DENNIS DONNELLY

DONNELLY

Posted By: Jake Tornholm (email)
Date: 4/20/2020 at 13:30:56

DENNIS DONNELLY—This gentleman, who resides in section 22 , Douglas township, is another one of the honored pioneers of Adams county, and as such is deserving of prominent mention in this volume.

He was born in Ireland, March 8, 1824. His father, Erancis Donnelly, was a native of England, and for many years served as a soldier in the British army, he was stationed for some time in Ireland, and while there wedded Miss Mary Madegan, a native of the Emerald Isle. Dennis was quite young when he went to England, where he grew to manhood. With his brother James, Mr. Donnely came to America and settled at Cincinnati, Ohio. He then spent some years in Kentucky, after which he returned to Cincinnati. For five years he was in the employ of Levi Folk, a milk dealer, and had entire charge of the business for that time. This gentleman was much interested in young Donnelly, and it was through his influence that the latter came West and purchased 160 acres of wild land, for which he paid $ 1.25 per acre. At first he pre-empted forty acres of land and lived on it a few months before settling on his present farm. His primitive log cabin, 12 x 14 feet, which served as a happy home for many a day, was replaced in 1870 by the two-story residence in which he now resides. His farm is well improved with good barn, fences, etc., and is one of the best in the township. An abundance of pure water is supplied from springs. Mr. Donnely gives his attention to general farming and stock- raising.

At the early age of eighteen he was married in England, to Anna Stott, who has proved herself a worthy helpmate and companion to him. She was born in England, daughter of Thomas and Deborah Stott. Mr. and Mrs. Donnely have had four children born to them, two of whom are living, namely: Henry McClelanand Elizabeth Aliee, wife of Joseph Lyman, all residing at the old homestead. Mrs. Lyman has two children, Mary Pearl and Anna. Those deceased are John, who died at the age of three years and eight months, and William, at the age of twenty-one. The latter was a bright young man of much promise and his death was a sad blow to his parents and many friends. Mr. Donnely has given his children the benefit of good educational advantages. Politically he is a radical Democrat; religiously, a believer in the teachings of the Gospel, though not a church member.

On the Donnelly homestead is a tree,
planted in 1857 , that has attained a wonderful growth, being now eleven feet in circumference.