Ellen Ford/Forde was born New Birmingham/Glengoole July 1849 of Timothy and Mary Commins/Cumming, local school teachers 1833-1876. Ellen was the youngest of sibs: Bridget b 1830, Maria b. 1834, Catherine/Barbara b. 1842, Anne b. 1845, Michael b. 1847.
Ellen married William Bourke/Burke Morris, 1872 in Gortnahoe parish. Wm was from Earlshill and was a steward and then manager at the colliery there where his father was engineer.
About 1883, after having children: Wm Joseph, Patrick Timothy, Mary Ellen, Barbara, Anna, Florence the family moved to Thurles, Co Tipperary where father Wm was an auctioneer for a few short years before he passed away 1887 of TB. Wm and Ellen gave birth to a son, Edward Michael who lived 18 mo., dying 6 months before his father passed.
Ellen had tough decisions to make. Daughter Mary Ellen was placed in Thurles Workhouse due to her fragile health. Daughters Barbara, Anna and Florrie were placed with father-in-law Wm Morris and his daughter Ellen (later Guy) to live in Tuam, Co. Galway where they operated a hotel. Barbara and Anna became Mercy Sisters.
Ellen then made her way to America with her two teen sons, Wm J and Patrick to Rhode Island where 2 of her sisters were living. Ellen passed away Nov. 1894, six years after she immigrated to America.
Great Great Grandmother Ellen was key to unlocking my family in Ireland. I have now reunited with cousins after 140 years of separation. May Granny Ellen rest in peace and thanksgiving for having the courage and love to carry on.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 20th Jul 1849 | VIEW SOURCE |
| Date of Death | 5th Nov 1894 | VIEW SOURCE |
| Associated Building (s) | Glengoole/New Birmingham Schoolhouse | |
