UlsterNet.co.uk

Plaque to be erected in Strabane in memory of Ezekiel J Donnell

Thursday, 2 February 2012

A PLAQUE is to be erected later this week in memory of a former Strabane man who donated one million dollars towards the building of a public library in New York during the 19th century.
The Ulster History Circle blue plaque commemorating the industrialist, polemicist and philanthropist, Ezekiel J Donnell, will be unveiled at a special ceremony on Friday at Strabane Library, starting at noon.
Donnell was born in the townland of Ballee, near Strabane, in 1822 and arrived in America when he was 18 years old, following the example of several of his brothers, who had earlier made the same journey.
He settled in Montgomery, Alabama, becoming a successful merchant before moving to New York in 1854 where he established himself as one of the foremost cotton merchants in the United States. In 1872, he published a 'Chronological and Statistical History of Cotton' and became an acknowledged authority on the industry.
Donnell believed strongly in individual freedom in trade as elsewhere in life. He was an advocate of a strong public education system that would enable individuals to contribute more effectively to the general good. Indeed, he was one of the earliest advocates of a comprehensive public education system.
The Ballee native was an active opponent of tariff protectionism. His views were strongly contested by many of his fellow traders and the conflict between the Free Trade advocates and the Protectionists was to be a continued feature of American political life right up to the present.
Rejected
Donnell rejected the claims and policies of 'ignorant and selfish protectionists' and claimed the right of every human being brought into the world to be educated at the public expense.
He was a prominent member of the Chamber of Commerce, a founder of the Reform Club and an active participant in the Democratic Club and a number of his public addresses were published in pamphlet form. These included - Slavery and "Protectionism" (1882): The impending Crisis (1883): Wages and Tariffs - Influence of the protective system on wages, social organisation and the distribution of wealth (1884): The True Issue - industrial depression and political corruption caused by tariff monopolies (1884): Industrial Emancipation (1886) and Outlines of a New Science (1889).
In pursuit of his view of education as the vehicle for economic change, he donated one million dollars towards building a library where young people could achieve the self-improvement that he saw as essential for the development of economy and society. The donation was to 'erect a fireproof building suitable and proper for the purpose of a library.... With a reading room open free every day in which young people can spend their evenings profitably away from demoralising influences'.
This bequest was publicly if rather belatedly recognised in the opening of the Donnell Library Centre in the New York Public Library in December 1955. In May 2008, the library was temporarily closed while efforts are being made to redevelop the whole New York Public Library site. Ongoing problems about the viability of the planned site have now been resolved and it is planned that the library will reopen in 2014.
Donnell died in 1896.
The plaque in his memory is supported by Strabane District Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Libraries NI.
Commitment
Chris Spurr, chairman of the Ulster History Circle, said: "This latest in a series of Ulster History Circle blue plaques in Strabane shows once again that this district of Tyrone has a clear commitment to celebrate its historical personalities and keep their memories alive. Such a person is Ezekiel Donnell, an enterprising and inspiring son of Strabane."
Strabane District Council chairman, Brian McMahon, said: "I am delighted and proud that this public recognition of the tremendous achievements of Ezekiel J Donnell is being erected in his home town, Strabane. Mr Donnell was born in Ballee in 1822 and achieved fame and fortune during his 50-plus years as an American citizen.
“Ezekiel Donnell made his fortune as a cotton manufacturer and merchant and went on to use his great wealth philanthropically. The fact that this commemorative plaque is being erected at Strabane Library is appropriate, in that Donnell's main legacy is that he chose to become the chief financial donor allowing the establishment of New York Central Library."
Mr McMahon added: "This plaque will serve to highlight this eminent industrialist and philanthropist's connection with Strabane. I would like to commend the Ulster History Circle and Strabane Library for taking the necessary steps to bring about this commemoration to Ezekiel J Donnell."
Gerry Burns, a member of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Northern Ireland, said: "We are delighted to support the unveiling of this Blue Plaque to mark the achievements of Ezekiel J. Donnell, a local man whose influence is still apparent today. This plaque is a fantastic way to honour this local hero who believed in education as a means of personal and social advancement, and it will do much to help raise awareness of our important local heritage."
Deirdre Nugent, Libraries NI heritage services manager, said: "Libraries NI is delighted the Ulster History Circle has recognised that Strabane Community Library as an appropriate place for the plaque of Ezekiel Donnell. It's central location and high level of footfall means that many people will see the plaque.
“We hope that this will then encourage them to come into the library and use the Heritage resources, which include books, newspapers, local information, ancestry.com and other online resources that enable genealogy and social history research."
She added: "This is a fitting legacy to Ezekiel Donnell, who was born near Strabane and was the advocate for a library being built in New York where young people could achieve and develop their potential."

Subscribe to read full newspaper »

Send this page to a friend »