R. M. Donnelly
Many have learned with regret the past week of the death of Mr.R.M.Donnelly which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. (Dr. C.E.Thomson),Scranton Pennsylvania on Tuesday, June 26, following an illnes of about six weeks. The late Mr. Donnelly had spent his greater part of his life in Orillia where he was well known and much esteemed. He was born in Toronto, eighty eight years ago,and as a boy came to Mara Township where the family made their home near Breachin. For a few years he engaged in farming,then about forty nine years ago, moved to Orillia where he carried on a general agency business until within the last few years. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Campbell, of Thorah, and his second, Miss Helen Clifford, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Clifford of Orillia. Her death occurred about sixteen years ago, and Mr. Donnelly made his home with his son Mr.Kenneth Donnelly. About two years ago, he went to Scranton to pay an extended visit to his daughter, Mrs. Thomson, and had enjoyed excellent health untill quite recently.
Two sons and two daughters, remaining are Mr.Kenneth A. Donnelly, Orillia; Dr. Ignatius Donnelly of Scranton,Pa., Mrs.C.E.Thomson, Scranton and Mother M.Bernard of Loretto convent, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Mr. Arthur Donnelly, of Brechin, of Brechin is an older brother. During the years of residence in Orillia Mr. Donnelly made many warm friends in both a business and social way, and the news of his death has brought sadness to those who knew him well and valued his frienship. He was laways interested in the well being of his Church and town, and took an active interest in the separate school. acting as its treasurer for many years.
The remains were brought to Orillia for interr-
ment and the funeral took place on Saturday morning. The Requiem high mass was sung by the Rev. Father Carrier, of Levis, Quebec, assisted by the Rev. Father McKenna. Interrment was made at St. Michael's Cemetery, the pallbearers being Messrs. T.P. Hart, Dennis Murphy, J. Sullivan. Jas. Doyle, George J. Overend and J. Quigley.
Much sympathy is being expressed for the bereaved family, and particularly for Mr. Kenneth Donnelly for whom this is the second bereavement within a few weeks.

The Orillia Packet and Times
5 July, 1928.

1869 he is listed on conveyance #173 as a Yoeman in Mara.An Article from the Orillia Times dated July 12, 1906

R. M. Donnelly may well be called the friend of the farmer, because he deals in agricultural implements. He was born at the Humber, near Toronto in 1840 and ten years later he became a resident of Mara, when the family moved to that Township. Afterwards he moved back to Toronto and spent his early days there and at Kingston. When a young man he returned to Mara and took up a farm for himself, which he successfully operated and is still his property.

He came to Orillia 14 years ago and entered into business as a dealer in Agricultural Implements. In this line he has been most successful, and he is well known among the farming community today as a reliable businessman. In addition to farm implements he also handles pianos, organs and sewing machines and he carries a very large stock in all these lines. He came to town as a stranger but by degrees he has built up a splendid business connection. A few years ago he built the large brick store which he occupies in the rear of which he has two storehouses 36' X 50' and 17' X 91' respectively.

For eleven years he has been a trustee of the Separate School Board and is Treasurer of same and also Treasurer for the C.M.B.A. He is sole agent for the Peter Hamilton Manufacturing Co., The Frost and Woods Co. Manufacturers, also for the Karn Organ Co. Of Woodstock and the Raymond Sewing Machine and does a very large business for these firms.

Following a 6 week illnes, he died at the home of his daughter, Sarah (Thomson) in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1928. He was 88 years old.