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Michael Donovan, my 4th Great Grandfather

Cork

Hello, I'm new here. I am researching my 4th ggfather, Michael Donovan. The information I have uncovered so far leads me to Cork. The following is what I know, any new iformation or leads are greatfuly appreciated.

Michael was born abt 1805? in Lisgoold. He arrived in 1836 in St John, New Brunswick. Eventually he made his way to Bradley Co, Tennessee. He is shown on several censuses with a Malinda (Maples) Donovan. I assume her to be his wife but I can't find a marriage certificate. She the mother of his children, Andrew, John Jesse, Mary and Dennis. I found 2 posts in the newspaper from his cousin Andrew, they are transcribed as follows:

1) of Michael Donovan, native of Lisgoold, co Cork who came to this country in 1836, when last heard from was in the State of Tennessee. Any information respecting him will be thankfully received by his cousin, Andrew Donovan, Havre-de-Grace, Maryland.

2) of Michael Donovan, native of Lisgoold (late of Ballyready, Parish of Rathcormac) co. Cork, who emigrated from Cork per the ship Dominica for Quebec in the Spring of 1836, was afterwards known to be in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa and in Maryland; when last heard from he was in some part of Tennessee, supposed in Knoxville. Any information respecting him will be thankfully received by his cousin, Andrew Wm Donovan, Port Deposite, Maryland.

I am lost at how to figure out who his parents are or get more information on him. So far all my research has been with in the US, so advice or tips and information would be very helpful! I sent of my Ancestry DNA kit today. Can't wait for those results!

I just remembered something else, family lore has it that his parents wanted him to become a priest, and he didn't want to, so that's why he left for America. I have no idea is this is true or not, it's just a story I heard from my grandmother.

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5 replies

M. Maddox:

Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!

The RC records for Lisgoold start in July 1807 maybe too late for your interests.http://registers.nli.ie/parishes/0075

I did take a look at the first page of records and found a September 18th 1807 baptism for a Michael Donovan with parents Michael Donovan and Maria Davis? As you indicated you don't know the parents names so it will be hard to confirm this record as your ancestor.

Roger McDonnell

 

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Thank you, That could be him but I don't know. It seems like such a common name. I'm not 100% sure on his birth date. Census records range from 1805-1809 depending on which you look at. The only thing I know for sure is he has a cousin named Andrew, so that could perhaps narrow it down if I research those potential parents. I have been unable to find any death or burial records either.

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I'm so excited to find this! Michael O'Donovan is my 3rd great grand-father. My mom went through her mother's bible and found the following children that Andrew O'Donovan (Michael and Malinda's son) and Elizabeth Gous had. 

  • William L. Oct 27, 1869 to June 28, 1872 @ 11am
  • Andrew J (Bud) Sept 23 1871 to ?
  • Dennis  March 14, 1874 to Dec 29, 1928 at 8:20pm
  • Mary Susan  Oct 28, 1876 to March 8, 1941
  • John Clifton Feb 24, 1878 to June 16, 1938
  • James Oct 8 1880 to Jan 8, 1904 at 8:20pm
  • Minnie Feb 20, 1884 to July 3, 1888
  • Katie Aug 31, 1886 to June 21, 1951
  • Martha  Aug 24, 1889 to Feb 21, 1928
  • Elizabeth (Lil) Dec 19, 1891 to ?

My mother confirmed that Michael was catholic but not happy with the church/religion and that his wife was a Methodist. My grandmother is Bernice Joy who was Mary Susan's daughter. 

 

IrelandXO member

Rebecca are you on ancestry? I would love to correspond with you about all this and see if we can get further. My email is margaretamaddox@gmail.com  Have you done ancestry DNA by chance? I have and it would be interesting to see if we have a match.

 

 

 

IrelandXO member

Did Andrew marry Elizabeth Gous or Irons? I've been looking and seen it transcribed both ways. Not sure which is correct. Also, looks like we are 3rd cousins 2x removed. :)

-Margaret

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