Background
He was born in Saratoga, New York in 1787, the son of John McDonald, a Scottish immigrant.
He was born in Saratoga, New York in 1787, the son of John McDonald, a Scottish immigrant.
They built a large water-powered flour mill on the Gananoque River in 1826. Later that year, Charles died and John became the principal owner of the business. He was named a justice of the peace and postmaster for Gananoque in 1828.
In 1836, he was named a commissioner for improving navigation on the Saint Lawrence River.
McDonald became president of the commission in 1838. In 1839, he was named to the Legislative Council of Upper Canada and, in 1841, to the Legislative Council of the Province of Canada.
He was removed for non-attendance in 1848 after his business interests left him too busy to attend. He died at Gananoque in 1860.
McDonald"s former residence now serves as the town hall.