John H. Donovan

John H. Donovan (June 24, 1840 - April 16, 1882) was a United States Army officer who served in the American Civil War.

Born in Ireland in 1840, Donovan immigrated to the United States in his youth. Upon reaching the United States he settled with his mother and brother in Plattsburgh, Clinton County, New York. By 1860 Donovan had completed his early education and was working as a printer’s apprentice as well as studying law. When the Civil War began, Donovan remained in New York until he had passed the bar in late 1861.

Donovan joined the 69th New York Infantry of the Irish Brigade as a 1st Lieutenant in February 1862. Fighting at the Battle of Malvern Hill, he lost an eye and an ear and became a Prisoner of War. Recuperating in Richmond; he belonged to a group of officers exchanged for Colonel (later Brigadier General) John Gregg. He rejoined his regiment and was promoted to Captain. Donovan was wounded again when he participated in the assault on Marye's Heights during the Battle of Fredericksburg. He transferred to the 1st Regiment of the Veteran Reserve Corps and then to the 19th Regiment; becoming a Major. With the later he belonged to the guards of the Elmira Prison in New York. When the war ended Donovan was brevetted Colonel.

After the war Donovan decided to stay in the army and became a Captain in the 44th Infantry, Veteran Reserve Corps. He also was brevetted Major in the Regular Army for his services in the Battle of Seven Pines. Later the regiment was integrated into the 17th Infantry. He resigned in 1878 and died four years later.

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