Caring, and Being Cared For

The Irish Matriarch began a lifetime of nurturing others in 1867, when she gave birth to Annie Jane. This is their picture together. She raised 3 children of her own, and 3 granddaughters who lost their mothers at an early age. She would have these young ones in her home for the next 57 years, until her death in 1924.

Annie Jane lived with her mom for many years, and helped to care for her three nieces in their youth, and her mother in her old age. She also provided the information for her Death Certificate. The clues that will help me in my search include:

• The Irish Matriarch died on June 8, 1924 of old age, at her home.
• Her name was recorded as Bettie Agnes Burgan.
• She lived in Baltimore for 68 years, making 1856 her arrival date.
• No birthdate was given, but she was "about" 78 years old; if correct, she was born in 1846.
• Her parents and deceased husband were listed.
• Her doctor, cemetery and undertaker were listed.

My grandmother, Mary Viola Burgan Sullivan, told a story about the family doctor. He lived in the neighborhood, just four houses from where she was born, on Gorsuch Avenue. Imagine a doctor living on such a modest street today. Perhaps you remember the local firehouse from the movie, "Ladder 49", which is on Gorsuch Avenue, just west of Harford Road.