| Name |
Eugene "Gene" Michael Donlin |
| Birth |
12 Jun 1883, Union Twp, near Kingsley, Iowa |
| Death |
10 Apr 1965, Miller, South Dakota |
| Occupation |
auctioneer, farmer, railroad worker, registrar of deeds |
| Religion |
Roman Catholic |
| Father |
Michael "Mike" Patrick Donlin (~1837-1918) |
| Mother |
Delia H Powers (1859-1920) |
|
| Spouses |
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| Marriage |
15 Jun 1909, Orient, South Dakota |
|
| Children |
Bert Francis (Private, Male) |
|
Aloyious "Al" George (Private, Male) |
|
Joseph "Joe" Arthur (Private, Male) |
|
Anne Marie Claire (Private, Female) |
|
Elizabeth "Betty" Agatha (Private, Female) |
|
Veronica "Vera" Theresa (Private, Female) |
|
Irene Marie (Private, Female) |
|
Paul George (Private, Male) |
|
Louis "Louie" Eugene (Private, Male) |
|
Mary Theresa (Private, Female) |
|
Edith Rose (Private, Female) |
|
Emmett Michael "Mike" (Private, Male) |
|
Charles "Chuck" Eugene (Private, Male) |
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| Notes for Eugene "Gene" Michael Donlin |
Gene Donlin was born near Kingsley , Plymouth County, Iowa. He was the eldest son of Irish Catholics Michael Patrick Donlin and Delia H. Powers. Gene was raised throughout Plymouth County, and was at least 22-23 years old when when his parents moved to Spring Township, Hand County, South Dakota (in 1906).
In 1909, Gene was listed in the Orient business directory as an auctioneer. |
| Misc. Notes |
Gene Donlin was reportedly born "Michael Eugene Donlin". He supposedly changed his name to Eugene Michael Donlin because M.E. are the initials of the Methodist Church, but his name appears to have already been Eugene Michael in 1885, probably before he could pronounce his name.
Sometimes called "E.M.". |
| Misc. Notes |
Claire Sweeney says that Gene and Tilly left their land W/SW of Orient in early Spring (March or April) 1916. Records show that he sold all of his land (5/16 section) off in July 1916.
After merrying in 1909, they had received the land complete with a complete provision of new buildings, but they were to find the land itself inhospitable. Their land was located on a formation called "Bald Mountain", one of the highest spots in Hand County, and water was scarce. They dug thirteen wells, but never hit water. So, after nearly seven years on the land, they left for Howell Township.
In contrast, Mike and Delia's land has a spring, which is evident from the rich growth where their house once was.
Gene personally transported the bodies of his father and mother to Kingsley after each passed away. When Gene travelled to Kingsley with his father's body, he caught influenza, and had to remain in Iowa for a month. 1918 was the year of Spanish Influenza. October 1918 was the deadliest month in the history of the United States (nearly 200,000 deaths). Gene may have missed Thanksgiving and Christmas that year. |
| Notes for Eugene "Gene" Michael & Mathilda "Tilly" Josephine (Family) |
| Gene & Tilly were married in Orient, South Dakota on June 15, 1999. They raised a family of thirteen children and 33 grandchildren. |
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