... His wife was Jane R. Braden, daughter of William and Ufama Braden, who settled in Fugit Township in 1822.* [*The Braden family is one of the most prominent of the early settlers in Decatur County. The present generation is quite numerous, with an extensive connection, by inter-marriage, with other families. All of these people are among the most worthy citizens of to-day.]
Mr. Donnell's marriage with this lady took place on the Christmas of 1828. They were the parents of three children:
- Euphemia, now Mrs, William M. Hamilton, of Clarksburg.
- Robert, died in infancy.
- W. A., editor and proprietor of the Decatur News. See special biography.
... Mrs. Donnell now resides with her daughter, Mrs. William M. Hamilton, of Clarksburg. Mrs. Donnell remarked, after her husband's death, that, "In all our journey through life together, he never gave me one cross or unkind word." She was a woman who sympathized with her husband in all the affairs of his life, and encouraged and comforted him in the various trials and anxieties through which he was called upon to pass. Her household was a model of frugality, wrought out by her own industry and economy, and no needy person was ever turned from her doors empty-handed if she could contribute to their wants. She is greatly esteemed by a galaxy of friends and acquaintances, who appreciate her worth. In the providence of Him who orders all things, it fell to their lot to have the care and guardianship of orphan children at different times. To say that these children were kindly and affectionately cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Donnell but faintly expresses the truth of the matter. She is now (1882) seventy-two years of age, and the habits of her prime are as conspicuous in her character as they were a quarter of a century ago, when she, with her philanthropic husband, labored for the Christian enlightenment and happiness of both bond and free.
