George Greenfield Macdonell

George Greenfield Macdonell (June 4, 1808–before 1878) was from a prominent family in Upper Canada. He was the first son of Alexander Macdonell of Greenfield, a nephew of John Macdonell of Greenfield and Donald Macdonell of Greenfield, and a great-nephew of Sir Hugh MacDonell of Aberchalder and John McDonell of Aberchalder. In the tradition of his forefathers George entered military service obtaining the rank of Captain, serving under his uncle Lieutenant-Colonel Donald McDonell of Greenfield. Most notably George led the Lancaster Glengarry Highlanders during the 1838 Battle of the Windmill George's brother Angus (later a Lieutenant) had served under him as an Ensign during the battle. Angus was injured which ultimately led to his untimely death in 1843. One of the individuals who battled alongside George was Plomer Young. George would name a son in his honor. George later wrote of the battle in detail stating: “…we received orders to take charge which we did and put an end to the engagement, killing numbers taking prisoners and forcing the residue of the enemy to retreat into the Windmill, from whence they were forced to surrender in three days afterwards;…” George was one of just a few participants in the battle who were singled out by the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, Sir George Arthur, Bt. who wrote “The Major-General also offers his warmest thanks to Colonel the Honourable Henry Dundas, R.A., for the able disposition of his force and his indefatigable exertions; to Colonel McBean, R.A.; to Colonel R. Duncan Fraser; to Lieutenant-Colonel Gowan and Captain George Greenfield Macdonell and to all the officers of the militia…”