I have it in contemplation to try and notice the three branches of our sept in the “Danish wars” to be published by Dr. Todd. I have furnished him with very many notes on other subjects and families, and I feel satisfied that he will insert what I intend to furnish him on the three septs of our family, namely, Clan-Cahill, MacEnesles and Clan-Loughlin. Of the first, Morgan O’Donovan, of Montpelier, Douglas, Cork, is decidedly the head and chief representative; of the second, either you or some one of your relatives; and of the third, my old friend Alexander O’Donovan, of Kilrush (if he be alive), or his next of kin.
I am of a senior branch of the Clan-Cahill, and, as we always believed, descended from the eldest son, Donell O’Donovan, who died in 1638; but we lost our birthright by the crime of our ancestors, by the just decree of the laws of God and man, and we ought to be thankful for not having become extinct; for we are widely spread throughout Leinster and America, and we are likely to last to the end of time. Behold us all in the following table:
1. Donal O’Donovan, married to Joanna McCarthy, of Castle Donovan, who died A. D., 1638.
2. Edmond, married to Catharine de Burgo, killed 1643.
3. Conor, married to Rose Kavanagh.
4. William, married to Mary Oberlin, a Puritan, died 1749.
5. Edmond, married to Mary Archdeacon, died 1798.
6. Edmond, married to Ellen Oberlin, died 1817.
7. John O’D. L.L. D., married to Mary Anne Broughton of Cromwellian descent.
8. Edmond, born 1840, died 1842; John, living, born 1842; Edmond, living, born 1844; William, living, born 1846; Richard, living, born 1848; Henry, dead, 1850; Henry, born 1852, living; Daniel, living, 1856.