Donald Clifton Gaylord was born in Hartford, Connecticut on 9 September 1902 . He graduated from Connecticut Agricultural College (C.A.C.) in 1927 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.
Upon graduation, Gaylord became the first 4-H Club Agent in Tolland County (CT). Three years later, he obtained a similar position in Litchfield County (CT). In 1942, he joined the University of Connecticut Extension Service as an animal husbandry specialist. He held this post until his retirement on 1 March 1965 .
Margaret G. Root Gaylord graduated from Connecticut Agricultural College (C.A.C.) in 1928.
Both their daughters attended the University as well. Margery Ellen Gaylord McBurney graduated in 1955 with a B.S. in Home Economics Education and received her Masters in Education in 1963. Janet Gaylord graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.S. degree in 1958.
From the guide to the Donald and Margaret Gaylord Papers., undated, 1925-1984, (Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center.)