[1] In 1897, Donald received a degree in dentistry from the Chicago College.

He was a Republican and served under governors Francis E. McGovern and Emanuel L. Philipp.

He also owned farms in the town of Springdale and taught agriculture at the University of Wisconsin since 1920.

Donald died at his home in Madison from a two-year illness.

[1][2][3] One of his farms, now known as the John Sweet Donald Farmstead, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.