Bio
Charles M. O’Donel, born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1860, was a ranch manager known for his significant impact on the Bell Ranch in New Mexico. After graduating from Sandhurst Military College, he resigned from the British Army and moved to the United States, arriving in Texas in 1885 to work as a cowboy.
In 1898, O’Donel became the general manager of the Bell Ranch, shortly after it was acquired by the Red River Valley Company. He focused on improving the quality of the cattle herd and is credited with modernizing the ranch by incorporating technology and science into its operations. Under his leadership, the Bell Ranch became a model for forward-thinking cattle management.
O’Donel was also active in national livestock organizations, serving as president of the New Mexico Cattle and Horse Growers Association and the American National Live Stock Association (ANLSA). He had to step down from ANLSA due to health issues in 1927.
O’Donel was married three times and had two daughters with his second wife, Louise Harral. After her death, he married Bettie Ellerbe. In 1932, O’Donel retired as manager but remained vice president of the Red River Valley Company. He passed away at the Bell Ranch headquarters on December 20, 1933, leaving behind a legacy of ranching innovation and leadership.
