Bridget the daughter of John Dunn and Bridget Lonergan was christened on the 3rd of March 1836. Later records give many different birth years from 1833 to 1838, it is more likely that she was born in 1836 or late 1835 as Catholic christenings are usually soon after birth.
Bridget was about 10 when the family emigrated from Mocklershill, Tipperary, Ireland to Ontario, Canada. Little is known of their life in Canada before her marriage to Michael Murphy in Stratford in 1861. Within the next seven years Bridget had four children, Mary and Ellen born in Stratford, then John and William born in Port Huron, Michigan.
All indications are their's was not a happy household. It appears that Michael was in trouble, most likely in Stratford and most definitely in Port Huron. I haven't been able to dig up what exactly the trouble was, but I wouldn't be surprised to find he was part of the "Irish Mob".
Before 1870 daughter Ellen passed away and in 1880 son John died of dropsey. Sometime after the 1880 census was taken, Bridget kicked Michael out of the house. Michael went to Chicago where he disappeared into the streets. Someday, perhaps, he will be found. Bridget remained in Port Huron.
William followed his father to Chicago where he died under suspicious circumstances in 1904. His death certificate says he is married and is a fireman. Bridget brought his remains back to Port Huron to be buried near his brother.
Daughter, Mary, married in 1888 and settled in Bay City, MI.
Family tradition states that Bridget was divisive, always creating problems in the family. I heard this from family of my Great Aunt as well as family members of Bridget's sister Mary Kelly. Bridget was the second generation in my story of Sarah (Bridget) Lonergan's Legacy.
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Bridget Dunn Murphy
holding
James Howard Madden
abt 1925 -- Age 90+ |
In 1910 it appears that she was living alone in Port Huron. By 1910 she is living with her daughter Mary Haffey in Bay City. I haven't located her in 1920, but in 1930 she is again living with Mary and her family. Shortly after the census was taken she entered Grand Traverse Hospital in Grand Traverse, Michigan.
Bridget was well liked within the hospital according to all known remaining records. Her reputation for creating turmoil in group situations does not seem to have followed her there, perhaps she had mellowed as she reached the century mark. Her entry into the hospital was arranged by her grandson Joseph, and it was noted that dementia had begun about twelve years earlier but had only lately become impossible to manage at home. It was also noted that the family was attentive, writing and visiting often.d
Bridget died 13 Oct 1931. Her death certificate gives he age as 98, but it is more likely she was 95. It is thanks to the notes in her hospital file that we have been able to locate not only her christening, but those of all of her siblings in Ireland.
