Obituary of John Donnan Mr. John Donnan of Washington township, Poweshiek County, Iowa was born in in Donaghadee, County Down, Ireland, Dec. 2, 1813 and died at his residence as above, Saturday August 8, 1896, being nearly 83 years of age at the time of his death. His Father, James Donnan was engaged in agricultural pursuits and was a member of one of the civic societies. His Mother's name was White. Mr. John Donnan came to this Country in 1849. Previously to this he had been not only a farmer but also a fisherman and a sailor, coming to Rock Island County, Illinois at 36 years of age. He was one of the pioneers engaging successfully in farming and brick making. He was married November 5, 1858 to Miss Jane Morrison formerly of Ballywater, Ireland only one mile from Donaghadee. Mr. John Donnan was a member of the Presbyterian Church in the old Country under the Ministration of Rev. Henry Stewart and also was for two years connected with the Episcopal Church. After coming to Illinois, he united with the United Presbyterian congregation of Homestead, at times leading the singing in the church. Since coming to Poweshiek Co, Iowa his wife, daughters and sons have been identified with the United Presbyterian Church of Ewart, Ia. This removal was in 1870 when in his 57th year, arriving in a good condition financially, he soon had a section and more of land, mostly well improved stocked and set out an orchard and vineyard. His parents (James Donnan) resided with him many years, each to the time of decease. For the last 12 years, Mr. Donnan was too infirm to take much part in active business. For the last 7 years, he needed and received particular care from his family and was confined to bed for 5 or 6 months in his last illness. In politics, Mr. Donnan's choice was the present dominant, the democratic party. In education, he was a good scholar much interested in secular and especially religious literature. His family consisted of 10 children, John of Wyoming, William residing near the old homestead, Mary Jane, Robert, Lizzie, Susan and David, all yet residing under the paternal home and Anna the youngest daughter, now the wife of W.H. Rutherford, on a neighboring farm. Besides those who with his widow survive, there was another son called David, but long since dead, and Samuel the youngest one, who died 15 years ago. The Funeral was conducted by Mr. Samuel Jacobs Esq. with all the propriety of a professional. W.M. Cleland also ably superintended the interment at the Ewart Cemetery. The music of the occasion was touchingly rendered by Mrs. Rev. Stiles with the skillful accompaniment of Miss Agnes Jacob. The religious exercises were conducted by the family pastor, Rev. W.R. Baldridge, from the Apocalyptic visions of Revelations 5 and 6 with extempore prayer and large use of the Episcopal service. The procession was very large and the funeral impressive, nearly 300 passing the casket. The interment was in the family lot of the Ewart Cemetery. From a handwritten copy of the original newspaper account. The newspaper was probably from the Grinnel/Ewart, Iowa area. The handwriting was believed to be that of Miss Cassie Donnan who was a grand-daughter to John and Jane. ______________________________________ 6-5-1906 Jane Morrison Donnan Jane Morrison was born in County Down, Ireland, March 28, 1830, and died May 27, 1906. She came to America June 22, 1858, and was married the following November to John Donnan. They came to Powshiek county, Iowa in 1870 and settled on the farm which has been her home ever since. This has been to her a choice home. Ten children were born to this union. Three sons preceded her in death. Her husband died ten years ago next August. Four daughters and three sons survive her. One grandson she claims as her own, as he lived with her and helped to care for her in her last days. There are in all 18 grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. She had been sick since Thanksgiving day and knew it was to be her final sickness. She was conscious to the last and was very willing to go. Mrs. Donnan united with the church in Ireland when 15 years of age. She was one of the charter members of the Ewart United Presbyterian church, her membership dating from 1876. The funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 29 and were conducted by Reverends W. W. Woodburn of Grinnell and E. J. Starr of Ewart. There were brief services at the house. At the church a large audience gathered many of them from a distance. The remains were laid to rest in the Ewart cemetery. From the files of Grinnell's Stewart Library. ---------------- A handwritten copy of the same obit by Jane's granddaughter, Miss Cassie Donnan had the same text and two additional details, her town of birth and date of marriage as follows: Mrs. Jane M. Morrison Donnan was born at Ballywater, County Down, Ireland March 28, 1830 and died May 27, 1906. She came to America June 22, 1858 and married the following November 5, 1858 to John Donnan at Rock Island, Ill.