Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Donaldson, G. E.
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joe Patterson, Patricia Bastik & Susan Walters Dec 2009

Source: History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by 
J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887
Doylestown A-L


G. E. DONALDSON jeweler, P.O. Doylestown, was born in 
Philadelphia, October 17, 1827.  He is a son of Andrew and 
Mary (Eyre) Donaldson, of Scotch-Irish descent.  His 
great-grandparents came from the old country and located in 
Philadelphia.  His grandfather, William T. Donald, was 
sheriff for the city and county of Philadelphia at one time. 
 He was worth $100,000 at the time of his taking office, but 
was a very charitable and genial man and gave away nearly 
all his income.  Our subject's father was a mast-maker, 
which business he followed until he retired from active 
life.  He died in Philadelphia in the fall of 1851.  He 
lived in Doylestown several years and owned a farm just 
outside of the borough.  He was the father of four children: 
 William F., retired, lives in Philadelphia; and George E., 
who attended school until he had reached the age of 13, when 
he came to Bucks county with his father, with whom he 
remained until 1851.  He was apprenticed to learn the 
watchmaker's trade in 1848, and in the spring of 1851 he 
commenced business in Doylestown.  He is the oldest jeweler 
in Doylestown.  In 1862, he went with the militia and was 
out a short time, and July 2, 1863, he went with the Dana 
troops of Philadelphia, and was absent three months.  He was 
married in January, 1852, to Martha M. Rich, of Plumstead, 
Bucks county, by whom he has four children, three of whom 
are living:  Winfield S., George E., Jr., and Mary R.   Mr. 
and Mrs. Donaldson and daughter are members of the Episcopal 
church.  He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and 
also of Post No. 306 of the Grand Army of the Republic.  He 
has been a member of the council, etc.  Mr. Donaldson is one 
of the oldest business men now living in Doylestown, and is 
an enterprising citizen.