California Connections

Helena (O'Sullivan) (Councilman) Mueller 1852-1895

What I've learned about the short life of my great-great aunt, Helena O'Sullivan, continued.

Fact 9: Helena was a married mother of two living in San Francisco in the 1880 census

In the 1880 Helena (indexed as Helma) was living with her husband George, a glassblower, age 40.  They had two children, George, age six and Eva, age 3.

1880 Census

Fact 10: Helena divorced George Councilman, February 1886

Daily Alta California February 11, 1886

In the February 11 edition of the Daily Alta California Mrs. H. Councilman was given a divorce from George Councilman on the ground of desertion.

Fact 11: Helena gave birth to a child, April 1886

Daily Alta California September 1, 1886

In the September 1, 1886, Helena, as Helena Miller, was examined by Judge Levy and the Commissioners and sent to Napa.  This short article gives a short but complete summary of Helena's life.  She was

• born in Ireland,
• her maiden name was Sullivan,
• she was married,
• the mother of 3 children,
• she came to California from Massachusetts 18 years earlier.

The article states that her youngest child was four months old.  This child would have been born in April 1886, after her divorce from George Councilman.  The two older children would have been George, age 12, and Eva, age 9.

Fact 12: Helena married Louis Mueller 1886

Helena divorced George Councilman in February of 1886.  By the time she was sent to the state hospital in September her name was Miller.    It would appear she married Louis Mueller sometime between February and September and he was the father of her youngest child.

Fact 13: Helena was sent to Napa State Hospital, July 1886

Napa State Hospital

After the examination by Judge Levy and the Commissioners determined that Helena was delusional, she was sent to the Napa State hospital.  This hospital was opened in 1875 to relieve overcrowding at the Stockton State Hospital,

Copyright 2012 Kathleen Sullivan. All Rights Reserved