Welcome
to the
Donovan Family
Web Site!
Motto: Vis Super Hostem (strength over the enemy)
or Vir super hostem (a man above or over his enemy)
to the
Donovan Family
Web Site!
Motto: Vis Super Hostem (strength over the enemy)
or Vir super hostem (a man above or over his enemy)
Introduction
Decades ago, my mother, Marion Holat Donovan, began researching her side of our family. The results were staggering. Many years after that, my daughter, Erin, began to research the Donovan side as she prepared to embark for a semester at University College, Dublin, in 1999. Needless to say, she reopened communications with folks in Ireland. Prior to that, the last correspondence had been in 1937. Many wonderful people just popped into our lives.
Some Quick Donovan History
In 1819, Patrick Donovan (my great-great grandfather) of Ballyfreen, Oola, Co. Limerick married Ellen Cleary of Ballinard, Herbertstown, Co. Limerick. They were the parents of Matthew Donovan, my great grandfather. Matthew married Julia Callaghan Jan. 16, 1868 in the Chapel of Ardee, County Louth. My grandfather, Thomas, was born in 1873. He emigrated to the United States in 1890 and found his way to Detroit, Michigan. (While in Detroit, he makes references to an Uncle Patrick, an Uncle James, and an aunt whose married name was O'Connell. If anyone knows anything about these relatives, please contact me.) In 1900, Thomas married Rose Fish in Minnesota. Raymond, the middle child and my father, was born in 1904. He married my mother in 1930.
Navigation
I have tried to keep this site as simple as possible. It is divided into sections. Each section contains a link to a report containing the direct descendants of the following:
Patrick Donovan and Ellen Cleary (m. 1819) in Ireland
Abram Fish (Poissant) and Julia Renault (m. 1870s in Minnesota?)
Joseph Hejl and Anna Liska (m. 1870s) in Bohemia, Czechoslovakia
Joseph Holat and Anna Hejl (m. 1899) in Cleveland, Ohio
Frank Tucek and Elizabeth Spiroch (m. 1884) in Cleveland, Ohio
Francis Masin and Frances Dvorak (m. 1876) in Bohemia, Czechoslovakia
Ladislas Nowak and Frances Hetman (m. 1909) in Cleveland, Ohio
Web Family Cards More information, over 290 photographs, my great-grandparents' marriage certificate, and County Cork's Castle Donovan can be accessed through these cards.
A list of all the photos (the latest are in boldface) included on the web cards is now available. Enjoy!
Updates
I hope to update this genealogical history regularly and will be sure to give credit to each contributor. Hopefully, these updates will occur quarterly at the very least. There is much to be added if folks are willing to share. Names, dates, and photos are always welcome.
12. (February 7, 2012) Finally an update. Most of the update is due to Tina (Codd) Reilly from Ireland and Gerry Mullane from Queensland, Australia. I am including a link to Tina's homepage http://www.myheritage.com/site-141842132/reilly-family. She has researched the George Collie family much more than I could have from the USA. George married my grandfather's sister, Ellen. Gerry is a descendant of the Patrick Donovan family. Patrick was my grandfather Thomas' older brother. Isn't it wonderful to have relatives on the other side of the world. Much thanks to both for their contributions.
The second bit of correspondence comes from Susan Thomas who has added much to the "Tucek" side of the family. She has not only provided a great deal of information, but also sent along over 20 photographs which have been added to the Web Family Cards. A big "BRAVO" to Susan.
10. (July 30, 2010) Another update to the update on July 24! Annette Walsh of Dublin sent along more photos which I was able to get into the web site. A big "Thank You" (again) to Annette.
9. (July 21, 2010) Wow! Have I been remiss about updating this website...a year and a half! Today, the site gets a makeover.
8. (February 20, 2009) The last six months have gone by quickly. The big news, of course, has been the birth of my second grandchild, Dane Thomas Donovan on September 22, 2008. My wife and I have truly been blessed. I am a proud "Papa."
7. (August 13, 2008) Finally an update after all these months! I can begin by offering congratulations to my daughter, Erin, and her husband, Jack. They were married on May 17, 2008 at the Cathedral in Cleveland. A big "Thank You" goes to all the Irish relatives (J.J., Mary Jo and Louise Ryan and Kevin and Mairead Holmes) who made the trek to America for the wedding. It was very special to all of us, especially Erin and Jack. A second thanks goes to cousin Kevin for some photos from Carrickmacross (as well as wedding photos). Shortly after the wedding, I went in the hospital to get a hip resurfacing and am almost fully recovered. Needless to say, my wife and I have been quite busy.
