PART 10

ALEXANDER DONNAN

Kirkcaldy, Ayrshire, Scotland,

To America in 1818 and settled in

Washington County, Pa

1818 - 1934

PAGE 278

MARRIAGE: ALEXANDER DONNAN, Kirkcaldy, Ayrshire, Scotland
TO: Helen Hannay, Kirkcaldy, Ayrshire, Scotland

Their seven children were: William, Grace Broadfoot, John Hannay, Elizabeth,
Alexander, Mary Isabella and Margaret Hannay.

A1exander, born at Kirkcaldy, Scotland in 1775, graduated from Glasgow University
in 1797. He attended Whitehorn Seminary at Whithorn. Scotland. He was licensed
by the Ki1marnoch Presbytery in 1799 and was ordained by the Belfast Presbytery as
pastor at Gilnahirk, Ireland, October 6, 1800 as successor to Rev. Francis Pringle,
continuing as pastor there until August 10, 1818 when he came to America on a sailing
vessel of which his brother was Captain. He had another brother who came to
America and sett1ed in the South. Haven't the first name of these two, cannot be
sure of the tie-up to other fami1ies in the South. I have a copy of a letter written
by John Peter Donnan of Steubenville, Ohio to Alvan Donnan, Washington, PA, May
6, 1898 that reads as follows:

"Dear Alvan:
One of the enclosed letters I answered, stating that one of our Grandfather's
brothers came to this country about 1808 and settled in Natchez, MS that
he was a planter, owned slaves. That Grandpa and he split on the subject of Slavery
and there was no friendship between them since long before the war."  Rev. Alexander
Donnan was called by the Mt.Pleasant and Burgettstown Associate Reformed churches
May 23, 1819 and was released from the Burgettstown congregation May 12, 1839
then from the Mt. Pleasant congregation April 20, 1852 retiring from his active work
but often called on during the coming years.  His call to a larger work came June 3,
l859 at Hickory, PA. Interment in the family plot there.

Before the Civil War, he tutored two of the sons of his brother in Natchez, MS,
but since the war no communication was carried on by either branch.

In a letter from Peter Donnan, Petersburg, Va. to Mrs. Helen Donnan Johnson,
Washington, PA he signed himself as, ("Your cousin"); if that was correct, the
Petersburg, Va., Washington, PA and the Natchez, Miss. families were related, but
none of the letters give the first name of the one who went to Natchez.

In the early 18th century there was a Peter Donnan who came from Wigtown, .
Scotland, to Natchez, Miss. and was interested in his genealogy, having traced it back
to France where he found the name was spelled with one N, DONAN and he had his name
changed to spell that way, and his descendents have carried it on that way. In 1816
his father came over with at least some of the seven children and settled in
Natchez, all of whom spelled the name DONNAN. It is said he lived to be 105 years old,
their history appears in another section of this compilation; I only refer to this
here to show how hard it is to work our relationships without full names, birthplace,
and date.

Burgettstown and Mt. Pleasant (now Hickory), are in Washington County, PA.
Washington is the county seat and has the Pennsylvania and Baltimore & Ohio rai1roads
entering it, surrounded by a good farming section, had a steady growth and became a
banking center. Washington & Jefferson (Presbyterian) College is located there and
the Donnan families were interested in all; being lawyers, doctors, bankers, merchants,
farmers and preachers, became a power in County, State and Nation.

Rev. Alexander Donnan came to America in the spring of 1818 and his family in
July of that year. Their sixth child, ALEXANDER DONNAN, born in Belfast, Ireland
1816 was sick on the way over and died July 11, 1818 in Philadelphia, PA shortly
after they landed, and, I assume was buried in the Hickory Cemetery where they went
to live. They stood for all things that would be an uplift to humanity, respected
and loved by young and old who were always made to feel at home when they entered
their threshold.

PAGE 279

Mrs.Donnan was called first, June 13, 1849, closing the earthly life of one
who had been faithful to the end as wife, mother, neighbor and friend. Interment
was in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery (now Hickory) PA. Rev. Alexander lived to be 80
years old when his call came June 3, 1859 and his body was laid beside his wife and
child. He was an expounder of the truth in no uncertain terms, led by the Holy
Spirit, searched the scriptures dai1y that he might become more like Jesus his Savior
so as to lead others to him.

