The DONNELL Family

The DONNELL Family
submitted by Virginia Freeman Taylor


The Donnell Family in Wilson County

The following excerpts were taken from three pages sent by Virgil
Prichard. It is from a book, but he did not indicate the source. In
the margin he has written two names, Emma A Donnell and James Arthur
Donnell. I believe the book is simply titled "The Donnells." The two
names are apparently the authors.

p. 60-62

William, the fourth child of Thomas and Jane (Latham) Donnell, b. in
1749, was also a soldier in the War, and moved through the wilderness
with his family in 1791, from Guilford County, NC to Tennessee. He
died from privations and fever in 1798 leaving a wife and seven
children: William, Samuel, Robert, Mary, Sally, Martha and Jane.
William, like his father was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and
evidently brought up his children in the way they should go, for two
of his sons became ministers. The second son, Samuel was prevented by
ill health, from serving as a minister. The Rev. Robert Donnell,
1784-1855, was one of the founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian
church and was prominent in missionary work, in Synod and in General
Assembly. He was a great pulpit orator and endowed the first
professorship in Lebanon College. A biography of him by David Lowry
was published in 1867.
The eighth son of Thomas and Jane (Latham) Donnell was George
Donnell, b. in North Carolina 1759. He was also in the Revolution,
serving under his brother, Major John . He was also a Presbyterian
elder but later went into the Cumberland church. He moved to
Tennessee in 1804, settling in the congregation of Rev. Samuel
Donnell. He had twelve children, the third son, Rev. George Donnell
becoming famous. Rev. George Donnell was educated in a school
conducted by his uncle, Rev. Samuel Donnell, was a scholar, editor of
the church paper and was one of the founders at Lebanon University, a
great preacher and also an evangelistic singer. He had a large
library. His biography, by T. C. Anderson, published in 1858, ran
into several editions, most remarkable in that day. He left five
children, the eldest, David, . . . (at this point, the copy ends)

Life and Labor of Rev. Robert Donnell by T. C. Anderson

Virgil Prichard in researching the life of Robert Donnell located the
above book is in the library of Cumberland University in Lebanon. The
author's first name is probably Thomas and the book was written in
1858.

He (ROBERT DONNELL) was born in the spring of 1784, in Guilford
county, North Carolina. The precise date of his birth is not known,
as the family record was lost in the removal of the family, in 1791,
to Tennessee. Owing to the difficulty of transportation across the
mountains, most of the goods, including the family Bible, were sent
in flatboats down the Tennessee river, and destroyed by hostile
Indians at Nickajack. Robert's father, William Donnell, was a farmer;
and in this vocation the son was principally employed till he
professed religion, and turned his attention to the great work of the
ministry; and even then, like the apostle of the Gentiles, he often
"labored with his own hands" on a farm. While a mere child, he
exhibited a strength of intellect which indicated elements of
extraordinary power, and induced his friends to believe that he was
destined to some important station in life.
His mother's maiden name was Bell. She was the daughter of Samuel
Bell, the great grandfather of Hon. John Bell, of Tennessee. Samuel
Bell was an elder in the Presbyterian church, and died on his knees,
while praying in his family. His wife discovered that his voice
faltered, and rose from her knees and went to him. He was barely able
to speak, but said in broken accents, "Mollie, what is this; is it
death?"-and immediately expired. Mr. Donnell's mother had five
brothers: Samuel, Francis, James, Thomas and Robert. The Donnells and
Bells formed a large connection; and were much respected for their
moral worth and standing as citizens, and were generally members of
the Presbyterian church.
William Donnell, the father of Robert, was also an elder in that
church; and while in North Carolina, his family enjoyed the ministry
of the Rev. Dr. Caldwell, by whom all the children were baptized in
infancy. He served his country in the war of the Revolution, and was
engaged in the battle of Guilford Court House when General Greene
drove the invading army of Cornwallis from North Carolina. Indeed,
most of the male members of Dr. Caldwell's congregation took part in
the struggle of the eventful day; while female members of his church,
on the same day, united in prayer to Almighty God, on whose aid
success in battle depends. Mr. Donnell's mother was, no doubt, in
that praying band. The congregation of Dr. Caldwell had suffered
greatly from the British troops previous to that battle. He himself,
from the ardor of his patriotism, had become a conspicuous object of
British hostility, and was obliged to conceal himself in the camp of
General Greene-the price of two hundred pounds having been bid for
his head by the British General. In the meantime, the invading troops
were encamped on the Doctor's premises, and had driven his wife and
children from their residence to the smoke-house for shelter, and
insulted the mother in the most vulgar and ungentlemanly manner.
Before leaving the encampment, the troops had burned every rail of
fence on the farm, consumed all the provisions that could be found,
and destroyed every living thing except one old goose. Even the
Doctor's papers did not escape; nor was the family Bible spared??.

