Donald was a son of Malcolm Matheson and Ann Morrison, Pennydonald. He is best remembered for being the only person to have frightened the fearsome Mac an t-Stronach; the story is retold by Finlay Maciver. Also (according to a feedback source) in early life he was press-ganged and thereafter apparently spent a number of years in America.

Donald was married to Catherine Campbell of Pennydonald and they were living in Capadil at the time of their first daughter's birth.