Dr. Henry Chapman Donaldson was the son of Rev. Asa Donaldson and Delia Allen and the husband of 1) Bethiah Ellithorpe and 2) Ellen Cushing (widow of his late brother Sereno). His father named him after Rev. Henry Chapman of Hartwick, NY. He graduated from Rush Medical College in Chicago. He practiced medicine in Whiteside County, IL. He also served as county coroner and president of the Whiteside County Medical Society. Dr. Donaldson was deacon and trustee of his Congregational Church.
Death notice from 'Sterling Standard,' 20 Feb 1896, p. 9:
"Funeral of Dr. Henry Donaldson. The funeral services of Dr. Henry Chapman Donaldson were held at his recent home on Fourth avenue Monday morning at 10:30 o'clock. The services were short...At 12:20 the remains were taken to Morrison. A number of the Sterling Masonic Lodge accompanied them to that place. Arriving at Morrison those from this city were met at the depot by the Morrison Masonic Lodge. The pall bearers were Masons. The remains were taken to the church and the funeral sermon was preached by Rev. J. W. Skinner, pastor of the first Presbyterian Church. The choir, a quartet, sang very impressive selections. At the close of the church services the Masons took charge of the remains and conducted the ceremony at the grave, Worshipful L. T. Stocking officiating. The services throughout were very impressive...The floral contributions were beautiful and appropriate. A large number of friends and relatives attended the services both in this city (Sterling) and in Morrison."
In the 1830's the family changed its name from "Danielson" to "Donaldson," believing that "Donaldson" was the original family surname back in 1600's Scotland.
Much of the best research on the Donaldson family was done from 1925-1965 by Harriet H. Donaldson Wilkinson.
Grandchildren (children of Elizabeth or Eva Duffin):
Earl J. Duffin (1874-1916)
Harold Duffin (1895-1969)