Ceceila Pryor was born in County Leitrim, Ireland in about 1814. She married Patrick Wickham, also of County Leitrim, around 1830. They had 10 children, all born in Ireland. Their first two children were born in County Leitrim. In about 1836 they moved to County Antrim, in Northern Ireland, where the rest of the children were born. It appears that only 6 of the children reached adulthood. The family emigrated to the United States in the 1850's, settling in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Ceceila and three of the children arrived there first in 1857, Patrick and the rest of the children joined them in 1858. Two of her sons, James and Owen, were very successful contractors in the Council Bluffs area. Five of her children married and had families: Mary (married Martin D. Hughes), James (married Mary Lacy, Johanna Denehey and Bridget Keating), Patrick (married Margaret Doyle) Owen P. (married Jennie Fenlon) and Ann (married Patrick Lacy). Celia's husband Patrick died in 1873, so she survived him by 14 years. After his death she lived with her sons James and Edward and her friend (and possible relative) James Pryor.

Related Items:
Passenger list manifest for the immigration of her husband Patrick and children Patrick, Owen and Ann.
Biographies of her sons James, Patrick and Owen P.
Cecelia's will.
Obituaries for her husband Patrick and daughter Mary Hughes.

Death of Mrs. Wickham.
At her home on Franklin street, shortly after noon of yesterday, Mrs. Cecelia Wickham quietly passed away full of years and honors.

The deceased was a native of Leitram county, Ireland. She came to Council Bluffs in 1857. Her husband, Patrick Wickham, died fifteen years ago. Four children survive her - Mrs. Martin Hughes, James and O. P. Wickham, of our city, and Patrick, who is living in Montana. She was a devout Christian, an excellent wife and mother, and the kindest of neighbors.

She was devotedly attached to the home where she had reared her family, and lived for thirty-one years, and preferred living in retirement there, though solicited to share the homes of her children. She was in her 75th year.

The sympathies of the entire community are extended to the sorrow-stricken relatives in their bereavement.

Notice of the funeral will be given here after.

Council Bluffs Nonpareil (Council Bluffs, Iowa)
Wednesday, March 6, 1889

Mrs. Wickham's Funeral.
The funeral of the late Mrs. Wickham will be held this morning at St. Francis Xavier's church. The remains will be taken from her home on East Franklin street at 8:30, and after services at the church will be conveyed to the Catholic cemetery for interment.