Donald John MacLean was born in 1827, the son of John MacLean and Margaret Dingwall of 2 Reumisgarry, North Uist. The family was cleared from Reumisgarry in 1836, moving instead to 5 Gearraidh Dubh.

In 1864, at Snizort on the island of Skye, Donald John married Helen Wood of Evanton. Together they were to have seven children.

They made their home at Rubha Mor on Berneray, where Donald John took over the position of Gaelic schoolmaster from Donald MacKay. In 1877 the new school was built at the northern end of the island, and by 1882 Donald John had ceased teaching. He became a missionary and catechist to the Free Church, a role he continued until his death in 1898.