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Thomas Donovan

1871 – 1946

American politician and lawyer from Illinois

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About Thomas Donovan

Lived 1871 – 1946 (aged 74). Thomas Donovan was an American politician and lawyer.

Thomas Fanning Donovan (December 17, 1869 – November 17, 1946) was an American politician, businessman, and lawyer.

Donovan was born in Charlotte, Illinois on a farm to parents Patrick and Rachael (Purcell) Donovan and had seven siblings. He was educated in the public schools in Chatsworth, Illinois in Livingston County, Illinois. He then received his bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University in 1893 and then taught school in Danforth, Illinois. He then studied law and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1895. He was the city attorney of Kankakee, Illinois and then was involved in the banking business in Joliet, Illinois. He also chairman of the Joliet Police and Fire Commission and was involved with the Democratic Party. In 1924, Donovan ran for Illinois attorney general and lost the election. From 1933 to 1937, Donovan served as lieutenant governor of Illinois. He died in Chicago, Illinois.

Personal life In 1894 Donovan married Alice Aaron. The couple had two daughters, Grace and Gertrude, before Alice died in 1901. In 1905 he married Gertrude M. Nugent and they had two sons, Thomas J. and James.

Donovan was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
Valparaiso University
Positions held
Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
Also known as
Thomas Fanning Donovan

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Thomas Donovan's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Thomas Donovan?

American politician and lawyer from Illinois (1871-1946)

When was Thomas Donovan born?

Thomas Donovan was born on 17 December 1871.

When did Thomas Donovan die?

Thomas Donovan died on 17 November 1946 in Chicago.

What was Thomas Donovan's occupation?

Thomas Donovan was a politician and lawyer.

What nationality was Thomas Donovan?

Thomas Donovan was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Thomas Donovan

· Wikidata: Q15850730

· DBpedia: Thomas Donovan (politician)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Thomas Donovan. https://biography.guide/thomas-donovan/

MLA: "Thomas Donovan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/thomas-donovan/.

Chicago: "Thomas Donovan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/thomas-donovan/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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