Annie Costello

Julia Smith age 16 and John Costello age 28 were married November 29, 1880 in the Annunciation Catholic Church in Leadville, by Father Henry Robinsen. The church had its first mass January 1, 1880.

Julia Smith immigrated from Couty West Meath, Ireland. John Costello immigrated from Galway, Ireland. Dates of immigration are not known and how and why John and Julia came to Leadville is a mystery. John worked in Leadville as miner and then as laborer at the La Plata Smelter.

John and Julia’s first child, James, was born in Leadville November 1881. Daughter Annie Costello was born April 1883. Annie died May 16, 1884, age 13 months and was buried in the unmarked grave Catholic Free section of the Evergreen Cemetery. Shortly after death of Annie in 1884 the Costello family moved to Denver and had 5 more children. John continued work at a smelter in Denver, died at age 42 in 1885. Julia died in 1909 at age 45. At the time of the death of Julia, she was recognized by various Councils and Societies popular at that time. For example, Silver State Council No. 7 and No 152, W.O.W., and Alpha Circle No 176.

Sadly not much is known about day to day life was like for the Costello family but the time in Leadville must have been very difficult.