Ida Daisy Minahan

Who was Miss Ida Daisy Minahan?

Miss Ida Daisy Minahan was a 33 (thirty-three) year-old American first-class passenger and survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on January 9, 1879, in Chilton, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Irish immigrant parents and had a large family of ten siblings. Daisy, as she was known, embarked on the ill-fated Titanic at Queenstown and survived the sinking, later providing valuable testimony about her experiences during the disaster.

Early Life and Family

A Wisconsin Upbringing

Daisy Minahan was born into a large Irish-American family in Chilton, Calumet County, Wisconsin. Her parents, William Burke Minahan and Mary Shaughnessy, were both natives of Limerick, Ireland. William worked as a county school superintendent, instilling the importance of education in his children.

Siblings and Family Life

Daisy was one of eleven children, growing up in a bustling household. Her siblings included:

Robert (1858-1935)
Ellen (1860-1915, later Jaeger)
John Robert (1862-1941)
Grace (b. 1865)
William Edward (1867-1912)
Hugh (b. 1871)
Mary (1873-1945, later Hector)
James (b. 1875)
Victor Ivan (1881-1954)
Edna (1883-1883)

This large family undoubtedly shaped Daisy’s early experiences and character.

Physical Appearance and Characteristics

According to her 1912 passport, Daisy Minahan was a striking woman with distinctive features:

Height: 5’ 8¾"
Complexion: Fair
Hair color: Light brown
Eye color: Blue
Face shape: Round with full forehead
Mouth: Small
Chin: Round

These details paint a picture of a tall, fair-complexioned woman with light coloring - a classic Irish-American beauty of her time.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why was Daisy on the Titanic?

In early 1912, Daisy embarked on a journey to her ancestral Ireland with her brother William and sister-in-law Lillian. They departed New York in January aboard the Berlin, planning for a six-month vacation. However, their return was hastened when Daisy reportedly fell ill with appendicitis.

Boarding the Titanic

The Minahan family boarded the Titanic at Queenstown, Ireland, as first-class passengers. Their ticket details were as follows:

Ticket number: 19928
Cost: £90
Cabin: C78

Interestingly, they were the only first-class passengers to board at Queenstown, making their presence on the ship somewhat unique.

The Night of the Sinking

Last Evening Aboard

On the night of April 14, 1912, Daisy and her family spent time in the Café Parisien, enjoying the company of notable passengers such as:

Major Archibald Butt
The Wideners
The Thayers
Captain Smith

They retired to bed around 9:30 PM, unaware of the tragedy that would soon unfold.

The Collision and Evacuation

Daisy and her family were awakened by the sound of a woman crying in the companionway outside their cabin. They quickly dressed and made their way to the portside boat deck, where they were directed to Lifeboat 14.

Lifeboat 14 Experience

Daisy’s account of boarding Lifeboat 14 is harrowing:

The scene was chaotic, with crowds surging towards the boat
Crewmen were cursing, trying to keep men back and allow women through
The boat’s descent was perilous, with ropes jamming and causing jerky movements
Daisy feared being thrown into the ocean during the descent
Men attempted to jump into the boat from open decks as it was lowered
The officer in charge (Fifth Officer Harold Lowe) threatened to shoot anyone who tried to board unlawfully

Survival and Rescue

In the Lifeboat

After safely reaching the water, Daisy recounted that:

A headcount revealed 48 people in the boat
They searched unsuccessfully for a lantern and other provisions
The cries of those in the water were described as “horrible”
Women in the boat pleaded with Officer Lowe to return and rescue more people

Criticism of Officer Lowe

Daisy was critical of Fifth Officer Lowe’s conduct, stating:

“You ought to be damn glad you are here and have got your own life.”

She also reported that when transferring to another lifeboat, Lowe shouted at her:

“Jump, God damn you, jump!”

Daisy and other women speculated that Lowe might have been under the influence of alcohol, given his behavior and use of profanity.

Rescue by the Carpathia

Daisy and her sister-in-law Lillian were eventually transferred to Boat D. They sighted the rescue ship Carpathia around 4 AM and were subsequently brought aboard to safety.

Life After the Titanic

Immediate Aftermath

Upon arriving in New York, Daisy and Lillian stayed with fellow survivors Charles and Annie Stengel until Daisy’s brother Robert came to fetch them. Daisy later submitted an affidavit of her experiences to the US Inquiry into the sinking, providing valuable testimony about the events of that fateful night.

Health Struggles

The Titanic disaster took a significant toll on Daisy’s health:

Less than a month after the sinking, she entered a sanatorium
She suffered from pneumonia and emotional disturbance
It’s believed she spent several years in the facility

Final Years

After her release from the sanatorium, Daisy moved to Los Angeles, California. However, her health continued to decline:

She battled tuberculosis in her final years
Daisy passed away prematurely on April 30, 1919, at the age of 40 (forty)
She is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles

Miss Ida Daisy Minahan’s life, while tragically cut short, serves as a poignant reminder of the