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These are the Land Registry records for the O'Donnell Farm, purchased March 4,1876. It shows 100 acres, $1200, mtg $400.
Born in Ireland, John, (only son of Brian) came from Tipperary and Catherine came from Limerick. Long after Irish potato famine of 1845-1849, John Odonnell, an accomplished businessman and his family came to Canada, hired under contract by the John A. McDonald's government to help fulfil McDonald's election promise of a trans-Canada rail line. As John was hired as a railway executive to supervise construction, the family enjoyed the privilege of living in luxurious executive rail cars. Construction started in 1871 but in 1873, when McDonald was ousted from power for corruption, the rail construction came to an abrupt halt as did John O'Donnell's government contract. Sand Point was the terminus of the Canada Central Railway (subsequently acquired by CPR).
John, a businessman by trade and not a farmer, purchased hundreds of acres of land in Sand Point/Braeside. The existing log cabin was moved to another spot on the property and John used it to house a General Store and post office. (Not to be confused with the McDonnell General Store and Post Office in Sand Point) John built a large brick farmhouse and started a cattle farm. Eventually he had 18 full time ranch hands on staff. When McDonald returned to power, John was called upon to fulfil the remainder of his contract. Due to his advanced age (50) he sent his sons out to fulfil his contract. Then, due to health problems John needed someone to assist in running the farm and general store. None of the sons wanted to come back as they were not farmers and preferred the life of railway bosses. James (Jim), the youngest son at 30, reluctantly returned home to assist in running the farm and general store. The store became very successful as John secured government contracts to supply food to the railroad workers. He also used his business and government connections to secure scarce commodities like refined sugar to supply local farmers.
John's other sons followed the railway west as foremen, road masters and road superintendents.
The family home at 1226 McLean Drive, County Rd. 54, Braeside, remained in the O'Donnell Family until 1983. It was demolished in 2016. The log cabin was eventually moved to the Ottawa river by one of the female cousins and still today can be found on the Ottawa River at 642 Lake St. Sand Point.
Most family records will indicate the county Pakenham Lanark North as place of residence.
O'DONNELL
John O'Donnell - the beginnings
| Owner of original | Diane Hubert & Ann Neudoerrfer |
| File name | LRO 49 - Historical Book - Abstract Parcel Register Book - OrderID 3916093.pdf |
| File Size | 134.54k |
| Linked to | John O'Donnell, Jr. |
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