John Donaldson ~ Index
Judge John Donaldson, a resident of Fremont county since 1884, now making his home at Teton, was born in England, September 30th, 1842, while his parents, William and Rachel (Notman) Donaldson, were there on a visit. They were natives of Scotland and came to America in 1814, settling in Massachusetts. The father was employed at mechanical engineering in that state and he was interested in the first railroads built in this country. He remained in America until 1842, when he returned to England, being called there as a consulting engineer. Immediately after the birth of his son John, Mr. Donaldson returned with his family to the United States, taking up his abode in Boston. A few years later he was again called back to England and there met with an accident which occasioned his death. His widow remained in Great Britain with her son John, then a little lad of six or seven years, and he acquired his education in the schools of Edinburgh. When his textbooks were put aside they came to America and the mother resided in Boston throughout her remaining days, her death occurring in 1880.
In early life John Donaldson entered the chemical department of a dye house and prepared materials for dyeing. He continued in that business in Scotland while attending school for three years, and after his return to Boston he engaged in clerking for a time. Later he was in an attorney's office and at the age of nineteen years went back to England, where he remained for one year. He then again came to the new world and made his home in Utah, where he located in 1863. He took up land in the Cache Valley (Mendon) and improved and cultivated his farm there until 1882, when he once more went to England– on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, remaining in that work for two years. He was released in 1884. after which he made his way direct to Fremont county, Idaho, where he took up more land near Teton. This, he at once began to cultivate and year after year tilled the soil until 1915, when he retired from active business cares and removed to Teton, where he has since made his home.
In April, 1863, Judge Donaldson was married to Miss Mary Ann Kent and they became the parents of ten children: William, who is deceased; Mary A., the wife of John Butt; Marion, who has passed away; Rachel, who gave her hand in marriage to Jesse E. Bigler; Rhoda I., the widow of Israel Clark; Marion Etta, who is the wife of Harry Croft; Anna, the wife of James Jenson; John A., who married Maud Green and lives in Twin Falls; Alma, who married Jeanette Allen and resides in St. Anthony; and James C., deceased.
With public interests Judge Donaldson was closely associated for many years. He has always given his allegiance to the Republican party and has served as chairman of the Republican county central committee through four elections. On one occasion he was elected to the state legislature of Idaho, but all people of his religious faith were unseated. He served as chairman of the first board of county commissioners of Fremont county and for eight years he filled the office of probate judge. He has also filled various offices in the church. He was bishop of Teton ward for ten years, has been a member of the high council of the Fremont stake and is now a patriarch. At one time he was editor of the first newspaper of Fremont county, called the Rexburg Press. Eight times he has crossed the Atlantic ocean and his experiences in life have been broad and varied, bringing to him wide knowledge and thorough understanding of men and conditions. His activities have been wisely and carefully directed and he has adhered to high standards of manhood and citizenship.
Impressive Services for John Donaldson
The funeral cortege formed at his home at Teton and accompanied the remains to the Tabernacle at Rexburg where the service was held. members of the high council were pall bearers, the Stake President and other church officials led the procession.
Bishop John Huskinson conducted the service. Speakers were James Blake, Patriarch A.J. Hansen, President W.W. Spiers of St Anthony, President Geo. S Romney, and Bishop J.W. Huskinson. The opening prayer was by Wm. M. Hanson, and benediction President Peter J. Ricks. Pleasing music was provided by a quartet under direction of Prof. H.A. Dean. There was also vocal solo by Chas. Edwards and a violin duet by H.A. Dean and Miss Maurine Romney. It was one of the largest funerals ever witnessed in this valley.
John Donaldson was born in London, England, September 30th, 1842 while his parents, William and Rachel (Notman) were there on a visit. They were natives of Scotland, and came to America in 1814, settling in Massachusetts. The father was employed at mechanical engineering in that state and he was interested in the first railroad built in this country. He remained in America until 1842 when he returned to England being called there as a consulting engineer. Immediately after the birth of his son John Donaldson returned to the United States, taking up his abode in Boston. A few years later he was again called back to England and there met with an accident which occasioned his death. His widow remained in Great Britain with her son John, then a little lad of six or seven years, and there acquired his education in the schools of Edinburgh. When his textbooks were put aside they came to America and his mother resided in Boston throughout her remaining days, her death occurring in 1889.
In early life, John Donaldson entered the chemical department of a dye works house and prepared materials for dying. He continued working in Scotland while attending school for three years and then to Boston where he engaged in clerking for a time. Later he was in an attorney's office and at age nineteen years went back to England, where he remained for a year. While there he joined the L.D.S. Church and labored in England as a missionary companion to Orson F. Whitney who at the present time is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also with President. Ben E. Rich. He then came to the U.S. and made his home in Mendon, Utah and took up land and cultivated a farm until 1882 when he returned to England on a mission for the Church. He was released in 1884, after which he made his way directly to Fremont County, Idaho obtaining land near Teton. This he cultivated until 1915, when he retried from active business and removed to Teton City.
He served as mayor of Teton City for several years; also as a member of the city board, and on the school board. He was editor of the first paper printed in Fremont County, published at Rexburg called The Rexburg Press. He taught school for many years in this valley and was called to act as a member of the board of education of Ricks Academy.
Judge Donaldson served several times as chairman of the Republican Central Committee and was once elected to the state legislature, but unseated on account of his religion. He served as chairman of the first board of county commissioners of Fremont county and for eight years as probate judge. he was admitted to the bar in 1905.
In his church activities, Judge Donaldson was the first bishop of Teton City and held many positions of trust in the L.D.S. Church. For many years he was a member of the Fremont Stake high council and at the time of his death was a Stake Patriarch which position he has held for many years during which time he has administered comfort and cheer to those in sorrow and distress and has given eleven-hundred Patriarchal blessings.
In April 1863 Judge Donaldson was married to Miss Mary Ann Kent of Mendon, Utah. They became parents of ten children. Mrs. Donaldson passed away July 21st, 1927 and since her demise Mr. Donaldson's health has gradually failed.
Notes…
Mary Ann Kent was living in Millville, Utah when she married John Donaldson. He taught school here (contract offer) and they lived in Mendon after their marriage in April, 1864. He served as a Mendon City Recorder while they resided here. While in Mendon, they lost three children, who are buried in the cemetery.