Charles James O'Donnell facts for kids
Charles James O'Cahan O'Donnell (born 1849, died 1934) was an important person from Ireland. He worked for the British government in India for many years. Later, he became a member of the British Parliament.
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Early Life and Work in India
Charles O'Donnell was born in Donegal, Ireland, in 1849. He had an older brother, Frank Hugh O'Donnell, who became a writer and politician. Charles went to Queen's College Galway for his education.
Joining the Indian Civil Service
In 1870, Charles passed a special test to join the Indian Civil Service. This was a group of people who helped the British government run India. He started working in a region called Bengal.
Helping During a Famine
One of his first big jobs was helping people during a serious famine in 1874. A famine is when there isn't enough food for everyone. He also worked on making sure farmers had fair rights and that their rents were controlled.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 1875, Charles became an assistant to a director who collected statistics (facts and figures). But he soon went back to working directly in districts. He helped with the census of 1891 in Bengal. A census is when a government counts all the people in an area. By 1898, he had become a Commissioner, which was a very senior role. He retired from his work in India in 1900.
Life in Politics
After returning to the United Kingdom, Charles O'Donnell became interested in politics. He didn't agree with some of the decisions made by the British leader in India, Lord Curzon.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1903, he decided to run for election as a member of the Liberal Party. He had to wait a few years, but in the general election of 1906, he was elected. He became the Member of Parliament (MP) for a place in London called Walworth.
Speaking Out in Parliament
As an MP, Charles O'Donnell often spoke out against the government's actions in India. He was very critical of the decision to divide Bengal in 1905. This decision caused a lot of problems and protests in India. He chose not to run for re-election in 1910.
Later Life and Legacy
Charles O'Donnell married Constance Langworth in 1882. He passed away in London in December 1934.
The O'Donnell Lectures
Charles O'Donnell left behind a special legacy. He set up the annual "O'Donnell lectures." These are talks given each year at several universities, including Oxford and Edinburgh. The lectures focus on how British or Celtic (ancient Irish, Scottish, Welsh) influences have shaped the English language or the people of England. The very first O'Donnell lecture was given by the famous writer J.R.R. Tolkien in 1954.
