Delia Sullivan (aka "Brigid" or "Della") was born in Brisla East,Kilmacduane, Cooraclare, Clare, Ireland. She was the daughter of Michael Sullivan & Mary Lahiff. Michael & Mary had seven children, Brigid (Delia/Della as mentioned before), Patrick b. 1873, John "Jack" b.1875, Kathryn b.1878, Michael b. 1880, Ellen b. 1883 & Thomas b. 1885. I found a baptismal record dating July 14, 1871 in Kilmihil but the name was Brigid. I have been told that Delia is a nickname for Brigid. I believe when she came thru Ellis Island, New York , they wrote her name as Della instead of Delia (this is the name she went by from then on). She came from New York to Williamsport, Pa where her sister Kathryn Sullivan & brother Patrick were residing. Kathryn married John Marnon & moved to Pittsburgh, Pa & Patrick , a tailor, went to Philadelphia. Della stayed in Williamsport & eventually married Herbert J. Cowden (1879-1917) & had 2 children, Raymond John (1906-1998) & Ethel Mary 1911-1982.
I have made contact with some cousins from Della's brother John "Jack" Sullivan grandchildren but would love to know what happened to the other siblings - Michael, Ellen & Thomas. I did find the census records for 1901 & 1911. It seems John & his family continued to live with his mother, Mary & run the farm. Michael, the father, was not mentioned in the 1911 census so he must have passed away but I'm not sure or can find any record of when & I have no idea when Mary passed away or where they might be buried. If anyone can help me with this I would be grateful!!
I have also relaized that the reason Delia/Della & her siblings, Kathryn & Patrick came to Williamsport was because their Reidy cousins were there. I know that Thaoms Reidy of ballynagun, clare married Ellen Lahiff/Lahive. My thought is that Ellen Lahiff/Lahive might have been my Mary Lahiff/Lahive's aunt.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jul 1871 | |
| Date of Death | 1st Jan 1953 | |
| Mother (First Name/s and Maiden) | Mary Lahiff/Lahive | |
| Father (First Name/s and Surname) | Michael Sullivan | |
| Place & Date of Baptism | Kilmihil july 14, 1871 | |
