Notes:

In 1872, Green Cove Springs, Florida became the county seat of Clay County, and its natural springs became a mecca for tourists. During the same year, Raphael B. Canova and his family made the journey from Saint Augustine to Green Cove Springs, proclaiming it their new home. Bishop Augustin Verot granted the Canova's permission to erect a Catholic mission church in honor of the Sacred Heart. The congregation was very small at first, and the prest was only able to visit the church once every few weeks. Raphael led the congregation when the prest was not attending.

According to the Sai nt Johns County Sheriff History web site.

Raphael Bartolome Canova, Sheriff - 1848-1853. A number of St Johns County's Sheriffs descended from the Minorcans and Sheriff Canova would not be the last. The 1850 census shows Raphael Canova, 29, as Sheriff and Tax Collector who owned real estate valued at $300. He was the father of four children and was elected Mayor of St Augustine on November 17, 1860 (St. Augustine Examiner 11/17/1860), serving until 1867 (St. Augustine Examiner 1/12/1867).

The following notes were recorded by "Leonard J. McCown" :

CHRISTENING: Roman Catholic Church Records, St. Augustine Parish Church, Florida, White Baptisms IV, 1816-1838, pages 196-197, entry 296. Rafael Bartolome Canova, born 24 October 1821. Baptized 30 October 1821, legitimate son of Antonio Canobas, native of this parish, and son of Antonio [Canobas] and Catalina Mestre, and Margarita Pons, native of this parish, daughter of Juan [Pons] and Juana Andreu. Godparents: Bartolome Paxeti and Catalina Furdas, citizens of this city. Priest: Juan Nepomecuno Gomez.

CENSUS: 1850 U.S. Census, St. Johns Co., Florida, 18th Division, City of St. Augustine, Dwelling 8, Family 9, 12 October 1850, page 202B. National Archives Microfilm M432, Roll 59. Raphael B. Canova, age 29, male, white. Tax Collector & Sherriff. Real Estate, $300. Born in Florida. Susan Canova, age 30, female, white. Born in Florida. Laura Canova, age 2, female, white. Born in Florida.

CENSUS: 1860 U.S. Census, St. Johns Co., Florida, 22nd Division, Post Office, St. Augustine, Dwelling and Family 229, 27th Juen 1860, page 632. National Archives Microfilm M653, Roll 632. Rafael B. Canova, age 38, male, white. Real Estate, $1500. Personal Estate, $11,000. Born in Florida. Susan Canova, age 38, female, white. Born in Florida. Laura Canova, age 11, female, white. Born in Florida. Attended school. Ralph Canova, age 7, male, white. Born in Florida. Attended school. Margaret Canova, age 7, female, white. Born in Florida. Attended school. Philip Canova, age 5, male, white. Born in Florida. Attended school.

CENSUS: 1870 U.S. Census, St. Johns Co., Florida, outside St. Augustine, Post Office, St. Augustine, Dwelling and Family 65, 25 July 1870, page 598B. National Archives Microfilm M593, Roll 133. Raphile B. Canova, age 49, male, white. Farmer. Real Estate, $5000. Personal Estate, $1000. Born in Florida. Father foreign born. Mother foreign born. Male citizen over 21 years of age. Susan Canova, age 49, female, white. Keeping House. Born in Florida. Ralph Canova, age 17, male, white. At Home. Born in Florida. Attended school. Maggie Canova, age 17, female, white. At Home. Born in Florida. Attended school. Phillip Canova, age 15, male, white. At Home. Born in Florida. Attended school. Matthew Canova, age 10, male, white. At Home. Born in Florida. Attended school.

CENSUS: 1870 U.S. Census, St. Johns Co., Florida, Voting Precinct No. 4, Dwelling and Famly 34, 11 June 1880, page 108B. National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 131. R.B. Canova, male, white, age 59. Married. Merchant and Orange Grower. Born in Florida. Father born in Florida. Mother born in Florida. Susan Canova, female, white. age 60. Wife. Married. Keeps House. Born in Florida. Father born in Florida. Mother born in Florida. Matthew Canova, male, white, age 19. Son. Single. Student. Born in Florida. Father born in Florida. Mother born in Florida.