John X McDonald, 1832-31/3/1898. "one of nature's noblemen"

I make two observations before this story is read; "British America" was the name used for what is now known as Canada.  

The word "white" in this context is an archaic term whose meaning is difficult to pin down.  I have read it in old books published for young people, and its synonyms in this context could be, honest, dependable, trustworthy.  Its implications are obvious. It comes from a time now gone.

OBITUARY.

Another of our old pioneers has gone from amongst us in the person of Mr John X. McDonald, who died at the Frankton Hospital on the 31st of March after, a short illness — the immediate cause of death being pneumonia. Mr McDonald was taken ill at Kinloch and after being confined to his house for a few days, with what he thought was a rather severe cold, he was brought down to the hospital on Saturday, and only survived until the following Thursday. Deceased was in his 67th year, and a native of British America. In his early years he followed a seafaring life, holding a mate's certificate and being employed in the British American trader. He went to Victoria in the early days of the diggings and after spending some years there he came to New Zealand in the sixties along with the hardy band of adventurers who came here after the golden discovery of Gabriel Read. He went to the Thames at the first rush there, and took an active part in developing that field, holding the position of mine manager for a considerable time. He came to the Wakatipu about 25 years ago and resided principally at the Head of Lake ever since. Although fairly successful in all his efforts on the goldfields his great generosity of disposition prevented him from becoming wealthy, where a meaner mind would undoubtedly have amassed a fortune. However he was always fairly well off, and leaves behind him what is better than hoarded wealth — viz, the unsullied name of an honorable, upright and kind-hearted man. As a rule, all our old pioneers have possessed in a high degree the attributes which constitute true nobility in man, but few will leave behind them a memory that will be cherished with the same loving remembrance as that of "John X." High-souled and generous to a fault, ever first to help the weak or relieve the needy; ready at all times to face hardship and danger in every manly undertaking, he was in every essential one of nature's noblemen, and it will be long ere those intimately associated with him will cease to cherish his memory as that of a true-hearted comrade whose place will be hard to fill. Deceased was buried in the Frankton cemetery by his own wish on Friday last, The Rev Father O'Donnell conducting the service at the grave. Many of his old friends followed his remains to their last resting place, and several beautiful floral tributes laid upon the coffin bore testimony to the affectionate remembrance in which he was held. I may mention that he was attended with devoted care during his last hours by his old friend and "pard," Mr Arthur Ford. —Communicated.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 8/4/1898.

Frankton Cemetery.