My earliest Donovan that I can definately lay claim to is Patrick Donovan, born, according to the 1881 cencus, in 1820 in Poplar, east London, although I am certain that he came from Cork. His wife Mary was certainly born there in 1824 and I have strong convictions that Patrick himself was born there. According to the 1881 cencus, he was a musician, and had - apart from his wife - living with him his children, Danial, born 1855, Patrick, b 1856, Jeremiah, b 1857, Mary, b. 1859, Michael, b 1862, Margaret, b. 1864, and James, b 1869. Living with the family at 96 Prusom Street, St Gearges in the East, was Catherine Hegarty, widow of 70 years old, listed as being bron in Cork, and that she was 'aunt' to the head of the house. Daniel was my great great grandfather. I'd appreciate it if you would pass this info on to the family historians in your midst, along with my address ( as I can only get online at my local library):- Jan Massey, 68 Thaxted House, 1 Siviter Way, Dagenha! m, Essex, RM10 9SU. Thanks very much.