Descendants of Michael Donovan    

First Generation  

1. Michael Donovan was born in 1807 in  Ireland - probably in County Cork. 

Michael married.-  (possibly Johanna as both her sons apparently followed the Irish naming pattern and named their second daughter after their mother)

Children from this marriage were:

    i. Dennis Donovan was born circa 1838 in Ireland and died after 1901.

    ii. Patrick Donovan was born in 1849 in County Cork - Ireland, died on 20 May 1889 in Mersey District - Latrobe - Tasmania at age 40, and was buried on 21 May 1889 in Latrobe Catholic cemetery - Sect. B/52 - unmarked.

Michael and his son Patrick were dock labourers who probably came over to London from Cork in the 1860's after the death of his wife.  Dennis Donovan, also son of Michael came over in the 1850's and married Julia Brian in 1858. In the census of 1871 Michael and Patrick are living in the home of Angela and Timothy Leary at 6 Slaters Court, Whitechapel. Angela was a witness at the wedding of Dennis and Julia.

  Second Generation  

            CHILDREN

 Dennis Donovan was born circa 1838 in Ireland and died after 1901. Another name for Dennis was Denis Donovan as recorded in some of the census material.

Dennis married Julia Brian on 4 Nov 1858 in St. Mary & St. Michael Catholic Church, Commercial Rd. Stepney. Julia was born circa 1840 in Ireland and died in 1897 in St. George in the East at age 57.  Another name for Julia was Julia Brien as recorded in some census and birth registration material.

  Marriage Notes:

Dennis Donovan and Julia Brian married in the St. Mary and St. Michael Catholic Church, Commercial Rd. Whitechapel. Dennis age was listed as 19 and employed as a Stevedores labourer living at 8 Hairbrain Court, Royal Mint Street, Whitechapel middle. His father was Michael - also a Stevedore. Julia's age was listed as 18, a spinster residing at 3 Hairbrain Court, Whitechapel. Her father, James, was a bricklayers labourer. Witnesses to the marriage were Patrick Brian (possible brother to Julia) and Angela Leary. In the 1871 census Michael and Patrick Donovan were listed as living in the home of Angela and Timothy Leary.

General Notes:

Addresses:

8 Hairbrain Court, Whitechapel (Julia at No.3) 1858 marriage.
1 Hairbrain Court, Whitechapel (1871 census)
4 Hairbrain Court, Whitechapel (1881 cenus)
1 Thomas Court, Pell Street, St. George in the East (1881)
52 Pell Street, St. George in the East - London. (1891& 1901 census)


CENSUS:

1871 census - Dennis and Julia are living at 1 Hairbrain Court, Whitechapel with their children Mary Ann, Johanna, Ann, Patrick and Norah.

1881 census - Dennis and Julia are living at 4 Hairbrain Court, Whitechapel with their children Mary Ann, Johanna, Patrick, Norah, James and Julia. Ann is not with them and may be deceased.  In that year the family has moved to 1 Thomas Court, Pell Street, St. George in the East where Thomas is born.

1891 census - Dennis and Julia are living at 52 Pell St. St. George in the East with their children James, Julia and Thomas. Also with them is their grand son Thomas, the son of Mary Ann and Thomas Lacey. Mary and Thomas are not listed as being at that address.

1901 census - Dennis Donovan is a widower living with his son Thomas, still at 52 Pell St. Mary Ann Lacey is now a widow and is living with her father. Her children, Thomas, Jane and Mary Ann are also living with her.

Children from the marriage of Dennis Donovan and Julia Brian were:

 i. Mary Ann Donovan was born in 1859 in Whitechapel - London.

  ii. Johanna Donovan was born in 1861 in Whitechapel - London.

  iii. Ann Donovan was born in 1865 in Whitechapel - London.

   iv. Patrick Donovan was born in 1867 in Whitechapel - London.

    v. Nora Donovan was born in 1869 in Whitechapel - London.

    vi. James Donovan was born in 3 November, 1871 in Whitechapel - London.

   vii. Julia Donovan was born in 1876 in Whitechapel - London.

   viii. Thomas Donovan was born in 15 November, 1881 in St. George in the East - London.

