Representative Jerome Francis Donovan

Jerome Francis Donovan (February 1, 1872 – November 2, 1949) was an American lawyer and Democratic politician who served two terms as a United States Representative from New York from 1918 to 1921. Over the course of his career he held a variety of legal and public offices in both Connecticut and New York and contributed to the legislative process in Congress during a significant period in American history.

Donovan was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on February 1, 1872. He was educated in the New Haven public schools before pursuing legal studies. He attended Yale Law School, from which he graduated in 1894. That same year he was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law in New Haven, establishing the professional foundation that would support his later political and governmental service.

In addition to his legal work, Donovan had an early record of military service. He joined the Connecticut Army National Guard in connection with the Spanish–American War and served as captain of Company C, 2nd Regiment, from 1897 to 1903. Following this period of service, he remained active in veterans’ affairs through his involvement with the United Spanish War Veterans, reflecting an ongoing engagement with issues affecting former servicemembers.

A member of the Democratic Party, Donovan entered public office in Connecticut in the early twentieth century. He served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1901 to 1903, participating in state legislative affairs. At the same time, he held municipal responsibilities in his home city, serving as New Haven City Auditor from 1902 to 1904. From 1904 to 1906 he was Secretary of the New Haven Civil Service Commission, where he was involved in the administration and oversight of the city’s civil service system.

Donovan moved to New York City in 1910, where he continued to practice law and soon entered public service in his adopted state. From 1911 to 1913 he served as a state Special Deputy Attorney General of New York, a position that placed him within the state’s legal and regulatory apparatus and broadened his experience beyond Connecticut. His legal and political work in New York laid the groundwork for his subsequent election to national office.

Donovan’s congressional career began during World War I. In 1918 he was elected as a Democrat to the 65th Congress in a special election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Representative George Murray Hulbert. Later that year he won election to a full term in the 66th Congress. He served in the United States House of Representatives from March 5, 1918, to March 4, 1921, representing a New York district and participating in the democratic process on behalf of his constituents. His tenure in Congress thus spanned the closing months of World War I and the early postwar period. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1920, concluding his service in the House after two terms in office.

After leaving Congress, Donovan continued his public and legal career in New York. From 1923 to 1924 he served as Deputy Attorney General for the New York State Department of Labor, contributing to the state’s oversight of labor matters during a period of economic and social change. Following this appointment, he resumed the private practice of law in New York City, remaining active at the bar until his retirement in 1936.

In retirement, Donovan returned to Connecticut, residing in Stony Creek. He lived there until his death on November 2, 1949. Jerome Francis Donovan was buried at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in New Haven, Connecticut, closing a life that had encompassed legal practice, military service, and public office at the municipal, state, and federal levels in both Connecticut and New York.