McDONAGH, John (fl. 1845-50), an architect and builder who was recorded in Halifax, N.S., and later in St. John's, Newfoundland. An advertisement records him in January 1845 as having “..removed his carpenter's shop to Mechanics Wharf where he will continue the building business on his own account, and that Persons intending to build will be furnished with plans and all necessary information on moderate terms...” This confirms that McDonagh was preparing plans for buildings over a sustained period of time, and by 1848 he had relocated to St. John's, Newfoundland where he was listed as “John McDonagh, Architect”.
In October 1848 he offered for sale a substantial and newly built two storey brick residence on Gower Street, Marsh Hill, ST. JOHN'S, NFLD. (Morning Courier [St. John's], 28 Oct. 1848, 2). He was also noted as the current occupant of the residence, an indication that he was both architect and owner of the property. A detailed architectural description of the house was included in the advertisement, referring to the lobby, staircase, drawing room, dining room, and numerous bedrooms within this large house that measured 32 ft. x 35 ft. No information has been found on the activity of McDonagh after 1850 (inf. Gary Shutlak, PANS, Halifax).