Patrick Donovan was born in 1849 in County Cork - Ireland.

London General Notes:

The 1871 London Census identifies Michael Donovan (64) and Patrick Donovan (23) residing in 6 Slaters Court, Blue Anchor Yard St. Marys Whitechapel. It is known from BDM certificates obtained that both father and son were born in Ireland and that they were employed as labourers on the London Docks, information that is consistant with that contained in the census.  An extensive check of the whole of the London Census reveal that only this Whitechapel entry could relate to them.  There is a difference of one or two years in the projected birth year of Patrick back from the census but this variance has been found to extend to a number of events in his life.  It is proposed that until proven otherwise the Whitechapel census of 1871 will be taken as relating to Michael and Patrick.

Michael was listed as a 'widower' in the 1871 census and it is speculated that his wife died in Ireland and that he and his son Patrick came to London to find work on the docks.  There have been  no other relatives or siblings located other than 'Denis Donovan' who was a witness at the wedding of Patrick and Esther. 

 

London Marriage Notes: 

Patrick married Esther Amelia Mooney , daughter of Lawrence Mooney and Mary Carroll, on 25 Dec 1873 in St. Mary & St Josephs Church - Poplar - London. Esther Mooney was born c-1854 in Wapping - London - UK, died on 24 Jul 1928 in Latrobe -Tasmania - Devon Hospital,and was buried on 26 Jul 1928 in Latrobe General LT04/00496-0 Sect. G/54. For additional information on the Mooney / Donovan connection visit the following link:  Branch Lines - Mooney

Patrick and Esther were married in the R/C St. Mary & Joseph church, Poplar. Both made their 'mark' on the register. Their addresses at the time were listed as 34 and 22 Tetley Street, Poplar - respectively. The witnesses present were Dennis Donovan  (brother to Patrick) and Elizabeth Palmer (sister to Esther). Patrick was listed as a batchelor labourer by occupation (later shown on birth registrations of Daniel and Michael as a ballast heaver) and Esther a spinster - their fathers - Michael and Lawrence respectively were also listed as labourers.
.
Sts Mary and Joseph, Canton Street, Poplar, London E14.
School chapel opened 1816 in Wade Street. New chapel in Wade Street opened 1835. Enlarged church opend 1856 was destroyed by enemy action 1940. Present church opened 1954.

 

Tasmania Emigration General Notes:

25 August, 1883 - Patrick Donovan - labourer/miner/ballast heaver/dock watchman (34) embarked on an assisted passage on the ship Cape Clear at London with wife Esther Amelia Donovan nee Mooney (28) - children Daniel (9), Mary Ann (4) and Michael (1). 

"SS.Cape Clear" - built in September 1881 by R. Steel and Co. of Greenock, Glasgow, Scotland, the ship was originally owned by Abram Lyle and Sons of Greenock. Its first use was transporting migrants to Tasmania from Europe and a photograph in the State Library of NSW shows the Cape Clear at port in Hobart in 1883. - The ship was sold to Union Steam Ship Co. of NZ and renamed SS Tekapo. It broke up and sank off the NSW coast at Maroubra on 31 May, 1899.

The Donovan family arrived in Hobart Tasmania 26/10/1883 and on 30/10/83 carried by express train of the 'Emu Bay Company' (current city of Burnie) to Evandale Junction then by road to Emu Bay where he worked as a miner. Esther was pregnant with Johanna on the trip. They lived in Burnie where Johannah was born and later moved to Petticoat lane in Longford where Elizabeth was born, residing there untill late 1886. The family then moved to a small cottage in River Road near Bells Parade, Latrobe where Patrick worked on the produce boats and Margaret was born.

Patrick Died 20/5/1889 - Death registered in District of Mersey - Latrobe 24/5/1889. . Informant for death is Constable Patrick Stapleton of Latrobe.

Inquest held by coroner P.C. Maxwell on 21/5/1889 at the Family hotel, Latrobe . Evidence given by Esther Donovan that her husband left for work at 6.30pm. as watchman on the Mersey River dredge. His cottage in River Road stood about 150 meters across Bells Parade east of the river. Patricks hat was found floating near the gangplank and his body was recovered. No suspicious circumstances - verdict of accidental drowning. Reported in the Launceston Examiner on 22/5/1889. Inquest No. 9578 of 1889.