ELIZABETH DONNAN, their fourth child born in Belfast, Ireland died in infancy and
was buried there in 1815; this with the death of their fifth child in Philadelphia in
his second year was a heavy blow to them, especially to the mother who was with them
constantly, but due to their Christian faith, trust and fortitude, they carried on
for those remaining. In the midst of good schools their children were well taken
care of along that line, fitting them for the vocations they desired.

MARRIAGE: WILLIAM DONNAN, Belfast, Ireland
TO: Amie Harriet, Pennsylvania, USA

Their three children were: Ingham, John Peter and Nettie

William, first child of Helen, born in 1810 Belfast, Ireland, would be eight
years old when he set foot on American soil. He was a good student and took to the
education advantages found in Washington, PA. Decided to become a physician,
obtained his M.A. degree and settled at Burgettstown PA, on the Pennsylvania
Railroad just west of Pittsburg, PA, where he practiced for many years, bringing
healing to the body as well as the soul, for a Christian doctor is next to our pastor.
He met and fell in love with Amie Harriet from that section of the state and they
became permanent citizens of Burgettstown entering into civic, political and religious
work, educated their children in the good schools of that section.

MARRIAGE, INGHAM DONNAN, Burgettstown, PA
TO: ??? ???

They had two children: William and Dorothea

Ingham, Amie's first child, followed the family tradition, that of a good
education; they felt, as we all should, that the same person is better off with it.
If all parents and teachers could determine the field most adapted to the child,
then work toward that, many would be saved from failure when they go out for
themselves.

MARRIAGE: DOROTHEA DONNAN, Washington County, PA
TO: Lake McNab, Washington County, PA

Dorothea, second child of this family I understand followed the rest in obtaining
a good education and during her school days she met and kept on meeting Lake McNab
of the same section. They settled the dispute by getting married and taking up a
home of their own. I regret not having more about them, but some things must be
left for the one who follows up this history in later years.

MARRIAGE: GRACE BROADFOOT DONNAN, Belfast, Ireland
TO: Rev. McForester, Pennsylvania

They have no children

Grace, second child of Helen, born in 1812 at Belfast, Ireland, was a Scotch girl
still and as she was only six when she reached the land of the Free, her good education
was obtained in the schools of Washington County, PA. We have heard some ministers
children say they got so much religion and church when they were small at home,

PAGE 280

did not need to go after they were grown up, but not so in the Rev. Alexander
Donnan home. In all of the churches that Rev. Mc Forster was called to, Grace was his
co-worker. Ministers have to hear so many things and some times his wife also,
they both need an abundance of Faith, Hope and Trust.

MARRIAGE: JOHN HANNAY DONNAN, Belfast, Ireland
TO: Mathilda King White, Pennsylvaiia

Their seven children were: Alexander, John White, Helen Hannay,
William France, Alvan, Edmund Arthur and Alexander, 2nd

John, third child of Helen, born in 1813 Belfast, Ireland, came to U S A as a
lad of 5 with his mother and the rest of the children to Philadelphia, where his
father met them and they journeyed across the southern part of the state to
Washington County in the southwestern part of the state where his father had been called.
His education was thorough in all of the schools, fitting him for a physcian of
good standing in Hickory, PA. He married Mathilda King White, a noble woman of that
section, also well educated, so their home was a busy place and they also became
affiliated with outside interests. As you will note later in this recording, they in
turn educated their children well and they became some of the most influential
people of the state. Doctor was called in the prime of his life, 47, in 1860, the
same year their youngest son, Alexander 2nd was born. Now the burden fell on the
mother and she carried it nobly. They moved to Chambersburg in the southern central
part of the state, later back to Washington, PA where the four children who lived
to maturity were educated and took their part in social, political and religous life.

ALEXANDER DONNAN, first child of Matilda, born in 1842 at Hickory, PA was a
healthy child and soon entered school, but sickness came in the Doctors home as well as
other homes and Alexander was the one who needed his attention, but the best of
care was of no avail and he died in 1851 and their first born was laid to rest in
the Cemetery at Hickory, PA.

