My Genealogy Hound

John Donaldson, a prominent and representative farmer of Troy township, Oakland County, living on his fine farm of 110 acres in section 32, was born in Troy township in 1855. He is a son of John and Eliza (Wilson) Donaldson, both of whom were born in Ireland.

The father of our subject, who was a miner by occupation, came to the United States in 1853, and located as a farmer in Troy township, where he followed an agricultural life until within 10 years of his death when he retired from active work. His death occurred in 1893 at the age of 69 years. In his political faith he was a Republican. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian. He was accompanied from Ireland by his wife, who died at the home of her son John in 1899, at the age of 78 years. Both parents were most highly respected people whose deaths left many behind who will long recall them with the kindest feelings. The eight children of Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson were: Samuel, a farmer of Troy township, Oakland County; Agnes; Mary, wife of Alexander Groves of Troy township, Oakland County; John; William J., who is engaged in the furniture business at Flint, Michigan; Albert R., a commission merchant of Detroit; Elizabeth, wife of James McKibbin, of Detroit; and Joseph, who is connected with the Home Furnishing Company of Pontiac.

Our subject was educated in the district schools, and since boyhood has devoted himself to farming. He owns a very valuable property which he has improved and developed to a high state of cultivation. He has also paid some attention, quite profitably, to the raising of fine stock.

In 1879 Mr. Donaldson was united in marriage with Ellen Todd, who was born at Flat Rock, Wayne County, Michigan, in 1858, and is a daughter of William and Isabel (Lambie) Todd. A family of five children have been born to them, namely: Wilbert T., W. Bennett, John Wallace, Annie E. and Grace B.

In politics Mr. Donaldson affiliates with the Prohibition party. He is a member of and a liberal contributor to the Presbyterian Church. The family is one that stands high in the estimation of the community.