In their removal to Tennessee, Mr. Donnell's family endured great
hardships, and were exposed to much danger from the Indians. The
country lying between Knoxville and Nashville was an entire
wilderness, and the safety of emigrants required them to travel in
bodies under an escort of soldiers. A very serious alarm, on a
certain night, was given in camp; and while Mr. Donnell's father
shouldered his rifle, to aid in repelling the savages, his mother
concealed the children. Packs were often dislodged by brush through
which their horses passed, as roads were then unknown in that part of
the country.
In the present age (1858) of steamboats and other facilities for
traveling, it is comparatively an easy matter to remove to a new
country to what is was when Mr. Donnell's family came to Tennessee;
nor is there any analogy between the privations and inconveniences of
new settlements now, and those experienced by emigrants to the West
sixty years ago. It was then difficult to command, during the first
year, the most scanty supply of the necessaries of life; but now the
improved methods of transportation afford, in addition to the
necessaries of life, many of the luxuries.
Mr. Donnell's father was the first man that drove a wagon from
Sumner County, Tenn., to Lexington, Ky., whither he went to obtain
salt for his own family and other emigrants. On coming to a stream
that could not be forded, he took his wagon apart, and crossed, in a
canoe, swimming his horses.
The family obtained from the woods a substitute for tea and coffee,
and made their sugar from the sap of the tree. Much of the clothing
of boys, and even young men, in those days, was made of dressed
deerskins. Mr. Donnell's own rifle generally afforded an ample supply
of the raw materials of clothing; and with his own hands the skins
were dressed. He is said to have had no superior, either in shooting
at a mark, or in the successful pursuit of game.
The family spent the first year, after reaching Tennessee, in
Captain Bell's fort, in Sumner County, near the place where
Hendersonville now stands. Land had been bought in Wilson County, but
hostile Indians were still infesting that portion of the country, and
it was considered unsafe to occupy it. After the chastisement of the
Cherokees, destruction of the Nickajack, Longtown, &c-service in
which Mr. Donnell's eldest brother participated-the family crossed
Cumberland river, and settled on the land previously bought, on
Spring Creek. This was in 1797.
The next year, young Robert had the misfortune to lose his father.
He died of fever, in the fifty-first year of his age-leaving a widow
and seven children-three sons and four daughters. Their names were:
William, Samuel, Robert, Mary, Sally, Martha, and Jane. The father
was a man of exemplary piety, and one of the first elders of the
"Ridge" congregation. He was noted for his kindness to the poor and
needy. The following incident, illustrating this trait of character,
occurred the year before he died. William Donnelson, after riding
several days, without success, in search of corn, to relieve the
wants of his family, called on William Donnell, and made known his
distress. "What have you give for corn?" inquired Mr. Donnell. "Cash
in hand, sir," was the reply. "Then," rejoined the other, "you can
surely find it in the country. I have some corn to spare, but am
keeping it for those who are unable to pay for it in money." After
much persuasion, however, he consented to let Mr. Donnelson have
three bushels. When the corn was measured, three dollars were laid on
the table, being the current price at the time. Mr. Donnell took up
one dollar, and pushed the other two back, saying, "One is all I will
take."
The above incident has been furnished by the Rev. Samuel McSpedden,
brother-in-law of Mr. Donnelson.
Robert, at the time of his father's death was in the sixteenth year
of his age; and his older brothers having married, the care of a
widowed mother and two sisters devolved on him.
The following letter of Mr. John F. Doak, of Wilson county, Tenn.,
was written at my request, and contains information respecting the
early history of Mr. Donnell, that no other Pen could have furnished:

