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"Spokane and The Spokane Country - Pictorial and Biographical - Deluxe Supplement." Vol. II. The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912. (No author listed.) pgs. 62-64.
The term a "self-made" man is perhaps trite but is also expressive and
in its best sense it finds exemplification in the life of Duncan J.
MacGillivray, who, starting out in life with only the asset of a common-school
education, has won for himself a creditable name and place in business
circles, now operating largely in real estate in the northwest with offices in
Spokane. He was born Ontario, Canada, February 5, 1866, and is a son of
Duncan A. and Mary (MacLellan) MacGillivray. The father was born in Canada,
representing an old Scotch family, whose genealogy is traced back in 1251.
They were one of the leading clans of Scotland and won fame on the battlefield
of Culloden. In many other connections the name prominently as
representatives of the family took active part in defending the interests of
the country or in upholding the name and honor of the clan. Duncan A.
MacGillivray became a pioneer farmer and lumberman of Canada, being actively
connected with the lumber business on the Ottawa river for a number of years.
He also held different offices and positions of public trust in Canada. He
died in 1902. His wife, who was born in Ontario, died in 1892. She
represented one of the early families of Canada of Scotch lineage. Mr. and
Mrs. Duncan A. MacGillivray were parents of four sons and three daughters.
Andrew, residing at Ottawa, Canada. Dan, who is engaged in the lumber
business in Wisconsin. Duncan J., and Kenneth who was drowned in the Ottawa
river in 1888. The daughters, Christy Ann and Mary died in childhood.
Adeline, now Mrs. MacIntyre, resides in Montreal, Canada.
Mr. MacGillivray's connection with the northwest dates from the fall
of 1897, when he arrived in Lewiston, Idaho. The following year he embarked
in business there as a dealer in furniture and house furnishings. He began
with a small store and stock, but such was his energy and capable management
that when he sold out in 1909 he was the foremost representative of this line
of trade in that state. He had improved and enlarged his establishment until
it was the best furniture store in Idaho and his success was known throughout
the northwest. While he won success in his commercial undertaking he also
found time and opportunity to cooperate in movements for the general good,
taking an active part in the upbuilding of the community, serving for eight
years as a director of the Chamber of Commerce and as president during last
year of his residence there. He also served as a director of the fair
association for six years and then as president for one year, taking part in
all of the projects for its development, giving largely of his time, energy
and money in promoting the interests of the community.
In the spring of 1910 Mr. MacGillivray came to Spokane, where he has
since engaged in the real-estate business, buying and selling property for
himself and others. He is connected and represents, in the northwest, several
of the largest Canadian companies, who are promoting and developing the
unlimited resources of western Canada, especially British Columbia. He
believes and is enthusiastic about the future of the Inland Empire and since
coming to this city, has invested heavily in Spokane real estate. He is
thoroughly acquainted with real-estate values in the northwest and the outlook
of the real-estate market, and the spirit of progressiveness which he brings
to his business is contributing not only to his individual success but also to
the development of this section of the country.
On the 26th of December, 1900, at Spokane, Mr. MacGillivray was
married to Miss Schaeffer, who was a daughter of an Iowa merchant, now
deceased, and is a descendant of Captain Wadsworth's family. They have
become parents of three children, Marion, Duncan John, Jr., and John Duncan,
the eldest being nine years of age. The family attend the Presbyterian church
and Mr. MacGillivray is identified with various fraternal organizations, being
now a chapter Mason (his membership in lodge and chapter being Wisconsin), and
a Knight Templar of Lewiston Commandery. He is also connected with the Elks
lodge and belongs likewise to the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is
connected with the progressive wing of the Republican party but has decline
all political advancement, preferring that his public service shall be done as
a private citizen and in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce. He stands
today a strong man--strong in his honor and his good name. Strong in his
ability to plan and perform, and is regarded as one of the influential
residents of Spokane.
Submitted by: Nancy Pratt Melton
* * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individuals featured in the biographies.