William G. Donnan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William G. Donnan
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| Member of the Iowa Senate | |
| In office 1868–1870 |
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| In office 1884–1886 |
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Iowa's 3rd district |
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| In office March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | William B. Allison |
| Succeeded by | Lucien Lester Ainsworth |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William G. Donnan
June 30, 1834 Charlton, New York, U.S. |
| Died | December 4, 1908 (aged 74) Independence, Iowa, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Union College |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Rank |  Private |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William G. Donnan (born June 30, 1834 – died December 4, 1908) was an American lawyer and politician. He was also an officer in the American Civil War. Donnan served two terms as a U.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district. He was a member of the Republican Party.
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Growing Up and School
William G. Donnan was born on June 30, 1834. His hometown was West Charlton, a small community in Saratoga County, New York. He went to local schools and later attended Cambridge Academy. In 1856, he graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York.
Starting a Career
After finishing college, Donnan moved to Independence, Iowa, in 1856. He studied law and became a lawyer in 1856. He started his law practice in Independence in 1857. From 1857 to 1862, he worked as the treasurer and recorder for Buchanan County, Iowa.
Serving in the Civil War
In 1862, Donnan joined the Union Army during the American Civil War. He started as a private in Company H of the 27th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was later promoted to first lieutenant. He also earned honorary ranks of captain and major. Donnan served as an adjutant, helping General James Isham Gilbert. He wrote many letters to his wife, Mary, during the war. These 128 letters are now important historical records.
Public Service in Iowa
After the war, Donnan was elected to the Iowa Senate. He served in this role from 1868 to 1870. He played a big part in creating the Mental Health Institute in Independence. This facility was once called the Iowa State Hospital for the Insane.
Becoming a U.S. Representative
In 1870, the current Republican Congressman, William B. Allison, decided not to run again. He wanted to become a U.S. Senator. William G. Donnan was then elected as a Republican to take his place. He served in the 42nd United States Congress. Two years later, in 1872, Donnan was re-elected to the Forty-third Congress. He chose not to run for re-election in 1874.
Later Political Work
After his time in Congress, Donnan went back to practicing law in Independence. He stayed active in politics. He was elected to the Iowa Senate again, serving from 1884 to 1886. He was a delegate to the 1884 Republican National Convention. He also led the Republican State Central Committee from 1884 to 1886. Later, he became the president of the First National Bank of Independence.
Final Years
William G. Donnan passed away in Independence, Iowa, on December 4, 1908. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. A town in Fayette County, called Donnan, Iowa, was named after him.