WILLIAM FRANCE DONNAN, fourth child of Mathilda, born in 1849 at Hickory, PA also
a healthy boy finished Grade and High School and at the age of 17 his call came
in 1866. This was a heavy blow to the family, just in the prime of young manhood,
could not withstand the effect of the disease. His body was laid beside his brothers
but his Spirit to Him who gave it.

MARRIAGE: JOHN WHITE DONNAN, Hickory, PA
TO: Margaretta Bell, Pennsylvania

There were four children:John Hannay, Sydney Bell, Alvan Ewing and Helen Dorothy

John, second child of Mathilda, born in 1845 at Hickory, PA entered school young,
proved to be a good student, passed along rapidly through grade, high, college and
law school; put his shingle out in Washington, PA. He had also met his fate as a
companion for life in the person of Margaretta Bell and they were married in 1878
and went to housekeeping in Washington, PA. They were interested in all things
that stood for good and being in the county seat his law practice soon became county,
state and nation wide. He is the only Donnan I know of sufficient wealth to

PAGE 281

get mixed up with Uncle Sam's Supreme Court at Washington, DC on unjust tax and
the government had to reimburse him for same( Heiner vs. Donnan 52 S Ct 358).
John filled many public trusts, was President of the Citizens National Bank at
Washington, PA, a1ong with many other organizations. I received several letters
from him during 1919 and 1920 that bespoke of his ability to cope with questions
at hand. The educated their four children in a creditable manner fitting them
for duties that might await them. He was in his 84th year and the sickness proved
fatal in 1929 and his body was laid to rest in the family plot. He had been true
to himself, family, neighbors, church and the vows he had takcn.

MARRIAGE: JOHN HANNAY DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Ima Duncan, Pennsylvania

They had one child: John Duncan

NEXT TO: Anica Chambers, Washington, PA

They had one child: Anica Barlow

John, first child of Magaretta born at Washington, PA healthy, good student,
characteristics of his father and soon rose to many responsibilities; was Vice
President of Citizens National Bank at the time of his father's death. He met and
received the hand of Ina Duncan, another good Scotch name, and lived in Washington.
They became active in civic, po1itical, fraternal and religious work. There was one
son born to them, John Duncan Donnan, who received good home and school training.
In 1920's Ina was called to her reward, having been faithful duing her lifetime to
home, community and church. After some years John married Anica Chambers in 1926
and as stepmother she proved equal to the duties involved. There was a daughter
born to this union, Anica Barlow Donnan, so John had to share the home life which
was a pleasant one.

MARRIAGE: JOHN DUNCAN DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Antoinette Tomlinson, Pennsylvania

John, only child of Ina was a healthy chap we are told, good student and enjoyed
society along with the other good things of life. His associations were many
but Antoinette became a particular one; they became engaged and were married in
1934 thus forming the basis for another Donnan home in that section. We feel sure
that they will carry out the family traditions that go back hundreds of years.

ANICA BARLOW DONNAN, daughter by the 2nd marriage, not only had her mother's
name, but many of her characteristics. Her school days are now on and we wish her
the best of success. "Why not have a woman doctor, governor or congresswoman from
the Donnan family?"

MARRIAGE: SYDNEY BELL DONNAN, Washington, PA.
TO: Flora Brady, Pennsylvania

They have no children

Sydney, second child of Margaretta, born in the early l880s at Washington,
PA, soon proved equal to his older brother John and each was strengthened by the
association; what a factor all through life, the personal touch of teachers often
means as much as the books. Now that Flora has come into the family circle know
that added influence will be imparted; success to them.

MARRIAGE: ALVAN EWING DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Adah Griffiths, Pennsylvania

PAGE 282

They have four children: Adah Griffiths, He1en Dorothy, Francis Weir and John White

Alvan, third child of Margaretta, gave them 3 boys to keep things lively in
the home, and isn't that the kind of home we all like, something doing. Alvan
entered school young, moved along rapidly and during the latter part of his educational
period had a private tutor in the person of Miss Griffiths who gave him 100%
marking and he went at once to obtain a marriage license, they met with the Parson
and answered all questions in the affirmative, thus forming another Donnan home.
Four children were born to them, received good home training and school education.

