George W. Donnell was born in North Carolina, in 1826, and is the son of John and Jane S. (McGaha) Donnell, both parents being' natives of the above named State. They came to Tennessee in 1885, locating in this county, and were farmers by occupation, acquiring a considerable competency. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church. The father was born in 1789 and died in 1882. The mother was born in 1790, and died in 1809. They were excellent people. Our subject has spent his life thus far on a farm. In 1859 he married Josephine Ellis, daughter of John W. and M. (Norval) Ellis, who was born in Marshall County, Miss., in 1838, and is the mother of four sons and four daughters. Both parents were members of the old school Presbyterian Church. Mr. Donnell is a member of the Masonic order, and is a Democrat. A portion of his present well improved farm he inherited from his father. Mr. Donnell is one of the substantial citizens of the county.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee