Joseph-Henri Tabaret (12 April 1828 – 8 February 1886) was a French-born Roman Catholic Priest and academic, best known because of his long and important association with the University of Ottawa. He was a member of the Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate. The Oblates founded the College of Bytown in 1848. Under Tabaret's leadership from 1853–1861, Bytown College became an official university.

Joseph-Henri Tabaret
Born(1828-04-12)12 April 1828
Saint-Marcellin, France
Died8 February 1886(1886-02-08) (aged 57)
Ottawa, Ontario

He was rector (president) of Collège d'Ottawa / College of Ottawa from 1861–1864, 1867-1874 and 1877–1886. Rev. Joseph-Henri Tabaret, OMI, served the College for a total of 30 years during the 19th century, and is generally regarded as the builder of the University. Father Tabaret was an ardent defender of bilingualism, often heard to say: "...in this part of Canada, the use of both languages is not a matter of discussion; it is a matter of necessity."

References edit

  • Halpenny, Francess G, ed. (1982). "Joseph-Henri Tabaret". Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Vol. XI (1881–1890) (online ed.). University of Toronto Press.

External links edit

Academic offices
Preceded by Rector of the College of Bytown/College of Ottawa
1853–1864
Succeeded by
Preceded by Rector of the College of Ottawa
1867–1874
Succeeded by
Preceded by Rector of the College of Ottawa
1877–1886
Succeeded by