This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: DONOVAN SWEENEY Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/wJT.2ACEB/697 Message Board Post: I am hoping that someone can help me with a record check, from 1830's to 1850's in Buffalo, NY or nearby cities. My search for ggg-gp leads me back to Buffalo, NY. All records indicate that John Donovan, along with wife Hannah (Sweeney) Donovan (Hannah's spelling varies, Hanarah,Hannrah & Hanorah), first settled in Buffalo. NY. whereby, their first son Michael Francis was born on July 4, 1845. Other records indicate that Michael was born in 1844. But the most consistent date has been 1845. John Donovan was born 1812 or 1815 and Hannah (Sweeney) Donovan, born 1821. I am hoping that someone may already have a census copy or other records that they could check for me to prove or dispel that they once lived in Buffalo, NY. Tradition says that John and Hannah were married in NY, another is, that the two left Ireland as married couple. We are just sure what year or where they married. Along with records, and other "family traditions", we believe that John Donovan came to the US from Ireland (possibly form Skibbereen or Erin, we are pretty sure they were from County Cork). We know that John and Hannah were born in Ireland as records indicate, but just not sure where. Family tradition also tells us that John Donovan left Ireland (County Cork) with 4 brothers. It is rumored that the five Donovan's brothers worked on the Erie Canal in the 1840's. We have no proof of this either, only notes from a John Donovan's great-grandson (Donovan Jacobs of MN. was his name, ring any bells? He wrote up a some very interesting theories that have circulated). It is then believed that John Donovan then went west for the great gold rush of 1849. This is when he lost track of brothers (or did he)? We first find a John and Hannah Donovan in Boone County, IL in an 1850 census (or so we believe this to be them, even though no children are listed). In 1852, we find that John and Hannah purchased farm land in Marengo, McHenry County, IL (a map of the county and in Dunham Township where land was purchased, reveal other Donovan's and Sweeney's on adjacent land to his - not sure if this is a clue or just coincidence). By this time in 1852, John and Hannah have several more children: We show Michael b. 1845, Margaret b. 1846, Catherine b. 1850. All records indicate that Margaret & Catherine were born in IL. If Margaret were born in 1846 maybe Hannah was with child when she left NY? Can someone help me? I have boxed myself in. We have lots of info gathered on John, Hannah, children (and grandchildren and on) since they first arrived in IL and until their deaths, but I just can't seem to get out of the state of IL. Any help, leads or advice is very much appreciated!!! Many Thanks! Penny @ 115104.2031@compuserve.com