(June 30, 1834 — December 4, 1908) Donnan was an American politician and lawyer. William Donnan was born in West Charlton, New York and moved to Iowa in 1856. He graduated from Union College, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1856. While practicing law in Independence, Iowa, he acted as treasurer and recorder of Buchanan County from 1857 to 1862. During the Cvil War, Donnan enlisted in the Union Army and attained the rank of major. Later, he served in the State Senate from 1868 to 1870. Donnan was elected as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives and served from March 4, 1871 to March 3, 1875. After serving in Congress, he continued working in the legal profession and served in various capacities, including chairman of the Republican State central committee, delegate to the Republican National Convention, and again as member of the State Senate.
[Source: “Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774 - Present,” available at https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/D000413]