Ellen Clerke (1864-1947)

Biography
Ellen Clerke was born 23 September 1864 in London, England, the youngest of four daughters of James Clerke and Catherine Sherlock. At the age of 20 she met John James Stickler (known as Jim) through his older sister, Sarah Anne. After a two week 'whirl wind' courtship they became engaged. Ellen journeyed overseas to Lansford, Pennsylvania in 1887 to be with Jim. He boarded her for one year and they were married in April 1888. The first winter in America proved difficult for Ellen, not helped by a leg injury caused from a fall at Pottsville, PA where they lived for a short while. She and Jim returned to England in 1888/1889 to resolve their decision whether to live in the USA or England.

Their first child, Walter, was born in London. They returned to the USA the following year with their second child, Charles Wesley, being born shortly after in Philadelphia. They returned to Lansford to raise their family which grew to eight children. Jim was appointed State Mine Inspector in 1916, and they moved to Hazleton, PA. Jim died in June 1932 and was buried at the Vine St., Cemetery, Hazleton, PA. Ellen continued to live at West Maple St. for the remainder of her life except for several years spent with her daughter, Myrtle, in Englewood, NJ.

In 1934, Ellen and Myrtle travelled to England to visit the Bristol Sticklers in Pucklechurch. Ellen died on 23 September 1947 and was buried alongside her husband at the Vine St. Cemetery, Hazleton.

Although she became a naturalized US citizen she always remained faithful to England. Ellen (or Nana as she liked to be known) was at her best with the family gathering at the dinner table for holiday celebrations.

She enjoyed games, particularly Parcheesi and being nearsighted, is remembered for her thick eye glasses which she wore for much of her later life.

Contributors
Nathanville