MARRIAGE: HELEN DOROTHY DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Smith Whitworth, Pennsylvania

They have three children: Margaretta Bell, John Donnan and Carolyn Fuller

Helen, Margaretta's fourth child was a welcomed guest in the Donnan home where
there were three boys. The association of boys and girls in the family is a good
thing for both, when they go to school, feel more at home. Helen enjoyed her
school work showing ability along all lines, became popular and especially with
Smith Whitworth who was also popular; they became engaged, were married and settled
in their snug home. They continued their interest in community affairs and educated
their children well.

JOHN DONNAN WHITWORTH, Helen's second child had the time of his life keeping his
older and younger sisters where they belonged, as he saw it. Entering school at an
early age, had some of the rough corners knocked off and is making good there and
at home. (NOTE: John and his sister Carolyn were twins)

CAROLYN FULLER WHITWORTH, third child of Helen's, proved her ability at home, school
and church; characteristics of both parents which gave her the confidence one needs
with a cosmopolitan people. We must have faith in ourselves, as well as in others.

MARRIAGE: MARGARETTA BELL WHITWORTH, Washington, PA
TO: Robert D. Vance, Pennsylvania

They have one child: Dorothy Donnan

Margaretta, first child of Helen made a bright home brighter with a sweet smile,
expressing more than words do. We sometimes think grandparents think more of their
grandchildren than they did of their own, but it may be that they have more time
to show it; anyway, we know that Robert and Margaretta will give DOROTHY DONNAN
VANCE the best of care, a good education and all that prepares one for a larger
service in this life, anci that which is to follow.

MARRIAGE: HELEN HANNAY DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Rev. J. R. Johnston, D.D.

They have no children.

Helen, third child of Mathilda born in 1874 at
Washington, a healthy child enjoying the fellowship of her older brother, was
soon off to school continuing through college where she met her fate in the
person of young Johnston, who had decided to be a minister and I venture to say that

PAGE 283

it was in the Presbyterian field. She joined him in the work. Their influence was
felt in all the churches to which he was called. She was 84 when her call came in
1931 closing the earthly life of another who had made brighter many other lives
during her long career. Interment was in the family plot.

MARRIAGE: ALVAN DONNAN, Hickory, PA
TO: Lucy Murdoch, Pennsylvania

There were seven children, Grace Forester, Margaretta, Lucy, Alexander,
Nettie Barker, Ruth and Edmund Arthur

Alvan, fifth child of Matilda, born August 12, 1852 at Hickory, PA took to
school, fitting himself to be a lawyer, became a prominent member of the Washington
County Bar and a highly esteemed citizen of that part of the state. He graduated
from Washington and Jefferson College in 1875, then studied law with his brother
John W. Donnan. He was admitted to the Bar in January 1877 and entered into the
practice of his profession with his brother under the firm name of John W. and A.
Donnan, which for many years was known as one of the best law firms in the county,
and enjoyed a large practice. Later James I. Brownson became a member of the firm
which was then known as "Donnans & Brownson". Later John H. Donnan and Richard G.
Miller were added to the firm and it was known as "Donnans, Brownson & Miller".
Later Alvan retired from that firm and became associated with his son Alexander M.
Donnan. He was a member of the local Bar for almost 42 years, interested in many
activities outside of his profession, always supporting any movement for the betterment
of the community. He was a member of the first school board in the East Washington
borough, serving for many years in the welfare of the school. Religious and
educational matters always found in him a warm supporter. He served in official
capacities for many years both Washington & Jefferson College and the Washington
Seminary. He was one of the charter members and organizers of the Washington
YMCA , was a member of the Session of the 2nd United Presbyterian Church and always
deeply interested in Home and Foreign work. He had numerous business and financial
interests, being a director in the Citizens National Bank, the Citizens Water Co.
actively interested in the development of the oil industry. In 1882 he married
Lucy Murdoch, daughter of Alexander Murdoch. She is a noble mother; they educated
their seven children well all of whom are married and in homes of their own. Alvan
retired from active work in 1917 on account of pernicious anaemia that caused his
death in 1918, leaving his wife to carry on in the home circle. Burial was in the
family plot where many gathered to pay homage to him who had departed.

