Winifred (née Farrell) Burns/Byrne : Short Biography

Winifred Farrell Burns/Byrne was my great grandmother.  She was born in Lisadaly, Killukin, Co. Roscommon in September, 1853.  She was the daughter of George and Bridget Higgins Farrell.  She was the youngest of 5 siblings.  Martin born. 1839, died in 1906, in Central Islip, NY.  Edward born 1841,married to Mary Lavin Higgins, he died 1916, in Bronx, NY.  Bridget born 1844 (married to Charles Mulvey, died Tamworth, Staffs, England) c. 1910, Patrick born 1846, married to Ellen Mulvey, he died in the late 1920's at Carrick-on-Shannon, Roscommon and is buried at old Ardcarne Cemetery.

Winifred emigrated to NYC aboard the ship City of Richmond, in 1874.  She settled in Elizabeth, New Jersey where she married James Burns/Byrne in July, 1880.  She birthed 8 sons, 5 of whom lived to adulthood.  James, Patrick, Edward, still-born boy, George, Frank, still-born boy, and Charles, in 1899, who died as an infant, in February, 1900.

Winifred was a very kind and generous person who helped many Irish girls who followed her.  She sheltered them and helped them to get employment as housekeepers, cooks and servants.  Winifred died in Elizabeth, New Jersey, May, 1926. She is buried with her husband, James and sons, James, Patrick and George, all remained unmarried.