In 1901 the MacDonald family were living at Balledmund, Dowally, Perthshire: Head, John (Farmer and Wood Merchant) (72); Wife, Mary (53); Daughter, Janet (General Servant, Domestic) (16); Daughter, Maggie Ann (General Servant ,Domestic) (15); Son, John Alexander (13); Daughter, Mary Berrie (10); and Son, Thomas William (5). Also living at this address were: John Winter (Ploughman) (35); and John Stewart (Cattleman) (53).

John McDonald was born at Dowally on 14th June 1887. He enrolled in Dowally Public School on 5th April 1893 and left on 17th March 1899. He enrolled in Perth Academy on 11th November 1901 from Ballinluig Public School.

John enlisted in Perth and served in three Black Watch Battalions: 1/6th Battalion (Reg. No. 4343); 10th Battalion (Reg. No. 266719); and 1st Battalion. He had been a member of 5th (Volunteer) Battalion, Royal Highlanders (the predecessor of 6th Battalion). He joined the national reserve in 1914, transferred to the 5th Battalion and went to France in July 1916.

John MacDonald is listed as wounded on the Daily Casualty List of 5th September 1917.

Perthshire Advertiser, 13th November 1918

“District News“ - BALLINLUIG 

“Mrs Macdonald, farmer, Baledmund, Ballinluig, has been informed by Lieut. W. J. Ruske, Black Watch, that her elder son, Private John Alexander Macdonald, Black Watch, was killed in action instantaneously by a piece of shell on 24th October. The Lieut., who is platoon commander, states that his death proved a great blow to all in the platoon, and personally he mentions that he has lost the most willing and cheery soldier he ever commanded, and the men have lost their most trustworthy friend."

"Private Macdonald, who was for many years an enthusiastic volunteer in ‘H’ Coy. 5th V.B.R.H., Ballinluig section, enlisted at the outbreak of war in the national reserve."

"Transferring his service he went to France in July 1916, and was wounded through the shoulder in 1917. In October of the same year he was sent to Salonika where he remained until his regiment was transferred to France in July of this year."

"Deceased was joint tenant of the farm of Baledmund on the Atholl Estates, and a very capable agriculturist. He felt it was his duty to give his service for King and country, and he did so ungrudgingly. Possessed of a buoyant spirit and a frank, open, fearless nature, he was a great favourite in his native district, and much sympathy is felt for his sorrowing mother and friends in their heavy bereavement.”

John McDonald is also commemorated on the Dowally Parish Church War Memorial.