Mary Higgins

Information from Melva Wood:

Mary Higgins, nee Connolly, was born on 14 September 1855 at Pipitea Street, Wgtn, the eldest of 10 children  of Michael Thomas Connolly (Carpenter/Undertaker) and his wife Bridget O'Halloran.  Michael and Bridget had married at the Church of the Nativity Chapel, Boulcott St Wgtn (now St Mary's of the Angels) on 6 November 1854.  Father O'Riely recorded them as from County Limerick ad County Clare, respectively.

Mary and James Higgins, (Carter) were married at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Hill St, Wgtn aged 19 and 23 respectively, on 3 April, 1875.  Mary's mother died in 1873 and her father in 1877. As the only child having reached the age of 21, (with her husband's written permission!) she acted as administratrix  of her father's estate.   Her husband James rejoined the Armed Constabulary in 1877 and in 1880, they moved with the Constabulary to Opunake. They later farmed in the Opunake district.   They had 11 children, two dying in infancy.  Mary was a respected mid-wife in the Opunake district.   She died at home aged 73 years on 18 November 1928 and is buried in the Opunake Cemetery.

Mary's sister, Annie Hickey also signed the Petition in Opunake.

Great granddaughter, Melva Wood has written a booklet on the lives of Mary's parents, Michael and Bridget Connolly, which will be deposited with the ATL, National Library shortly.