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Personal Papers: Papers of Richard Dowden

Ref. Code: U140

Businessman , botanist, philanthropist and Mayor, born in Bandon in 1794 but moved to Cork City with this family. A Unitarian Presbyterian, Dowden was the Honorary Treasurer and one of the Trustees of the Unitarian Presbyterian Church in Prince’s Street, Cork. Dowden was closely associated with the temperance work of Father Theobald Matthew. Dowden’s other philanthropic activities included service as a Poor Law Guardian, an officer of the Blind Asylum and a Governor of the Lunatic Asylum. He also served on the Cork Poor Relief Committee, which was established to provide relief during the famine, and on the Cork Anti-Slavery Committee. Active member of the Royal Cork Institution and the Cork Literary and Scientific Society, Cork Cuvierian Society, the Celtic Society, the Zoological Society of Dublin and the Cork City and County Horticultural Society. A competent botanist, he lectured extensively on the subject and his book “ Walks after Wild Flowers” or “The Botany of the Bohereens” was published in 1852. A Liberal and pro-repealer, Dowden was an associate of Daniel O’Connell on the questions of Catholic Emancipation and Repeal. Member of Cork Corporation, elected Mayor of Cork City for 1845 and Alderman for the Lee Ward in 1847.

Papers include: Notebooks, correspondence 1816-1860. Cork Literary & Scientific Society, Proceedings, Minutes c. 1820-1927 also essays and accounts. Scrapbooks containing handbills, posters, notices, newsclippings, and publications relating to a variety of organisations. Cork Mechanics Institution and Royal Cork Institution material.

Date:
Extent: 25 Boxes
Level of Description: Fond
Access: By appointment and application form. For more information, see notes on access.