Catherine (sometimes Katherine or Kate) Gallivan, born July 9, 1879 in West Brookfield, was the youngest known child of John T. Gallivan, born County Kerry, Ireland, and Catherine Harrington, born in West Brookfield.. She died in Providence Hospital in Holyoke on July 30, 1950 and was buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery in West Brookfield. Her obituary found on page 20 of the Springfield Union published July 31, 1950 states that she was educated in West Brookfield schools, later attended Worcester Teachers College, and taught school in West Brookfield for many years. 1900 census records do not have an occupation for Catherine, but census records from 1910, 1920 and 1930 indicate that she worked in the corset industry as a book keeper and later a time clerk. Further research is needed to determine if and when she worked as a school teacher. This information might be found in old town report from West Brookfield which may be found in the Merriam Gilbert Public Library. Another place to search would be old school records from town which may be located somewhere in the town hall. I will have to add this to my list of things to check on. Perhaps someone from town would be willing to check for me.
