James Dougherty (civil servant) facts for kids

Sir James Brown Dougherty (born 13 November 1844, died 3 January 1934) was an important person from Ireland. He was a religious leader, a university teacher, a government official, and a politician. He held many key positions during his life.

Who Was Sir James Dougherty?

Sir James Brown Dougherty was born in a place called Garvagh in County Londonderry, Ireland. His father, Archibald Dougherty, was a surgeon, which is a type of doctor. His mother was Martha Dougherty.

Early Life and Education

James went to school at Queen's College, Belfast. He then continued his studies at Queen's University, Belfast. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1864 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1865.

Family Life

In 1880, James Dougherty married Mary Donaldson. They had one son named John Gerald Dougherty, who was born in 1883. Sadly, Mary passed away in 1887. A year later, in 1888, James married Elizabeth Todd.

A Career in Public Service

James Dougherty was first trained as a Presbyterian minister, which is a type of Christian religious leader. He then became a professor.

Helping with Education

From 1879 to 1895, he taught Logic and English at Magee College in Londonderry. This was a Presbyterian college. He also worked to improve education in Ireland. From 1885 to 1892, he was an Assistant Commissioner for the Educational Endowments Commission. He then became a Commissioner of Education from 1890 to 1895.

High Government Roles

In 1895, Sir James took on a very important government job. He became an Assistant Under-Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. The Lord-Lieutenant was like the King's main representative in Ireland. Later, in 1908, he became the Under-Secretary for Ireland. This was a very high-ranking position in the Irish government at the time. He also worked for the King's Privy Council, which is a group of important advisors.

Becoming a Politician

Sir James Dougherty later became a politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Londonderry City. He represented the Liberal Party from 1914 to 1918. He took over from another Liberal politician, David Cleghorn Hogg. After him, Eoin MacNeill from the Sinn Féin party became the MP in 1918.

Special Awards and Honours

Sir James Dougherty received many special awards for his important work.

• In 1900, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). This is an honour given for excellent service.
• In 1902, he was made a Knight Bachelor. This meant he could use the title "Sir" before his name. The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Earl Cadogan, officially knighted him in Dublin Castle.
• In 1903, he became a Companion of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). This award is given for personal service to the King or Queen.
• In 1910, he was promoted to a Knight Commander of the Bath (KCB). This is an even higher rank in the Order of the Bath.
• In 1911, he was promoted to a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO). This is a higher rank in that order too.