Martin O’Donnell, London attorney

At his death, Martin O’Donnell (b. 1853, d. 1889) was a popular attorney in London, Ohio. His gravestone in Oak Hill Cemetery features a statue of a praying woman, draped cross, and open Bible.

MARTIN O’DONNELL
MAY 7, 1853.
NOVEMBER 30, 1889.
The History of Madison County, published by W.H. Beers & Co. (Chicago) in 1883, includes a short biography of Mr. O’Donnell, excerpted below.

He possesses the largest and best law library in the city, and his practice is fully in proportion. His jovial manner, free and ready “mother wit,” combined with steadiness of purpose, have won for him hundreds of friends in this and adjoining counties, and have placed him in the front rank among the prominent young attorneys of Central Ohio. He is recognized as a sound judge of law, determined and aggressive in argument, and noted for his quick perception of the legal points involved in a case. Of fine personal appearance, a fluent speaker, and possessing strong common sense, he is sure to discover the weak points in an adversary’s plea, and is, therefore, looked upon as a dangerous foe in a legal conflict. He is politically Democratic, and in 1880 was appointed by Judge Courtright (then on the bench) as Prosecuting Attorney of Madison County.

An earlier passage from The History of Madison County reveals that Martin O’Donnell is the son of Manus and Onour O’Donnell, who emigrated from Ireland about 1851 and settled in nearby Greene County.

  

  

Oak Hill Cemetery, Madison County, Ohio