In 1772, MacDonald founded the first settlement of Scottish Catholics on Prince Edward Island. Born in Scotland, he purchased a large tract of land in the Tracadie area and recruited, transported, and established the largest group of settlers in this British colony’s early history. While serving as a British captain during the American Revolutionary War, he learned that colonial officials had secretly sold the lots of absent land owners and embarked on a long, tenacious campaign for proprietors’ rights. Through his memoirs, petitions, and letters, Captain John MacDonald left an invaluable record for future generations.