Sunday, April 12, 2015

Sunday's Obituary - Hannah Creeden

This obituary was published in the Clinton County Democrat on March 7, 1918.


  Mrs. Hannah Creeden, aged 85 years, an old resident and one of the most highly respected women of the community, passed away Thursday afternoon at her home on Sugartree street, her death following a long illness. Mrs. Creeden came from County Cork, Ireland, with her husband when they were young in life and experience. Her husband died in New York soon after their landing leaving her with four little children. In a strange land she fought the battle of life single-handed, earning a living for herself and little ones. She came to Wilmington in 1864 when her children were small and has since resided here. She leaves four daughters, Mrs. John Haley, Mrs. Mary Gorman, Mrs. Will Sliker and Mrs. Richard Egan, twelve grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Her funeral took place Saturday morning from St. Columbkille church, of which she was a devout member, solemn requiem high mass being conducted by Father Ertel assisted by Father Conroy, of Jamestown, and Farther Martin Malloy, of Loveland. This is the first occasion on which solemn requiem high mass has been celebrated in the new church.

I've always thought this was such an incredible story. Hannah's husband was Timothy Creeden and they were married in Clondrohid Parish, County Cork on Feb. 28, 1854. Hannah's maiden name was also Creeden. What the obituary doesn't mention is that her daughter Hannah (Mrs. Richard Egan) was born on the ship they came over on! Hannah and Timothy also had a son named Daniel who supposedly died during their voyage to the US.

I don't know the exact connection between this family and other Creedens in Clinton County, but I would guess that Hannah went from New York to Clinton County due to family ties. She must have been an incredible woman to raise her four daughters on her own after losing her husband and son.

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