Oscar Dunn

Born on February 14, 1845, in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Oscar Dunn became a journalist, editor, and lexicographer at a remarkably young age. After studying at the Séminaire de Saint-Hyacinthe, he wrote for Le Courrier de Saint-Hyacinthe, trained in law for several years in Montreal, and later traveled in Europe while reporting for La Minerve and contributing from Paris.

Back in Canada, he built a strong reputation in journalism and publishing. He served as editor at La Minerve and later at the illustrated weekly L’Opinion publique, then became co-owner of La Revue canadienne. He also worked in public education, including as assistant editor of the Journal de l’Instruction publique and later as secretary in Quebec’s Department of Public Instruction.

Dunn was known as a conservative voice in the major religious and political debates of his time, and he gathered some of his newspaper writing in Dix ans de journalisme. He joined the Royal Society of Canada in 1882 and took part in literary circles in Quebec City. He died suddenly in Quebec on April 15, 1885, at just 40 years old.