Dear Sir:-I received your letter some two moths since, requesting
information relative to the early life of the late Rev. Robert
Donnell.
I regret exceedingly that so few items pertaining to the early
history of that good and great man are at my command; and there is no
other person now living in this neighborhood that knew him in the
days of his youth, except my sister, and her memory has become so
impaired that she has no recollection of dates.
Mr. Donnell's family moved to this country the year before my
father. Both families lived for a time on the north side of
Cumberland River. My father, Grandfather Foster, Alexander Foster,
and Mr. Donnell's father all bought land previous to their leaving
North Carolina, on Spring Creek, which was then a part of Sumner
County. The tract purchased contained twelve hundred and eighty
acres. None of the parties had seen the land; and to prevent
difficulty in assigning to each one his portion, after personal
examination, it was mutually agreed that the decision should be made
before the families reached Tennessee. On seeing the land, each
member of the company took possession of his own without a murmur,
though the poorest part of the tract fell to the share of William
Donnell.
I have been acquainted with Robert Donnell from my earliest
recollection. He was quite a favorite with my father and mother, and
was often in the family. His suavity of manner in his social
intercourse, and industrious habits, early attracted the attention
and admiration of the neighborhood generally. His expertness in the
use of tools, was great service to the community. Much inconvenience
had been felt in the country for the want of a mill, and when the
erection of one was commenced, Mr. Donnell, though but sixteen years
old, and had never studied the trade, was the only person that could
be found in the country to superintend the work. Indeed, he did most
of the labor with his own hands. The mill proved to be a very good
one, and lasted many years. The logs of the building were cedar, and
some of them are still to be seen on the ground. I showed the place
where the mill stood, not long ago, to Mr. Donnell's son.
The physical powers of Mr. Donnell were extraordinary. I knew him to
split one thousand rails in a single day. The timber was cedar, it is
true; but I am not aware that the number was ever equaled before or
since. In the chase after the bear or deer, he was always foremost,
and I never knew his superior in shooting at a mark.
His profession of religion and determination to preach produced
considerable excitement among his relatives and friends. In the
common acceptation of the term, he was "uneducated;" and it was
regarded as presumption in that day, in the Presbyterian Church, to
think of preaching without an education. Rev. Samuel Donnell, cousin
of his father, was then teaching school in the neighborhood, and
offered to educate him gratis. But Robert declined; took his Bible
and went to work, saying it was too long to spend five or six years
learning to preach, when there was such a pressing call for laborers
in the vineyard of the Lord.
I recollect hearing my mother ask him, about the time he began to
preach, if they-referring to himself and friends of the revival-had
found a better and nearer way to heaven? He replied, that he had
great respect for the Presbyterian church, and venerated the religion
of the fathers; but that there were some things in the Westminster
Confession of Faith that he could not believe. He then playfully
asked her if, when she moved to Tennessee, they did not in crossing
Spencer's hill, tie a tree to the hind part of the wagon, to hold it
back and keep it steady? She said they did. Well, said he, I have no
doubt the time will come when wagons will cross the hill without
locking; so we must advance as light increases, and not merely hold
to sentiments and usages because the fathers entertained them. In
this good-humored way, he generally met opposition, so that everybody
loved him, though differing with him in sentiments.
I regarded Mr. Donnell as one of the best men I ever knew, and his
preaching and example have been of incalculable benefit to me.

                                                                       John F. Doak.


In 1801, Mr. Donnell joined the Presbyterian church on Spring creek
(in Wilson county, Tenn.), of which Rev. Samuel Donnell, cousin of
Robert's father, was pastor. Soon after joining the church, Mr. Do
nnell's mind was turned to the great work of the ministry??.




The following information is from Joe Hopkins of Phoenix, AZ. He
acquired it in correspondence with Thomas McBryde, whose Internet
address on Oct. 27, 1996 is given below.

Prepared by:
Thomas J. McBryde
e.mail <
[email protected]>


Above data from Margaret A Lambkin. (96) Children of Robert *DONNELL
II and Mary UNKNOWN were:

i. Samuel DONNELL.
ii. William DONNELL.
iii. Daniel DONNELL.
iv. Elizabeth "Betsie" DONNELL.
v. Robert DONNELL Jr.-Major.
vi. George DONNELL.
vii. Margaret DONNELL 1st wife.

William DONNELL was born in 1747 in Chester Co., PA. He died in
1798 in Wilson Co., TN. William left Guilford Co NC in 1789. His
family goods and Bible destroyed by Indian raid at Nikcajack on the
TN frontier. Reached Spring Creek in Lower Sumner Co which later
became Wilson Co., and settled near where the village of Lebanon was
formed.

