James Donovan

Owner of Donovans (previously Vaughans) which he bought from Rowland Otto Baijer in 1785, father of Richard Donovan (q.v.) and James Hancock Donovan (q.v.).

1. Will of James Donovan of No. 22 Somers Place, East New Road, Somers Town [made 27/10/1809] proved 13/01/1812 [the will of James Donovan of Antigua proved 09/05/1817 is in fact a codicil to this original will mainly providing for a new natural son, John]. Under the original will, he left his son Francis £10,000 currency receivable in gold and silver and secured by a bond from Robert Burnthorn, or if he [James Donovan] had received the repayment in his lifetime, then he left his son Francis an alternative legacy of £3000 sterling. He left the estate he had bought from Rowland Otto Baijer [unnamed,but identified by Oliver as Vaughan's], subject to legacies to his natural children by Isett Hancock, in entail to his elder son Richard Donovan and his male heirs, then to his second son Francis Donovan and his male heirs, and then to his natural son James Hancock Donovan (who in fact inherited after the deaths of Richard and Francis) and then to his five natural daughters. Administration of the will was granted to James Donovan's grand-daughter Caroline Ann Scott in 1829.

Vere Langford Oliver, History of Antigua Vol, I p. 19.

1. PROB 11/1529/148; PROB 11/1592/161.