Donald Macrae (1870-1932)

MACRAE

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/10/2008 at 14:29:43

DR. DONALD MACRAE
(January 24, 1870 - January 11, 1932)
PHOTO AVAILABLE
Dies After Ten Days Illness. Victim of Pneumonia

Dr. Donald Macrae, 61, one of the leading surgeons of the middle west, died at his home in Council Bluffs at 23o’clock after an illness of ten days with pneumonia. Funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian church in the bluffs at 11 o’clock Wednesday, Rev Dr. C Carson, officiating.

It was one of the largest attended funerals ever held in that city. The body was borne by a gun cassion from the government arsenal at Rock Island, Illinois, drawn by six beautiful black horses. Following the cassion came the doctor’s riding horse bearing the saddle, boots and spurs; then the coupe and chauffeur used by Doctor Macrae in his professional work. Burial was in Walnut Hill cemetery.

Dr. Macrae was born and raised in Council Bluffs, a son of Dr. Donald Macrae, pioneer surgeon. He served in the Philippines with the Fifty-first Iowa volunteers; on the Mexican border and was with the Rainbow division in the world’s war, having charge of Unit K which was later known as Mobile Hospital No.1.

Dr. Macrae was a surgeon of unusual ability, and his services were in demand by people in all walks of life. He was kind and thoughtful of his patients, while at times he seemed rough and heartless. His one aim in life was to do good, help his fellowman and relieve their suffering in the quickest and best way. He was a man who never waited for orders always on the job giving orders. Many are the hours of anxious waiting and sleepless nights he passed in the interest of his fellow man.

Dr. Macrae was one of the outstanding physicians of the country. His funeral was attended by men and women in all walks of life who had learned to love him by his kindness to sick poor and rich alike in his life.

Dr. Macrae’s record as mayor of Council Bluffs is a record that has never been equaled. He did things in the way he thought would be of benefit to the largest number in the quickest possible way.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald