PAGE 303 Part 14 JOHN DONNAN New York, N. Y. Came to USA from Scotland about 1770 PAGE 304 This family came to my attention through a letter of W.C.Duyckinck, 34 Nasau Sreet, New York City dated April 30, 1900 and read as follows: "I am anxious to get information regarding the Donnan fami1y with whom I am connected." JOHN DONNAN, married Elizbeth Dudley of New York City, December 27, 1787, their daughter was my great grandmother, who was He? A letter to me from Saint Andrews Society of the State of New York dated October 8, 1913 read as follows: "The Saint Andrews Scoiety is engaged in the work of tracing and identifying its former members and gathering all information about them that can possib1y be had. We are dependeent to a large extent upon the decendents of these members for our information. Our principal difficulty is in finding the descendents, having done so, we usually receive the utmost courtesy at their hands, as I am sure we will at yours. In the year 1785 John Donnan joined our society and our earliest note of him is that he was of the firm of Burke & Donnan, Groceries and Wines, 4 Beekman St., New York. In November 1785 the partnership was advertised to be dissolved and Donnan removed in July 1786 from 216 Queen Street, where he had gone in March of that year, to a store on Congers Wharf, corner of Old Slip. He advertised that he sold Wines, Brandies & Groceries. His business was somewhat varied having sold red and white oak barrel staves, it practically was an old fashioned store containing everything from a needle to an anchor. He married in 1787 a Betsy Dudley and in June of 1793 he commenced the business of bottling porter at 60 Broad Sreet, four doors from City Hall." "In 1794 he removed from Broad Street to 54 King Street, a little above Queen Street and my last reference is, search for him in Schenectady, NY. We believe John Donnan to have been a Scotchmn. Very truly yours, Wm.M.McBean, Secretary. A letter from St. Andrews Society dated December 11, 1913 read as follows: "Owing to pressure of work connected with our great annual festival on Saint Andrews Day, I have had no opportunity to acknowledge your very courteous letter of November 29, 1913 on the subject of John Donnan our member of 1785. In those days merchants had a craving for the life of a country gentleman and whenever they had sufficient competence they retired to a farm, and, further, there was at that time great speculation in land as so much of the estates of the Tories were in the market through confiscation. When John went to Schenectady, NY, I do not know, I am relying more on the fact of his marriage to Betsy Dudley on December 27, 1787 for ultimate identification. I would suggest your searching for the will of John Donnan in Albany, NY; have found a great deal from wills. Donnan's will is not on file here in New York City. I will look up Mr. Duyckinck as you suggest and should I hear of anything of definite value, I will be pleased to communicte with you further. Very truly yours, Wm. Mac Bean, Secretary." During the years that I have been finding so many other Donnan families, was in hopes that some of them would be tied up to this John Donnan, but as yet to no avail. Have also taken it up from the Dudley side of the family, but nothing available yet. I wrote to St. Andrews Society again, now located at 105 E 22nd St. New York and Oct. 2, 1934 received the following: "Wm. M. Mac Bean passed away a few years ago so I regret our inability to be of further service in connection with the descendents of one John Donnan who joined our society in 1785." James McG. Brown, Recording Secretary." I still hope that as this work continues I will find out more of the family beside W.C.Duyckinck, 34 Nassau St., New York, where he was April 30, 1900, but does not show in the New York City Directory now (1934). "Silver Locks" PAGE 305 Part 15 Mr. ??? DONNAN Portavogie, County Down, Ireland Sons to Chicago, Ill. 1880s - 1934 PAGE 306 MARRIAGE: MR. ??? DONNAN, Portavogie, County Down, Ireland TO: ??? ??? There were seven children: James, David, Thomas, Hugh, Arthur, Adam and Richard. In 1921 there came to my attention, Donnan Bros., Square Regalia Co., 2240 West Madison St., Chicago, Ill. Being other than our direct family, I wrote to them, receiving an answer January 24, 1922 signed Richard Donnan, who gave me the following: "I know that my grandfather's people came from Scotland and settled in the north of Ireland back in the 17th century, my father being born in Ireland, a strong 0rangeman, which I am proud of, belonging to that organization myse1f. I am unable to furnish any further data in connection with them, and would suggest that you communicate with my oldest brother James Donnan, Portavogie, County Down Ireland, who is a Grocer there." This I did, but as yet have not heard from him, or three others in Ireland that I have written to. Think I will have to go over and call on the gentleman in question. I received another letter from Richard Donnan, 235 W 61st Street, Chicago. Ill. dated Feb. 7, 1933. "James, the oldest son, stayed at home, and the other six came to America in the latter part of 18th century and settled in Chicago, Ill. I have no details in connection with their families, not being able to find one who is interested sufficiently to furnish same. Richard's wife is named Mary and during the Chicago World's Fair improved the opportuniity of entertaining guests at reasonable rates. Had we gone to the exposition would have stayed with them and as a sideline gone into the details of the different fanilies, at least those who came to America. This, however, may appear in a later edition which I trust someone of the tribe will complete." I find all are glad to cooperate in person, but it is rather hard for them to sit down and write it up. We wish the Donnans in the Windy City the best of success and may each one be a credit to the name, building up noble characters that they may enrich the lives of others in this beautiful land of ours. In the 1922 Chicago Directory the following is shown: Donnan Bros., 2240 W Madison St. (Jewelers) David Donnan, 110 E 58th Street Mrs. Edna J. Donnan, 137 N Lexington Ave John Donnan, 5121 S. May Lucia Cole Donnan, 1021 Leland Ave "Silver Locks" PAGE 307 Part 16 VARIOUS DONNANS Not heard from PAGE 308 This part is added that it might be of service to someone in the future. Having written them and letters were not returned, feel they are not interested as yet; however, if I am ever in the places will look them up. In the 1934 New York and Brooklyn directory I found the following DONNANS that do not check with any of the other families, although they might belong due to some of them not being complete. MRS. LILY DONNAN, 300 E. 140th St., New York, NY. EDWARD DONNAN (Clerk) of the same address would appear to be a son. JAMES DONNAN (Rigger) wife, Johanna, 313 East 141 St., New York. Here comes in one connected with a vocation quite common with the Donnans, for Scot1and had ships galore. David Donnan who settled in Virginia during 1818 came over with his brother William, captain of the ship. His brother John came to Virginia in 1821 preaumably with his brother also. As their genealogy is quite complete, does not show any James Donnan, Rigger, he evidently belongs to another family. ELLEN DONNAN, 122 East 38th St. New York, NY. James Donnan, Stirling Ontario, Canada has two daughters in New York, but do not have their given names, she might be one of them. PAUL DONNAN, (wife, Anna) 59l East 137th St., New York ALEXANDER DONNAN, (Wife, Mary) 9 Wiliow St., Brooklyn, NY MRS. FLORENCE DONNAN (widow of James), 311 7th Ave., Brooklyn, NY JAMES J. DONNAN, Bookeeper, 666 St.Marks Ave., Brooklyn, NY DONNANS, Provo City, Utah County, Utah, a beautiful valley on the east side of Utah Lake, with Sugar Loaf Mountain to the east a few miles with its summit covered with snow furnishing water that flows down in all directions, its name is very suitable. I wrote to them in 1934 but have not received an answer. Mr. Donnan was engaged in "Vocational Work" there. I heard of them through Rev. David J. Donnan, Santa Monica, Cal. I surmise they belong to the family who settled in Natchez, MS genealogy of whom appears in part 12, but not very complete. Peter Donnan, one of that family who changed the spelling of his name to Donan, had a complete record but it was destroyed by fire. Since starting this genealogy, whenevcr I am in a new place, I look in the directory for Donnan, Donnon and Donan. In some cases descendents have not answered, even when I enclose stamps, but I think it is due to the fact that no interest exists, not because they are Scotch. "Silver Locks" PAGE 309 Part 17 ALEXANDER DONNAN Edinburgh, Scotland Came to Harbor Grace, Newfoundland About 1800 - 1934 PAGE 310 When in Montreal during the summer of 1928 just as we were starting away I looked in tho telephone book and found the following Donnans: P.J.Donnan, 6799 DeLormier; Montreal; H. M. Donnan , Argyle, Montreal, and Ronald Donnan, 6230 Molson St. During the following winter, not having success in finding John Donnan of New York who left there in the latter part of the 17th century supposedly for Schenectady NY., thought possibly he had gone on up to Montreal so I wrote to P. J. Donnan the first one mentioned and April 13, 1929 received a letter reading as follows: "In reply to your letter of March 30, 1929 requesting information concerning one John Donnan who left New York in the latter part of the 17th century. I am sorry to say that I do not know anyone by that given name in connection with our famiily. My people originally came from Scotland and settled in Newfoundland in the early 1800s and my father died at that place about 40 years ago, but as I am the younest in the family do not remember the full particulars as I was only about 8 years old at that time. As far as I know, my father had one brother named Peter who died in Scotland, but I have a vague recollection of another brother who might have been John Donnan to whom you refer. If you would like me to make sure of this fact I will be glad to take the matter up with my oldest sister who might be able to give me more information on this subject. I would be glad to hear from you as to whether or not this information is of any value. Would be glad to do anything more to assist you in the work. I am interested in knowing if you are in any way connected with our family as I have been under the impression that there were no Donnans other than our family. Hoping to hear from you at an early date, I remain, P. J. Donnan, 6799 Dolormier Ave. Montreal, Que. Canada." "Peter J. Donnan & Sons, Cartage Contractors, Montreal, December 3, 1933 I have received your 1etter of November 20, 1932 with regard to the Donnan family records and I was interested to learn that the Donnan tribe was as far south as South America. I am very sorry to say that my oldest sister, whose name was Sarah and was living in Winniipeg, died the same day I mailed you my previous letter. She was 63 years of age at the time of her death, April 1929. My two other sisters whose names are Agnes and Jessie are living together in 0ttawa at the present time. Their Mrs. T. Yetman and Mrs E.V. Pye and their address is l92-A Cooper St., Ottawa, Ont. I am wondering if you have any informmation regarding my father's brother Peter. I was named after this uncle and he was a captain of a ship sailing out of Scotland named "S.S.John O. Gaunt". He was lost at sea the year I was born, 1885, this may be of interest to you. If I remember correctly, you sent me some papers with your previous letters which you asked me to return to you. Did I return them to you? If not, I have a copy of a list of names of our family which was taken from records in Scotland. If this is the paper I am thinking about please let me know and I will be glad to return this to you. I would be glad to hear from you any time as to any information you may be able to develop. P.J. Donnan." I received a letter from our good friend and correspondent J. Earl Donnan, 6 State St., New York, dated March 16, 1936; he is the chap whose grandfather's name was changed from Donnan to Donnen on deed of property in Canada and referred to in the part covering their particular family. One paragraph of his letter reads as follows: "The enclosed copy of March 4, 1936 communication from Miss Grace M. Donnan. 625 30 Molson Ave., Montreal, Que., Canada as addressed to Mr.. B. C Donnan, K. C. County Crown Attorney, Belleville, Ont. will be self explanatory to you. I may add that this copy of March 4, 1936 letter was furnished to me in order that it might reach your hands for such treatment as you may wish. The best treatment that I know of is to embody the whole of it in this history. The Donnan families with a PAGE 311 Peter in, have been most intereting, so far as the one who had that name was concerned anyway. From: 623O Molson Ave. Montreal, Que, March 4, 1936. To: Attorney B. C. Donnan, 51 Hillcrest Ave, Belleville, Ont. Dear Sir: While looking through some old newspapers a few days ago I came across an article dated June 22, 1935 and while reading this particular item I was greatly surprised to notice the name, Crown Attorney, B. C. Donnan. This is the first time I have ever heard or seen the name Donnan apart from our immediate family. My grandfather, Alexander Donnan (now deceased) was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, had one brother Peter John Donnan and two sisters. I cannot give you any information as to the whereabouts of Peter or whether he is alive but as far as I understand the two sisters are still livng. My grandfather later moved to Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, where my father, Ronald Donnan, was born. He had four brother and three sisters of whom one brother and two sisters are still living, all of whom live in Montreal with the exception of one sister living in Ottawa. I would be interested in hearing from you as it is quite possible we may be related in some way. Grace M. Donnan I quote another letter from Grace: 6230 Molson Ave. December 16, 1936 Dear Mr.. Donnan: Many thanks for your kind letters and your lovely Christmas card which I received in today's mail. I must apologize for not answering your letter before this date. It was rather a coincidence receiving your last letter when I did as just the evening previous I was looking over some past correspondence and came across your letter of last March and I fully intended writing you at once, but with one thing and another I haven't got around to it as yet. After the