Bridget Driscoll

Who was Miss Bridget Driscoll?

Miss Bridget Driscoll was an Irish Titanic survivor who demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout her life. Born on January 17, 1885, in Letter, Ballydehob, Co Cork, Ireland, she survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912 and went on to live a long and eventful life in the United States.

Early Life and Family

A Twin’s Arrival

Bridget Driscoll entered the world on January 17, 1885, arriving several hours after her twin brother Timothy. This unique birth story set the stage for a life that would be filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Family Roots in Cork

Bridget was born into a farming family, with her parents being:

Father: John Driscoll (born 1847), a farmer
Mother: Catherine Burke (born 1849)

Her parents, both Cork natives, had married on February 9, 1875, in Skibbereen, laying the foundation for their family of seven children.

Siblings and Childhood

Bridget was one of seven children, with her known siblings including:

Eugene (born November 26, 1875)
Mary (born July 19, 1887)
John (born December 29, 1894)
Timothy (born January 17, 1885, Bridget’s twin)

Growing up in rural Ireland, Bridget’s early years were likely filled with the typical experiences of a farming family in late 19th-century Cork.

Journey to America and Return to Ireland

First Emigration

In 1910, at the age of 25 (twenty-five), Bridget made her first journey to New York, embarking on a new chapter in her life. This move demonstrated her adventurous spirit and willingness to seek opportunities beyond her homeland.

A Daughter’s Devotion

Bridget’s life took an unexpected turn in late 1911 when she returned to Ireland. What prompted this return? Her mother, Catherine, was battling breast cancer, and Bridget came home to help nurse her. This act showcases Bridget’s strong family ties and compassionate nature.

Tragically, Catherine passed away on November 1, 1911, before Bridget could reach home. Despite this heartbreak, Bridget remained in Ireland for a few months, supporting her family during their time of grief.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Bridget on the Titanic?

After spending time with her family following her mother’s passing, Bridget made plans to return to New York. This decision led her to book passage on the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

Titanic Ticket Details

Class: 3rd Class
Ticket Number: 14311
Cost: £7, 15s (7 pounds, 15 shillings)

Destination and Companions

Bridget was bound for 522 Grove Street in Jersey City, New Jersey, where her cousin Mrs. Finn resided. She wasn’t travelling alone, however. Bridget shared her journey and cabin with two other Irish women:

Annie Jermyn, another native of Ballydehob
Mary Kelly from Co Westmeath

Surviving the Sinking

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Bridget and her two friends managed to escape the disaster. While the exact details of their rescue are uncertain, it’s believed that the three women likely stayed together during the evacuation.

Life After the Titanic

Marriage and Family

After settling in New York, Bridget’s life took a positive turn. She married Dominick Joseph Carney (born August 20, 1885), an Irishman from Co Roscommon who had emigrated around 1908. Together, they built a family, welcoming four children:

Catherine
Francis Joseph
Patsy
William

Building a Life in the Bronx

The Carney family made their home in the Bronx, New York. Census records provide a glimpse into their life:

1920: Residing on Delman Street, Bronx
1930: Living at 40 Fordham Street, Bronx
1942: Settled at 268 City Island Avenue, Bronx

Bridget and Dominick ran a grocery store in their area, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit and hard work ethic.

Later Years and Legacy

Moving to Houston

Following her husband’s death on February 12, 1964, Bridget made another significant move. She relocated to Houston, Texas, where her eldest daughter Catherine lived. This decision highlights Bridget’s adaptability and the strong family bonds she maintained throughout her life.

A Long Life Lived

Bridget Driscoll Carney lived to the remarkable age of 91 (ninety-one), passing away on December 28, 1976, in Houston, Texas. Her long life spanned nearly a century of immense historical changes, from the turn of the 20th century through two World Wars and into the space age.

Final Resting Place

Despite spending her final years in Texas, Bridget’s story came full circle as she was laid to rest in New York. She was buried alongside her husband in St Raymond’s Cemetery in the Bronx, under an elaborate headstone that stands as a testament to her remarkable life.

Bridget Driscoll’s journey from a small Irish village to surviving one of history’s most famous maritime disasters, and then building a full life in America, serves as an inspiring tale of resilience, adaptability, and the enduring strength of family bonds.