Cornelius Donovan
1847-1895, from Hamilton, Ontario
Digitally repaired from: Hamilton Public Library – Local History and Archives – Clipping File: Donovan, Cornelius 1807-1896 – The Cathedral Magazine – Cornelius Donovan: Printer, Teacher, Educator. Used under permission.
Patrick Donovan and Mary Ann McCarthy's journey to Canada marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in their family's history. In 1847, their son, Cornelius Donovan, was born in Hamilton, Ontario, shortly after their arrival. Cornelius's upbringing was rooted in the vibrant Irish-Canadian culture surrounding him in his new homeland. It seems likely that he was raised in Irish in Canada.
He attended St. Patrick's School, one of the pioneering Catholic separate schools in the city. At the age of fifteen, Cornelius embarked on a path as a printer's apprentice, a profession he would dedicate himself to for twelve years, working diligently for the Hamilton Times newspaper. His commitment to the welfare of his co-workers led him to become a founding member of the union, where he served as its president. In 1869, Cornelius Donovan married Sarah McDonnell, and together they had ten children.
While continuing his work as a printer, Cornelius authored "Anecdotes of Ireland" in 1872, a comprehensive history of Ireland spanning from its mythological origins to the contemporary era. In 1873, he accomplished another milestone, earning his teaching degree. His dedication to education saw him swiftly rise to the position of principal at St. Patrick's School, eventually assuming the role of headmaster for all Hamilton Roman Catholic Schools within two years.
Beyond his educational pursuits, Cornelius Donovan was actively engaged in supporting his fellow Irish immigrants, who by 1871 comprised over 13% of Hamilton's population.
He was President of the local St. Patrick's Society, an organization instrumental in assisting newcomers in finding family, employment, and lodging in the city. Cornelius Donovan's commitment to his community also extended to his role as alderman for St. Patrick's ward.
His profound love for the Irish language found expression in the 1870s when he established a literary periodical titled "The Lamp." The magazine included a full page of Irish language material in each issue, a rarity globally during that era. In fact, his teaching methods through the magazine were praised by the “Irish World” newspaper, which suggested compiling his lessons into a beginner's textbook for Irish language learners in North America.(1) Cornelius Donovan also revived a periodical dedicated to Irish literature, known as "The Harp,” after it had suffered closure is Québec.
Cornelius Donovan's pursuit of knowledge remained undeterred. In 1881, he achieved both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of Toronto, a testament to his unwavering determination and sense of duty. Unfortunately, frail health marked his life, leading to his resignation as headmaster in 1883 due to bronchitis. After recovering, he was promoted to Provincial Inspector of Separate Schools, a role he held until his untimely passing at the age of 47 in 1895. At the time, he was planning a series of Irish language works to be published. Unfortunately, this did not come to pass.
The death of Cornelius Donovan was a profound loss to the local Irish community, as it marked the departure of a dedicated educator, advocate, and pillar of Hamilton's Irish language culture. It is unknown if issues of either of his magazines still exist, but his enduring legacy continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
For citation, please use: Ó Dubhghaill, Dónall. 2024. “Cornelius Donovan.” Na Gaeil san Áit Ró-Fhuar. Gaeltacht an Oileáin Úir: www.gaeilge.ca
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Image citation:
“A little magazine, called the Lamp, is published in Hamilton, Canada, having a whole page devoted to the Irish language, which is good and cheap in its way—only 50 cents a year. That would serve as a good primer or first book. Dread not a failure. By little and little we will get to the top.” As quoted in: Knight, Matthew Thomas. 2021. “"Our Gaelic Department": The Irish-Language Column in the New York Irish-American, 1857-1896”. Dissertation. Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