Patrick Donovan was buried in the Catholic section of the Latrobe cemetery. There are no records remaining of any burials by the St. Patricks Catholic Church of Latrobe. His daughter Mary Ann was buried in the same grave after her death on 21/1/1897. His & Mary Anns grave lay unmarked on plot Section B. number 52 until 2004 when I went to Latrobe and with the assistance of cousin Ted McCullagh and the local council we located the grave on a grassed area of the catholic section of the cemetery.  Over the following two years arrangements were made for a plaque to be made to dedicate the grave site and in remembrance of Patrick and Mary Ann.  On 9 July, 2006 a dedication was held at the grave and a blessing administered by Father Mark Freeman.  In attendance were descendants of the Larrobe Donovans and Michael Henry Donovan, grand son of Patrick. Michael, at 90 years of age, being the oldest living relative of Patrick and Mary Ann.

Children from the marriage of Patrick Donovan and Esther Amelia Mooney were:

 i. Daniel George Donovan was born on 15 November, 1874 in Middlesex County - Stepney Dist. - Ratcliffe - UK, baptised at St. Mary and Michael Catholic Church, Stepney 29 November, 1874. God Parents:  Patrick Mooney & Mary Ann Donovan. Daniel Donovan died on 13 December, 1924 in Royal North Shore Hospital,at age 49, and was buried on 15 December, 1924 in Waverley C of E Cemetery plot 3353-57 - N.S.W..

 ii. Mary Ann Donovan was born on 12 July 1878 in Middlesex County - Stepney Dist. - Ratcliffe - UK,  baptised at St. Mary and Michael Catholic Church, Stepney 14 July, 1878. God Parents:  Cornelius Harrington & Johanna Brennan. Mary Donovan died on 21 January, 1897 in Latrobe Devon Cottage hospital,at age 18, and was buried on 22 January, 1897 in Catholic cemetery Latrobe in grave of her father Patrick B/52.

iii. Michael John Donovan was born on 22 September, 1881 in Middlesex County - Stepney Dist. - Ratcliffe - UK, baptised at St. Mary and Michael Catholic Church, Stepney 2 October, 1881. God Parents:  Edward Brennan & Margaret Morris. Michael Donovan died on 19 May 1936 in Latrobe -Tasmania - Devon Hospital,at age 54, and was buried on 21 May 1936 in Latrobe General Cemetery - LT04/00495-1 Sect. G/55.

Michael married Susan Ellen Leonard , daughter of Jonah Leonard , in 1913. Susan was born in 1881 in Westbury - Tasmania, Susan Leonard died on 8 Nov 1972 at age 91,and was buried in Latrobe General Cemetery - LT04/00495-2 Sect. G/56.

 iv. Johannah Donovan was born on 29 Dec 1883 in Emu Bay - Tasmania,died on 30 Dec 1960 in Latrobe -Tasmania,at age 77, and was buried in Latrobe General - LT04/00912-0 Sect. J/51. Another name for Johannah was Hanna Donovan.

 v. Elizabeth Jane Donovan was born on 4 Mar 1886 in Longford - Tasmania, Elizabeth Donovan died on 5 Oct 1963 in Latrobe -Tasmania,at age 77, and was buried in Latrobe General - LT04/00247-2 Sect. A/70.

vi. Margaret Amelia Donovan was born on 7 Mar 1888 in Latrobe -Tasmania, Margaret Donovan died on 7 Feb 1957 in Latrobe -Tasmania,at age 68, and was buried in Latrobe General - LT04/00854-1 Sect. K/36.

Margaret married William Reece Davies , son of William Reece Davies and Mary Ann Foster , in 1913. William Davies was born in 1887 in Port Sorrell District, Tasmania., died on 30 Aug 1959 in Latrobe -Tasmania at age 72,and was buried in Latrobe General - LT04/00854-1 Sect. K/36.

  Third Generation  

Mary Ann Donovan was born in 1859 in Whitechapel - London.

