Biographies
PETER F. DONNELLY
The
discovery of gold was the immediate cause of the removal of the Donnelly family
to the west and since then their identification with the material upbuilding of Sacramento county has been permanent and
important. Three successive generations have resided at Folsom, the original
Argonaut, Henry F., representing the first generation, while his children and
grandchildren continue the family identification with this section of
Sacramento county. All have been characterized by a patriotic devotion to the
local welfare, a pride of citizenship in this great commonwealth, a personal
association with important commercial affairs and a decided individual interest
in mining activities. A genuine degree of success has rewarded their
painstaking efforts and they have become well known in their chosen place of
residence.
Not
only was Henry F. Donnelly a native of Paterson, N. J., but his wife, who bore
the maiden name of Katie McKernan, likewise, claimed
that city as the place of her birth. Upon coming to California immediately
after hearing of the discovery of gold, this pioneer began to prospect and mine
and he never lost his interest in such work, although later he gave his
attention almost wholly to ranching in Sacramento county
and at one time owned the Natoma grant. Over the
broad range his large herd of cattle roamed throughout much of the year, and
when the round-ups came and those ready for market were sold he usually
received a neat sum to repay him for the care of the stock. He died in 1877
while yet in middle life. His widow was later married
to Mr. Foster, and she now resides in Sacramento.
Peter
F. Donnelly, son of Henry F., was born at Folsom, Sacramento county,
October 22, 1875, and at the age of six entered the Folsom primary department
of the public school. Later he studied in the grammar school, but at the age of
thirteen he discontinued his studies and took up the task of
self-support.
Ever
since his father's death Mr. Donnelly carried on a livery and teaming business
in connection with his brother, and besides owning this stable he was also
proprietor of the Folsom hotel. These he conducted until 1912 since which
time he has leased them. He owns other valuable property interests, and in
addition to devoting considerable time to the care of these various holdings he
is also serving as constable of Folsom. Prior to 1905, and since then, he has
served as deputy, in all six years, during which time he made some important
arrests, among them being the Natoma high-graders. At
this writing he is engaged in mining, owning and working some gravel mines that
hold out especially fascinating inducements. Throughout all of his life he has
been identified with the Roman Catholic Church and his contributions to its
maintenance and charities have been large. The Republican party
has received his ballot ever since he attained his majority. His marriage took
place April 8, 1901, and united him with Miss Mollie Scott, who was born in
Iowa, but has spent her life principally in the west. Of this union there are
three sons, Henry, James and Peter, to whom the father hopes to give every
educational advantage possible and every opportunity to prepare with
thoroughness for life's responsibilities. In fraternal relations he is
connected with the Eagles, the U. P. E. C. and the Native
Sons of the Golden West.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 895-897. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.