Sacramento County
Biographies
ALBERT W. McDONELL
ALBERT W. McDONELL--A widely-experienced farmer who enjoys the pleasant distinction of having chosen to be an orchardist, and then becoming one of such familiarity with orcharding problems, and such success in his varied products, that other agriculturists look to him for a helpful lead, is Albert W. McDonell, who was born, a native son, on the old home place at Mills Station. His father, George Alexander McDonell, had married Miss Eliza D. Fisher; and they provided such a comfortable, attractive home, that they may be said to have contributed a deal toward our subject’s ultimate attainments.
Albert W. McDonell went to the Brighton schools, and finished with an excellent course at the Sacramento Business College; and then, having learned civil engineering through practical experience, he followed that professional line for a year. Returning to the ranch, he worked with his brother, George F. McDonell, for a couple of years; and then he bought, for two years, a half-interest with him. He next purchased eighty acres of the old estate; and two years later, he bought out his brother’s interest altogether, and he has been laboring alone ever since. He owns eighty-four acres, and farms 600 acres, which he rents, in addition; and his tracts are as trim and appealing, at the height of the seasons, as any that can be found near here. In national politics a Republican, Mr. McDonell is non-partisan when it comes to endorsing well-approved local propositions. He is also patriotically devoted to Sacramento County, and finds pleasure in belonging to Sunset Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West.
When Mr. McDonell, in 1914, was married, he chose Miss Verna May McIntosh, of Canada, for his wife; and they have three children: Helen Irene, Beth Ellen and Dorothy Bell. He is fond of fishing and hunting, but particularly enthusiastic about baseball, and he has played semi-professional ball. He manages the Mills Stars, and that alone should be sufficient to accord and assure him all local popularity.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With
Biographical Sketches, Page 927. Historic
Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.
© 2007 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.