Ogilvy joined the army of the East India Company (EIC) in 1804–05 as a cadet, and on arrival in India in 1806 was appointed as an Ensign in the 16th Bengal Native Infantry. He was promoted to Lieutenant and saw action in the operations against Gopal Singh in Bundelkhand. But promotion in the EIC was slow, so he resigned in 1813 and settled in Scotland, first in Fettercairn, and then from 1820 at Clova. He had been commissioned in 1809 as a Major in the Forfar and Kincardine Militia, and in 1828 he was appointed Colonel of the regiment.[1][3][4][5]
Donald was elected at a by-election in October 1831 as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Forfarshire, at a by-election following the sitting MP William Maule's elevation to the peerage.[1][3] However, he was unseated on petition in January 1832,[2] and did not stand for Parliament again.[3]
In the 1830s he is listed as living at 4 Atholl Crescent in Edinburgh's West End.[6]
In February 1815 he married Maria, fourth daughter of James Morley of Kempshott Park. She died in 1843. They had seven children, including Walter (1822–94), who served as an army officer, and Donald (1824–85) who succeeded to the estates at Clova.[1][3][4]
^ abMaj V.C.P, Hodson, Officers of the Bengal Army 1758-1834, 6 Vols, 1927/Uckfield: Naval & Military Press, 2001, ISBN 978-1-84342-186-1.
^ Arthur Sleigh, The Royal Militia and Yeomanry Cavalry Army List, April 1850, London: British Army Despatch Press, 1850/Uckfield: Naval and Military Press, 1991, ISBN 978-1-84342-410-9, p. 143.