Biography
Nellie Harrison was born on 27 December 1879 at her parents’ home at 24 Peet Street in Poolstock. She lived with her family in several family homes until the death of her parents in the fall of 1894. She and her siblings then went to live with her grandfather, Joseph and his spinster daughters who became her surrogate parents.
In 1901, Nellie was enumerated living at her grandfather’s household at the Boars Head Pumping Station. Nellie was employed as a cotton weaver. The family subsequently moved to Barnsley Street in Wigan.
By 1911, Nellie had left the family home to become an Anglican nun, or Sister of Mercy. She was enumerated in the 1911 census living with two other sisters at St. Peter’s Mission House, on Top Road in Callow, Derby (near Chesterfield).
Details
-
Occupation:
Nun.
A letter received from Aunt Maggie circa 1970 confirms that Ellen, who was also known as “Nellie,” never married and lived out her life in a convent where she was known as Sister Ellen.
Harold Harrison, who lived in the Barnsley Street household for a period of time in the early 1900s, later told his daughter that the women of the household were spiritually devout. They may have obliged Harold to attend church services more frequently than he would have liked.
-
Residence:
1881-04-03, 322 Warrington Road, Spring View, Ince;
Per 1881 Census.
-
Residence:
1888-05-15, 32 Corporation Street, Poolstock, Wigan;
Edward & Martha Harrison family home.
Per Alice Harrison’s Birth Register.
-
Residence:
1891-04-05, 32 Corporation Street, Poolstock, Wigan;
Per 1891 Census.
-
Occupation:
1901-03-31 ;
Cotton Weaver.
Per 1901 Census.
-
Residence:
1901-03-31, Pumping Station, Boars Head, Standish;
Grandfather's home.
Ellen was orphaned and was living with her grandfather, three aunts, and siblings in 1901.