Data from Raymond D Donnell-622 Ridgeway Dr-Burlington NC 27217-1726 (94).
Data also from Ms Martha D Scott-23 Overbrook Rd-Painted Post NY-14870-9351 (94)

Todd Donnell Harrison (dec.) a great grandson of Willam Donnell names
William wife as Mary BELL.

From History of Buffalo Presbyterian Church and Her People by Rankin
p. 125. "William Donnell was the oldest son of Robert, the second. He
married Mary, the daughter of ruling elder Samuel Bell, in 1773. He
moved to TN in 1797, and died in 1798. His son , Robert, became a
distinguished minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The
Sketch of Rev. Robert Donnell states that his father was a ruling
elder in Buffalo Church".

Data taken from a letter by Raymond D Donnell trying to explain all
about the William Donnells of Guilford Co NC that have caused many
genealogy problems. "William Donnell: born PA 1747. Came to NC and
Nottingham Presbyterian Colony with parents Robert Donnell II and
Mary in 1771. He served in the NC Militia from Guilford Co, Rev War.
He was for a time in Captain Bell's Co., and was at the Battle of
Guilford Courthouse. He was married to Mary Bell. He left NC with family in
the fall of 1789 and wintered at Abingdon VA. He arrived in Sumner Co
TN and stayed at Bell's Fort with other emigrants, moving to the
Spring Creek Section in 1792 after the Indians had been removed. That
Section became part of Wilson Co when the Co was formed in 1799. He
died of "fever and privation" in 1798. He was not pensioned".



This data was sent to me by Mrs. Rex C. Bennett-1463 South
Kentwood-Springfield, MO 65804 (96)
He was married to Mary BELL after 9 Feb 1773 in Rowan Co., NC. The
following Marriage Bond was from the Abstracts of Marriage Bonds and
Additional Data - Guilford County, North Carolina 1771 - 1840 compiled
by Ruth F Thompson and Louise J Hartgrove Vol I, Pg vi showing a
marriage bond binding William Donnell to "Our Sovereign Lord The
King".

Know all men by their presences that we Wm. Donnell and Wm. Dennie
are held and firmly bound unto our Sovereign Lord the King and his heirs
and successors in the just and full sum of fifty pounds Proclimation
money to which paiment (sic) will and truly be made . We bid
ourselves, our and each of our heirs. Erons and Admens firmly by
their presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this ninth day of February One Thousand
Seven Hundred and Seventy Three.

The conditions of the above obligation is such that whereas the above
bound William Donnell hath this day made application for a liscense
(sic) for marriage to be celebrated between him and Mary Bell of
Guilford Co. (NC) aggreable to an act of assembly in this province
Ratifico the Fourth of April One Thousand Severn Hundred and
Fourty One. Now if it shall not appear at any time hereafter that
there is no lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage then the above
obligation is to be void otherwise to remain in full force and virture.
Seal of Delivery
in presence of
William Donnell  
    seal
John Browder
William Denny
        seal

Children of William DONNELL and Mary BELL were:

ii. William S DONNELL.
iii. Mary DONNELL 1st wife.
iv. Sarah "Sally" DONNELL.
v. Robert DONNELL, Rev..
vi. Jane "Jenny" Irene DONNELL.
vii. Martha DONNELL.

 

Samuel DONNELL Rev. (son of Robert Donnell II and Mary (Unknown) was
born in 1774 in Guilford Co., NC. He was born in 1774 in Guilford
Co., NC. He died in 1817 in Wilson Co., TN.

Death date from Todd Donnell Harrison (dec.) the great grandson of
William Donnell #9385.

Will abstract from Wilson Co TN Wills Books 1-12 1802-1850 by Thomas
E Partlow. Samuel Donnell Will: 9 May 1815.
Heirs: Wife Martha Donnell: all my daughters and tho named: and my sons as tho named.
Witness: Alexander Foster.
Administrators: Wife Martha Donnell, brother in Law David
Foster, and brother Robert Donnell. Recorded 1 Nov 1817 (p 291)

Per Raymond D Donnell in letter 28 Apr. 1994 to Margaret D Lambkin "
He was a Cumberland Mininster. He was instrumental in revising the
Confession of Faith for the infant Cumberland Presbyterian Church".