MARRIAGE: GRACE FORESTER DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: J. Donald Iams, M.D, Pennsylvania

They have four children: Charlotte Dorsey, Alvan Donnan, Franklin Pierce
and Alexander Murdoch

Grace, first child of Lucy, born in Washington, PA adding more pleasure to
the home. In the midst of good schools her education was not lacking and she soon
entered social life where she met J. Donald Iams and he diagnosed her case as
heart trouble; she deciding the same about him and the only cure was for the two
hearts to beat as one; they were married and a permanent recovery assured. They
say that a doctors time is never his own, but Donald improved the moments he had
home with his family. The four children are being well educated.

PAGE 284

MARRIAGE: MARGARETTA DONNAN, Washington, PA.
TO: John L. Stewart, Pennsylvania

They have one daughter: Lucy Donnan

Margaretta, second child of Lucy born in Washington, Pa,. became a companion
of Grace from whom she learned much. It is interesting to watch a child try to do
the things their playmates do. I haven't John's vocation but the name Stewart
bespeaks success, others of that name were married into the Virginia Donnan family.

MARRIAGE: LUCY DONNAN STEWART, Washington, PA
TO: Cecil Pinkney Northrop, Pennsylvania

They have two children: John Stewart and William

Lucy, only child of Margaretta, was not spoiled due to that fact I am informed,
anyway Cecil did not think so, and when her educution was finished they agreed
to agree and were married, thus another home was established. They both took up new
activities, civic, fraternal, political and religious. They, too, have given the
children good educations starting them out on life's journey with a good preparation.

MARRIAGE: LUCY DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Richard G Miller, Pennsylvania

They have two children, Alvin Donnan and Richard Garvin, Jr.

Lucy, third child of Lucy, made three girls in Alvan's family to be educated
and the parents were very glad to have a share in it. Sometime during this
education period she seemed to have preference for the attention of Richard and he
said "Amen". They were engaged and married thus forming another Christian home.
Their two children ALVAN DONNAN MILLER and RICHARD GARVIN MILLER, JR., are receivimg
the same educational training at the hands of their parents. Whether Alvan will
follow his grandfather and take up Law remains undetermined.

MARRIAGE: ALEXANDER MURDOCH DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Elizabeth Acheson, Prennsylvania

They have 4 children: Alvan, David Acheson, Jane Acheson and Elizabeth Acheson

Alexander, fourth child of Lucy, born in Washington, PA was given a name common
in most of the Donnan families, including my own, and the best part of it is,
is proving worthy of it; although I cannot give his occupation (NOTE: Lawyer
{Harvard Law School} for the Pennsylvania RR), feel sure he will
succeed. He fell in love with Elizabeth, another common name on the branches of
the different trees. In due time they were married and went to housekeeping, loyal
American citizens educating their children in the good schools of that section. On
the branches of this and some of the other trees I do not have birth dates so if
need them you will have to write for same; full names, however, are ALVAN DONNAN,
DAVID ACHESON DONNAN, JANE ACHESON DONNAN and ELIZABETH ACHESON DONNAN.

MARRIAGE: NETTIE BARKER DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Henry T. McClelland, Pennsylvania

They have two children, Lucy Donnan and Mathilda Donnan

PAGE 285

Nettie, fifth child of Lucy, soon went to school along with the older children,
in that city of schools, keeping the family name on the honor roll, parents cooperating
with teachers. Somewhere along the line of march she met, I should say a
Scotchman, they fell for each other and Nettie Barker Donnan married Henry T.
McClelland and they rode away in their auto neatly marked "JUST MARRIED". On their
return went to keeping house. They were blessed with two children who are being
educated in the best things of this life, which is only a preparation for the
larger life. LUCY McCLELLAND, first born, MATHILDA DONNAN McCLELLAND, second.

