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I am searching for the townland/parish of my great great grandfather (Michael Donovan) and great great grandmother (Johanna Godfrey). Michael emigrated to Newfoundland to take part in the migratory cod fishery around 1820. He married Johanna in 1825. She was previously married to Patrick Doody and had two children prior to her marriage to Michael. I have found evidence of Michael and Johanna's marriage in Newfoundland. Johanna (Hanna) may have come SW England (Dorset, Devonshire, Somerset etc.) Fishing merchants from this part of England organized fleets to prosocute the migratory fishery in Newfoundland. Many workers and supplies were aquired in SE Ireland (Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Cork) before heading to Newfoundland. I believe Michael arrived in Newfoundland with a Thomas, Terrance & Nicholas Donovan. I assume they are either brothers or cousins. I did find a record of marriage for Thomas from Ross, Wexford. I have been looking in that area but haven't broken through the brick wall yet. I am in the process of researching the RC parish records at NLI. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Tom

Tom D

Wednesday 3rd Feb 2016, 06:56AM

Message Board Replies

  • Hi Tom

    I couldn't find an Irish marriage record for them on www.rootsireland.ie/ or www.irishgenealogy.ie/

    The Tithe Applotments 1823-37 (free at http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/) have 2 Donovans in Barnahealy.

    The townland of the first is also Barnahely but the second is Southloughbeg. 

    DonovanJamesBarnahealy BarnahelyCork
    DonovanDanielSouth Loughbeg BarnahelyCork

    There are also 2 Godfreys in Cork but neither is from Barnahely

    Griffiths Valuation (free at  http://www.askaboutireland.ie/) has 8 Donovans in Barnahelyin 1850; parish is Barnahely; townland Barnahely; place name either Prospect Villa or Ring Village (part of); no Godfreys however.

    The earliest Irish Census with Cork records is 1841; there are 6 Donovans all in Dromdaleague parish. (free at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/)

    Col

     

     

     

     

    ColCaff, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Wednesday 3rd Feb 2016, 07:59AM

  • Tom:

    Like Col, I could not find a marriage record for Michael and Johanna on www.irishgenealogy.ie which has the RC church records for the Diocese of Cork and Ross. This is a free irish government site. The RC parish should be Passage West or Passage. For some reason their records are not on www.irishgenealogy.ie  However, here is the link to the parish register for marriages. If I did this correctly, it should bring you to 1813 marriages. I would look for the marriage record up to 1820 and maybe before 1813. The records are in English and they do reflect the townland which is not always done.

    Let us know if you have any success.

    Roger McDonnell

    http://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls000634966#page/217/mode/1up

    Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Wednesday 3rd Feb 2016, 04:49PM

  •  

    TomThanks Col & Roger.

    Since Goodfrey is an uncommon name in Ireland I figured the best place to look would be in areas where both the Donovan & Godfrey names exist. I think the lack of records in the early 1800s has presented a problem both in Ireland and  in Newfoundland. I have found no evidence of a marriage between the two in Nfld. Baptismal record of their fist child is 1826 so I was assuming they were married in Ireland. Their first son was James. Maybe Michael's fathers's name?? Thanks again for the help I will check out sites suggested.

     

    Tom D

    Thursday 11th Feb 2016, 07:51PM

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