19 Facts About Ellen McKenna

Ellen McKenna was born in Traugh, Willville, County Monaghan on 24 December 1819.

Ellen McKenna was the eldest of three daughters and two sons of James and Mary Anne McKenna.

Ellen McKenna taught poor children in Traugh to read and write from 1834, as well as preparing them for the sacraments.

Ellen McKenna emigrated to New York in 1849, arriving there on 2 April 1849 on the Emperor.

Ellen McKenna initially taught in a small private school in Schenectady.

Ellen McKenna entered the Convent of Mercy, New York on 25 September 1855, receiving the habit of the Sisters of Mercy on 15 May 1856, taking the name Sister Mary Augustine professing on 17 May 1858.

Ellen McKenna taught in convent school, teaching children and adults on Randall's Island on Saturdays.

Ellen McKenna visited hospitals, The Tombs, and Sing Sing Prison.

Ellen McKenna was appointed sister in charge of a home for emigrant girls, the House of Mercy.

Ellen McKenna opened a home for neglected young children on 21 November 1860.

The house was closed while Ellen McKenna was away during the Civil War, she later reopened it.

Ellen McKenna took up her position as a military nurse in Beaufort, North Carolina on 19 July 1862.

Ellen McKenna was appointed superior and superintendent on 19 September 1862 when her predecessor returned to New York.

Ellen McKenna fulfilled her promises made to dying soldiers on her return to New York, helping widows and orphan children, continuing her work for the next 20 years.

Ellen McKenna was made superior of the newly founded convent at Greenbush near Albany on 29 September 1863.

Ellen McKenna was recalled to New York in September 1864, and was elected mistress of the novices on 10 October 1864.

Ellen McKenna served as superior of the convent from 28 May 1867 to 12 May 1877.

Ellen McKenna would raise funds when finances were strained by composing and publishing plays and poems.

Ellen McKenna died 2 August 1883, and was buried in the community plot in Calvary Cemetery, New York.