Blog

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.  

from Stanislav Vrana

(Feb. 5, 2024) Stanislas sent a wedding picture of his mom, his brother, the wife of his second cousin Dita Janáčková (neé Zemanová) and his second cousin Štěpán Janáček. Next to him is Stanislas and his wife, Maria. Their five and a half year old son, Stanislas Jr., is in front .

Finally updating after two years.  Yeaaaaa!

(Jan. 8, 2024)  It has been really difficult for me to keep updating this thing called a website.  It’s really time-consuming, but I guess worth the effort.  I hope this version is enjoyable and educational for anyone searching for their ancestors.

from Debbie Clark

(Sep. 3, 2023). Just a short note from Debbie about our estranged cousin, Gretchen/Rachel.  So sad.

from Erin Donovan Goldwood

(Aug 17, 2023). Today is our 50th Anniversary.  Erin sent me a link to St. Ignatius College (now known as John Carroll University) and the actual building site is now St. Ignatius High School where TJ, our son attended and Dane, TJ’s son now attends.  The link is to the 1894-1895 St. Ignatius College Catalogue which contains references to my wife’s maternal grandfather, Ladislas Nowak.  Ladislas was a VERY good student and led his class in Latin, Algebra and a few other things.Also really neat to see what the courses entailed.  Here is a link to the Catalogue.

from Jason Paine

(Jun. 15, 2023). Jason shared some links to his family tree on Ancestry.com as they relate to Helen Hejl (my mother’s 1st cousin) and her descendants.

from J.J. Ryan

(Mar. 17, 2023). A little bragging from the top golfer in Ireland after recording a Hole-in-One at Adare Manor and a meeting with the star of my favorite movie, Stripes, Bill Murray.

from Liam Steeples

(Nov. 29, 2022). Liam, from Windsor, Berkshire, England contacted me regarding Annie Keenan, spouse of Daniel Donovan, Thomas’ brother and any of her eight children.  Sadly, I could not provide any further information other than what I had on my website.

from  Jim Donovan

(June 21, 2022). Jim contacted me thinking that Thomas and Ellen Humphries could possibly be related, but they were not.  He wanted to eliminate them from his search.

from  J.J. Ryan and Louise Ryan

(June 30, 2021) J.J. and Louise have been researching the Ryan Darby family ancestry and sent some info.  Especially beautiful was a professionally designed “Family Tree” done by a graphic artist.  (If you believe you are related, be sure to contact J.J.)

from Stanislav Vrana

(May 19, 2021)  Stanislav added more information about the Masin family.

from Debbie Clark in Sunny Southern California

(Apr. 3, 2021). Lost the link for the website.

Ready to Kiss the Covid Pandemic Goodbye

(Mar. 1, 2021) This Covid thing has got to be over soon.  It has destroyed so many lives already.  Jane and I received our second doses of the Moderna vaccine this past Friday.  I hope it helps to keep us as well as everyone else safe.  I don’t know how much that the pandemic contributed to the lack of keeping up with the site, but it sure didn’t help.  Ennui reigned supreme!

Contacted Sister Lucy Hennessy

(Feb. 23, 2021). After finally reading Sister Lucy’s book “My Hennessy Family History and Memoir” that I purchased last year, I started to record all the genealogical relationships to my GG Grandfather Patrick Donovan and wife, Ellen Cleary.  Sr. Lucy’s mother was Annie Donovan whose father was Michael Donovan whose grandfather was Thomas Donovan (wife Ellen Humphries) whose GG Grandfather was Patrick Donovan.  This really helped to ascertain just who some of the Detroit Donovans were.  Here is the link to her book.

from J.J. Ryan

(Jan. 20, 2021). J.J. announced that son, Lincoln was coming to work inTexas with his wife, Jiali and children.

from Stanislav Vrana

(Jan. 7, 2021)  Stanislav had some questions about Mary Snora (Marie Masin) and the Simek and Malek families.  Found and sent to him some documents of her marriage and death records and a census document which shows the Simek family resided at the same address in 1900.

from ginnyl0404

(Aug. 10, 2020) Ginny was wondering how I knew where James Donovan, Matthew’s uncle or my GG Uncle was born. I believe my cousin Kevin in Ireland knew that.

from Mary Ellen McCaffrey

(Jul. 26, 2020) As Mary Ellen began to research her family, she came across the website.  The big debate in her family was if the Donovans came from Limerick or Cork.  Limerick it was.  Her father was Michael Frederick Donovan whose father was Michael Stephen Donvan whose father was Patrick. Donovan (married to Delia Dooley) whose father was Patrick Donovan married to Ellen Cleary.  He was my Great Grandfather Matthew’s brother.  And so the mystery of Uncle Patrick Donovan in Detroit was solved.  