General Notes: Mary Ann Donovan was the god mother to her cousin Daniel Donovan when he was Christened at St, Mary and St. Michael Church on 29 December, 1874.

Mary married Thomas Lacey in 1883 in St. George in the East.

Children from this marriage were:

  i. Thomas Lacey was born in 1887 in St. George in the East.

   ii. Jane Lacey was born in 1890 in St. George in the East.

   iii. Mary Ann Lacey was born in 1892 in St. George in the East.

Daniel George Donovan was born on 15 Dec 1874 in Middlesex County - Stepney Dist. - Ratcliffe - UK,died on 13 Dec 1924 in Royal North Shore Hospital,at age 49, and was buried on 15 Dec 1924 in Waverley C of E Cemetery plot 3353-57 - N.S.W.. Another name for Daniel was George Donovan.

N.S.W. General Notes:

Daniel left Latrobe Tasmania around 1892, possibly due to a break with the catholic church and his family. His father Patrick accidently drowned in 1889 and his mother remarried in 1891. Daniel travelled to Sydney where he met Emma Sawyer. Her parents had moved to Sydney from the Forbes area and her father, John Sawyer, owned a hotel at George and Park Street together with other hotels in Sussex Street and George Street. He also owned homes at 124/126 and 164/166 Sutherland St. Paddington as well as Camperdown and inner Sydney.

 

Marriage Notes:

Daniel married Emma Sawyer , daughter of John Sawyer and Ann Andrews , on 7 Dec 1893 in Wesleyan Parsonage 182 Forbes St. Woollomooloo Sydney. Emma was born on 9 Feb 1874 in Currajong - Parkes N.S.W., died on 8 Oct 1949 in 164 Sutherland St. Paddington - Sydney at age 75,and was buried on 10 Oct 1949 in Waverley C of E Cemetery plot 3353-57 - N.S.W.

Daniel and Emma  reportedly married against the wishes of her family but apparently that was overcome. The marriage certificate shows that the consent of her parents had not been received as they were both under 21(Daniel 18 - Emma 19) but both stated they were over 21.  

 

Paddington Notes:

In his will of 1894 Emmas father, John Sawyer left his properties to his wife and children. John Sawyer died in 1898 at 126 Sutherland Street, Paddington. This and a property at 124 Sutherland Street were apparently sold after his death. Daniel (also known as George) and Emma took up residence in the property at 164 Sutherland Street.  Emmas mother Ann died in 1912 at 166 Sutherland St. and these premises passed to her daughter Janie. All the Donovan children were brought up in 164 Sutherland St.

When the Donovans moved into that address Daniel, then a Draper by occupation, attached the name 'Latrobe; to the wrought iron front gate, a reminder of his rootes in Tasmania. Janie (Emmas sister)owned 166 Sutherland St and leased it out. Daniel, a materials purchaser for a Sydney store, died in 1924. 

 

Children from the marriage of Daniel Donovan and Emma Sawyer were:

i. Frank Cecil Donovan was born in Oct 1894 in Paddington, N.S.W. and died in Jun 1962 in Sydney - at age 67.

Frank Donovan married Mary K McMahon in 1927 in Woollarah.

ii. Herbert George Donovan was born on 28 Jul 1896 in Woollahra. Herbert Donovan died on 20 Dec 1967 in Strathfield - Sydney,at age 71, and was buried in Ashes with parents at Waverley cemetery, N.S.W. - Plaque in Wall 2 - Panel 'I'. Rookwood Remembrance Wall...

  iii. Edward Roy Donovan was born in 1898 in Woollarah,died on 30 Sep 1961 in 164 Sutherland St. Paddington - Sydney,at age 63, and was buried in Eastern Suburbs crematorium, N.S.W.. Another name for Edward Donovan was Ted Donovan.

iv. Reginald Donovan was born on 26 Dec 1902 in Paddington, N.S.W.,died on 12 Feb 1971 in Wollongong,at age 68, and was buried in Eastern Suburbs crematorium, N.S.W..

v. Emma Elizabeth Donovan was born on 4 Feb 1905 in Paddington, N.S.W. Emma Donovan died on 5 Sep 1975 in Bankstown - Sydney.,at age 70, and was buried in Rookwood Crematorium, N.S.W..

vi. Edith Donovan was born on 4 Feb 1907 in Paddington, N.S.W.,died on 5 Dec 1990 in Ashfield - Croydon Park, N.S.W.,at age 83, and was buried in Woronora - Sutherland - NSW.

