O'Connor, Ellen (1857–1933)

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O'Connor, Ellen (1857–1933)

Irish politician and countess of Desart. Name variations: Countess of Desart; countess dowager; Ellen Desart. Born Ellen Odette Bischoffsheim, 1857, in London, England; died June 29, 1933; dau. of Henry Bischoffsheim (Jewish banker); m. Ulick (William) O'Connor, 4th earl of Desart, 1881 (died 1898).

Held strong anti-suffragist views; protested the National Health Insurance bill (1911); became involved in the movement to revive Irish industries, establishing Kilkenny Woollen Mills and building 30 villas for the workers; made a senator of the Irish Free State (1922); was pro-divorce in Seanad divorce debate (1925); served on Seanad until death (1933).

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O'Connor, Ellen (1857–1933)

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