He was born in
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, on November 9, 1869, the son of Thomas F. and Catherine Corwin. He married Berthania McMichael on November 6, 1894. He was educated at
Georgetown University, graduating with an LL.B. in 1896, after which he began his law practice in
Washington, D.C. In 1903 Donnelly became division counsel for the
Northern Pacific Railway, having an office in
Helena, Montana. He held this position until 1908 when he was promoted to assistant general counsel based in
St. Paul, Minnesota; further promotions led to his presidency of the railroad beginning in 1920. He remained in this position until his death in 1939. == References ==