At the close of the American Civil War, Mr. McDonald and his brother settled in Cincinnati and became involved in the petroleum business.

Russia, for so long the petroleum dictator of Europe, resisted his efforts strenuously and in many ways, and frequently was joined by other oil-producing countries of the Old World, but McDonald met this formidable competition unflinchingly and in the end had the satisfaction of seeing America's product on a par with its rivals in the markets of Europe In addition to the work of opening the European markets, McDonald was charged with the details of supplying the petroleum and was in command of the immense fleets of oil tank steamers operated by the Anglo-American Oil Company and other organizations, between America and Europe and between European ports.

McDonald not only directed the operation of the fleets but also had an active part in the designing and building of the vessels, which transport millions of gallons of oil across the seas annually.

During the many years of a strenuous campaign, McDonald devoted himself to his task, working many hours of the day, and oftentimes going without sleep.

After that time he travelled to all parts of the world in search of health, under orders of his physicians to avoid exertion, physical or mental, as much as possible.

McDonald was one of the leading clubmen of London, being a member of the Empire, Bathe, Ranelagh and Royal Automobile Clubs and also of Phyllis Court, in Henley-on-Thames.