Holiday Season is over I intend to get your chart up to date. It will take soom time I imagine as there are so many cousins of us here in Montreal and I am not very familiar with all the birthdays, etc., so will have to contact each one personally before I can fill in the necessary details. I guess we are all related right enough as all indications point to it according to your chart. There are just three sisters of us, Florence, Jessie ard myself in our family and Mother and Day. The three of us are all employed in offices here. We are all tall and very fair, and do not resemble any of the other Donnans in Montrea1; we seem to be the only fair ones. This we inherit from our father as he is very tall and fair; although Mother was fair, she is very small. I was very interested to hear you had a niece Grace Donnan. I have often wondered if there ever was another person in the world with the same name as mine; so we both have something in common. Everybody is very busy just now in Montreal as I suppose is the case all over at this time. Conditions on a whole are much improved up here and everyone seems to have the Christmas spirit. Will close this note for now and will write at greater length in the near future. Hoping this finds you all in the best of health and that you all have a very Happy Christmas, I remain, Sincere1y, Grace M. Donnan. The following was receive in early 1938 My grandfather was Alexander Donnan, born in Edinburgh Scotland; married Jessie Elizabeth Forward of Newfoundland where they lived until his death. They had eight children, all born in Harbor Grace, Newfoundland: Ronald, Peter, Harry, Dougal, Alexander, Sarah, Agnes and Jessie. RONALD. my father, was born April 20, 1879, married Marion Bragg of Pouch Cave Newfoundland on September 30, 1907 (in MontreaI). Had four chidren, Florence, PAGE 312 Emmily McPhee, born Sept. 15, 1908; Elizabeth Jessie Isabel, born June 5, 1911; Grace Marion, born Dec. 24, 1916; Alexander Ronald, born March 27, 1913, died Jan. 17,1917. We three girls are still all single. PETER JOHN DONNAN, married three times. His first wife was Annie Hamilton born in Scotland. They had four children: Sarah, Agnes, Stewart and Clarence. His wife died in 1913. He married again a few years later a Miss Mary Lovell of Newfoundland. From this wife he had four children of which three died in infancy; one still living by the name of Gwendolyn, who is about 21 and lives with people by the name of Moore, as far as we know somewhere in Richmond, Va. This wife died in 1918. He married again in in 1921 (approx.) to Miss Hazel Baldwin, of Newfoundland. He had three children from this wife all still living and single; they are: Isabel, who will be 16 this year; George who is about 14; and Winnie who is about 12. Now going back to his first wife's children, they are all married as follows: Sarah, who is 31, has been married for 10 years .She married James Summerton of Montreal and they have three children: Shirley who is 9 years old; Joan who is 5 and Mildred who is about five months, AGNES, who is about 30 has been married for about four years. She married Oswald Stacey of Montreal and they have no children. STEWART, who is about 29, is married to Iris Pinkney of Montreal; they have been married about 4 yrs. and have one son, James, who is about 3 years old. CLARENCE, who is 27 years of age, is married to Lillian Tardy; they have been married for a year and a half and have no children. HARRY M. DONNAN, born Newfoundland 1875. He married Annie Davis of Newfoundland, in Montreal about 35 years ago. They had three children: Malcolm, Dorothy and Vesta. He died in 1927. His son Malcolm is 33 years old and married Sadie Smith in 1927, they have two children, Beryl and Arlen. Beryl is about 8 and Arlen 5. Dorothy, who is about 31, married Mac Hennessy of Montreal in 1936 and they have no children. Vesta is 27 and married James Wilson of Scotland in 1937, no children. DOUGLAS S. DONNAN, born approx. 1873 in Newfoundland died while quite a young man and was buried at Rock of Gibralter. ALEXANDER DONNAN was born in 1871 and was shipwrecked in Newfoundland while quite young. SARAH DONNAN, born 1866 in Newfoundland married Alex Silby. She died 1929 in Winnipeg they had no children. AGNES DONNAN, born 1881 in Newfoundland married Stephen Brown of Harbor Grace. He died about 35 years ago. They had two children, Albert and Edith. Albert who is about 34 is married to Eileen Birt of Winnipeg; they have been married for about 5 years and have three children: Bert, 4 yrs. old, Billy 2 yrs and a new baby boy of a couple of months. Edith is still single; she is about 37 years old. My Aunt Agnes married the second time to Frank Yetman, still living. JESSIE DONNAN, born in Newfoundland in 1883 (approx.) married Ellis V. Pye of London, England now living in Ottawa, Ont. they have no children. Grace M. Donnan.