Donald (born 1823) was the son of Donald Murray and Isabella Maclean; it is not clear where the family were living at the time of his birth. His father had links to South Dell and his mother had links to Gress Tack.

In 1830 the family obtained 15 Old North Tolsta as a newly lotted croft.

In 1853 the family emigrated to Canada and settled in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.