Cornelius
and Johanna (Cunningham) Sullivan were in England from at least December
1880 (when my grandfather was born) until the spring of 1889. They first
lived at 10 Clarkson Street, Plaistow, in the county of Essex. In the 1881
census Cornelius is listed as a dock worker, residing at Clarkson St. (10
Boner Terrace). This was not very far from the Victoria and Albert docks,
where he possibly worked. The family worshipped at the Roman Catholic Church
of St. Margaret and All Saints, 79 Barking Road, where the five children
born in England were baptized. I understand that this church was popularly
known as "Victoria Docks."
CHILDREN BORN IN
ENGLAND
-
George William
Sullivan: my grandfather, born on 07 December 1880 at 10 Clarkson
Street, Plaistow; his father's occupation is listed as laborer. George
William was baptized on 26 December; his baptismal sponsors were Bridget
Cullinane and Michael O'Dea.
-
Mary Margaret
Sullivan: born 11 August 1882 at 4 Clarkson Road, Plaistow, and
baptized on 10 September. Her godparents were Michael Lynch and Ellen Howard.
Her father was working as "Labourer in Pitch yard."
-
Bridget Sullivan:
born 19 May 1885 at 10 Carlton St., Canning Town. Cornelius at that point
was working as a fireman. Bridget was baptized on 07 June,
her baptismal sponsors being Peter Allen and Helena Kirkham.
-
Kate Sullivan:
born on 11 September 1886 at 87 Mary St., Plaistow. Her father was then
working as a "Gas Fitter." She was baptized on 03 October; her godmother
was Margaret Devitt.
-
Ellen Sullivan:
born 06 October 1888 at 13 Carlton St., West Ham; Cornelius was then working
as a "Gas Stoker." Baptized on 28 October, Ellen's godmother was Margaret
Mulberry.
The fifth baptismal record (Ellen Sullivan,
my "Aunt Nell") is the last record that I have found regarding their years
in England. The next record is that of their arrival at the port of New
York in 1889.