Biography

James Donaldson worked for the State Department as a watchman beginning in 1853. When William Seward was appointed Secretary of State in 1861, Donaldson worked closely under the Secretary as a messenger. In 1865, Donaldson was commissioned as Justice of the Peace by President Andrew Johnson, however, Donaldson continued working as messenger to Secretary Seward until he resigned on March 4, 1869 at the end of Seward's term. Following his resignation, Donaldson finally assumed his position as Justice of the Peace.