Transcribed from volume I of Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history, embracing events, institutions, industries, counties, cities, towns, prominent persons, etc. ... / with a supplementary volume devoted to selected personal history and reminiscence. Standard Pub. Co. Chicago : 1912. 3 v. in 4. : front., ill., ports.; 28 cm. Vols. I-II edited by Frank W. Blackmar.

Donalson, Israel B., the first United States marshal of Kansas Territory, was born in Bourbon county, Ky., Jan. 12, 1797. His parents removed to Ohio soon after his birth, but at the age of sixteen years he returned to Kentucky, and in 1835 was elected to the legislature as a Democrat. In 1839 he removed to Pike county, Ill., where he was elected probate judge and took part in the "Mormon war." He raised a company in 1847 for service in the war with Mexico, was made major of his regiment, and was voted a sword by the legislature of Illinois for his services. Upon the discovery of gold in California, he went there and remained for two years. In 1854 he was appointed United States marshal for Kansas by President Pierce and served through the administrations of the first four territorial governors, when he resigned and removed to Canton, Mo. He was a strong pro-slavery man. At the beginning of the Civil war he removed to Hays county, Tex., and died at San Marcos, the county seat of that county, Oct. 27, 1895.

Pages 527-528 from volume I of Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history, embracing events, institutions, industries, counties, cities, towns, prominent persons, etc. ... / with a supplementary volume devoted to selected personal history and reminiscence. Standard Pub. Co. Chicago : 1912. 3 v. in 4. : front., ill., ports.; 28 cm. Vols. I-II edited by Frank W. Blackmar. Transcribed May 2002 by Carolyn Ward.