Born in East Ballarat, Victoria on 21 July 1869, John McDonald was the son of cordial manufacturer Michael McDonald. He was educated at Christian Brothers College in East Melbourne, then spent three years raising stock for his father.
Born in East Ballarat, Victoria on 21 July 1869, John McDonald was the son of cordial manufacturer Michael McDonald. He was educated at Christian Brothers College in East Melbourne, then spent three years raising livestock for his father.