Children of Samuel DONNELL Rev. and Martha A. Foster were:

i. William DONNELL 1st husb
ii. Samuel FOSTER DONNELL Rev. died on 16 Oct 1850 in Van Zandt Co.,
TX. From ABSTRACTS OF EARLY EAST TEXAS NEWSPAPERS, 1839-1856
compiled by Linda Cheves Nicklas, Southern Historical Press Inc.:

"february 15, 1851, Obituary, Died of consumption
on the 16th oct.1850,at the residence of Capt. Bundy,
Van Zandt Co Texas, Rev Samuel Foster
Donnell. The Subject of this notice early embraced
religion, and attached himself to the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, he was always a consistent
and devoted Member. he was sent by the Lebanon
Presbytery, as a Missionary to Texas, where he faithfully labored for
five or six years, until his death. His daily conduct, said to all,
"Here is the way, walk you in it".

It was remarked by Mr Bundy that on the day of his
death, he sang, and prayed, as well as he ever heard him, and said,
"If this be death, it is nothing to die. Mark the perfect Man, Behold
the upright; the end of that man is peace." Donnell died a Christian.

By resolution of the Synod of which Brother Donnell
as a Member, in token of their high esteem. Jas. Sampson."

This above obituary was published in THE NORTHERNSTANDARD,
Clarksville, TX.

iii. Robert P DONNELL.
iv. Malinda DONNELL 2nd wife.

William S DONNELL was born about 1775 in Guilford Co., NC. He
died in Jan 1847 in Wilson Co., TN. Marriage recorded on LDS IGI in
TN and Mrs Martha Donnell Scott-23 Overbrook Road-Painted Post NY 14870 (94)

Wilson Co TN Will Book 1-13, 1802-1850:--William Donnell Will: 10 Oct 1844.
heirs: wife Margaret Donnell; son Robert Donnell; daughters Mary
Elizabeth Moore and Martha Jane Donnell.
Witnesses: S E Marrs and D A Sherrell.
Robert Donnell Executor (p 350)

William Donnell (Cedar Billy) Sale. 11 March 1847 (p 355) from same
above books.

The following taken from a letter by Raymond D Donnell explaining the
difference between the Williams in Guilford Co NC that have cause
genealogist so much trouble. "William S Donnell b abt 1778 Guilford Co
NC, son of William and Mary Bell Donnell. He married Margaret "Peggy"
Sherrill. They lived in Wilson Co TN on a 274 acre farm near Spring
Creek in Wilson Co. William died Testate probably in Dec 1846 or Jan
1847. His will dated Oct 10 , 1844 was entered to Probate at the
March term of court, 1847. The clerk of court noted on the will that
he was William (Cedar Bill) Donnell.

He was married to Margaret "Peggy" SHERRILL in 1806 in Wilson Co.,
TN. Children of William S DONNELL and Margaret "Peggy" SHERRILL were:

i. Mary Elizabeth DONNELL.
ii. Samuel WILSON DONNELL.
iii. Martha Jane DONNELL.
iv. Robert BELL DONNELL.
v. Mary Margaret DONNELL.

Mary DONNELL 1st wife was born in 1777.
According to Raymond D Donnell Mary Donnell was married to Hugh
Morrison, not Adam Scott, Rev. S M Rankin statement notwithstanding.
This fact was researched in Wilson Co TN by the late Lillian (Pulley)
Jones. (94)

However, I choose to reject Raymond D. Donnell's wisdom in this case also.
because---

Marriage data from Abstracts of Marriage Bonds and Additional
Data-Guilford County North Carolina- Vol I, 1771-1840-pg 162
Compiled by Ruth F Thompson and Louise J Hartgrove. Published by Guilford
County. Genealogical Society P O Box 9693-Greensboro NC 27408-0693.
The marriage data book also list the parents of Adam Scott as Willaim
Scott Sr. and wife Rebecca. Martha Donnell's parents are listed as
William Donnell and Mary Bell, and William Donnell as signer of bond. (96)

She was married to Adam SCOTT on 2 Mar 1796 in Guilford Co., NC.
From Abstracts of Marriage Bonds and Additional Data-Guilford Co. NC
1771-1840. compiled by Ruth F Thompson and Louise J Hardgrove Vol #1,
pg 162.
Marriage book above list Adams parents and the parents of Mary Donnell
as William Donnel and Mary Bell. Children of Mary DONNELL 1st wife
and Adam SCOTT were:

i. Thomas B. SCOTT.

