Bridget Henry

Who was Miss Bridget Henry?

Miss Bridget Henry was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Irish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in Cloonown, Co Roscommon, Ireland on January 28, 1890, she was embarking on a journey to Boston when she tragically lost her life in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Large Irish Catholic Family

Bridget Henry was born into a large Roman Catholic family in rural Ireland. Her parents were:

• Patrick Henry (born circa 1856): A farmer
• Margaret Curley (born circa 1861)

The couple married on January 23, 1885, at St Peter’s Church in Cloonown. They went on to have eight children:

1. Elizabeth (born November 6, 1885)
2. Edward (born November 21, 1886)
3. Mary (born March 14, 1888)
4. Bridget (born January 28, 1890)
5. Margaret (born April 27, 1891)
6. Thomas (born January 9, 1893)
7. Anne “Nannie” (born December 23, 1895)
8. Patrick (born June 15, 1899)

Tragedy Strikes the Henry Family

The Henry family faced a devastating loss when Bridget was just 11 (eleven) years old. On December 7, 1901, her father Patrick Henry tragically drowned in an accident. The incident occurred in the Shannon River at Keaton’s Mill, Athlone. At the time of his death, Patrick was reported to be 45 years old.

Life in Cloonown

The 1901 Census

Before her father’s untimely death, the 1901 census recorded the Henry family living at house 73 in Cloonown, Co Roscommon. This snapshot gives us a glimpse into Bridget’s childhood home and surroundings.

The 1911 Census

A decade later, the 1911 census shows the remaining family members had moved to house 45 in Cloonown. This change in residence might reflect the family’s adjustment to life without their father and primary breadwinner.

Why did Bridget Henry decide to emigrate?

Bridget’s decision to emigrate to Boston was influenced by existing family connections in America:

1. A maternal aunt, Mary Curley, was already living in Boston.
2. Her eldest sister, Elizabeth, had emigrated earlier, arriving in New York aboard the Teutonic on April 15, 1909.

These family ties likely provided Bridget with both emotional support and practical assistance for her planned new life in America.

Bridget’s Titanic Journey

Boarding the Titanic

Bridget boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now known as Cobh) as a third-class passenger. Her ticket details were as follows:

• Ticket number: 382649
• Cost: £7 15s (7 pounds, 15 shillings)

Fellow Passengers from Athlone

Although a friend who was supposed to travel with Bridget cancelled, she was not alone on her journey. She became acquainted with several other passengers from Athlone:

• Bertha Mulvihill
• Eugene Daly
• Margaret Daly
• Michael Connaughton

These connections likely provided some comfort and familiarity during the voyage.

The Tragic Fate of Bridget Henry

Sadly, Bridget Henry did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At just 22 (twenty-two) years old, her life was cut tragically short on April 15, 1912. If her body was recovered from the icy Atlantic waters, it was never identified.

Legacy

While Bridget Henry’s life was brief, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the many individual tragedies that made up the larger Titanic disaster. She represents the hopes and dreams of countless Irish immigrants seeking a better life in America, only to have those aspirations cruelly dashed by fate. Today, Bridget’s name lives on in Titanic memorials and genealogical records, ensuring that her story, like those of so many others lost that night, is not forgotten.