from Debbie Clark in Sunny Southern California

(Jul. 6, 2020) A cousin from my mother’s side of the family.  Actually, we attended  Miami University in Ohio in the late 60’s and early 70s.  Just some general chit-chat about her life and having to put up with an ocean view in a house she shares as a wife-not-wife  with her husband-not-husband, Artie Ripp  who is a major power player in the music industry.  They have been together since 1996.  That’s longer than most things last around Hollywood!  Here is a link to Artie’s site.

from Stanislav Vrana in the Czech Republic

(March 30, 2020) Just some general chit-chat about the Simek family.  As of this date, I don’t seem to know who they are.

from Katzchen2849 on Ancestry

(March 7, 2020)  This individual on Ancestry sent me updated information on the O’Connor family of Detroit.  Timothy O’Connor married my GG Aunt Helen (Ellen) Donovan who was Matthew’s sister.

Mid-Summer Update

(July 22, 2019). These last few months have been quite time-consuming.  March ushered in a 16 day vacation (One day in SanDiego to visit my nephew, Zach, who is completing his 20th and last year in the Navy, and the final 15 days on a cruise through the Panama Canal - two ports in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, a private island in the Bahamas, and on to Fort Lauderdale, Florida).  Then there was my annual “Boys Trip) to Myrtle Beach to golf.  Easter came and went and then spring and summer sports (Aubrey with softball, Megan with Lacrosse, Dane with baseball, and Megan and Jillian with softball.  Whew!  Finally, they are all done.  We tried to take in as many games as possible… my guess is that we attended close to 70.  So, time to update.
     We heard from Stanislas again.  He found the birth record of Daniel Antonius Masin who was born Aug. 25, 1810.  Luckily, he reads Czech.  Of course, I heard from cousin Kevin who seems to think that we are related to the Donovans from West Cork.  We’ll see!  Kevin also found an article about Timothy O’Connor who married my GG Aunt Helen (Ellen).  The article explains how he died and can be found not only on the web card for him, but also on the Photos page on the website.  “Stay away from ladders!!!”  Cousin J.J. also sent a bunch of information about his side of the family.  I am not including that info at this time but may choose to do so in the future.  Seems quite complicated.  so with that, I will be updating soon.

Update will be published, but not before a reality check as to the difficulty in finding genealogical information

(Feb. 28, 2019).  Ready to publish the latest updates, finally. It has been almost four months. Way too long, but it could not be helped. There was an unbelievable amount of information to be researched. I went from around 1100 people on the Web Cards to over 1400. That was huge and obviously time-consuming. Much thanks to all who contributed. There was, however, one snag. I thought I had found my Grandfather Thomas’ immigration papers a year ago. My cousin, Kevin thought something was wrong, so I researched again, specifically my own papers. Sure enough, I found my grandfather’s citizenship paper which has him becoming a citizen in 1896, not 1899 as I had thought. I guess I had someone else’s grandfather. Luckily, Kevin probably found the correct passenger list and it makes total sense. It seems that Thomas found his way northwest from Glasslough, Monaghan to the port of Moville, Donegal where he boarded a ship that sailed from Scotland to the port of New York in 1893. It says his destination was Detroit (to see the relatives, no doubt) and he was perhaps accompanied by a man by the name of Duffy. Coincidentally, another person named Duffy was witness to his citizenship in 1896. Something to that, maybe we’ll never know, but it seems likely.

from Rosebudwaterlily (also known as Sarah Ryan)

(Feb. 18, 2019).  When I started researching Patrick Donovan and Ellen Cleary (my GG Grandfather and Grandmother, I received a hint from Ancestry.com. that I was possibly a 4th cousin to a Sarah Ryan who also had Patrick and Ellen in her family tree. I wrote, and sure enough, she responded. Her grandmother was a Donovan. Pretty amazing that DNA tests can do that. Welcome to our family, Sarah!

from Kevin, Stanislas and Perry Palumbo

(Feb. 10, 2019).Besides much more information from cousin Kevin, I heard from Jane’s cousin, Stanislas Vrana from the Czech Republic.  Stanislas sent some new information about the Masin family from Kutna Hora including the Marriage Record of Frantisek Masin and Frantiska Dvorakova.  An amazing find.  My daughter, Erin, heard from a Perry Palumbo through recommendations from Ancestry DNA.  It seems that Perry is my third cousin, twice removed; that is, we both have the same great-great grandparents, Vojtecha Holat and Marie Tandovy.  Their children, John Holat, is my great grandfather and his sister, Alzbety, is my great-great aunt and Perry’s 3G grandmother.  Perry was kind enough to send some records from Netonice, Czech Republic.  Besides sending them, he translated them from the Czech.  Way to go, Perry!!!

