Will of Alexander O’Donovan, Squince, Skibbereen, West Cork, Various Townlands, Farm at Myross, Fishery, Salt Store, Fishing Boat, Possible Grand Father-in-Law of Timothy O’Donovan, Justice of The Peace, and Grandfather of Rickard Donovan, First Catholic Clerk of the Peace for Co. Cork 1838 since the 17th Century.

The listing of townlands is either archaic or difficult to transcribe as is often the case in old memorials.

Courtesy Registry of Deeds Project.

The fishery element is interesting.  One of his grand daughters  married Timothy O’Donovan was clearly independently wealthy building a fine mansion at O’Donovan’s Cove, Durrus.  In his written evidence to the Fishing enquiry in Bantry 1836 he has a remarkable grasp of the fishing business.   There are various historical references to branches of the O’Donovan family being involved as investors in the fishing business in the 18th century.

He bequeaths the estate to his son a Doctor.  Rickard…