Donlan, M. J. 1862 -

DONLAN, BEGLEY, LYONS, GROSSMAN, HANLON, WHALEN, RYAN

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/19/2014 at 19:59:12

M. J. Donlan is an enterprising and industrious farmer, owning a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, located in Burr Oak and Bluffton townships. He was born in Dover, Racine county, Wisconsin, May 3, 1862, a son of Thomas and Mary Ann (Begley) Donlan. The father was born in Ennis, Ireland, March 17, 1829, while the mother claimed Vermont as the state of her nativity. They were married in Racine, Wisconsin, whence they came to Winneshiek County in 1869, establishing a permanent residence in Bluffton Township. For one year he rented land and then purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Burr Oak Township, whereon the remainder of his life was passed. He spent about three months in the service of his country, serving during the latter part of the Civil war. He was a democrat in his political views, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Catholic Church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Donlan were born eight children, as follows: Mary Jane, who died at the age of fourteen years; Sarah Agnes, the wife of R. F. Lyons, of Vermillion, South Dakota; Catherine, the wife of John N. Grossman, a resident of Burr Oak township; M. J., of this review; Ann, who died at the age of six years; Edward, who died when three months old; John F., who owns the old homestead farm; and Caroline, the wife of J. W. Hanlon, of Prosper, Minnesota. The wife and mother departed this life on the 15th of January, 1874, at the comparatively early age of forty years. The father survived for many years, passing away October 7, 1909.

M. J. Donlan was a little lad of seven years when he was brought from Wisconsin to Winneshiek County, so that he has spent practically his entire life here, although for twelve years at intervals he has been in South Dakota, where he was employed by R. F. Lyons, a brother-in-law, who is engaged in the grain business. Mr. Donlan is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, owning one hundred and sixty acres of land, forty acres of which are on section 3, Bluffton township, while the remainder lies on sections 22 and 23, Burr Oak township. He also rents of his brother the one hundred and twenty acres which formerly constituted the old home place. He leads a busy and active life and his well-directed labors are bringing him success.

Mr. Donlan was married on the 13th of April, 1896, to Mary Josephine Ryan, who was born in Fremont Township, Winneshiek County, November 28, 1875, a daughter of Martin and Catherine (Whalen) Ryan, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They were married, however, in Winneshiek County, becoming two of the earliest settlers of this section of the state. The mother is deceased, but; the father survives and makes his home in Cresco, this state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Donlan have been born six children: Mary Josephine, who died at the age of three months; Walter Joseph; Leonard Michael; Mary Josephine, the second of the name; Catherine Agnes; and Alice Loretta. In his political views and affiliations Mr. Donlan is a democrat and he is a communicant of the Catholic Church. His fraternal relations connect him with the Yeomen of America. Through his industry and economy, and the assistance of his estimable wife, he has acquired a fine farm property from which he derives a good annual income and he bids fair to attain still greater success in the future.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913