Background
He was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, on November 9, 1869, the son of Thomas F. and Catherine Corwin.
He was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, on November 9, 1869, the son of Thomas F. and Catherine Corwin.
Georgetown University Law Center.
He was educated at Georgetown University, graduating with an Bachelor of Laws in 1896, after which he began his law practice in Washington, District of Columbia 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 Saint Paul, Minnesota. Further promotions led to his presidency of the railroad beginning in 1920.
He remained in this position until his death in 1939.