DONNELLY
Among the representative and influential citizens of Lewis county, N.Y., who by dint of indefatigable work, a determination to succeed in whatever they undertake, integrity of character, and a resolute purpose, have made a mark in the sphere in which they move, may be mentioned James Joseph Donnelly, sheriff of Lewis county. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., August 14, 1861, a son of Terrence and Bridget (McCallough) Donnelly. Terrence Donnelly was born in Dongan, now Tyrone county, Ireland, Jan. 1, 1840; his father died in Ireland, and in 1850, when ten years old, he accompanied his mother and sister to the United States, locating in Philadelphia, Pa., where he worked in a store and at various occupations.
He married Bridget McCallough, who bore him six children:
James Joseph, Ella, Annie, Mary, Katherine and Sarah. Mrs. Donnelly died in 1905
James Joseph Donnelly was reared in Philadelphia, attended the public schools and worked at various occupations until sixteen years of age, when he removed to Northern New York, securing employment in a brick yard and later on the canal, his remuneration being five dollars per month, and he retained the latter occupation for a period of ten years. He was also employed in a hotel and in the lumber woods during the winter season. For a time he was a resident of Potsdam, N.Y., and during his residence there joined the I.O.O.F., and to that order and association with its members he ows much of his education and the ambition to rise above the life of a day laborer, and he is now one of the honored and prominent members of that order. Subsequently he located in Lowville, N.Y., and in 1897 established a line of hacks, which he has conducted successfully up to the present time (1910). He takes an active interest in the political affairs of his adopted city, his vote being cast for the candidates of the Democratic party, by whom he was nominated for the office of constable of Lowville, in which capacity he rendered such faithful service that he was again nominated for public office, this time for the office of sheriff of Lewis county, 1908, receiving a majority of three hundred and fifty-six votes over the Republican candidate, which was an eloquent testimonial to his capacity, and demonstrated the esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens and constituents. Mr. Donnelly was one of the organizers of Lowville Lodge, No. 159, I.O.O.F., of which he is past noble grand. He served as grand marshal of the Grand Lodge of Jefferson District, No. 2, for two years, also as district deputy, from which office he retired in 1909. He also holds membership in the Ancient Order of Foresters, having passed through all the chairs, and he is held in high esteem by the members of both organizations. He is an excellent example of a self-made man, who without capital or influential friends has risen from an humble position to one of prominence, commanding respect in the business, political and fraternal circles in which he moves.
Mr. Donnelly married Jan. 1, 1889, Elizabeth Abrams, born in Greig, N.Y., May 17, 1873, daughter of George Abrams, who came to New York state from Canada.
Children:
1. James, born Nov. 26, 1892, died in infancy.
2. Anna, Feb. 2, 1894.
3. Gerald, Aug. 7, 1897.
4. James, Dec. 15, 1899.
5. Ruth, April 6, 1905, died in infancy.
6. Leon Hally, Oct. 6, 1909.
Mr. Donnelly and his family are attendants of the Roman Catholic church.