Pioneer Resident Dies.
Funeral services were held here Saturday afternoon from the Evangelical church for James McDonnell, 67, who died New Year's day at the home of his son Arlie in Cathlamet. Mr. McDonnell was born in North Carolina. He came west about 45 years ago and was one of the first to take a homestead in what is now the Long-Bell holdings, about twelve miles west of Vader. At one time he conducted a blacksmith shop here, one of the first. The family lived here many years. Later Mr. McDonnell engaged in the lumber business. While operating a small swamill [stet] he had an accident and it was necessary to amputate his foot. Later his body was crushed by a log. Although he lived more than a year after this he was an invalid. Mr. McDonnell is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lexie McDonnell; son Arlie of Cathlament; one brother Mell of Los Angeles; another in North Carolina. He was a member of the Methodist church and the Woodmen of the World lodge. Rev. Gay and Rev. Plowman conducted the services. Pall bearers were chosen from the men who had been neighbors and friends on the homestead and in Vader. They were J. T. Llaughlin, Tom Ferrier, John Netter, L. C. Cooper, John Becker and Max Townsend. Burial was in the Little Falls cemetery.
Source: The Chehalis Bee-Nugget, Friday, 8 January 1932, page 9. Microfilm available at Washington State Library, 6880 Capitol Boulevard South, Tumwater, Washington 98512
Transcribed by Kathryn Lester