Edith married Ronald L Bradley in 1933 in Woollarah.

vii. Vera Ann Donovan was born on 27 May 1909 in Paddington, N.S.W. Vera Donovan  died on 15 Nov 1977 in 74 Nelson Ave, Belmore - Sydney at age 68.

viii. Michael Henry Donovan

Elizabeth Jane Donovan was born on 4 Mar 1886 in Longford - Tasmania. Elizabeth Donovan died on 5 Oct 1963 in Latrobe -Tasmania,at age 77, and was buried in Latrobe General - LT04/00247-2 Sect. A/70.

Elizabeth married William Henry Hicks , son of John Hicks and Elizabeth Smith , on 3 Aug 1907. William Hicks was born on 31 Jan 1883 in Port Sorrell District, Tasmania., died on 18 Nov 1946 in Latrobe -Tasmania at age 63,and was buried in Latrobe General - LT04/00247-2 Sect. A/70.

Children from this marriage were:

   i. Harold Hicks was born on an unknown date,died on 16 Feb 1910,, and was buried in Latrobe General - LT04/00247-2 Sect. A/70.

  ii. Percival Hector Hicks was born on 15 Jun 1906 and died on 21 Nov 1990 at age 84.

   iii. Violet Mary Hicks was born on 18 Feb 1908.

   iv. Cedric Hicks was born on 2 Oct 1909 and died on 18 Feb 1910.

  v. Aileen May Hicks was born on 10 Sep 1911 and died on 3 Apr 1942 at age 30.

    vi. Phyllis Jean Hicks was born on 13 Jun 1912,died on 7 Apr 1926,at age 13, and was buried in Latrobe General - LT04/00247-2 Sect. A/70.

  vii. Mavis Hicks was born on 28 Jan 1915 and died on 10 Oct 1942 at age 27.

viii. Winifred Elizabeth Hicks was born on 29 Jan 1922. Winifred Hicks died on 25 Dec 1999 at age 77.

  Fourth Generation

            GREAT GRAND-CHILDREN

Herbert George Donovan was born on 28 Jul 1896 in Woollahra,died on 20 Dec 1967 in Strathfield - Sydney,at age 71, and was buried in Ashes with parents at Waverley cemetery, N.S.W. - Plaque in Wall 2 - Panel 'I'. Rookwood Remembrance Wall...

Herbert married Alice Hamilton Russell on 2 Nov 1929. Another name for Alice Russell was 'Pinkie' Russell.

Children from this marriage were:

      i. Margaret Donovan

       ii. Marion Donovan

Marion married Alan Peasley .

Reginald Donovan was born on 26 Dec 1902 in Paddington, N.S.W.,died on 12 Feb 1971 in Wollongong,at age 68, and was buried in Rookwood crematorium, N.S.W..

Reginald married Edith Isabel Lowry , daughter of Percival Lowry and Millicent Gertrude Eliza Boulton , on 23 Apr 1921 in Woollahra. Edith was born on 7 Oct 1903 in Balmain, died on 2 Jan 1960 at age 56,and was buried on 5 Jan 1960 in Rookwood Crematorium (next to husband). Another name for Edith Lowry was Queenie Lowry.

Children from this marriage were:

       i. Violet Edna Donovan

Violet Donovan married Kenneth George Guest .

       ii. Dorothy Jean Donovan

Dorothy Donovan married Arthur Simmons .

       iii. Herbert Stanley Donovan

Herbert Donovan married Jean Patricia Ross .

       iv. William Robert Donovan was born on 27 Dec 1927 and died on 8 Dec 1973 at age 45. Another name for William Donovan was Billy Donovan.

