a son who died in infancy. His daughter Pauline is a Gaelic speaker and an active member of the Gaelic community.

Hugh was known for his strong community spirit, knowledge, and quiet leadership. He served as a school trustee, municipal councillor, board member of the Mabou Co-op and assisted with auditing at the local Credit Union. He was the first in the area to have a telephone, and his home became an important point of contact for neighbours needing to call a doctor, priest, or family member. He also looked after the church furnace for many years and helped maintain the church grounds and volunteered on many other projects such as the expansion of the Glencoe Mills Hall in the early 1970’s.

Music was another part of Hugh’s life. He bought a fiddle while living in Detroit and enjoyed playing, as did his brother Angus. Their first cousin, John Willie Campbell, a well-known fiddler in the area, often performed at dances, concerts, and house parties. Some of Hugh’s favourite jigs to play were “Dusty Bob Jig”, “Haste to the Wedding”, “Irish Washerwoman” and “The Little Burnt Potato”.

Hugh was a gifted storyteller, known for captivating visitors with his tales—always told with warmth, humour, and just enough embellishment to keep everyone entertained.

A recording of Hugh and Rachel singing together can be found at the Beaton Institute (catalogue number T-380), offering a glimpse into the warmth and culture they carried forward.