1906-1907, James O'Donahue Mayor of Wigan

JAMES O’DONAHUE

Mayor of Wigan Nov 1906 – Nov 1907

James was born in September, 1872, His parents Michael O’Donahue and Honorah (nee O’Brien) had both been born in Ireland. They were married at St Mary’s RC church, Wigan, 5th November, 1859. Their families had been close neighbours; both living in Adelaide Street, they continued to live here for some time after their marriage, living with Honora’s widowed mother Anne O’Brien.

The 1861 Census records James’s father as Mick O’Donohue - Coalminer.

By 1871 the couple and mother-in-law Anne had relocated to live at 27 Princess Street, Michael’s occupation is not stated. Sadly in 1880 Michael O’Donahue died age 41, James would have been just 7 years old when he lost his father.

At the time of the 1881 Census the family were still residents of Princess Street, but now at 29 the “White Swan “ his mother Honora, a beerhouse keeper, James was age 8, he had a sister Margaret age 18 and a brother Thomas age 6. Grandmother Anne O’Brien was also still part of the family group.

There are later newspaper references to James’s upbringing which indicate that he received elementary education at St. Joseph’s School in Caroline Street prior to receiving private tuition which involved periods of time spent in Birmingham and London, all with a view to a career in the Civil Service.

The above references also tell of James’s strong support for the Irish Independence Movement which was developing during this period and which involved him at the age of 16, acting as a delegate in this regard, at a convention held in Birmingham.

The Census of 1891, records that the family are still living at the “White Swan Inn”, Honora is now identified as being a Beerseller & Cowkeeper and James aged 18 as Shop Assistant. It would appear to be that during this period any thoughts James may previously have had about pursuing a career in the Civil Service were discounted in favour of taking responsibility for and developing the family’s dairy and cattle dealing business.

James married Margaret Henderson at St. Joseph’s RC Church, Caroline Street, on 1st October 1895. The parish record for the wedding gives the home address of James as 35 Princess Street. Margaret was the daughter of John Henderson who was at that time, proprietor of the Raven Hotel in Wallgate.

James had developed an interest in local affairs and had for some time involved himself deeply with the Liberal Party. In November 1897, James, aged 25 was elected to represent St. Thomas Ward, at that time he was the youngest Councillor in Wigan. Between November 1901 and 1904 he was the representative for the St. Andrew Ward on Wigan Borough Council but had however declined to seek further re-election on completion of his term of office.

.

In parallel to his civic duties serving on various committees such as the Watch Committee which he joined in 1899, James continued to run the family business; he was an astute businessman and developed an extensive dairy and cattle dealing operation. By the spring of 1901 he had expanded and added stables and horse dealership to his interests, and by 1905 his operations had extended to a second premises located at 68 Market Street, Wigan.

He had in addition developed financial interests in athletic and sporting grounds across the North of England, Ireland and Scotland, and had become president of The Northern District Trotting and Galloping Association.

James whilst continuing to develop and extend the range his business interests had not neglected his involvement in Council affairs, he continued as a member of the Watch Committee, as a Governor of Wigan Grammar School and as Vice Chairman of the Education Committee. In November, 1906 James was elected Mayor of Wigan, this was reported in the press as something of note, he was just 34 years of age and only the second Catholic to have held the position since the Reformation, the first being Thomas Fyans, Mayor, 1900-1901. During his period of office he would receive several formal presentations from groups who felt a particular affinity with him. After completing his term of office James continued to fulfil his various committee roles, he was appointed a Borough Magistrate in 1909, and Chairman of The Education Committee in 1910.

By the time of the 1911 Census James and family had relocated, their home was now The Poplars 135 Wigan Lane. James was elected an Alderman in 1913. He maintained his interest in sporting venues and was managing director of the Audenshaw Racecourse, Manchester. The family moved home once again circa 1920, this time to Yew Tree, Charnock Richard.

James’s health had had been declining for some time, he had been receiving medical care which had made a significant impact to his previous public profile. Sadly on Sunday 17th December, 1922 James’s condition worsened, a specialist was called in, this proved to no avail however, he died due to heart failure in the early hours of Monday 18th December, aged 50. His funeral service was conducted at the church with which he had for so long been associated, St. Joseph’s RC church, Caroline Street, Wigan, following which the cortege then travelled by road to St. Joseph’s, Wrightington, where the interment took place.

Sources

Wigan Records – Parish Registers, ST Mary’s RC church, Wigan

Ancestry – 1861 census – 22 Adelaide Street, Wigan

Ancestry – 1871 census – 27 Princess Street, Wigan

Ancestry – Birth Index – James O’ Donahue – Jul/Sep 1872

Ancestry – Death Index – Death of father, Michael O’Donahue age 41

Ancestry – 1881 census – 27 Princess Street, Wigan. “White Swan” (Beerhouse)

Ancestry – 1891 census – 27 Princess Street, Wigan. “White Swan Inn”

Ancestry – Marriage Index 1895 – James O’Donahue and Maggie Henderson

Wigan Records – Parish Registers, St. Joseph’s RC church, Wigan

Ancestry – 1901 census – 35 Princess Street, Wigan.

Ancestry – Kelly’s Directory 1905 – 35 Princess Street and 68 Market Street, Wigan.

Wigan Observer 22nd Sept. 1906 p7ef. – Wigan’s next Mayor.

Wigan Examiner 29th Sept. 1906 p3ef – The Mayor Elect.

Wigan Observer 6th July 1907 p4f – Presentation to the Mayor of Wigan.

Wigan Examiner 10th July 1907 p2ef – The Mayoress of Wigan, Mrs. J. O’Donahue.

Ctd.

Wigan Observer 26th October 1907 p5b Presentation to the Mayor and Mayoress.

Wigan Observer 29th Feb. 1908 p12a Presentation to the Ex Mayor.

Wigan Observer 30th April 1910 p9ef – New Chairman of Wigan Education Authority.

Ancestry – 1911 census – 135 Wigan Lane, Wigan.

Wigan Observer 9th August 1919 p8c – Death of Mr John Henderson.

Wigan Examiner 9th August 1919 p4c – Death of Mr John Henderson.

Wigan Observer 23rd Dec. 1922 p8f – Funeral Details.

Wigan Observer 23rd Dec. 1922 p12bc – Obituary.

Ancestry – National Probate Calendar.