William married Beatrice Carter .

      v. Raymond Lloyd Donovan

Raymond Donovan married Colleen Collier .

      vi. Kenneth James Donovan

Kenneth Donovan married Elizabeth Mainwarring .

      vii. Beverley Edith Donovan

Beverley Donovan married Allan Bond .

       viii. Barry Gordon Donovan

Emma Elizabeth Donovan was born on 4 Feb 1905 in Paddington, N.S.W.,died on 5 Sep 1975 in Bankstown - Sydney.,at age 70, and was buried in Rookwood Crematorium, N.S.W..

Emma Donovan married Frederick William Boulton , adopted son of William Boulton and Eliza Reid , on 6 Jul 1923 in All Saints Church of England - Woollarah. Frederick Boulton was born on 2 Apr 1901 in Maternity Home, Burwood and died on 8 Jun 1968 in Bankstown - Sydney. at age 67.

Children from this marriage were:

      i. Maxwell William Frederick Boulton was born on 8 Jan 1926 and died on 14 Apr 1988 at age 62.

Maxwell Boulton married Margaret Naylor .

      ii. Raymond George Boulton

Raymond Boulton married Dorothy Kohler .

      iii. Ronald Michael Boulton

Ronald Boulton married Ann .

       iv. Joyce Emma Boulton was born on 4 Jul 1924, died on 27 Oct 2003 in Liverpool Hospital at age 79, and was buried on 3 Nov 2003 in Rookwood Crematorium, N.S.W..

Joyce Boulton married Frederick Armistice Palmer . Frederick Palmer was born on 11 Nov 1922 and died on 21 Mar 1995 in Lansvale - NSW at age 72.

       v. Betty Margaret Boulton

Betty Boulton married Geoffrey Edwards .

       vi. Beryl Jean Boulton was born on 12 Jul 1928 in Sydney - and died on 14 Feb 1988 in Sydney - at age 59.

Beryl Boulton married Douglas Stacey .

Vera Ann Donovan was born on 27 May 1909 in Paddington, N.S.W. and died on 15 Nov 1977 in 74 Nelson Ave, Belmore - Sydney at age 68.

Vera Donovan married Arthur Edward Byrne in 1932 in Woollarah. Arthur was born on 13 Nov 1902 in Sydney - Arthur Byrne died on 3 Sep 1989 in Brisbane - QLD. at age 86.

Children from this marriage were:

    i. Valerie Dorothea Byrne was born on 20 Jan 1933. Valerie Byrne died on 12 Jan 2004 at age 70, and was buried in 2004 in Waverley Cemetary, N.S.W. C of E plot 3357.

Valerie married William J Blair . William Blair was born in 1931 and died on 22 Mar 1983 at age 52.

     ii. Alma Byrne

Alma married Jack Velleley on 11 Dec 1954. Jack was born on 10 Oct 1928 and died on 13 Jan 1996 at age 67.

      iii. Yvonne Byrne was born in Jun 1935,died on 22 Dec 1938,at age 3, and was buried in Waverley C of E Cemetery plot 3353-57 - N.S.W..

Michael Henry Donovan

Michael married Winifred Josephine Stafford , daughter of Edward Joseph Stafford and Ellen Josephine Watson . Winifred Stafford was born on 10 Jun 1918 in Clapton - London - UK Central Hackney District, died on 8 Feb 2003 in Nursing Home, Kirrawee at age 84,and was buried on 13 Feb 2003 in Woronora - Sutherland - NSW cremation niche 352 panel 27 - wall of memories - Rookwood War Graves Wall of Remembrance 47 panel F.

Children from this marriage were:

    i. Michael Allen Donovan

Michael married Maree Ann Crawford , daughter of James Leonard Crawford and Marie Catherine Dwyer .

      ii. Michele Robyn Donovan

Michele married Alan Blackford .

   iii. Carolyn Ann Donovan

Carolyn married Paul John Chaplin .

Winifred Elizabeth Hicks was born on 29 Jan 1922 and died on 25 Dec 1999 at age 77.

Winifred Hicks married Francis Maxwell McCullagh .

Children from this marriage were:

       i. Lorraine Elizabeth McCullagh

       ii. Edward Maxwell McCullagh

Edward McCullagh married Jillian Helena Leo .

       iii. Graham Henry McCullagh

       iv. Barbra Kaye McCullagh

     v. Cheryl Elizabeth McCullagh

      vi. Pamela Winifred McCullagh