George Donner
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George Donner (1784? – March 1847) was the leader of the Donner party.
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[edit] Donner party
George, a prosperous farmer, lived near Springfield, Illinois. On April 14, 1846, he, his brother Jacob, and James F. Reed, along with their families, set out for California in covered wagons. Three months later, at the Little Sandy River in western Wyoming, several wagon trains regrouped and George was elected to lead a newly formed company, which thereafter was known by his name: the Donner Party.
[edit] Death
George died of an infection in Alder Creek camp, Nevada County, California in March of 1847. He had cut his hand while fixing his wagon's axle on the Salt Lake Desert. This led to infection which led to his death.
[edit] Descendants
- Elitha Cumi Donner (1832-1923). She married a Wilder and died on July 4, 1923; and was buried in Elk Grove Cemetery in Sacramento, California.
[edit] External links
- New Light on the Donner Party by Kristin Johnson, a recognized authority on the ill-fated wagon train; features accurate biographical information, a chronology, primary documents, and much more.
- The Donner Party Dan Rosen's website features a comprehensive chronology of the disaster and much additional material.