Joined Ancestry for six months

(Nov.12, 2018).Ancestry.com had a deal I couldn’t refuse, so I joined for six months.  The only problem with that was that I was unable to begin using it until January.  First, our family vacation to the Bahamas occurred over our Thanksgiving vacation.  All eleven of us travelled to New York City then boarded the Norwegian Escape for a week.  I put together an iMovie for family consumption only and presented it at Christmas.  Getting ready for the holidays took precedence over working on the website.  Nevertheless, hard work paid off as I combed through well over 500 hints provided by Ancestry and found out much about the relatives.

Information on the Detroit Donovans

(Nov. 10, 2018).In early November, my cousin, Kevin Holmes, stumbled upon some information about the Detroit cousins.  It seems that not only was Uncle James there, but also Uncle Patrick and Aunt Ellen O’Connor.  These were three of my great grandfather Matthew’s siblings.  Kevin found this information on <seekingmichigan.org> and <billiongraves.com>.  I suppose it is just a matter of time before we finally trace some family roots from Detroit and beyond.

My daughter, Erin - named a Trailblazer in Jesuit Magazine

(Oct. 29, 2018). Earlier this month, Erin was named a “Trailblazer” for being one of the women who shaped Walsh Jesuit High School.  The magazine Cover Page, her picture and article are included in the Web Cards feature on the Home Page.  Quite an honor.  I await information from my cousin, Kevin Holmes who believes he might have some information about my great uncle, Patrick Donovan who was sponsor for my grandfather, Thomas Donovan when he became a US citizen.

The Website is finally back up!!!

(Sept. 17, 2018). Hard to believe, but Ancestry.com finally put my site back online.  I have no idea why it took so long (almost nine months), but I am happy it is up and running again.  There was quite a bit of information added to the web cards since December, especially concerning the family of James Donovan who resided in Detroit.  Remember, this is speculation that I have found the right relative (uncle) of my grandfather, Thomas, but I feel it is probably accurate.  We’ll see if anyone from that family contacts me.
 

Irish Cousin Mary Jo Visited this July

(July 23, 2018). Cousin Mary Jo Holmes paid a visit to us the middle of July.   She and a friend, Sheila Larkin, went to Boston to pay a visit to one of Sheila’s children.  They decided to extend their trip to include Cleveland.  Some highlights included a trip to the Irish Cultural Garden in Cleveland, lunch at The Harp (an Irish pub/restaurant with beautiful views of Lake Erie,  and of course, shopping.  J.J.’s credit card certainly got a workout.  Haha!  It was really great having them.

Finding more on Ancestry.com, but my website is still not back up on Rootsweb.  Frustrating!!!

(Jan. 22, 2018)  I am working hard trying to utilize my six month membership on Ancestry.  Have found out much more about the Fish side, especially that my grandmother Rose’s mother’s last name was Reaneau, at least according to her sister, Elizabeth’s death certificate.  Elizabeth was the oldest of the Fish siblings.  On the Donovan side, I have been trying to find whatever happened to the Detroit relatives, the family of James Donovan (my grandfather Tom’s uncle.  Also, I have been trying to find out more about the New York Donovans, the family of Patrick Donovan (my grandfather Tom’s uncle.  I think I have found both, but it is certainly not proof positive, just some educated guesses.  Located Thomas’ papers on emigrating and citizenship.

Added new families and pix on the Fish side of the family

(Jan. 4, 2018) Today I was able to gather much information and post some pictures of the Fish side of the family.  I found the Halversons, Robillards, the Fred Fish family, the Matvija family and the Brookins family and added quite a few pix.    

