The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 99 THOMAS J. DONNELLY. An up-to-date eighty acre farm, well irrigated and highly productive, stands as evidence of the industry and foresight of Thomas J. Donnelly, a successful agriculturist near Tieton. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, December 16, 1873, a son of Patrick and Rose (Parland) Donnelly, natives of Ireland, who as young people emigrated to New York, where they were married, and thence removed to St. Louis. In 1874 they went to Klickitat county, Washington, taking up government land near the old block house, and there the father entered the sheep business. In 1887 they came to the Cowiche valley, in Yakima county, where Mr. Donnelly bought the Kelly ranch of one hundred and sixty acres. Closely confining himself to his farming interests, he derived a good annual return from his labors and was enabled to add to his holdings from time to time until he had accumulated over thirteen hundred acres of land. He gave up the sheep business in 1886 as the ranges were gradually taken up, then engaging in the cattle business and also in general farming. In later life he retired in the enjoyment of a handsome competence and died in Yakima, being survived by his wife, who later married Benjamin Juru, a resident of Fruitvale. Thomas J. Donnelly was reared amid pioneer conditions and early in life became self-reliant. In the acquirement of his education he attended the public schools and subsequently assisted his father with the ranch work, thus laying a good foundation for his subsequent career. Later he took up an eighty acre homestead and engaged in dry fanning, as there was no water. When the Tieton irrigation project came into being and the land could be supplied with plenty of water his interests improved wonderfully and he now has his farm nearly all under cultivation. His fine home, excellent barns, modern machinery and up-to-date equipment bespeak his prosperity and the progressive methods which he has ever followed. Besides raising hay and grain he gives close attention to stock, being very successful along this line. On the 12th of February, 1899, Mr, Donnelly was united in marriage to Miss Effie Elliott, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Elliott, well known pioneers of Cowiche, who are now deceased. To this union have been born two children, Edwin and Myrtle. Mr. Donnelly is independent in regard to political affairs, preferring to follow his own judgment and supporting measures and candidates irrespective of party issues. Although not an active politician, he is, however, well informed on all public questions, especially in regard to his locality, and has ever supported worthy movements undertaken for the betterment of the community. He is interested in the moral as well as material development and has done much toward bringing this about. He enjoys a high reputation among the agriculturists of his district and has many friends here. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.