In March, I heard from Renee Melegari (nee Hynes) who lives in Alaska. She is related on the Hejl side of the family. Surprisingly, I found out I had her in class at Bedford High School in the mid 80s. Small world! In April, I heard from Jason Paine who is also related on the Hejl side.
April also brought an interesting e-mail from Sandy Jackson. Her mom originally posed for artist, George Collie, in 1950. The painting was titled The Rose of Tralee. George sold it to her in 1973. Sandy was seeking more information about George. She promises to send some info. about the history of the portrait.
Another relative on the Hejl side, Patrick Spicuzza, started his own website and was able to use much of the information and photographs on this site. Unfortunately, he has me married to my son's wife; hopefully, he will make a few corrections.
Finally, I heard from Stanislav Vrána from the Czech Republic (Bohemia). He was searching the internet and found this site. He is related to my wife, Jane, on the Mašín side (his GGGrandfather, Daniel was brother to Jane's GGrandfather, Francis). He sent some old photos which my wife was able to identify and correspondence has begun. He sent his genealogy in a "gedcom" file which I was able to open; however, before I can add the links, I need to find out the parents of both Daniel and Francis Mašín. Hopefully, Stanislav will find out soon and pass the information my way.
6. (Nov. 27, 2007) Since the last update, much has happened. My daughter, Erin, became engaged in May to a wonderful young man by the name of Jack Goldwood. The wedding is to take place on May 17, 2008 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. My wife and I have been busy helping Erin make the wedding arrangements. Happily, all is going well, and the two of them just purchased a house in University Hts., Ohio, not too far from John Carroll University. Jack moved in the day after Thanksgiving, and Erin will move in after the wedding.
Thanks goes to cousin Kevin Holmes who sent along JPGS of five birth certificates and one death certificate of some of the original family members back in Ireland.
For the first time, I heard from someone named Jana Kocián-ová who resides in the Czech Republic. Jana reports that the name Hejl is very common over there. Her great-grandfather Bartoloměj Hejl /1866-1947/ was from South Bohemia -Budweis-Třebotovice. He had 11 children. Jana does not know if Bartoloměj is related or not, but it is certainly about the right time. Nevertheless, it was nice hearing from her.
5. (Feb. 23, 2007) This update includes 14 new photos including some from the December visit of J.J. and Mary Jo Ryan to our home in Bedford, Ohio. The Ryans were with us for 10 days and learned firsthand about the Cleveland weather, viewed the Irish Garden while on board Lolly the Trolley, visited Amish country in middle Ohio, shared many a meal including a sampling from the Great Lakes Brewery, Claddagh Irish Pub in Legacy Village, and Guarino's in Cleveland's Little Italy, as well as spicing up Northern Ohio's economy buying Christmas presents to take back to Ireland. A wonderful time was had by all.
A couple of folks have contacted me about the web site: Derek Durrant from England who says that one of the photos of the Collies was taken in his back garden; Dolores Hejl Burlinghaus who stated that her youngest daughter, Heidi, was left out, and that is now corrected; and Dennis Shroka who asked if I would be willing to take updates. The answer is YES! Always glad to hear from all of you.
4. (Aug. 23, 2006) This latest update is mostly for the newest addition to our family, Aubrey Lynn Donovan. She was born on April 9. Thirteen photos of her have been added as well as one more in the Newton family. The number of photos in the Web Family Cards section now stands at 174. There is a link (above) to a list of all the photos. The latest additions are in boldface.
3. (Feb. 4, 2006) Once again, many thanks to J.J. and Mary Jo Ryan and Mary Jo's mother, Eileen Donovan Holmes for 37 more photos (Collie, Donovan, Holmes, McGrath, O'Donovan families). The number of photos in the Web Family Cards section now stands at 160.
2. (Dec. 28, 2005) Much thanks to J.J. and Mary Jo Ryan for eight pictures (O'Donovan - Holmes and Ryan - Newton families). The number of photos in the Web Family Cards section continues to grow - 123 in all.
1. (Nov. 28, 2005) The first thanks goes to my mother, Marion Donovan, who provided just about all of the Hejl and Holat information. My daughter, Erin, did a superb job examining photos and letters from the 1930s and earlier in an effort to make sense of the Donovan and Fish lines. Further information was provided by my cousin in Oola, Co. Limerick, Eileen Donovan Holmes, and her son, Kevin. My wife, Jane, and her cousin, Greg Sejd, are largely responsible for the information in the Tucek, Nowak, and Masin lines.
Compiling this history has been an enjoyable and exciting endeavor. I hope to see it grow.
Help
If you have information about individuals in this database (or individuals related to this database) that you wish to share, please contact me. If you wish to add a photo or two or update an old one, please e-mail a .jpg or use regular mail. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish the photo(s) to be returned to you.
Decades ago, my mother, Marion Holat Donovan, began researching her side of our family. The results were staggering. Many years after that, my daughter, Erin, began to research the Donovan side as she prepared to embark for a semester at University College, Dublin, in 1999. Needless to say, she reopened communications with folks in Ireland. Prior to that, the last correspondence had been in 1937. Many wonderful people just popped into our lives.
Some Quick Donovan History
In 1819, Patrick Donovan (my great-great grandfather) of Ballyfreen, Oola, Co. Limerick married Ellen Cleary of Ballinard, Herbertstown, Co. Limerick. They were the parents of Matthew Donovan, my great grandfather. Matthew married Julia Callaghan Jan. 16, 1868 in the Chapel of Ardee, County Louth. My grandfather, Thomas, was born in 1873. He emigrated to the United States in 1890 and found his way to Detroit, Michigan. (While in Detroit, he makes references to an Uncle Patrick, an Uncle James, and an aunt whose married name was O'Connell. If anyone knows anything about these relatives, please contact me.) In 1900, Thomas married Rose Fish in Minnesota. Raymond, the middle child and my father, was born in 1904. He married my mother in 1930.
Navigation
I have tried to keep this site as simple as possible. It is divided into sections. Each section contains a link to a report containing the direct descendants of the following:
Patrick Donovan and Ellen Cleary (m. 1819) in Ireland
Abram Fish (Poissant) and Julia Renault (m. 1870s in Minnesota?)
Joseph Hejl and Anna Liska (m. 1870s) in Bohemia, Czechoslovakia
Joseph Holat and Anna Hejl (m. 1899) in Cleveland, Ohio
Frank Tucek and Elizabeth Spiroch (m. 1884) in Cleveland, Ohio
Francis Masin and Frances Dvorak (m. 1876) in Bohemia, Czechoslovakia
Ladislas Nowak and Frances Hetman (m. 1909) in Cleveland, Ohio
Web Family Cards More information, over 290 photographs, my great-grandparents' marriage certificate, and County Cork's Castle Donovan can be accessed through these cards.
A list of all the photos (the latest are in boldface) included on the web cards is now available. Enjoy!
Updates
I hope to update this genealogical history regularly and will be sure to give credit to each contributor. Hopefully, these updates will occur quarterly at the very least. There is much to be added if folks are willing to share. Names, dates, and photos are always welcome.
12. (February 7, 2012) Finally an update. Most of the update is due to Tina (Codd) Reilly from Ireland and Gerry Mullane from Queensland, Australia. I am including a link to Tina's homepage http://www.myheritage.com/site-141842132/reilly-family. She has researched the George Collie family much more than I could have from the USA. George married my grandfather's sister, Ellen. Gerry is a descendant of the Patrick Donovan family. Patrick was my grandfather Thomas' older brother. Isn't it wonderful to have relatives on the other side of the world. Much thanks to both for their contributions.
Jane and Tom with
grandchildren
Dane and Aubrey Donovan and Megan Goldwood
11. (October 5,
2010) Two pieces of correspondence have led to this
update. The first (of course from cousin, Kevin Holmes, is a
photograph of a painting by George Collie "The Midday Meal"
which hangs in Ireland's National Gallery. The painting
is said to be from 1927 and is an Oil on Wood.Dane and Aubrey Donovan and Megan Goldwood
Erin, Megan and Jack Goldwood
/ Deanna, Aubrey, Dane, TJ and Barkley Donovan
The second bit of correspondence comes from Susan Thomas who has added much to the "Tucek" side of the family. She has not only provided a great deal of information, but also sent along over 20 photographs which have been added to the Web Family Cards. A big "BRAVO" to Susan.
10. (July 30, 2010) Another update to the update on July 24! Annette Walsh of Dublin sent along more photos which I was able to get into the web site. A big "Thank You" (again) to Annette.
9. (July 21, 2010) Wow! Have I been remiss about updating this website...a year and a half! Today, the site gets a makeover.
Much has happened
in the last year and a half. Obviously, the major
event has been the birth of our third grandchild, Megan
Jane last October. What a doll! We are
fortunate to have both our children and their families
within 15 miles of us.
Since the last update, Jane and I have travelled to Tenerife in the Canary Islands with Jane's sister, Rita and her husband, Denny. What a welcome two-weeks relief from the cold Cleveland weather in February and March 2009. This past February, Jane and I travelled to Florida and North Carolina for two weeks in the sun. Great weather, but too many old people. It's nice to visit in the South, but to live there, never.
