Anne Kilcoyn was born in Cavan County, Ireland, in 1850, just after the Great Famine. The famine, which began in 1845, left many of Ireland's people facing hunger, poverty, and a harsh reality that would continue for many years. By the time Anne was old enough to understand, the effects of the famine were still being felt in her village, where many families, like hers, had to make difficult decisions.

Anne grew up helping her family with farm chores, where she learned the value of hard work and perseverance. However, with the land scarred by years of failed crops and economic suffering, it became evident that remaining in Ireland would not provide the future they hoped for.

When Anne met Cornelius O'Reilly, they had the same desire for a better life. They made the daring decision to leave Ireland and travel to America. Their journey was motivated by a desire to break free from the famine's hold and start over in a prosperous country.