My great grandparents; Maurice and Margaret Higgins lived at 32 Lake Avenue in 1900. The home was continually occupied up to the death of my grandfather in 1953. Stupid request, but is there a dwelling still there?
Oh my God!!! You folks are wonderful with the info you've provided me. I live in Richmond, Va. and I'm planning a trip to Worcester (Woostah, for you nor'easters). I'm going to visit each one of you and; wax your mailboxes, burp the baby and armor-all your kids bike tires !!!!!
To merski #1, #2; Yes Maurice was from Ireland, arriving in New York 11 Dec. 1851 aboard "Onward". I think that he was from Cork, but I'm so new at this that I fear the complications of researching Irish records.
You have given me a piece of the puzzle that I've been struggling with for months; my great grandma's maiden name "O'Keefe". Margaret died about 1906 and I don't know where she or any of my people are buried. Maurice had 11 children, 9 lived to adulthood. Maurice Jr. was born 1859 and died before the 1860 census. Emma was born about 1867 and died after the 1870 census. Wm F., James P., Thomas J., Margaret, Johanna, John (my grandfather), Annie M, Katherine A., Mary E. all lived to adulthood.
Thomas and Mary E. were teachers in the Worcester public schools and Thomas was principal of Canterbury St. school for a number of years. Mary E. taught at Lamartine St and Bloomingdale schools. 2 of Thomas's children, Helen J., and Thomas Jr. were teachers also. His son Lemuel was a dentist and his youngest; Charles R. was a commercial artist.
The treasure trove of vintage photos that I remember as a kid have all been lost and I'm groping for anything that I can find.I was about 5 when I met my grandfather for the one and only time and I remember the house being big and white with black shutters and a porch that went about 1/2 or 3/4 around the house. He had only one son, my dad, and they weren't really close. But I remember my grand dad and his two sisters; aunt Kate and Aunt Annie and grand dad wouldn't take his arms from around me all day. I felt very, very special...and then he died. Dad never talked about the family and I'm well into my 60s and I know more now than I ever did. Enough of that.
To capecolleen: Thank yo so much and I would very much like to have the email, if you would be so kind.
Maurice was a railroader and I believe that the first train wreck in the U.S. involving the deaths of passengers involved a Worcester and Providence Train. I remember bits of a story and I think that he had some role in it. I also remember a card with Elizabeth Cady Stanton's name on it and I know now that it was probably a ticket to her abolitionist appearance in Worcester in the late 1850s.
Enough, I cannot thank you folks adequately for your kindness and generosity as I am a novice at this. I am forever in your debt.
Mike
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