MARRIAGE: LUCY DONNAN McCLELLAND, Washington, PA
TO: William Beeson, Pennsylvania

They have one child, William Jr.

Lucy, first child of Nettie, healthy, active, possessing all the pranks common
to childhood soon entered school and passed along in all its branches. Somewhere
along the line she met William and their voices became music to each other, music
that became sweeter as time went on and they found themselves singing duets,
terminating with marriage and sticking their feet under their own table. This was
supplemented by a high chair in which was placed WILLIAM BEESON JR, an all-around
boy who is now being educated.

MARRIAGE: MATHILDA DONNAN McCLELLAND, Washington, PA
TO: Charles E. SNEE III, Pennsylvania

They have two or more children.

Mathilda, second child of Nettie had her older sister to coach her
along in the game of life, for that is what it really is, a game in which each of
us have a part; may we all play it well. The old saying "You can lead a horse to
to water, but you can't make it drink", applies to us all; we may have the best education
in all phases, but it is still up to us to make good, and this family will be
no exception of not making good.

MARRIAGE: RUTH DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Alfred S. Osbourne, Pennsylvania

They have four children: Alfred S. Jr., Alvan Donnan, Edmund Donnan and Margaret Barrows

Ruth, sixth child of Lucy added one more busy child to this happy home. Given
a good name she proved herself worthy of it and Alfred not only approved of the
name, but the individual also and after completing their education, were married.
Again I have nothing on his vocation; hers we know, duties of a fine home with
four children to receive the home training that means so much to every child.
Educational advantages were good so the children received good help there. ALFRED
S. OSBOURNE, JR. first born soon entered school passing along rapidly. The others,
ALVAN DONNAN OSBOURNE, EDMUND DONNAN OSBOURNE, and MARGARET BARROWS OSBOURNE learned from
him and what a time he had to keep them straight. However, fruitage was seen
in the lives of each.

MARRIAGE: EDMUND ARTHUR DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Ruth Hibbs, Pennsylvania

They have two children: Edmund Arthur and David Hibbs


PAGE 286

Edmund, seventh child of Lucy, evidently loved his sister Ruth and when
another young lady with that name appeared on the horizon he met her with open
arms, and she evidently was glad of the chance to give him an armfull. In other
words they became engaged, married and settled down, till death do them part. Both
being well educated, had many things in common that both could appreciate. The
children born to them increased home ties, brought new responsibilities, all of
which strengthens us. It was a pleasure to see the boys EDMUND ARTHUR DONNAN and
DAVID HIBBS DONNAN start off to school.

MARRIAGE: EDMUND ARTHUR DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: Nettie Barker, Pennsylvania

They had one child: Helen Hannay

NEXT TO: Ada Barker

There are no children from this union.

Edmund, sixh child of Mathilda, born in Washingon, PA had plenty of company
at home and that helps when they go to school, you see I was the youngest of seven:
so speak from experience. Edmund made good in his school work and it naturally
follows in business. He evidently stood well in the Barker family; having fallen
in love with Nettie they were married and one child was born to them, some years
later the mother was called to her reward. This left father and daughter alone
till Ada Barker, a sister of Nettie, became his second wife. The family activities
continued along civic, political and religious lines. Helen was encouraged in her
school work and did well there.

MARRIAGE: HELEN HANNAY DONNAN, Washington, PA
TO: William Miller Wardrop, Pennsylvania

There were three children, Ada Barker, Edmund Donnan and Robert

Helen, only child of Nettie, strong and did well in school with a genial
disposition gained many friends. When her mother was taken sick unto death, Helen
became more and more the companion of her father, and when the aunt became still
closer to the family circle, fellowship was mutual with all. The home continued to
be a center for Helen and her friends, of whom William became a favourite and they
were married and established a home that was made happier by three children, ADA
BARKER WALDROP, EDMUND DONNAN WALDROP and ROBERT WALDROP.

