Donnison, William, 1757?-1834

Variant names

Dates:

Death 1834

Biographical notes:

William Donnison, of Boston, fought in the Revolutionary War and was named aid to Massachusetts Governor Hancock in 1786. In 1788 he became adjutant general of the Massachusetts militia, and in 1797 Governor Samuel Adams appointed him judge of Common Pleas, a post he held for 25 years.

From the description of Account book, 1810-1822. (Boston College, Law Library). WorldCat record id: 317553709

William Donnison was the adjutant general for the Massachusetts Militia for more than a decade. He seemed to have faith in his men; he wrote glowing lines about the honor in their service to the country. The militia may have had problems after he left; the evidence from 1815 sets up a court martial in Bath, Me. The last Adjutant General, William Sumner, noticed problems with the men, especially between the militia and the U.S. Army. He tried to reorganize the army, along with Zachary Taylor, after the War of 1812.

From the description of William Donnison--Massachusetts Militia general orders collection, 1800-1818. (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 234316399

William Donnison was apparently the Adjutant General for the Massachusetts Militia for more than a decade. He seemed to have faith in his men and wrote glowing lines about the honor in their service to the country. The militia may have had problems after he left. The evidence from 1815 sets up a court martial in Bath. The last Adjutant General, William Sumner, noticed problems with the men, especially between the militia and the U.S. Army. He tried to reorganize the army, along with Zachary Taylor, after the War of 1812.

From the description of Massachusetts Militia general orders, ca. 1804-1819. (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 773211162