The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-01-30
GLOBE s MINNEAPOLIS OFFICE
~ 20 WASHINGTON Az SOUTH.

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 29.-WiIliam
Donaldson, senior member of the firm
of William Donaldson & Co., died I'M
expectedly this morning at the Hotel
Coronado, Coronado Beach, California.
\ brief telegram, announcing the
death, was received today by L. S.
Donaldson. member of the firm and
brother of the deceased. A few days
ago a telegram announced the illness
OF William Donaldson. Saturday even
ms. another one stated that he was i'm
proving.
Mr.. Donaldson, accompanied by Mrs.
Donaldson and their younger daugh-
tiers, Miss May and Miss Wilhelmina,
left for California January II. 1t was
the intention of Mr.. Donaldson to leave
, his wife and daughters in California
for the winter and to come back to
Ainea polls himself in few days.
L. s. Donaldson left this evening for
California. The remains will be
brought to this city and the burial will
be in Lakewood cemetery, in the fam
lily lot. s<
The Glass block, the store conducted
by the firm will not open for business
this morning. L. S. Donaldson gave
instructions to the people in charge of
the several departments before leaving
for the coast TO keep the store closed.
tffa ii afteF-the funeral.
Mr.. Donaldson leaves widow and
five sons and daughters. John Donald
son is in Manila as first lieutenant Of
Company A, Thirteenth Minnesota.
George Donaldson, the elder son, is in
Boston. connected with the wholesale
dry goods house of Houston &. Hender-
son. Miss Elizabeth Donaldson, one OF
three daughters is attending the school
+aI hrr
Dana, Morristown, n. J. Mrs. Donald
son and the two younger daughters are
in California.
William Donaldson was native Of Scot
land, born in the village Of Milnathort, mid
way between Edinburgh and Perth, June 10.
1913. William was the second child in
family OF two sons and two daughters He
was educated by excellent teachers in the
village school, receiving a classical educa-
ton. AT the age of 10 years he was appren
ticed TO a draper and served him four years.
He next became clerk in dry goods store
in Glasgow. his salary being 40 per year at
the beginning. This was increased from time
to time during the eight years he was in
this store, as promotions were made until
he was placed in the most responsible posi-
ton in the establishment He married Miss
Mary Turner in Glasgow. After four more
years as an employee of others he left his
of his wife and came to America, in company
with l.. S. Donaldson, younger brother.
That in 1877. Both brothers worked four
years in a dry goods house in Providence
R. L
In 1881 William Donaldson was employed
by Auerbarh. Finch, Van Slyke Co., ST.
Paul. and given charge of soliciting retail
trade in Minneapolis and St. Paul. few
months later he began his career as retail
merchsnt in Minneapolis. opening a store at
80 Niccllet avenue with q stock of women's
and mems furnishing goods. He then had
but a meager capital, saved from his earn
fngs as an apprentice and clerk. Unable to
renew his lease, he. in less than a year from
took department in the Glass Block
erected by Cotton & Co.. and ran it at his
own risk. The Cotton establishment failed
soon after and William Donaldson was placed
IN charge of their stock of general dry
goods, purchased by Samuel Groocock
Mr.. Donaldson bought out the stock Of Mr.
-Groocock early in 1884, and with his brother,
L ) Donaldson, began business in the old
Glass Block, under the firm name of William
Donaldson & Co. The cid building proved to
1887 the present block was erected upon the
site OF the old structure, Ncollet avenue and
Sixth street In 1891 this building was en-
iafged by an annex on Sixth street De-
ceased was prominent in the work of building
-up~Mlnneapolis. He took an active interest
IN the work Of the Business Mems union and
his surplus capital has been liberally in
vested in manufactures that tend to build
up the interests of the city. He took an 40
tive interest in establishing the Minneapolis
Linen Mill company being vice president
and large stockhoider in The concern He
was also president of a large clothing manu-
featuring establishment and director and
stockholder in number of other enterprises
He purchased beautiful villa with spacious
grounds at Lake Minnetonka
he was an active member of the CALIFORNIAN
club and Clan Gordon, and was prominent in
the social events of the Sons of Scotia