Ellen O'Dwyer

Who was Miss Ellen O’Dwyer?

Miss Ellen “Nellie” O’Dwyer was a 22-year-old Irish survivor of the Titanic disaster. Born on June 19, 1889, in Limerick City, Ireland, she was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship. Nellie’s remarkable story of survival and her tragically short life after the disaster make her a compelling figure in Titanic history.

Early Life and Family

A Large Irish Catholic Family

Nellie was born into a large Roman Catholic family in Limerick, Ireland. She was one of eleven children born to Michael O’Dwyer, a porter and later a China packer, and Johanna Sullivan. Her parents were married on January 14, 1881, in St Michael’s Church, Limerick.

Siblings and Family Life

Out of the eleven children, only six survived. Nellie’s known siblings were:

• John (born July 10, 1886)
• Michael (born July 26, 1887)
• James (born 1890)
• Christopher (born 1897)
• Johanna (born February 8, 1900)

The 1901 census shows the family living at 19 Pump Lane in Glentworth, Limerick. Tragically, Nellie’s mother may have passed away around 1910, although this is not certain.

Journey to America and Return to Ireland

First Migration to New York

Nellie first emigrated to Brooklyn, New York, around 1906 at the age of 17 (seventeen). This early migration demonstrates her bravery and determination to seek new opportunities in America.

A Brief Return Home

By early 1912, Nellie had returned to Ireland to visit her family. This visit would set the stage for her fateful journey aboard the Titanic.

The Titanic Voyage

Embarking on a Tragic Journey

For her return to New York, Nellie boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) as a third-class passenger. Her ticket (number 330959) cost £7, 12s, 7d, equivalent to about £900 in today’s currency.

A Responsible Role

Interestingly, Nellie had been asked to accompany another Limerick passenger, 16-year-old Patrick Lane, on his first trip across the Atlantic. This responsibility speaks to Nellie’s trustworthy and caring nature.

The Night of the Disaster

A Jarring Awakening

On the night of April 14, 1912, Nellie was nearly asleep when she felt a jarring sensation. The ship’s engines had stopped, prompting her and her cabin mates to investigate.

Initial Reassurances and Growing Concern

At first, male acquaintances assured them that the ship had merely struck an iceberg and was in no danger. However, as the commotion outside their cabin grew, Nellie and her friends realized the severity of the situation.

Prayers on the Deck

Making their way to the boat deck, possibly with the help of stewards, Nellie and her friends said the Rosary. In a poignant moment, she witnessed young Patrick Lane kneeling in prayer before he disappeared to another part of the ship, never to be seen again.

Survival and Rescue

Escape in Lifeboat 10

While the exact lifeboat is uncertain, it’s believed Nellie escaped in lifeboat 10. She described it as the only boat left in her area and recounted a dramatic moment when a lady nearly fell while trying to board.

Witnessing the Sinking

From her vantage point in the lifeboat, Nellie watched the Titanic slip away. She reported hearing explosions and the hymn “Nearer My God to Thee” being played.

Life After the Titanic

Arrival in New York

Upon landing in New York aboard the Carpathia, Ellis Island records described Nellie as a 25-year-old domestic maid. She was traveling to join her brother John at 138 East 3rd Street, Brooklyn.

Marriage and Family

Nellie later married Dennis Ryan, a fellow Irish immigrant and motorman. They settled in Brooklyn and had twin sons, Thomas Francis and Michael Joseph, born on December 18, 1915.

Tragic Early Death

Tragically, Nellie died prematurely on May 3, 1917, at the young age of 27 (twenty-seven). She was pregnant with her third child and succumbed to complications related to pre-eclampsia and kidney problems.

Legacy

A Family’s Hidden History

After Nellie’s death, her husband Dennis remarried to Agnes Thompson. Intriguingly, Nellie’s sons grew up believing Agnes was their biological mother, unaware of their true parentage until years later.

Remembering Nellie O’Dwyer

Nellie O’Dwyer’s story is a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and the lasting impact of the disaster on families. Her brief but eventful life, from her Irish roots to her Titanic survival and tragic early death, encapsulates the hopes, fears, and fates of many third-class passengers aboard the ill-fated ship.