New information about the Fish family (paternal grandmother and her ancestry

(Jan. 3, 2018) I recently came across a box with tons of information about my grandmother Rose’s family.  The most interesting thing so far has been that I previously thought that her maiden name was Renault, but I have since discovered that it was Rina.  This changes things quite a bit.  There is much information, so I will continue to explore while I wait for Ancestry.com to either put Rootsweb up again, or go out of the Rootsweb business altogether.

from Greg Sejd and a big BOO to Ancestry.com

(Jan. 2, 2018) Jane’s cousin, Greg Sejd sent a couple of pictures from a fishing trip, and Ancestry.com decided to take down the Rootsweb site on Dec. 23, so no one can access the site, including me.  It would have been so nice to be able to access the new site during the holidays.  They claim the site may be down up to two weeks, and as of today, it is the 10th day.  We’ll see.  Most folks seem to think it’s a ploy to get more money and they will charge for hosting genealogy sites like mine.

from Stephanie Matta, Rémi St-Pierre, and Liz Fried

( Dec. 16, 2017) Stephanie Matta first contacted my daughter, Erin that she was a match in the Ancestry DNA search.  Stephanie then contacted Jane’s cousin, Liz Fried.  Many emails followed with much information about the Nowak family roots in Poland.

Rémi St-Pierre also contacted Erin about a possible connection. 

We intend to explore both connections as much as possible.

Bought a New Computer

(Oct. 1, 2017) Finally purchased a new iMac and will start the process of updating the site.  Wish me luck.

from J.J. and M.J. Ryan

(Aug. 1, 2017) I have been officially chided by my cousin J.J. for my lack of updates.  I agree.  I am bad at this.  Sometime this fall, I intend to buy a new iMac and get rid of my 2007 iMac which is quite slow.  Half the problem with the website is simply how time-consuming it becomes waiting for the icon to stop spinning as the computer tries to update whatever I’m trying to do.  Further, I will buy a real program to create a modern website and officially lose what I first did on Netscape Navigator.  Hopefully, by Christmas it will happen.

Ancestry Results are in for us

(Aug. 17, 2016) As an anniversary present for us, Erin sent for the Ancestry DNA Kits.  The results are in and I will post them in the Menu above.  Lots of fun!!!

Introducing Kelly Josephine Goldwood, from J.J. and M.J. Ryan, Kevin Holmes, Carol Illner, and Michele Herasuta  

(Mar. 1, 2016) Erin’s third child, our 5th grandchild, was born on April 10.  Another baby to shower with our love.  We are thrilled.

The Ryans sent photos of Glen’s wedding, one of which ended up on the cover of The Florentine, a magazine published in Florence, Italy.  Beautiful!!!  They also sent photos of Lincoln’s wedding which took place in Dubrovnik, Croatia.  Another gorgeous setting!!!

Cousin Michele Herasuta sent her regards from sunny Southern California and Carol Illner said hello as well.

from J.J. and M.J. Ryan, Kevin Holmes

(April 1, 2015) J.J. and M.J. sent photos of their visit to Cologne, Germany as well as an invitation to their son Glen’s wedding to take place in Florence in May of 2015.  Unfortunately, we cannot make that one.

Kevin Holmes was off to Castlebellingham, County Louth to meet up with Pat Roddy who showed Kevin the family grave of Patrick Donovan.  Kevin also sent along some photos of Ellen Mullane and Kitty Donovan.

from J.J. and M.J. Ryan, and Susan Thomas.

(Sept. 1, 2014) Firmed up plans for our arrival at Shannon Airport for the wedding and J.J. and I set up a friendly game of golf at Adare Manor Golf Club. Took a lot of heat from our Irish relatives, especially cousin Kevin Holmes, about not keeping up with the website.  (I deserved all I got.). What a great wedding. Irish weddings are everything we Americans think they should be! Lasted into the next day. Wow!!!  Susan Thomas sent many photos of the Tuceks.

Introducing Jillian Claire Goldwood, from Jarda Vrána, Damien Donovan, Carol Illner, Kevin Holmes, Gerry Mullane, Annette Walsh, J.J. and M.J. Ryan, Margaret Dobbins, and Stanislav Vrána, 

(July 29, 2014) I've really got to do a better job updating this site. Two and a half years is much too long. The biggest news is that a fourth grandchild was born May 28, 2013...Jillian Claire Goldwood. She, like our other three grandchildren, is a delight.

We received and invitation to attend Louise Ryan’s wedding in Castleconnell at the Castle Oaks House Hotel in Limerick in August, 2014.  We will make plans to attend.

Jarda Vrána, Stanislav’s brother, was on a business trip to Montreal, Canada and tried to set up a meeting.  Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it work.

Damien Donovan from Celina, Ohio asked if we might be related.  He grew up without his father David Eugene Donovan Sr. son of Paul Donovan Sr., and was hoping for a connection.   Carol Illner and J.J. Ryan reported some sad news.

