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She received her education in Ireland, probably Ballymena, and was a member of the Wellington Presbyterian Church there and later transferred membership to the Laurel Methodist Church.
It is also noted that while going to work at the linen mills, she broke her nose after falling off a bicycle. Also, she probably became the sole bread winner after her father died, as most other family members had already come to America, or as with Sammy, her younger brother, was too young. In 1994, Doris Laverty Eddy, oldest grand-daughter of Annie, while visiting the area of County Antrim, could not find where William John McMullen was buried. It is believed there were more brothers and sisters of Annie, possibly up to nine, but, names and whereabouts are unknown.
Annie's physical attributes included a height of 5'6" or so, with auburn hair. Never to attempt to guess a lady's weight, one would say she had a presence about her-stout if you will.
Her mother Jane's height was in the 5'9" range.
After arriving in Gilman with her mother and younger brother Sammy, who was born April 10, 1898, they stayed with Annie's sister Rachel and brother-in-law, Robert Thompson, in Gilman, Iowa.
Prior to her marriage to Thomas A. Laverty in February 1910, she worked for families in the area as domestic help. While working for a family north of Newburg, Iowa, by the name of Parker, she was being courted by T. A. They had previously met at an Irish get-together. It has been told by Alan Laverty, grandson of Annie and T. A., that he would ride a railroad hand car to visit her.
Subsequently, they were married on February 10, 1910, in Marshalltown, Iowa. From the marriage certificate, it is not known where they were married. The minister shown on the certificate, James Rayburn, was the Presbyterian minister. The church is still across from the courthouse. The witness, John Coleman, may have been Tillie Laverty's (T. A.'s sister) boyfriend at the time. Only speculation. Aunt Tillie never married.
Two discrepancies on the certificate were: 1) In one place it shows- joined in marriage- Thomas "M". Laverty. 2) Thomas A. Laverty's age shown as 40. According to birth records, he would have been closer to 44.
They settled approxametly 2 1'2 to 3 miles south of Laurel. They lived in the same house on the west side of highway 14 until Annie moved to Laurel in 1954. The farm was owned originally by T. A's father, Thomas M. Laverty. They had four sons, Thomas L., John, Paul, and one son who died at infancy.
There are several personal observations worth noting about Annie Mc Mullen Laverty. She could write and read but couldn't print. She loved to read, especially Kitchen Klatter, and listened to Aunt Leanna Driftmeir for years on radio.
She didn't drive so T. A. had to drive her everywhere. This was common for the time. He was known to wait for her during nice weather outside a local tavern and give children coins for ice-cream, as grand-daughter, Doris, recalls. He was known for his generosity.
She loved to cook. She probably wouldn't be remembered as a gourmet cook, but, all her meals would include different kinds of potatoes, lot of meat, her orange salad, and two or three kinds of vegetables, plus pies and cakes. Then at four o'clock, as tradition, it was time for tea and more cakes and pies. Also, for many February birthdays, it was oyster soup. This grandson will always be grateful to her for introducing me to this wonderful soup and my love for most seafood to this day.
She had a great sense of humor and always a smile. She enjoyed dressing up, especially for church for which she was heavily involved. She was a generous person, as was T. A. She also enjoyed shopping and was known to shop the "bargains" and sidewalk sales in Marshalltown in the summer. This would give her a jump on the many grandchildren that she had to shop for before Christmas. If one grandchild received mittens, all received mittens.
And speaking of grandchildren, she loved her family. Along with most holidays and birthdays, most Christmas Eves were spent there. In addition, at least every other Sunday was spent at Grandma and Grandpa Laverty's.
Directly from her obituary, she was an active member of the Laurel Methodist Church, WSCS (Women's Society of Christian Service), Dorcas class, Onyx Chapter No. 350 of the Order of Eastern Star of Gilman, a chapter member of the Fairview Grange and the Laurel Ladies' Club. She was also an avid quilter and was one of her fondest passions.
After T. A. passed away in 1950, she lived on the farm four years before moving to Laurel, across the street, immediately south of the Methodist Church facing highway 14. The home had been owned by Pat Laverty. She passed away after a stroke in 1958. She was a remarkable lady.
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