Maurice Donovan was born circa 1873 in to John Donovan and Mary Cherry of Georgetown, Prince Edward Island. He had one brother James. Following his father's death in 1880, the family lived with Maurice's grandfather William Cherry. Donovan appears to have followed several careers including cook, steward, and insurance agent. From 1933 to at least 1941 he was the Georgetown agent of D.B. Stewart & Co. Ltd., general insurance agent for several companies including Queen Insurance Company, Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company, and London Guarantee and Accident Company. He was married to Lily Decoste. He died in 1955.

From 1933 to at least 1941 he was the Georgetown agent of D.B. Stewart & Co. Ltd., general insurance agent for several companies including Queen Insurance Company, Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company, and London Guarantee and Accident Company. David B. Stewart operated his agency on Great George St. in Charlottetown for several decades between1904 and 1950.