Margaret Elward met the love of her life in Philadelphia sometime during the year 1880. His name was Michael O’Sullivan, a tall, intelligent, Irish immigrant bursting with a passion for success.
Not even his love for Margaret could stop him from achieving his dream. At thirty-seven, after less than a year of courtship, Michael left Philadelphia and a heartbroken Margaret. He knew that he would never be good for her if he didn’t pursue a better life. He hoped and prayed she would wait for him and someday share in his success. Michael promised to send for Margaret once he was established.
During his travels, Michael and his brother Timothy may have learned about Bishop John Ireland, of the St, Paul, Minnesota Diocese’s efforts to help the plight of Irish settlers in the Eastern cities. Bishop Ireland encouraged Irish immigrants to come out to the rural, fertile farmland of Minnesota. In 1885, after a brief career as a stevedore in the Ohio Valley, Michael acquired 160 acres about five miles from the town of Adrian, Minnesota, under the Homestead Act of 1865. He fulfilled the requirements for land ownership. He resided on the land for three years, built a dwelling, and barn, and worked the land.
Michael was now ready to send for Margaret. After almost nine years of waiting, her letter finally came. During Michael’s absence, Margaret bore several tragedies that often made her question whether she should continue waiting for the man she once loved so dearly.
Now forty-one, Margaret was no stranger to difficult decisions. She’d crossed the Atlantic at sixteen from County Wexford, Ireland and endured more than most people could handle in a lifetime.
In the summer of 1889, Margaret kissed her brother and sister goodbye in Philadelphia and boarded a train headed for the untamed prairie and the man she loved. Courage, her faith in God, and undying love for Michael replaced the fear of uncharted territory and uncertainty.
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