Sarah "Sally" DONNELL, daughter of William Donnell and Mary Bell,
was born in 1782.

Children of Sarah "Sally" DONNELL and John GWIN OR GWYN were:

i. John DONNELL GWIN.
ii. Edward GWIN was born in 1808.
iii. James Madison GWIN.
iv. Robert BELL GWIN was born in 1820.
v. William GWIN.
vi. Martha GWIN.
vii. Rosannah GWIN.
viii. Elizabeth GWIN.

 

Jane "Jenny" Irene DONNELL, daughter of William Donnell and Mary
Bell, was born about 1787.

She was married to Robert WILSON on 29 Aug 1809 in Wilson Co., TN.
Jane "Jenny" Irene DONNELL and Robert WILSON had no known children.



Jane Rene "Jean" DONNELL was born in 1778 in Guilford Co., NC.
She died between 1847 and 1850 in Wilson Co., TN. Margaret A.
Lambkin questions if Jane Rene and Mary might be same person. See will abstract.
She was married to Elihu MCMINN on 11 Mar 1800. Elihu MCMINN was
born in 1777 in Guilford Co., NC. He died on 17 Apr 1867 in Wilson Co., TN.
Data from Margaret Ann Lambkin-52 Donore Sq-San Antonio TX
78229-2179 (94)--Early Middle TN Marriages-The People of Wilson Co TN
p 42 1866-67 Wills and inventories. Civil War Questionaires- North and
South Carolina Marriages Records Compiled by Wm. M Clemens.

Additional data from Tresearch #4 (TJM) 94. Children of Jane Rene
"Jean" DONNELL and Elihu MCMINN were:

i. Lovina MCMINN.
ii. Lavicy MCMINN.
iii. Samuel Newton MCMINN was born in 1805 in Guilford Co., NC.
iv. Unknown MCMINN was born about 1807 in Guilford Co., NC. He died about 1833.
v. Martha Elizabeth A MCMINN.
vi. Jane Francina MCMINN.
vii. Unknown MCMINN was born about 1821 in Wilson Co., TN.

24. Thomas DONNELL was born in 1780. He died on 12 Sep 1840 in
Wilson Co., TN. Data to tie Thomas to Robert E Donnell furnished by
Raymond Donnell. Marriage recorded in LDS IGI in NC.
The following data from Margaret Ann Lambkin-52 Donore Sq-San Antonio
TX 78229-2179 ph 210-349-7191 (94)
Re: Emsley A Donnell: J Porter Donnell writes "That ELUSEY Donnell who
married Mary McKEE 8 Dec 1835 was really Emsley A DONNELL, a son of
Thomas and Ann (McAdow) Donnell. This Mary McKEE was a sister of
Thomas McKEE who married Margaret Donnell, a daughter of Capt.
William Donnell.
Re: Margaret Jane DONNELL: There is no date on the marriage record,
but it was with the 1849 records.

Raymond D Donnell gave full name of Ludicia Caroline Donnell.
Death dates from Raymond D Donnell in letter to Margaret Ann Lambkin.
Wilson Co Circuit Court Records 1810-1855 by Parlou
Death date from Raymond D Donnell in letter to Margaret Ann Lambkin.
!Guilford Co NC marriage records.
!1850-1860-1870 Wilson Co TN Census
!1850 Hickory Co MO census (re: Emeline Donnell)
Early Middle TN Marriage Records by Sistler.
!Data to tie Thomas to Robert E Donnell furnished by Raymond Donnell.
Marriage recorded in LDS IGI in NC. The following data from Margaret
Ann Lambkin-52 Donore Sq-San Antonio TX 78229-2179 ph 210-349-7191 (94)
!Re: Emsley A Donnell: J Porter Donnell writes "That ELUSEY Donnell who
married Mary McKEE 8 Dec 1835 was really Emsley A DONNELL, a son of
Thomas and Ann (McAdow) Donnell. This Mary McKEE was a sister of
Thomas McKEE who married Margaret Donnell, a daughter of Capt. William Donnell.
!Re: Margaret Jane DONNELL: There is no date on the marriage record,
but it was with the 1849 records.

