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
Tuesday 11th Mar 2014, 06:42PMMessage Board Replies
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Good Morning
I have just answered your previous mail about your Donovan ancestors in Cork. I advise that you follow the same steps in relation to your Tipperary ancestors.
Please let us know if you make any further progress in your search.
Best wishes
Clare Doyle
Genealogy Support
Tuesday 1st Apr 2014, 09:43AM -
Thanks again Clare. I did respond to your previous message. I have joined several county message boards. I have no idea what county my ancestors may have come from. I know that county Cork has the most Donovans so I worked my way from there. I am thinking the name Godfrey (Michael's wife) may be more helpful. It doesn't seem to be that popular a name in the southern part of Ireland so if I can connect a Godfrey to a Donovan I might have luck with my Donovan ancestors.
Tom
Tom D
Tuesday 1st Apr 2014, 05:12PM