Arthur O'Keefe

Who was Arthur O’Keefe?

Mr. Arthur O’Keefe was a 44-year-old (forty-four) American farmer and grocer from Rahway, New Jersey, who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Known for his active involvement in local politics and his grocery business, O’Keefe was a well-respected figure in his community, often referred to as “The Mayor of East Rahway.”

Early Life and Family

Arthur O’Keefe was born on September 30, 1867, in Rahway, Union County, New Jersey. He came from a family with Irish roots:

Parents: Patrick O’Keefe (born 1832) and Julia O’Keefe (born 1834), Irish immigrants who arrived in the USA in 1861
Siblings: One surviving sister, Margaret (born 1862), and two brothers, William and John, who died in early childhood

Growing up in Rahway, Arthur experienced the loss of his father around 1880. This event shaped his early life and future responsibilities within the family.

Career and Community Involvement

The Grocery Business

Arthur O’Keefe established himself as a prominent businessman in Rahway:

Ran a successful grocery store
Owned property in Rahway
Worked alongside his mother and later his widowed sister in the family business

O’Keefe’s influence extended beyond his business ventures:

Active in local politics with the Republican party
Believed to have been a Freemason
Earned nicknames such as “The Mayor of the Bronx” and “The Mayor of East Rahway”

These roles highlight Arthur’s deep connection to his community and his entrepreneurial spirit.

The Fateful Journey

European Vacation

In February 1912, Arthur embarked on what was to be a memorable European vacation:

Visited England, Scotland, and Ireland
Sent postcards and gifts home, including Irish shamrocks timed to arrive on St. Patrick’s Day

Boarding the Titanic

Arthur’s return journey took a tragic turn when he boarded the RMS Titanic:

Embarked at Southampton as a third-class passenger
Ticket number: 323592
Ticket cost: £7 5s (7 pounds, 5 shillings)

The Sinking and Aftermath

The night of April 14-15, 1912, proved fatal for Arthur O’Keefe:

Speculated to have reached the waterlogged Collapsible Lifeboat A
Possibly the man Norwegian passenger Olaus Abelseth tried to help
Died of exposure in the lifeboat

Legacy and Remembrance

Arthur O’Keefe’s death had a profound impact on his hometown:

Rahway went into mourning, with flags lowered to half-mast
A Requiem Mass was held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on April 23, 1912
His sister Margaret suffered a breakdown and traveled to Halifax in a fruitless search for his body

Final Resting Place

While Arthur’s body was never recovered, his memory lives on:

Commemorated on his sister’s headstone in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clark, Union County, New Jersey
Remembered as a respected citizen and tragic victim of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters

Arthur O’Keefe’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic tragedy, each with their own unique tales of hope, adventure, and ultimately, loss.