!Raymond D Donnell gave full name of Ludicia Caroline Donnell.

!Death dates from Raymond D Donnell in letter to Margaret Ann Lambkin.

!Wilson Co Circuit Court Records 1810-1855 by Parlou
!Death date from Raymond D Donnell in letter to Margaret Ann Lambkin.
!Guilford Co NC marriage records.
!1850-1860-1870 Wilson Co TN Census !1850 Hickory Co MO census (re: Emeline Donnell)
!Early Middle TN Marriage Records by Sistler.

Anna MCADOW-MCADOO died on 1 Mar 1850. Data from Margaret Ann Lambkin:
!From Wilson Co TN Circuit Court Records 1810-1855. Ann Donnell ,
widow of Thomas Donnell, states that the said Thomas died some time
in September 1840 intestate. He left as his heirs Caroline, wife of
David K Donnell, Lucy, wife of James Booker of Carroll Co., Emeline,
wife of P H Andrews, A E Donnell, Emsley A Donnell, Robert E Donnell
and Margaret Jane Donnell, Said Ann is petitioning the court for her
dower. Jan 1842 pg 386-388.

This petition names only seven heirs. It stated elsewhere that Thomas
Donnell husband of Ann left 10 heirs. I had notes from Mary Johnson
that said 3 daughters (Adeline, Mary A "Polly", and Martha E ) Married
three sons of James Donnell Jr. (Alfred E, John Alva, and Silas M). It finally
ocurred to me (Margaret Ann Lambkin) that Mary and Martha were still
minors when this petition was made and not married.

This is also proof I (Margaret Ann Lambkin) needed for the parents of
Emeline Donnell Andrews. Children of Thomas DONNELL and Anna
MCADOW-MCADOO were:

i. Robert E DONNELL was born about 1803 in Wilson Co., TN.
   He died in Nov 1844 in Wilson Co., TN.

I Robert E Donnell do make and publish this my last will and testament
hereby overturning and makeing void all other wills by me at any time
made. First I will that all my just debts and funeral expenses be
paid out of any money that may first come into the hands of my
executor. 2ndly I will and bequest to Alfred E (Edison) Donnell my
whole estate, after paying my debts as above Mentioned. This I will
and bequest to said A E Donnell for the purpose of taking care of my
Mother Anna Donnell and my sister Margaret Jane Donnell. I have this day
Sept 5, 1844 set my hand and seal to this my last will and testament.

                                      
                                      Robert E Donnell (Seal)
We certify that the above will was signed by Robert E Donnell in our
presence this day 5 Sep 1844.
T M Donnell
  (Seal)
W T Donnell  
 (Seal)

Wilson Co TN Roll 194, Book 1834-1848 Pg 126-Wills.

!Robert E Donnell's property was auctioned and brought in $210.19 and
was purchased by the following persons. Anna Donnell, William A
Donnell, N Donnell, Alfred Edison Donnell, John A Donnell, William T
Donnell, Saul N Donnell, David A Donnell.

!Data also furnished by Mrs Ouita Williamson P O Box 152-Graham TX 76046.

ii. Levina DONNELL.
iii. Emeline DONNELL 2nd wife.
iv. Ludicia Caroline DONNELL.
v. Adaline DONNELL.
vi. Emsley A DONNELL.
vii. Mary Ann 'Polly" DONNELL.
viii. Martha E DONNELL.
ix. Margaret Jane DONNELL.

He was married on 21 Oct 1802 in Guilford Co., NC. Marriage data
from Abstracts of Marriage Bonds and Additional Data
-Guilford County North Carolina- Vol I, 1771-1840 Compiled by Ruth F
Thompson and Louise J Hartgrove. Published by Guilford County
Genealogical Society P O Box 9693-Greensboro NC 27408-0693. Children
of Thomas DONNELL were:

Data also furnished by Mrs Ouita Williamson P O Box 152-Graham TX 76046.

ii. Levina DONNELL.
iii. Emeline DONNELL 2nd wife.
iv. Ludicia Caroline DONNELL.
v. Adaline DONNELL.
vi. Emsley A DONNELL.
vii. Mary Ann 'Polly" DONNELL.
viii. Martha E DONNELL.
ix. Margaret Jane DONNELL.

 

 

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Copyright 1999. Virginia Freeman Taylor
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