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Donovan/Godfrey

Waterford

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

tdonovan

2 replies

Dear tdonovan

I found this on the Irish Genealogy Toolkit website, it might be useful to you. See what you think, it may point you in the direction of finding a place name from records on your side. Donovans are quite common, so a place name or street would narrow things down.

http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/Canadian-immigration-records.html

Best of luck

Mrs Doyle

IrelandXO member

Thanks you Mrs. Doyle. I will check out the information provided.

 

Tom

tdonovan

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