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.
John McDonald, born in East Ballarat, Victoria on 21 July 1869, is the son of cordial manufacturer Michael McDonald. He received his education at Christian Brothers College in East Melbourne and later worked for three years to raise cattle for his father.