Biographies
JOHN DONAHUE
The quiet round of daily duties does not
form necessarily a narrow, eventless existence. The life of John Donahue, while
it contained no exciting experiences, yet held much that was heroic and sincere
and successful. So different were the conditions of his early life from those
of the twentieth century that the young people who embarked on the slow sailers for the new world had little hope of ever again
seeing their native land or the friends of their youth. It required, therefore,
not a little courage for Mr. Donahue to break all the tender ties of kinship
and affection when in 1859 he followed the example set by many thousands of
Irish lads in days gone by and sought a livelihood in America. At the time of
his departure from his native county of Tyrone he was about twenty-five years
of age (having been born in 1834). Little he had to assist him in the stern
battle of life except a brave heart and a pair of willing hands. Of education
he had little and of money he had even less, but in spite of his handicap he
never lacked employment nor did he ever undergo the painful trial of an appeal
to others for aid. Always he remained the same self-reliant, industrious, quiet
and persevering man, and the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, his employers
practically from the time of his arrival in Sacramento in 1859 up to the date
of his death, October 1, 1894, profited by his conscientious labors and sincere
devotion to duty. After landing in Philadelphia he had come direct to
California and here he spent the remainder of his life, being so pleased with
the country that he had no desire to seek a home or a livelihood elsewhere.
For many years Eliza (McIlhatton)
Donahue has occupied the family residence at No. 2319 K street, Sacramento, and
this property she still owns, caring for the place personally and making of it
an attractive and comfortable home. Of Irish birth and ancestry, she was born
in County Antrim and was a farmer's daughter. Her father never left the home of
his birth, but continued to till the soil of a small farm in County Antrim and
by diligent industry earned a livelihood for those dependent upon him; he also
was the road surveyor of county highways. His death occurred at the old home in
1874. Mrs. Donahue was born October 26, 1838, and came to the United States in
1860, landing in New York City. Thence she journeyed on to St. Louis, where she
lived until 1867. From St. Louis she came to California and settled in
Sacramento county, where February 15, 1870, she became
the wife of John Donahue. Five children blessed their union, namely: Henry,
Ruth, John, Eveline and Hugh. Henry and John are
painters by trade, while Hugh follows the occupation of mining. It has been the
privilege of Mrs. Donahue to witness much of the growth and development of
Sacramento. Since she first saw the capital city forty-five years ago there
have been many changes in its appearance. The business streets have been
improved with substantial structures and in the residence district there is
abundant evidence of the thrift of the permanent residents. Into her community
and always she has had a hospitable welcome for all, whether old or young, who
seek her cheerful society or depend upon her practical sympathy.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 934-935. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.