I have received some interesting e-mails to help update the web site. Here are some of the highlights.
As usual, my cousin, Kevin Holmes is really helpful on the "Donovan" side of the family. His research has been invaluable. Included in this update is Kevin's genealogical history of the Donovan family from its roots. I am providing a link Donovan History that sheds much light on this side of the family.
Stanislav Vrána from the Czech Republic (Bohemia) has followed through with his research of the Mašín side of the family. He has provided the names of Francis Mason's parents as well as including his genealogy back to Daniel Mašín, Francis' brother. A big thanks to Stanislav for all the work he has done.
Pat Kus-Kreidler contacted me last February and has provided information about the Tucek side of the family (John William's father, Frank and mother, Elizabeth (Spiroch). Pat's grandparents were Marcella Tucek (the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth and John William's sister) and Theodore Kus. Pat provided an unbelievable amount of information as well as some now cherished photos. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
The final correspondence came from Annette Walsh of Dublin, Ireland. I was able to provide some information about George Collie, the famous Irish artist. Annette, in turn, provided information about how she is related to George Collie Sr. who married Ellen Donovan (my grandfather Thomas' sister). Annette and her husband, Michael also invited me to view their family tree (Kearney / Reilly Website) on MyHeritage.com. How cool is that!!!!!
Since the last update, Jane and I have travelled to Tenerife in the Canary Islands with Jane's sister, Rita and her husband, Denny. What a welcome two-weeks relief from the cold Cleveland weather in February and March 2009. This past February, Jane and I travelled to Florida and North Carolina for two weeks in the sun. Great weather, but too many old people. It's nice to visit in the South, but to live there, never.
I have received some interesting e-mails to help update the web site. Here are some of the highlights.
As usual, my cousin, Kevin Holmes is really helpful on the "Donovan" side of the family. His research has been invaluable. Included in this update is Kevin's genealogical history of the Donovan family from its roots. I am providing a link Donovan History that sheds much light on this side of the family.
Stanislav Vrána from the Czech Republic (Bohemia) has followed through with his research of the Mašín side of the family. He has provided the names of Francis Mason's parents as well as including his genealogy back to Daniel Mašín, Francis' brother. A big thanks to Stanislav for all the work he has done.
Pat Kus-Kreidler contacted me last February and has provided information about the Tucek side of the family (John William's father, Frank and mother, Elizabeth (Spiroch). Pat's grandparents were Marcella Tucek (the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth and John William's sister) and Theodore Kus. Pat provided an unbelievable amount of information as well as some now cherished photos. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
The final correspondence came from Annette Walsh of Dublin, Ireland. I was able to provide some information about George Collie, the famous Irish artist. Annette, in turn, provided information about how she is related to George Collie Sr. who married Ellen Donovan (my grandfather Thomas' sister). Annette and her husband, Michael also invited me to view their family tree (Kearney / Reilly Website) on MyHeritage.com. How cool is that!!!!!
8. (February 20, 2009) The last six months have gone by quickly. The big news, of course, has been the birth of my second grandchild, Dane Thomas Donovan on September 22, 2008. My wife and I have truly been blessed. I am a proud "Papa."
Another big "Thank You" goes to cousin Kevin Holmes back in
Ireland. He was able to get more information about
my great-great grandfather, Patrick Donovan including
where, when and whom he married as well as clearing up
information about his children. It seems likely that
my grandfather, Thomas, met his Uncles Patrick and James
and Aunt Mary in Detroit in 1890 when Thomas emigrated to
the United States. It appears the three siblings
emigrated to the USA sometime in the mid to late
1800s. This should help in my own search for our
long-lost Detroit relatives.
7. (August 13, 2008) Finally an update after all these months! I can begin by offering congratulations to my daughter, Erin, and her husband, Jack. They were married on May 17, 2008 at the Cathedral in Cleveland. A big "Thank You" goes to all the Irish relatives (J.J., Mary Jo and Louise Ryan and Kevin and Mairead Holmes) who made the trek to America for the wedding. It was very special to all of us, especially Erin and Jack. A second thanks goes to cousin Kevin for some photos from Carrickmacross (as well as wedding photos). Shortly after the wedding, I went in the hospital to get a hip resurfacing and am almost fully recovered. Needless to say, my wife and I have been quite busy.
In March, I heard from Renee Melegari (nee Hynes) who lives in Alaska. She is related on the Hejl side of the family. Surprisingly, I found out I had her in class at Bedford High School in the mid 80s. Small world! In April, I heard from Jason Paine who is also related on the Hejl side.
