[1] Donaldson was born in Purdeet, Victoria,[1] Australia, and initially engaged in squatting pursuits.

[2] Donaldson was elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Warrego on 5 October 1883, holding that seat until 19 May 1888.

[3] He was appointed Postmaster-General of Queensland and Secretary for Public Instruction in the Thomas McIlwraith Ministry on 13 June 1888.

Donaldson also served as one of Queensland's delegates to the Federation Convention held in Sydney in March 1891.

[1] Following a short service at his late Coorparoo residence,[4] Donaldson was buried in Toowong Cemetery.