Person:William O'Donnell (5)

WM. O'DONNELL, section boss on the C. & N. W. R. R. residence onTenth avenue,

west of Third street; is a native of Ireland, and was bon in1819; he grew up to

manhood there, and emigrated to America in 1849; he came toChicago and entered

the employ of Col. Smith, on the Galena & Chicago Union R. R.,in 1851; he was

section boss and had charge of the track at Cottage Hill, Elgin,Belvidere,

Cherry Valley; he came to Clinton in 1856, and is the oldestemployee on this

division of the road; he is one of the early settlers ofClinton, coming the

next year after the town started. Mr. O'Donnell has been amember of the City

Council for twelve years, and is also a member of the SchoolBoard. He married

Winnifred Leahy, a native of Ireland, in 1849; they have fivechildren --

William H., David J., Mary, Winnie, and Joseph H.; they attendthe Catholic

Church. (from: The History of Clinton County Iowa by L.P. Allen(1879))

1870 Census lists occ. as Yard Foreman, with RE of $5000. aandPE of $1000.; father was living with him