Sam McDonald

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Sam McDonald (1762- May 6, 1802), called "Big Sam", was a Scotsman of unusual height for his day who had a distinguished military career and was a noted "strongman". Most sources state his height as 6 feet 10 inches, with a burly build, although one 1822 source claims 7 feet 4 inches. 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. Due to his height and bulk he generally marched to the side of the formation, and was frequently detached for recruiting. His image was later used on recruiting posters. 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.

His obituary in the Sydney Gazette was the first newspaper obituary printed in Australia; it appeared in the March 12, 1803 edition.

[edit] References

E. Cobham Brewer, Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898) under "Giants of Real Life" (available at Bartleby.com)
David Stewart, Sketches of the Character, Manners, and Present State of the Highlanders of Scotland...", Edinburgh (1822).