April also brought an interesting e-mail from Sandy Jackson. Her mom originally posed for artist, George Collie, in 1950. The painting was titled The Rose of Tralee. George sold it to her in 1973. Sandy was seeking more information about George. She promises to send some info. about the history of the portrait.
Another relative on the Hejl side, Patrick Spicuzza, started his own website and was able to use much of the information and photographs on this site. Unfortunately, he has me married to my son's wife; hopefully, he will make a few corrections.
Finally, I heard from Stanislav Vrána from the Czech Republic (Bohemia). He was searching the internet and found this site. He is related to my wife, Jane, on the Mašín side (his GGGrandfather, Daniel was brother to Jane's GGrandfather, Francis). He sent some old photos which my wife was able to identify and correspondence has begun. He sent his genealogy in a "gedcom" file which I was able to open; however, before I can add the links, I need to find out the parents of both Daniel and Francis Mašín. Hopefully, Stanislav will find out soon and pass the information my way.
6. (Nov. 27, 2007) Since the last update, much has happened. My daughter, Erin, became engaged in May to a wonderful young man by the name of Jack Goldwood. The wedding is to take place on May 17, 2008 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. My wife and I have been busy helping Erin make the wedding arrangements. Happily, all is going well, and the two of them just purchased a house in University Hts., Ohio, not too far from John Carroll University. Jack moved in the day after Thanksgiving, and Erin will move in after the wedding.
Thanks goes to cousin Kevin Holmes who sent along JPGS of five birth certificates and one death certificate of some of the original family members back in Ireland.
For the first time, I heard from someone named Jana Kocián-ová who resides in the Czech Republic. Jana reports that the name Hejl is very common over there. Her great-grandfather Bartoloměj Hejl /1866-1947/ was from South Bohemia -Budweis-Třebotovice. He had 11 children. Jana does not know if Bartoloměj is related or not, but it is certainly about the right time. Nevertheless, it was nice hearing from her.
5. (Feb. 23, 2007) This update includes 14 new photos including some from the December visit of J.J. and Mary Jo Ryan to our home in Bedford, Ohio. The Ryans were with us for 10 days and learned firsthand about the Cleveland weather, viewed the Irish Garden while on board Lolly the Trolley, visited Amish country in middle Ohio, shared many a meal including a sampling from the Great Lakes Brewery, Claddagh Irish Pub in Legacy Village, and Guarino's in Cleveland's Little Italy, as well as spicing up Northern Ohio's economy buying Christmas presents to take back to Ireland. A wonderful time was had by all.
A couple of folks have contacted me about the web site: Derek Durrant from England who says that one of the photos of the Collies was taken in his back garden; Dolores Hejl Burlinghaus who stated that her youngest daughter, Heidi, was left out, and that is now corrected; and Dennis Shroka who asked if I would be willing to take updates. The answer is YES! Always glad to hear from all of you.
4. (Aug. 23, 2006) This latest update is mostly for the newest addition to our family, Aubrey Lynn Donovan. She was born on April 9. Thirteen photos of her have been added as well as one more in the Newton family. The number of photos in the Web Family Cards section now stands at 174. There is a link (above) to a list of all the photos. The latest additions are in boldface.
3. (Feb. 4, 2006) Once again, many thanks to J.J. and Mary Jo Ryan and Mary Jo's mother, Eileen Donovan Holmes for 37 more photos (Collie, Donovan, Holmes, McGrath, O'Donovan families). The number of photos in the Web Family Cards section now stands at 160.
2. (Dec. 28, 2005) Much thanks to J.J. and Mary Jo Ryan for eight pictures (O'Donovan - Holmes and Ryan - Newton families). The number of photos in the Web Family Cards section continues to grow - 123 in all.
1. (Nov. 28, 2005) The first thanks goes to my mother, Marion Donovan, who provided just about all of the Hejl and Holat information. My daughter, Erin, did a superb job examining photos and letters from the 1930s and earlier in an effort to make sense of the Donovan and Fish lines. Further information was provided by my cousin in Oola, Co. Limerick, Eileen Donovan Holmes, and her son, Kevin. My wife, Jane, and her cousin, Greg Sejd, are largely responsible for the information in the Tucek, Nowak, and Masin lines.
Compiling this history has been an enjoyable and exciting endeavor. I hope to see it grow.
Help
If you have information about individuals in this database (or individuals related to this database) that you wish to share, please contact me. If you wish to add a photo or two or update an old one, please e-mail a .jpg or use regular mail. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish the photo(s) to be returned to you.
