James J. Donnelly

James J. Donnelly (November 14, 1866 – October 20, 1948), was appointed to the Senate of Canada for life by Prime Minister Robert Laird Borden May 26, 1913 to represent the senatorial division for Bruce South, Ontario. He was the youngest Senator chosen at that time. With more than 40 years of political experience, Senator Donnelly died at the home he built in Pinkerton on October 20, 1948 at the age of 81, approximately one and one half miles from where he was born. His wife died on December 30, 1960 at the age of 89.

The Hon. James J. Donnelly
Member of the Canadian Parliament for Bruce East
In office February 16, 1904 – December 10, 1904
Preceded by	Henry Cargill
Succeeded by	District was abolished in 1903.
Member of the Canadian Parliament for Bruce South
In office 1908–1913
Preceded by	Peter H. McKenzie
Succeeded by	Reuben Eldridge Truax
Senator for South Bruce, Ontario
In office 1913–1948
Appointed by	Robert Borden
Personal details
Born	(1866-11-14)November 14, 1866 Pinkerton, Canada West
Died	October 20, 1948(1948-10-20) (aged 81)
Nationality	Canadian
Political party	Conservative
Committees	Chair, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (1945) Chair, Standing Committee on Natural Resources (1946-1947)

James J. Donnelly had the occupation as a lumberman, president/manager, and rancher. Prior to the Canadian Senate, James J. Donnelly was the Reeve and Clerk for the Township of Greenock, Ontario and Warden of Bruce County in 1902. Senator Donnelly bought 2,800 acres (11 km²) and his family ran a lumber mill out of Chepstow. He also raised beef cattle.

In 1895 James J. Donnelly married Julia Mcnab, the daughter of Michael Mcnab and Magdalena Brohman of Chepstow and took over the old homestead from his parents who retired to Kingsbridge. However he soon became interested in the lumbering business and bought a large section of the Greenock Swamp from W. D. Cargill. So he moved with his young family to the nearby village of Pinkerton where in 1904 he built a spacious white brick residence.

Early in life James embarked on a political career. After being elected Reeve of Greenock Township, he was chosen as Warden of Bruce County in 1902. In 1904, he was elected as a Conservative member of Parliament for the Riding of East Bruce in the by-election which followed the death of W. D. Cargill. He was defeated in the 1904 federal election later that year in Bruce South but won the riding in the 1908 and 1911 elections.

His eldest son, Frank, followed his father's example of public service and was a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ontario. His son Jim of Goderich, in turn, now holds that position. The youngest son, Harold, like his father was Warden of Bruce and his son Maurice later held this position, thus setting a record of three generations as Wardens of Bruce.

Mertis, his second born, was a teacher of mathematics and married William Flannery, a North Bay lawyer in 1932. For her achievements in Community Service during World War II, she was named a member of the Order of the British Empire by George VI in 1946.

Election results

Bruce East

By-election on 16 February 1904
Party		Candidate	Votes
	Conservative	DONNELLY, James J.	1,821
	Liberal	ROBB, Alexander W.	1,650

Bruce South

1904 Canadian federal election
Party		Candidate	Votes
	Liberal	MCKENZIE, Peter H.	3,082
	Conservative	DONNELLY, James J.	2,938

1908 Canadian federal election
Party		Candidate	Votes
	Conservative	DONNELLY, James J.	3,005
	Liberal	MCKENZIE, Peter H.	2,812

1911 Canadian federal election
Party		Candidate	Votes
	Conservative	DONNELLY, James J.	2,878
	Liberal	TRUAX, R.E.	2,775

Mr. J.J. Donnelly summoned to the Senate, 26 May 1913:

External links

• James J. Donnelly – Parliament of Canada biography