Profession: Victim
Biography: James Donnelly was an Irish migrant and central figure in the infamous Canadian family known as the Black Donnelly, involved in one of the most notorious feuds in Canadian history during the 19th century. The Donnelly family, originally from Ireland, settled in the township of Biddulph, near Lucan, Ontario, and became embroiled in a prolonged and violent conflict with their neighbors that culminated in a massacre.
James Donnelly, born in Ireland in 1816, emigrated to Canada with his wife Johannah and settled in Biddulph Township around 1845. The family faced significant hostility and prejudice from the predominantly Protestant community due to their Irish Catholic background.
The Donnellys were involved in various disputes and legal confrontations with their neighbors and local authorities, leading to a reputation for violence and lawlessness. These conflicts often centered around issues such as land disputes, accusations of theft, and personal grudges. The family's notoriety grew, and they were accused of various criminal activities, though concrete evidence was often lacking.
During this period they also set up a successful stagecoach route, the Donnelly Stagecoach Line, which was very successful. Some of the feud has been attributed to competition with another local line owned by Patrick Flanagan, who attempted to drive the Donnellys out of business by whatever means necessary. The Donnellys were then blamed for the violence that followed, further fuelling the animus against them.
Tensions escalated over the years, leading to the tragic event known as the "Black Donnelly Massacre" on the night of February 4, 1880. A vigilante group, consisting of members of the local community, attacked the Donnelly homestead. James Donnelly, his wife Johannah, their sons Thomas and John, and a niece, Bridget Donnelly, were killed. The perpetrators of the massacre were later tried, but none were convicted.
Born: March 7, 1816
Birthplace: , Ireland
Star Sign: Pisces
Died: February 4, 1880 (aged 63)
Cause of Death: Murder
Historical Events
- 1857-06-27 James Donnelly becomes engaged in a drunken brawl with Patrick Farrell, who suffers a fatal blow to the head. Farrell dies two days later, which makes James Donnelly a wanted man and draws the Donnelly family into the notorious feud
- 1859-09-17 James Donnelly is sentenced to hang for murdering Patrick Farrell, but a petition for clemency reduces his sentence to 7 years in Kingston Penitentiary
- 1880-02-04 "Black Donnelly" massacre in Biddulph, Ontario, Canada: Irish immigrants James (63), Johannah (56), John (32), Thomas (25) and Bridget (21) Donnelly murdered at home by members of the Vigilance Committee
Famous Irish People
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