MARRIAGE: ADA BARKER WARDROP, Washington, PA
TO: Hugh Rodney Sharpe,Pennsylvania

Ada, first child of Helen. added much pleasure to the home that had been established
in the community; think of the cousins she had to associate with, and most
of them close at hand. Occasionally we meet one who does not have a cousin, but
not so in the Donnan family. Whatever Mr. Sharpe's calling is, we would expect him
to be sharp at it, and with Ada cooperating l00% things move forward for the common
good of all. I must say that as I continue to write the genealogy and correspond
with so many fine people, I feel that I have been in their homes.

MARRIAGE: MARY ISABELLA DONNAN, Hickory, PA
TO: William S. Rentoul, Pennsylvania

They have no children

PAGE 287

Mary the sixth child of Helen, born November 15, 1819 was welcomed with the
other two girls and two boys. They had a gay time, also kept up with their school
work, continuing on thru the co-educational college in their home town which fitted them
for a broader life and Mary did not fall short. Either in school or social activities
she met one who grew in her estimation and there was a reflection of it in
William S. Rentoul; they were engaged, married and settled in the community.
Mary died at an early age of 30 and was buried in the Hickory Cemetery, Hickory,
PA, where this unique marking appears on the monument:

"This tablet marks the resting place of Mary Isabelle, daughter of Alexander
Donnan, Minister of the Gospel at Mt. Pleasant and the beloved wife of William
S. Rentoul, Bookseller, Pittsburg, PA. She was born Nov. 15, 1819 and on the
10th day of November 1849 left this vain world at the early age of 30 years
and entered as we trust into the joy of her Lord."

MARRRIAGE: MARGARET HANNAY DONNAN, Hickory, PA
TO: John France, MD, Pennsylvania

They have no children.

Margaret, the youngest child of Helen, born in 1821 at Hickory PA, gave the
girls a majority in the household and I understand there were times when they took
advantage of it. Now that we have equal franchise and the women are in evidence
representing us in almost every phase of life up to Congress in Washington, DC.,
there are many of them we have to take our hats off to, I mean more than just the
gentlemanly act. Margaret took her place in the home gracefully and sometimes
helped to answer inquiries for the doctor. We always feel that a Christian doctor
is next to our pastor, faith in himself, as God gives him skill to apply his remedies.

I, or rather, we are indebted to Mrs. Arthur A. Hays of 841 Chambers Place,
Chicago, Ill. for her most hearty cooperation in giving me so much in this connection.
During the summer of 1935 Dr. and Mrs. Hays were at Cornell, Ithaca, NY;
he was doing special reading in the College Library. Our son Joseph was on his
vacation, so we drove over to Ithaca and had dinner with them in Willard Straight
Hall, and a most delightful time for about 4 hours. Mrs. Hays and I had only started
on the history when we had to leave. We had stopped at Hamilton College on the
way out and wanted to stop at Colgate University on our way back. Mrs. Hays suggested
my writing Mrs. Lake McNab, 138 Wallace Ave., New Castle, PA for more recent
data on some of the descendants. This I did and received a very prompt answer
asking me some things which I answered in my letter of Feb. 19, 1936. She had turned
the correspondence over to some other member of the family. I will quote Mrs.
McNab's letter to me as she gave a little about her children; also enclosed a
clipping telling of the untimely death of some cousins.

"Received your very interesting letter and chart. I had never heard that anyone
was writing the history of the Donnan family. It will be a wonderful thing to
have and glad you are the courageous one to undertake it. I will be very glad to
help you out in any way I can but I want to know first about Paul Shepherd, where
he lives. I can recall Helen Shepherd and have met her for she used to be at our
home when my father lived. I have some information to give on our family but thought
I would write you first and let you know that later I would send you the required
informtion while my brother, W. C. Donnan who lives in Pittsburg is to give me some
dates which I want. My aunt Nettie's daughters, Harriet and Bernice Sharp met a very
tragic death at a railroad crossing two weeks ago. They were on their way from
their home Millersburg, Ohio to Columbus when the accident happened. They were
very prominent in their home town and I will enclose a clipping from a paper so
you can get it in a condensed form. As soon as you can, send me Paul Shepherd's
address then I will send the information to him. I have two daughters, Betty and
Ruth. Betty is a Junior at Westminster College and Ruth is a Junior at High School.

