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After my mother, Elizabeth Trea Kelly (McElhone)passed away in July 2001, I found myself wanting to learn more about my mom's family. My mother had often talked about her home in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland and of her family with such love and adoration. Most of her stories were filled with humorous pranks they played as children. I knew my mother had a formal catholic education until she was about 14yrs old. My mother was one of the smartest people I've ever known. I don't think I ever saw her unfamiliar with the meaning or spelling of any word she came across. I would describe her as a living, talking dictionary. My mom was the 10th child born out of 13 to John and Susan McElhone. I never met my Grandparents. Mom's dad died when she was only 14 yrs. old. of pnemonia and her mother lived on the East coast until her death in 1972. I am fortunate to have many happy memories to cherish when I think about my mom. She gave me so much and asked for so little. I hope she knew how very much she meant to us, and she continues to mean to me.
My family tree has expanded in research through 7 generations. While, I have only been able to go back 4 generations on my mom's side. It's been my dad's family,(Jerome Michael Kelly) I've had the most success. In fact, to be more specific it's on my grandmother's side, Margaret Kelly(Hackett). I've traced the Hackett's back to Co. Leitrim, Ireland to a John Guckian who was born in 1810. The name Guckian was changed to Hackett about the time they immigrated to U.S.. My great-grandmother, Caroline Hackett(Ilias) whose grandfather came from Mexico in 1865. His name was Jesus Ilias as was the name of his son.
My family genealogy has given me alot of joy in doing. I realized a fondness for the past and my history I didn't know before. I recently described myself as the self appointed family historian and I say it with great pride.
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