History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon. Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon

MRS. CAMILLA DONNELL                        D.M.C.                      1858

HONORARY MEMBER OF HOOD RIVER PIONER ASSOCIATION

     Camilla Thomson was born April 3, 1827, in Decatur Co. Indiana. She was married to Zelek U. Donnell February 3, 1852, at Greensburg, Ind., and on March 1st, they left Indiana for St. Joseph, Missouri, where they secured an outfit and joined Dr. Crawford's Company for Oregon.
     There were many young people in the train and they walked much of the way and made a pleasure trip of the journey. Two young women accompanied this train who afterward became widely known on this coast. Mary married Z.F. Moody, who later became Governor of Oregon, Harriett Synder married James Balch, Her son, Frederick Homer Balch, was a Congregational minister in Hood River in early days and the author of "The Bridge of the Gods". In passing down the Columbia River Mrs. Donnell had an experience which showed that she was a brave woman and a kind-hearted one as well. A woman died on the way leaving a little child. At the Cascades the child was so very sick that it was considered unsafe to carry it over the rough trail, so Mrs. Donnell remained in an Indian bateau, with the child in her arms, while it was let down over the rapids, the Indians paying out the rope and managing the craft, Mr. and Mrs. Donnell located at Brownsville, remaining there until November 1858, when they sold and moved to Eastern Oregon where they engaged in the stock business but soon came to The Dallas for educational advantages. The Congregational Church was organized in The Dallas in 1859 and Mr. and Mrs. Donnell were charter members.
     Mrs. Donnell was a frequent visitor at the homes of the Joslyns and Roberts, at White Salmon and at the homes of the Hood River pioneers and was well versed in the happenings of early days and took great interest in the Pioneer Reunions. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C.J. Crandall, at the Dalles, at the age of 87 years.

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