Very truly yours, Dorothey D. McNab

PAGE 288

Last rites held here Monday for Sharp sisters. Killed last Friday by passenger
train near Columbus, Ohio. Were on way to State meeting; believe frosted windows
obscured clear vision of tracks.

A double funeral for Harriett and Bernice Sharp, widely known Millersburg sisters
who were killed at Columbus Center, 16 miles north of Columbus last Friday noon
when a passenger train struck their car, was held Monday at 2 PM. from the Hunter
Funera1 Home. Rev. D. M. Haynes, pastor of the Millersburg Presbyterian Church of
which the sisters were members, officiated. Burial was made in the Millersburg
Cemetery. The two sisters, inseparable companions, left here late last Friday morning
for Columbus where they were to attend a meeting of representatives of the
Division for The Aged, Dept. of Public Welfare in behalf of old aged pension
participants in Holmes County. Driving via State Routes 75 and 16 through Coshecton
and Newark about noon they were passing through Columbus Center, a hamlet about 15
miles north of Columbus. Just as their car was in the center of a railroad crossing
a fast Pennsylvania passenger train struck it broadside and carried it down the
tracks almost 200 yards. The train was enroute from New York to St. Louis. Members
of the train crew took the bodies from the wrecked car, one dead, the other died a
few minutes later. Both sisters suffered fractured skulls and broken limbs. Identification
of the two sisters was made by officials and members of the train crew
through automobile license plates on the car and papers found in the car. Allen
Rittman, Columbus salesman who was an eye witness to the accident, told authorities
that he did not believe the sisters saw the approaching train until it was almmost
upon them. The car was said to be traveling about 30 miles an hour and when it
got on the tracks it stopped suddenly as though the brakes had been applied. It
is believed that the driver heard the train just as she drove on the tracks and in
confusion applied the brakes. The windows of the car were covered with frost and
the approaches of the crossing were slippery; the former the probable reason why
the approaching train was not seen. News of the tragic accident received here
shortly after noon was a great shock to the community. The Hunter Bros. ambulance
was called at Pataskala, near the scene of the fatal accident, to receive the bodies
and return them to Millersburg. Harriet K. Sharp, born April 2, 1885 and Bernice
Sharp, born Feb. 4, 1888 in Millersburg were daughters of George W. and Annetta
Donnan Sharp. For the past 15 years the two sisters have operated a real estate office
here under the name of H & B Sharp. Both were active in Democratic Party politics
and both took part in civic affairs. Harriett Sharp graduated from Westminster College
with an A.B. degree in 1907. Bernice Sharp attended Muskingum College, New
Concord, after which she was offered a position to teach in Beirut, Egypt. Her older
sister was also offered a position to teach classical languages in her Alma Mater,
Westminster. Both offers were declined, however and both girls returned to their
home here. Both were active in the United Presbyterian Church here until the
dissolution of that congregation after which they became active members in the 1st
Presbyterian Church. Harriet Sharp is believed to have been the only woman in
Holmes County to ever receive a listing in the publication 'Who's Who Among women
of America.' In the 1935 spring edition of the publication the following paragraph
was printed about Miss Harriett K. Sharp: "Harriett Katherine Sharp, real estate.
Born Millersburg, 0. daughter of George W. and Annetta Donnan Sharp. Education, A.B.
Westminster College 1907. Real estate broker since 1924, firm H & B Sharp.
Administrator Div. of Aid for the Aged. Holmes Co. appraiser HOLC.Church: United
Presbyterian. Political: Democratic. Member Democratic State Central Committee Woman since
1932. Vice chairman of the State Central Committee since 1934. Secy-Treas of Holmes Co.
Democrat Ex. Comm. Member of Amercan Red Cross- Executive Secy Holmes Co. Chapter
awarded service medal, 7 strips. Clubs: The Colloquim- 1st Pres. 1913, pres. 1931
and 32. Hobbies: Trees and antique furniture. favorite recreation or sport-Touring
in autombile. Home-High Street Millersburg, Ohio."

The above brief facts are the result of nomination by her college for high
honors bestowed upon 6214 American Women chosen from a total list of more than
15,000 possible outstanding women of America.

"Silver Locks"