Joseph M. Donnelly, 1895-1975, was born in Ontonagon, Michigan. As a lawyer, Donnelly worked his way up through county and state offices until becoming United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan in 1934. Returning to Houghton, Michigan in 1939 he resumed private practice until being appointed probate officer for Houghton County in 1953. Judge Donnelly retained this position until his retirement in 1971. Donnelly was the author of "Cloverland," a history of the Upper Peninsula and was active in the American Legion, the Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Army and Navy Club at Grand Rapids.
From the description of Joseph Donnelly Manuscript Collection. (Michigan Technological University). WorldCat record id: 655338229
