According to a map `plan of Donalson` dated April 1889, the town was laid out by john earnest Donalson. On December 8, 1897, a charter, signed by Governor William Yates Atkinson, was granted incorporating the town of Donalsonville. Officers appointed were: Thomas Chason, Mayor; John E. Donalson, W.B. King, S.D. Cherry, R.D. Carr, Aldermen. This charter was amended august 12, 1922 and the name changed to city of Donalsonville.
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Ken Moser.