Sam McDonald

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Sam McDonald (1762-1802), called "Big Sam", was a Scotsman of unusual height for his day (6 foot 10 inches tall) who had a distinguished military career and was a noted "strongman". Born in Lairg, Sutherland in 1762, he served in the 2nd Sutherland Fencibles 1779-83 and the Royal Scots 1783-1789 (where he served as Fugleman or drill-leader). From 1791-93 he was employed by the Prince of Wales, and during this time appeared at the Drury Lane Theatre, playing Hercules in "Cymon and Iphigenia". From 1793-99 he was in the 3rd Sutherland Fencibles, and from 1799 until his death in 1802 in the newly formed 93rd Sutherland. He died while stationed with the regiment on Guernsey, and is buried there.

There exist several engravings of him, both in military uniform and while serving as a gatekeeper for the Prince of Wales, including three by noted Scottish caricaturist John Kay.

[edit] References

  • E. Cobham Brewer, Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898) under "Giants of Real Life" (available at Bartleby.com)

[edit] External links

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