Kevin Holmes, Gerry Mullane and Annette Walsh sent news of their families and Tina Reilly is continuing her quest to get to know all the Collies.

The Ryans decided they wanted to be American cowpokes and included some other photos and Jane’s cousin, Margaret Dobbins sent some photos and corrections while

Stanislav Vrana emailed some immigration lists of the Masins arrival to the USA. 

from Tina Codd Reilly, Annette Walsh,  Judy Skulina Picciuto, Jana Kocián-ová, J.J. and M.J. Ryan, and Gerry Mullane

(February 7, 2012) Finally an update. Most of the update is due to Tina (Codd) Reilly from Ireland and Gerry Mullane from Queensland, Australi, as well as more photos from Annette Walsh. . 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.

Annette Walsh has kept us up to date with her family.

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.

Jana Kocián-ová has sent much information about the Holat family in Czechoslovakia.

As usual, the Ryans are helping us to keep up with their growing family.  Thank you much!

Judy Skulina Picciuto, daughter of Fred and Edith Skulina contacted me about sending some Skulina information.  Hopefully, I will hear from her soon.

from Kevin Holmes and Susan Thomas

(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.

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.

from Annette Walsh

 (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.

Introducing Megan Jane, and news from Kelli Donovan, Kevin Holmes, Stanislav Vrána  Pat Kus-Kreidler, J.J. and M.J. Ryan,  Flora and Tom Donovan in Connecticut, Michael Menheer, and Annette Walsh

(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.

Kelli Donovan from Australia contacted me.  She is of the Hannigan/Donovan line, about the 8th generation, and was wondering if any Donovans emigrated to Australia in the early 1800s.  I had no knowledge of that, but wouldn’t be surprised if there was some connection.

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 Ryans kept in touch with more photos. 

Flora and Thomas P. Donovan, Sr. contacted me wondering if we had Donovan relatives in Connecticut because their relatives settled there in the mid to late 1800s.

Michael Menheer inquired about a Holat from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who later moved to North then South Dakota.

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!!!!!

Introducing Dane Thomas and news from Kevin Holmes, John Sabol, Stanislav Vrana, Pauli Kelley, J.J. and M.J. Ryan, and Louisa from St. Louis (her husband’s cousin is a Tom Donovan)

 (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

John Sabol is researching the Cleveland Bohemians for a publication and asked if he could include some photos.  Stanislav Vrana added some corrections and some questions about relatives in Nebraska.  Pauli Kelley has been researching the Blazek family, but without much success.  Got some new photos from the Ryans.  And Louisa from St. Louis wondered if her Donovans were related to ours.  Hers were from Rosscarbery, Cork, and the earliest certain arrival we have is in 1824.

from Barb Bouchey

(July 10, 2008). Barb Bouchey from St. Louis, Missouri contacted me and sent some information about the Donovans she collected from in and around Skibbereen and Baltimore in southwest County Cork.  I have no idea if there is any connection or not, but will post the information in the Donovan Links menu.  If anyone can figure out some relationships, please let me know so I can update appropriately.

from Kevin Holmes, J.J. and M.J. Ryan, Deidre Jensen (Davis), Adam Donivan, Renee Melegari (nee Hynes), Jason Paine, Sandy Jackson, Patrick Spicuzza, and Stanislav Vrána

(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.

Adam Donivan contacted me about some possible spelling variations of our last name and thought we could be related.  Deidre Jensen (Davis) updated some family information. 

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.

from Kevin Holmes and Jana Kocián-ová

(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.

from J.J. and M.J. Ryan, Derek Durrant, Dolores Hejl Burlinghaus, and Dennis Shroka

(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.

Introducing Aubrey Lynn and from J.J. and M.J. Ryan, Dennis Shroka, Carol Illner, Fred and Edith Skulina, and Dolores Hejl Burlinghaus

(Jan 18, 2007) 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.  Dennis is the grandson of Agnes Hejl and George Loew.  Carol became a great grandmother, Fred and Edith commented on the site, and Dolores emailed some corrections.  Believe me, it’s quite easy to make mistakes when entering all this information.

from Alan Griggs and J.J. and M.J. Ryan,

(June 25, 2006)Alan Griggs, whose paternal grandmother is Rachel Reid Collie emailed. More photos from the Ryans appeared. 

from J.J. and M.J. Ryan and Eileen Holmes

(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.  

from J.J. and M.J. Ryan

(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.

from Marion Donovan, Erin Donovan, Eileen Holmes, Kevin Holmes, Jane Donovan, and Greg Sejd

(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.