Hon. James O'Donnell, editor and proprietor of the Jackson Daily and Weekly Citizen, the leading newspaper in the interior of the State, was born in Norwalk, Conn., March 25, 1840. Probably no sketch will better exemplify the opportunities afforded the youth of this highly favored State to rise in the scale of social position and usefulness than the following. These advantages are of no avail, however, unless to ability is added strict integrity, which lifts above all sordid desires, and determination to advance in whatever position one is placed. The subject of this sketch has by these qualities, with persevering industry and a courteous, genial bearing, made many friends and gained a place among the leading men of the State. The trust reposed in him by his fellow citizens and the universal esteem in which he is held, indicate a still brighter career in the future. He was brought up by frugal and industrious parents, and although he did not enjov the advantages of wealth, he early evinced a ready wit and self-reliance in action and thought, that have since been in a great measure the secret of his success. In 1848-he settled in Jackson, then an un-pretending village. In early life he was thrown upon his own resources. For a time he was employed as clerk in the store of W. Jackson. In 1858 he was apprenticed to learn the printer's trade in the establishment of which he is now the head, and thus entered the "poor man's college" as the printing has been so aptly termed. He worked at his trade until 1856, when he made a tour through several of the Western States, returning to Jackson in 1860. Upon the breaking out of the war, he joined the Union army, being among the first to volunteer. On returning home he again entered the Citizen office, this time as assistant editor. He was elected City Recorder by the Republican party, and held that office for four successive years, being the first incumbent of that place ever re-elected. In 1864, after having served in all the capacities of printers "devil," carrier, compositor, foreman and editor, he purchased the Citizen, then only a weekly paper. One year after, in company with Mr. D. W. Kay, he established the Daily Citizen. Mr. Ray died one year after, leaving Mr. O'Donnell sole proprietor. Since then he has edited and published the journal to the satisfaction of the Republican party, and the public generally. He is rarely absent from his post, and has been one of the most hardworking, conscientious, and at the same time liberal journalists in the State. In 1875 he erected the handsome and convenient " Citizen building" on Mechanic street. In 1868 he was the nominee of the Republican party for member of the State Legislature, from the Third Representative District, then comprising the city of Jackson, and the townships of Summit, Spring Arbor and Blackman. In this district, well known to be largely Democratic, he was defeated by a small majority. In 1872 he was nominated by the Republican State Convention for Presidential Elector, and being elected by about 60,000 majority, was chosen Secretary of the State Electoral College, and went to Washington. He represented his State in the National Electoral College, and cast its vote for Grant and Wilson at the National capital. In 1873 was the Republican nominee for Mayor of the city of Jackson, and though he led his ticket over 800 votes, was defeated by an inconsiderable majority. In 1876 he was again nominated for the chief city office and against an increased Democratic vote was elected by a handsome majority, running over 600 votes in advance of his ticket. In 1876 he was a candidate for Congress in the Third Michigan District and lacked four votes of success in the convention, some 20 ballots having been taken. He accepted the result gracefully and stumped the district for his successful competitor and the others on the Republican ticket. His meetings were largely attended and his efforts effective. In the spring of 1877 he was re-elected Mayor by a still larger majority. His administration was marked by thoroughness, good government, and rigid economy. He was nominated by the People's Convention, representing the two old political parties, for a third term, but the Greenback party carried the election. He left the position with the city treasury in an admirable condition. The testimony of Mr. O'Donnell's personal acquaintances and the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens are sufficient guarantees that he is deserving of the highest and noblest trusts. In July, 1879, Mr. O'Donnell was married to Miss S. E. George, of Jackson, and in the same year he went abroad. He visited the British Isles and the chief cities of the Continent. Returning to America in 1880, he resumed the management of his largely increasing business in which he is at present engaged.
